Ghosts in the Museum: The Leverett Street JailBeacon Hill Times The eclectic West End was uniquely known for its Urban Renewal, influential residents, and abolitionists. The culturally diverse neighborhood was home to African, Irish, Eastern European, Italian, Greek, Asian, and Albanian immigrants. It was also infamous for its executions (predominantly of pirates of African or…
West End Museum to Recognize Three 2021 Honorees for Service to the NeighborhoodBeacon Hill Times The West End Museum will host its third annual Heritage Night on Friday, Nov. 12, at 6:30 p.m., honoring three people who have made a deep and meaningful impact on the neighborhood over the decades. This year’s honorees are State…
October 2021 NewsletterA Message from the Director Hello, Since my last message to all of you, a lot has happened at The WEM (including this new branding). Programs have returned, as promised, and it has been wonderful to start seeing many of you around the neighborhood again! I’ve been deeply moved by the continued generosity…
Renovations are Just Part of the Changes at The West End MuseumSusan Gilbert An Effort to Create a Better Experience for Visitors and an Enhanced Examination of this Vital Neighborhood As the West End community continues to grow and evolve over the coming decades, the museum dedicated to telling its story is also undergoing an…
Programming Picks Up at The WEMBy Leigh Blander Like other Boston museums that delayed new programming until after lockdowns had lifted, The WEM has been busy these past few months organizing and launching an eclectic mix of programming—from bicycle roller racing to a spooky reminiscence of one of the West End’s notorious neighborhood jails. As…
Stop by Boston’s West End Museum to see the complete transformation of what was once a strong immigrant communityWCVB The original West End started as farm country in the 18th century and soon became an upscale neighborhood along with Beacon Hil. …
Five things to do around Boston, Oct. 25-31Boston Globe Monday Politics of Change Head to the Chevalier Theatre in Medford for A Conversation With Stacey Abrams, the politician, author, and voting rights activist. On Point host Meghna Chakrabarti will moderate the discussion about the state of politics, leadership, entrepreneurship, and social justice. Tickets start at…
Crime Scene: The West End’s Three JailsBy Leigh Blander Boston’s West End is known for many things: its rich immigrant history, connections to the abolitionist movement, urban renewal, and many famous actors, athletes, and artists. But the neighborhood has another distinction—it has been home to three major jails, including the notorious Leverett Street lockup. Leverett…
$20 Million Commitment from Esplanade Association Would Fund Major Improvements to ParkBeacon Hill Times The Esplanade Association (‘EA’), nonprofit partners of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (‘DCR’) as stewards of the 64-acre Charles River Esplanade in Boston, this week announced a gift to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that would fund the establishment of…
Landmarks Commission Gives Green Light for Demolition of Three Historic West End BuildingsBeacon Hill Times The Boston Landmarks Commission voted during a virtual meeting held Aug. 10 to waive a 90-day demolition delay for three historic West End buildings that will be razed as part of Mass General Hospital’s planned expansion. MGH intends to demolish…