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Home , Fannie Farmer, Mary Dyer

BC BUCKET LIST

Academic Year 2012/13

Get a map and a Charlie Card and start exploring the city. Many of these activities are free and most are a short T-ride away. All are must- sees for students interested in history, who have curiosity and a sense of adventure, and who want to get to know the greatest college town in America. Must see sites in for students of history Professor James O’Toole

1. The Freedom Trail: This Common, and while you’re at it, of the city’s longstanding walking tour (self-guided or with stroll around the Common. connection to the sea, enjoy a a guide) takes you through all cruise through many of the the important sites in Boston 2. Top of the Hub: For a islands that dot Boston Harbor. Tour boats leave from Long history, especially those panoramic view of the city, visit Wharf, near the Faneuil Hall connected with the American the observation deck and restaurant on top of the Marketplace. For a simpler and Revolution, including the Old cheaper alternative that will State House (site of the first Prudential Building in the Back Bay. You can have an equally have the same effect, ride the public reading of the Declaration impressive view if you can get commuter boat (also leaving of Independence), Faneuil Hall, an alumnus to take you to lunch from Long Wharf) to the Old North Church (where Paul or dinner at the Boston College suburban town of Hingham and Revere’s lanterns were hung), Club, located at the top of the back. Those who get seasick the U.S.S. Constitution (“Old building at 100 Federal Street in can stroll around Castle Island Ironsides”), and the Bunker Hill downtown Boston. (now connected to the mainland at South Boston) for a view of Monument. Begin at the the harbor. Visitors Center on Boston 3. Harbor Islands: To get a sense

1 Your are studying history in one of the most historic cities in America 2012/13

4. Boston College, South End: Visit the original community in Boston before the Civil War and LIST site of Boston College from its founding in 1863 home to abolitionist activity. until its move to the Chestnut Hill campus in 1913. The first Jesuit residence is located on Harrison 16. Women’s Heritage Trail: This self-guided tour Avenue in the city’s South End, adjacent to takes you through a series of sites connected with Immaculate Conception church. The college’s notable women in Boston’s history. It begins at

BC BUCKET first classroom building is located on James the State House on Beacon Hill, in front of the Street, in the block directly behind the residence statues of and Mary Dyer, both and church. persecuted for their religious beliefs in Puritan Boston. And if you haven’t stopped there already 5. Fenway Park: Even non-baseball fans will enjoy while walking the Freedom Trail, visit the burial a visit to this, the oldest active ballpark in major ground at King’s Chapel on Tremont Street to see league baseball. the grave of Elizabeth Foster (“Mother Goose”).

6. Swan Boats: In the spring or summer, take a 17. Walden Pond: Take a trip to the suburban ride on the human-pedaled swan boats that float town of Concord (20 miles away) and walk around in the duck pond in the city’s Public Garden. While the pond where Henry David Thoreau built his there, walk through the Garden and appreciate retreat. Other sites in Concord are connected to the seasonal flowers and plantings. such nineteenth century American writers as Emerson, Hawthorne, and . 7–13. Museums: Boston is home to museums catering to every interest and taste. Of particular 18. : This beautiful note are the Museum of Fine Arts and the garden cemetery in Cambridge is the resting place Gardner Museum (both in the Fenway of many prominent Bostonians, including Charles neighborhood), the Museum of Contemporary Art Bulfinch (architect), (nursing (on the waterfront), the Museum of Science (over pioneer), (religious leader), the dam at the mouth of the Charles River), the Fannie Farmer (cookbook author), Winslow New Aquarium (on the waterfront at Homer (artist), and Francis Parkman (historian). Long Wharf), and the Harvard Natural History The flowers and plants also make it a must-see in Museum (home of the world famous glass the spring. flowers) and Peabody Museum (both in Cambridge). Entrance to all are free to students 19. Plymouth Rock: The idea that the Pilgrims first who present their BC i.d.s, except the Science set foot on this rock when they landed in 1620 Museum, for which you can pick up free tickets at may be an “invented tradition,” but history the Robsham Theater box office. students will appreciate a visit to it in this town, about forty miles away. A replica of the ship 14. Kennedy Library: Located on Columbia Point Mayflower is nearby, as is Plimouth Plantation, a in Dorchester, adjacent to the Boston campus of living-history recreation of the original Pilgrim the University of , this library settlement. houses the archives and papers of the administration of President John Kennedy 20. Salem: On Boston’s North Shore (a 20 minute (1961-1963). Its exhibits highlight the important ride on trains that run from North Station), this historical events of that era, including the civil city was the wealthiest city in America in 1800. rights movement and the Cuban missile crisis. Home to fantastic architecture, tacky witch Just now being built next to the library is the museums, and the fabulous Peabody Essex Edward Kennedy Institute, an interactive museum Museum, which houses a magnificent collection on the history and role of the of art and cares for a series of historically Senate, dedicated to the president’s brother. significant houses open to visitors. This museum is not free to BC students, but well worth the 15. African American Meeting House: Visit this price of admission. church on Beacon Hill, center of the free black 2