Discover Boston's pivotal role in the fight for women's suffrage on a guided walking tour through the Back Bay neighborhood. Explore iconic landmarks like Boston Common, the Public Garden, Newbury Street, and Copley Square while delving into the transformative years of 1870 to 1920. Led by local guides, this small-group experience offers insights into the activists and events that shaped women's rights history.

Explore Boston’s women’s rights history on a small-group walking tour
Learn about key suffrage movement figures from an informative expert
Visit landmarks while enjoying a stroll through Boston’s beautiful streets
A small group means more attention from your guide

What To Expect

Boston Public Garden

Established in 1837 as first public botanical garden in the United States.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Make Way for Ducklings Statues

Sculpture by Nancy Schön based on Robert McCloskey’s classic picture book.
• Admission Ticket Free

George Washington Statue

Equestrian statue of George Washington by Thomas Ball commissioned in 1859.
• Admission Ticket Free

Boston Women’s Heritage Trail

Marking important sites related to Boston’s Women’s History
• Admission Ticket Free

6 Marlborough St

Home of Pauline A. Shaw, financier of Boston’s women’s suffrage movement and founder of the Boston Equal Suffrage Association for Good Government.
• Admission Ticket Free

First Church in Boston

Established in 1630, the church later became a center of the Transcendentalist movement.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

67 Marlborough St

Home of Elizabeth Putnam, anti-suffragist and first woman to preside over a state electoral college.
• Admission Ticket Free

45 Commonwealth Ave

Home of Kate Gannett Wells, founding member of MAOFESW, Boston’s leading anti-suffrage organization.
• Admission Ticket Free

25 Commonwealth Ave

Home of Mary Shreve Ames, president of the Massachusetts Anti-Suffrage Association.
• Admission Ticket Free

The College Club of Boston

First women’s college club in the United States
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Commonwealth Avenue Mall

Historic, long avenue featuring a path through trees, grassy areas, park benches & statues.
• Admission Ticket Free

Newbury Street

Popular street home to shopping, dining, and many luxury brands.
• Admission Ticket Free

RH Boston | The Gallery at the Historic Museum of Natural History

Home to the Museum of Natural History from 1864-1951.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Copley Square

Iconic public square built to be the cultural center of Boston.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Trinity Church Boston

Built in 1877 and considered by members of the American Association of Architects as one of this country’s top 10 buildings.
• Admission Ticket Free

585 Boylston St

Then known as Chauncy Hall, was home to the offices of many pro-suffrage organizations including the Massachusetts Woman Suffrage Association and The Women’s Journal.
• Admission Ticket Free

Boston Public Library

Founded in 1848, it is now the third-largest public library in the United States.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Boston Marathon Finish Line

Finish line of the iconic Boston Marathon.
• Admission Ticket Free

687 Boylston St

Location of the Kensington Building (demolished 1967), which housed the offices of the Massachusetts Association Opposed to Further Extension of Suffrage to Women.
• Admission Ticket Free

Boston Women’s Memorial

Memorial depicting Abigail Adams, Phillis Wheatley, and Lucy Stone
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

3 Exeter St

Home of Abigail Williams May, one of the first women appointed to the Massachusetts State Board of Education and cousin of Louisa May Alcott.
• Admission Ticket Free

Beacon Street & Exeter Street

Beacon Street, “enemy-country” according to Boston Suffragists, was the starting location for the 1915 Suffrage Victory Parade.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

260 Beacon St

Home of Blanche Ames, a pro-suffrage cartoonist and early advocate for birth control.
• Admission Ticket Free

241 Beacon St

Home of Julia Ward Howe.
• Admission Ticket Free

The Gibson House Museum

Historic House Museum with preserved interior from 1859.
• Admission Ticket Free

Highlight

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Not recommended for travelers that have trouble standing for extended periods of time.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

Include

Back Bay Neighborhood
Small Groups (16 guests max)
Women’s Rights Landmarks

Exclude

Guides in Period Costume
Admission inside Museums
Gratuities