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"We Were Here Too" Artist Talk

 The Un-monument | Re-monument | De-monument: Transforming Boston Programming

May 28, 2025
  • 5:30pm - 7:00pm
  • Old North Church
    193 Salem Street
    Boston, MA 02113
  • Contact:
    Emily Rose Navarro
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    North End
  • Posted:
  • Downloads:
2025-05-28T17:30:53 - 2025-05-28T19:00:53

We Were Here Too Flyer by Roberto Mighty

We Were Here Too by Roberto Mighty, in partnership with the Freedom Trail® Foundation and Old North Illuminated, revives the memory of Boston’s colonial African-Americans, many of whom lived and worked in what is today’s North End. The project can be experienced worldwide via an online multimedia website, and locally via augmented reality in Copp’s Hill Burying Ground

Please join us for an artist talk on Wednesday May 28, 2025 at 5:30pm at the historic Old North Church, hosted by Old North Illuminated. Events are free, but accommodations are limited, so please sign up as soon as possible with the links above. Light refreshments will be provided. This project is funded by the City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture’s Un-Monument Initiative and The Mellon Foundation. 

This innovative project honors the lives of colonial-era African Americans in Boston’s North End—many of whom were interred, or are believed to have been buried, at Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, established in 1659 and recognized as Boston’s largest colonial cemetery.

This project honors historical figures, including Phillis Wheatley Peters, in 1773 the first African-American woman to publish a book of poetry; Prince Hall, an abolitionist who fought in the Revolutionary War and founded Prince Hall Masonry; and Onesimus, an African who was instrumental in bringing knowledge of smallpox inoculation to America.

Blending history with technology, We Were Here Too invites the public to engage with a layered storytelling experience. The project features augmented reality, video interviews with historians and community voices, digital illustrations, archival images, voice performances, and historical content drawn from museum collections and archives around the world.

Roberto says, “I hope folks will experience this exhibit and learn that African Americans – free and enslaved – were living and working in Boston at the same time as Paul Revere, Abigail Adams and John Hancock. We were here, too.”

Funded by the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture through a grant from the Mellon Foundation, “We Were Here Too” is presented in partnership with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, The Historic Burying Grounds Initiative, the Freedom Trail® Foundation and Old North Illuminated.

May 28, 2025
  • 5:30pm - 7:00pm
  • Old North Church
    193 Salem Street
    Boston, MA 02113
  • Contact:
    Emily Rose Navarro
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    North End
  • Posted:
  • Downloads:
2025-05-28T17:30:53 - 2025-05-28T19:00:53
Last updated:

City of Belonging Festival

The Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA) announced the launch of the annual City of Belonging Festival in observance of Immigrant Heritage Month with the unveiling of the You Belong Here banners at City Hall’s Mezzanine Gallery. 

May 21, 2025
2025-05-21T13:00:07 - 2025-05-21T15:00:07

The large-format banners will hang in the Mezzanine until July 18. After this, they will be displayed at different locations for a You Belong Here banner tour to continue spreading the message of belonging across the city for the remainder of 2025. MOIA welcomes community requests for displays. 

The gallery launch will take place on May 21 at 1 p.m. and include food, photos, and a speaking program. The event is open to the public, but registration is requested.

MOIA designated 2025 as the Year of Belonging with the You Belong Here campaign to integrate its goals of creating a more inclusive Boston while addressing pressing challenges, such as public sentiment and policy shifts on immigration. The campaign supports immigrant communities through grants, empowers resilience with morale-boosting messaging, and inspires action through events. The campaign aims to ensure Boston remains a community where residents feel welcomed, respected, and valued, regardless of background. This awareness campaign prioritizes diversity, equity, and social cohesion for residents across Boston’s neighborhoods, sharing one message, “You Belong Here,”  in the city’s 12 main languages. 

The large-scale banners are also in these languages, and the campaign design has already been featured in digital billboards across the city, most recently at Opening Day in Fenway Park.

May 21, 2025
2025-05-21T13:00:07 - 2025-05-21T15:00:07
Last updated:

Celebrate! with Benkadi Drum and Dance

The multicultural Benkadi Drum and Dance group returns to perform new dances showcasing traditional West African rhythms and movements. With vivid costumes, interpretive dance, and audience participation, join us in honor of Juneteenth!

June 14, 2025
2025-06-14T10:30:52 - 2025-06-14T11:30:52

Children are seated on a carpeted floor with their caretakers and space is available on a first come, first served basis. Additional seats are available for people with disabilities, seniors, and others unable to sit on the floor. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

This is an inclusive program and both people with and without disabilities are always welcomed. A Flexible Calming Space (Quiet Room) is available for anyone who needs a break from the program at any time, especially those who are experiencing sensory overload. Parking is free at the JFK Library.

The JFK Library takes the safety and security of all guests, staff, and visitors seriously. To make your experience safe and enjoyable, upon entry to this federal building, all visitors must pass through a security check with a metal detector. All bags will also be inspected by Security Officers. Visit our website for more details.

The Celebrate! series, appropriate for family audiences and children ages 5 and up, highlights America’s rich cultural diversity through the arts. This program is tied directly to President and Mrs. Kennedy's concern for and support of the arts and culture in a democratic society.

Thanks to generous support from the Martin Richard Foundation and the Mass Cultural Council all performances are free.

June 14, 2025
2025-06-14T10:30:52 - 2025-06-14T11:30:52
Last updated:

Colonial Dance Tunes and Love Songs

In the guise of itinerant musicians, Al Petty and Deirdre Sweeney perform popular 18th-century tunes such as “Mr. Isaac’s Maggot” and “Jack’s Health” on the penny whistle, flute, fife, and other instruments.

May 6, 2025
2025-05-06T16:21:35
May 6, 2025
2025-05-06T16:21:35
Last updated:

The Art of Spinning

May 17, 2025
2025-05-17T13:00:42 - 2025-05-17T15:00:42

The art of spinning is best learned by the young, and Zoe Lawson has been practicing the craft of spinning by drop spindle and on a wheel since childhood. She shares her techniques while in 18th century garb while illuminating the various methods colonists used to produce their own textiles.

May 17, 2025
2025-05-17T13:00:42 - 2025-05-17T15:00:42
Last updated:

Celebrate! with Tanglewood Marionettes — “The Dragon King”

Journey below the sea in this story of fantasy, courage, and wonder from Chinese folklore. Tanglewood Marionettes bring to life fantastic sea creatures and a fearless grandmother who goes in search of the Dragon King when things go amiss in the land above.

May 10, 2025
2025-05-10T10:30:07 - 2025-05-10T11:30:07

Children are seated on a carpeted floor with their caretakers and space is available on a first come, first served basis. Additional seats are available for people with disabilities, seniors, and others unable to sit on the floor. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

This is an inclusive program and both people with and without disabilities are always welcomed. A Flexible Calming Space (Quiet Room) is available for anyone who needs a break from the program at any time, especially those who are experiencing sensory overload. Parking is free at the JFK Library.

The JFK Library takes the safety and security of all guests, staff, and visitors seriously. To make your experience safe and enjoyable, upon entry to this federal building, all visitors must pass through a security check with a metal detector. All bags will also be inspected by Security Officers. Visit our website for more details.

The Celebrate! series, appropriate for family audiences and children ages 5 and up, highlights America’s rich cultural diversity through the arts. This program is tied directly to President and Mrs. Kennedy's concern for and support of the arts and culture in a democratic society.

Thanks to generous support from the Martin Richard Foundation and the Mass Cultural Council all performances are free.

May 10, 2025
2025-05-10T10:30:07 - 2025-05-10T11:30:07
Last updated:

"Ways of Making People Disappear" Gallery Reception

Please join us for the reception of "Ways of Making People Disappear," a solo exhibition by Michelle Schapiro.

June 5, 2025
  • 5:00pm - 7:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
  • Posted:
2025-06-05T17:00:14 - 2025-06-05T19:00:14

Join us at Boston City Hall for the reception of Ways of Making People Disappear, a solo exhibition by Michelle Schapiro, that explores the lack of safety that the LGBTQIA+ community experiences in America.

Michelle Schapiro, Kayleigh, Making a Grass Angel (Diptych), 24 x 30 in., Archival Digital Print, Edition of 3 (plus 1 Artist Proof), 2023.
Michelle Schapiro, Kayleigh, Making a Grass Angel (Diptych), 24 x 30 in., Archival Digital Print, Edition of 3 (plus 1 Artist Proof), 2023.

Directions: Please use the entrance located on Congress St, across from Faneuil Hall. Pass security and take the elevators to the 8th floor. The Emerging Gallery will be to your left, in the hallway by room 817.

This exhibition will be on view through July 18th, 2025. For more information please visit boston.gov/cityhallgalleries

June 5, 2025
  • 5:00pm - 7:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
  • Posted:
2025-06-05T17:00:14 - 2025-06-05T19:00:14
Last updated:

"Special Focus: Self Portraits" ICA Teens Gallery Reception

Please join us for the Opening Reception of Special Focus: Self Portraits, a group show by the ICA Teens!

May 15, 2025
  • 5:00pm - 7:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
  • Posted:
2025-05-15T17:00:28 - 2025-05-15T19:00:28

Join us at Boston City Hall for the Opening Reception of Special Focus: Self Portraits, a group show by the ICA Teens. Stop by to celebrate the show and meet the artists! Light refreshments will be provided.

Joy Wei, Self-portrait, Digital Inkjet Print, 18 x 12in., 2025
Joy Wei, Self-portrait, Digital Inkjet Print, 18 x 12in., 2025

Directions: Please use the entrance located on Congress St, across from Faneuil Hall. Pass security and take the elevators to the 2nd floor. The Mayor's Neighborhood Gallery will be to your left.

This exhibition will be on view through July 18th, 2025. For more information please visit boston.gov/cityhallgalleries

May 15, 2025
  • 5:00pm - 7:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
  • Posted:
2025-05-15T17:00:28 - 2025-05-15T19:00:28
Last updated:

David Lloyd Brown and SoWa Artists Guild Gallery Reception

We are bringing SoWa Open Studios into Boston City Hall! Familiarize yourself with the local art scene and discover new artists at this gallery reception.

May 8, 2025
  • 5:00pm - 7:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
  • Posted:
2025-05-08T17:00:05 - 2025-05-08T19:00:05

Please join us for a joint reception to celebrate David Lloyd Brown’s solo exhibition and the SoWa artists from 450 Harrison Avenue group show at the Boston City Hall Galleries. The event will start at 5 p.m. at the Scollay Square Gallery located on the 3rd floor, and will transition to the Mayor’s Office Gallery located on the 5th floor at 6 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to connect with the artists and enjoy some light refreshments!

SoWa Reception Flyer

Please note the exhibitions will be on view through July 18th, 2025.

Directions: Please use the entrance located on Congress St, across from Faneuil Hall. Pass security and take the elevators to the 3rd floor. The Scollay Square Gallery will be past the information desk.

May 8, 2025
  • 5:00pm - 7:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
  • Posted:
2025-05-08T17:00:05 - 2025-05-08T19:00:05
Last updated:

Freedom Dreams in America

The Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture and The Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University welcome you back to The Embrace for another season of public conversations on democracy, justice, memory, and values.

May 14, 2025
2025-05-14T18:00:20 - 2025-05-14T20:00:20

Join us for a free public conversation.

The Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture and The Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University welcome you back to The Embrace for another season of public conversations on democracy, justice, memory, and values.

The series kicks off on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. and will be followed by a free public dinner and reception. This event will be co-hosted by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

V4 Freedom Dreams in America

Professor Peniel E. Joseph and Professor Danielle S. Allen will explore the meaning of “Freedom Dreams in America” and discuss the importance of using our imagination as a tool for individual and collective liberation. Brandon M. Terry, the John Loeb Associate Professor of the Social Sciences at Harvard University will introduce the event. Seating will be provided. Stay for a book signing with the speakers!

What does it mean to dream of freedom in a time of deep division—and how can we turn those dreams into a new reality? At this special conversation at The Embrace, Danielle Allen, a leading political theorist, classicist, and former Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate, and Peniel Joseph, a prominent historian of the Black freedom struggle, will invite us to think boldly and critically with them about the past, present, and future of American democracy. What would it mean to create a democracy built not on fear and exclusion, but on real power-sharing and mutual recognition? How can freedom be reimagined—not just as the absence of oppression, but as the hard, collective work of building a society where dignity and opportunity are widely shared? And at a time of rising cynicism, how should we think about democracy itself—its promises, its failures, and its possibilities? This conversation will be a space for hope, doubt, imagination, and serious reckoning with the question of how we might still rethink the traditions we have inherited in order to shape the future together.

Peniel E. Joseph holds a joint professorship appointment at the LBJ School of Public Affairs and the History Department in the College of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas at Austin. In addition, he is the founding director of the LBJ School's Center for the Study of Race and Democracy (CSRD). His career focus has been on "Black Power Studies," which encompasses interdisciplinary fields such as Africana studies, law and society, women's and ethnic studies, and political science. His work encourages us to explore the power of collective imagination in the pursuit of justice, reminding us that dreams for freedom and equality planted from our past generations will continue to lead us towards a more equitable country. His most recent book, Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America’s Civil Rights Revolution, brings to life the dramatic year when James Baldwin, Martin Luther King Jr., and a generation of activists reshaped the fight for freedom, influenced President John F. Kennedy and his approach on civil rights, and changed the nation’s destiny.

Danielle S. Allen is one of Harvard’s esteemed “University Professors,” and a prolific political theorist and classicist who has devoted her career in academia and beyond to exploring the foundations of democracy and the question of justice. Her work, including Justice By Means of Democracy and Our Declaration, reimagines key democratic texts and ideals in ways meant to confront our contemporary struggles. A former gubernatorial candidate in Massachusetts, Allen is a tireless advocate for civic engagement and participation. Her work reminds us of our individual and collective responsibilities in creating and protecting and strengthening a more democratic future. In her most recent book, Justice by Means of Democracy, she offers a bold, inspiring vision for rebuilding democracy through real equality, power-sharing, and a commitment to embracing difference without domination.

RSVP is encouraged and will be required to attend reception. This event is free and open to the public, so we hope to see you there!

May 14, 2025
2025-05-14T18:00:20 - 2025-05-14T20:00:20
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