Boston Uncommon: Five Boston Tours You Haven’t Taken

We know BHS members are well-schooled in Boston history. So stay comfortable in your slippers (or kick off your shoes and relax) while you venture into uncommon spaces, led by a select group of Boston By Foot docents. These experienced guides researched, authored and conducted special made-to-order tours that they now have adapted for this seminar, comprising five “Boston Uncommon” topics, translated from walking to virtual, and presented by the original authors and collaborators. They will guide you through some of the less-heralded parts of Boston and its history.

This bespoke group of docents will tell their stories—of the Great Fire of 1872; Boston’s Opera History; Art Deco architecture in Boston; Bay Village’s lesser known history—and guide you on a journey through our burying grounds and customs, Grave Undertakings, indeed. Please join us on our uncommon quest, setting out on Thursday afternoons this fall.

Course Recordings: (Click on the links below to watch the recordings.)

Session 1 - October 7

Session 2 - October 14 

Session 3 - October 21 

Session 4 - October 28 

Session 5 - November 4


Group Leader: REBECCA BROOKS
Venue: online
Meets on: Thursdays 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Starting: 10/7/2021
Sessions: 5
Class Size: 50
Teaching Style: Lecture with questions
Weekly Preparation: None
Group Leader Biography:

Boston By Foot, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization. Inspired by America’s Bicentennial, the organization was founded in 1976 by architectural enthusiast Polly Flansburgh as a way to promote public awareness and appreciation for Boston’s rich history and architectural heritage. These tours are created and conducted by a unique group of 200+ volunteer guides who love Boston and are passionate about its history. Well-trained and enthusiastic, they represent diverse backgrounds. Many have generously served Boston By Foot for more than 10, 20 and even 30 years. Seminar organizer Rebecca Brooks has been a volunteer Boston By Foot guide for over twelve years. She is a happy transplant to Boston from Ohio; retired Respiratory Care practitioner and hospital Director; semi-retired process improvement consultant and management coach; and lover of all things equestrian. Each session will be presented by the original Boston By Foot seminar researcher and author.