Needham Community Education

If you have yet to see the world-famous collection of Blaschka glass models of flowering plants, or if you would love to return and learn more about the collection, join this program for a presentation and guided tour. A museum docent will provide an overview of the botany, the flameworking techniques, and the story of how the glass models came from Germany to Harvard. This one-of-a-kind collection can be seen only at the Harvard Museum of Natural History.

Join your guide, Mike Manning, for a walking tour of the North End and the Charlestown Navy Yard. First, we will explore the North End and visit the following sites: Edmund Hartt shipyard, area of the Great Molasses Flood (1919), the Prince Street location of the Draft Riot (1863), and the location of the infamous Brink's Robbery (1950). Next, we will make our way across the North Washington Street bridge and into Charlestown.Once in the Navy Yard, we will discuss the founding of the Yard as one of the original six Navy yards in the US. The tour will end at the USS Constitution Museum at approximately 12:15 PM.

This walking tour of the West End traces a circle around the neighborhood while discussing the people and places of the area over the past 4 centuries. The history of the West End is one of continual change, American firsts, Boston innovations, and modern icons. The West End Museum, and this walking tour, celebrate the story of the neighborhood that led the way in Boston’s immigrant era, supporting thousands of the world’s “huddled masses” as they found their way from North End slums to the American Dream. By then, the West End had already produced America’s first native-born architect, provided a home for free Black citizens after the Revolution, and led the way in the construction of railroads, electric street cars, and so much more. The neighborhood changed dramatically after 1950. Two decades of Urban Renewal led to the clearing of more than half the neighborhood, and reinvention in its modern form.

On April 19th, 1775, the simmering cauldron of colonial discontent finally boiled over into inevitable bloodshed at the Old North Bridge in Concord, MA. In this 2-hour walking tour of Concord Center and the Old North Bridge, we will explore the events of that fateful day, and the places in which they actually happened. Learn how the myriad strengths and weaknesses of the British Army and Patriot Militia clashed to form a spark that grew to the conflagration of the American Revolution. Please wear comfortable shoes, bring water and dress for the weather.

Established in 1848, Forest Hills is one of the jewels of Greater Boston. Victorians created this eternal resting place for their loved ones at the same time that they designed a landscape in which the living could enjoy nature. Our walk along its winding paths will visit, among other sites, Daniel Chester French's masterpiece, "Death Stays the Hand of the Sculptor," as well as social reformer, Abby May; Revolutionary War Hero, General Joseph Warren; and Dr. Susan Dimock, a pioneer surgeon. In this tree-filled sanctuary, we will explore the stories of our civic ancestors, both the famous and the lesser-known. This tour is an opportunity to celebrate our past while enjoying art and nature in a spectacular setting.

The Wang Theatre opened in October of 1925 to massive appeal and success as the Metropolitan Theatre. As one of the largest movie palaces in the world, it was often referred to as an “Architectural Marvel,” a “Wonder Theatre,” and “The Showplace of New England.” However, as time went on and interests changed, this historic venue continued to evolve when others could not. It survived through the era of the Great Depression, the Watch and Ward Society, the Combat Zone, disrepair, and now a pandemic. Despite these challenges, the Boch Center – home of the Wang and Shubert Theatres, remains innovative and provides entertainment and cultural educational experiences to all through dance, spoken word, musicals, theater, comedy, and family programs. Enjoy a behind the scenes tour of this jewel of Boston’s Theater District. The tour will cover the theater’s history and so much more! Note: The Wang Theatre is accessible, but some areas are most easily reached by using stairs. If you or anyone in your party cannot climb stairs or may need additional assistance, please contact the theater in advance to make accommodations.

Dozens of local plant species express their delicious and nutritious gifts at this time of year. In the form of greens, taproots, rhizomes, tubers, shoots and flower buds, much of the new growth during spring is at its most tender. Join for this accessible walk spanning forest, wetland and open space habitats. Participants will learn the essentials of safe and responsible foraging practices, as well as plant identification strategies.This program will run rain or shine.

This class will explore a range of habitats, tracks and various signs of local wildlife. Winter conditions offer unique opportunities for tracking and trailing animals whose movements might at other times go unnoticed by the casual observer. Traversing a diversity of landscapes, we will interpret the stories actively unfolding in our midst. Discover who is on the move, in search of food or shelter. Learn strategies animals employ in managing travel or bearing young at this time of year, and connect with your surroundings through the animal in you. Note: In the event of deep snow, snowshoes are recommended.