Join Boston’s City Archaeologist, Joe Bagley, in a discussion of his quest to find and document the 50 oldest buildings in Boston. Seen through the lens of several buildings in his newest book, Boston’s Oldest Buildings and Where to Find Them (Brandeis University Press, April 2021), this “how-to” lecture will show you the techniques for using free online deed, probate, map, and other digital resources to uncover the history of old places from your home computer.
Hiding in Plain Sight: Researching Boston’s Oldest Buildings
With Joe Bagley
Boston’s City Archaeologist and Director of Archaeology
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Upcoming Featured Events
In-Person & Virtual Event
Lanterns & Luminaries
Join us for an evening of inspiration and celebration at Boston’s Old North Church with Third Lantern Award honoree Keith Lockhart.
In-Person & Virtual Event
Join us on April 16 at 7pm for Lanterns & Luminaries: a special evening at the historic Old North Church celebrating the anniversary of Paul Revere’s famous “two if by sea” lantern signal in April of 1775. Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra, will accept the Third Lantern Award, which is presented annually to an individual who embodies the values symbolized in Old North’s iconic signal lanterns. The program will include festive music, a dramatic reading of “Paul Revere’s Ride,” the presentation of the Third Lantern Award, and an inspiring keynote address from Mr. Lockhart.
In-Person Event
Lantern Service 2026
The Old North Church Congregation is pleased to offer a traditional Lantern Service with special guest The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Episcopal Bishop of Washington.
In-Person Event
Join Old North Church’s congregation on April 17 at 7pm for a ceremony inspired by the service held at the start of America’s Bicentennial celebrations in 1975 with President Gerald Ford. The Lantern Service recalls the lights of liberty that shone from Old North’s steeple on April 18, 1775, while reflecting on the meaning of faith, freedom, and American democracy today. Inspirational music, Paul Revere’s own recollection of his historic ride, Bishop Budde’s address, and prayers for our nation will lead us into America’s Semiquincentennial.
In-Person Event
Boston Resistance Then & Now
How did Boston spark the American Revolution? How can we once again lead the country toward liberty? Join us on April 22 for the launch of Silence Dogood’s Precedented Times Town Hall Series.
In-Person Event
Boston Resistance Then & Now
Join us on April 22, 2026, from 6:30 – 8:00pm at the Old North Church for the launch of the Silence Dogood Project’s Precedented Times Town Hall Series. Supported by Mass Humanities’ Promises of the Revolution initiative, this new series builds on the Silence Dogood Project’s projection-based storytelling to create spaces for live civic dialogue — rooted in Boston’s deep tradition of public dissent and collective action.