J. L. BELL is a Massachusetts writer who specializes in (among other things) the start of the American Revolution in and around Boston. He is particularly interested in the experiences of children in 1765-75. He has published scholarly papers and popular articles for both children and adults. He was consultant for an episode of History Detectives, and contributed to a display at Minute Man National Historic Park.

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Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Upcoming Boston By Foot Tours

Boston By Foot offers three walking tours this coming weekend focused on heroes of Boston’s Revolution—most of whom are even non-fictional. Here are the descriptions.

Sunday, 2 July, 10:00-11:30 A.M.
Johnny Tremain’s Boston
Relive the adventures of Johnny Tremain in Colonial Boston based on Esther Forbes’ prize-winning coming-of-age novel featuring a young boy who gets caught up in the whirlwind of events that led up to the American Revolution.

Johnny’s story unfolds in downtown and North End locales, many of which are today’s Freedom Trail sites including the Old State House, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, Paul Revere’s House, and the Old North Church.

On this tour, hear of Johnny’s fictional friends, like Rab and Cilla, but also of the actual patriots he met along the way, such as Dr. Joseph Warren, John Hancock, William Dawes, and Paul Revere. Get acquainted with the bustling and political town of Johnny’s Boston that has become the great American city of today.

Sunday, 2 July, 3:00-4:30 P.M.
Ben Franklin: Son of Boston
Celebrate and learn about the life of Benjamin Franklin by walking among the sites of his homes and haunts in Colonial Boston.

In his day, Franklin was America’s greatest scientist, inventor, diplomat, humorist, statesman, and entrepreneur. Ben was born in Boston, came of age in Philadelphia, and was the darling of Paris. From his many inventions, creations of civic, philanthropic, and educational institutions, to his roles in the founding of America, his legacy is immeasurable.

Monday, 3 July, 5:30-7:30 P.M.
Adams Family in Boston
“My Eyes are so diverted with Chimney Sweeps, Carriers of Wood, Merchants, Ladies, Priests, Carts, Horses, Oxen, Coaches, Market men and Women, Soldiers, Sailors, and my Ears with the Rattle Gabble of them all...” —John Adams, diary, March 18-19, 1759

Follow the words and history of four generations of Adamses, from their experiences at the Old State House, through Beacon Hill, and into Back Bay. John, Abigail, and their descendants were prolific writers. The trove of documents they left behind intimately describe their lives, public service, and Boston from the eve of the Revolution to the turn of the twentieth century.

General admission for each tour costs $15, or $5 for members; tickets are available through the links above. Boston By Foot also offers these tours on a private basis.

2 comments:

Anne Smagorinsky said...

As one of the tour guides for Johnny Tremain's Boston, I've found your blog to be invaluable. Every time I wanted to fill in a gap in my knowledge of the places and events of the early 1770's, I found just the info I needed on these pages. A big thank you!!

J. L. Bell said...

Thanks!