Overview
Boston’s leading role in the American fight for women’s suffrage is found on the tree-lined streets of its elegant Back Bay neighborhood. This masterpiece of Victorian-era architecture is best experienced on foot, in a small group, with a local guide!
Your 2.5-hour tour travels from Boston Common into historic Back Bay, visiting must-see landmarks such as the Public Garden, Newbury Street, and iconic Copley Square.
Our walking tour delves deeply into the years 1870 to 1920, tumultuous decades culminating in women earning the right to vote in the United States. Walk in the footsteps of prolific activists and financiers, visiting the political battleground for pro- and anti-suffrage groups.
With a captivating storytelling approach, Hub Town Tours provides the perfect introduction to Boston's role in the advancement of women’s rights. As we travel past key landmarks and historic homes, your guide shares captivating stories of the Bostonians who assembled the Women’s Suffrage Movement.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Small Groups (16 guests max)
Women's Rights Landmarks
Back Bay Neighborhood
Guides in Period Costume
Admission inside Museums
Gratuities
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
The tour gathers on Boston Common at the intersection of Beacon and Charles Streets. Please meet your guide at 1 Charles Street (02108), inside Boston Common and across the street from Starbucks Coffee.
End point
The tour ends at the northwest corner of the Public Garden at the intersection of Beacon and Arlington Streets. This tour is an approximate loop, and you will end a block away from the starting point.
Good to know
Please call/text your guide at 844-HUB-TOWN if you are having issues finding the tour
group!
What to expect
-
Boston Public Garden
10 min
Established in 1837 as first public botanical garden in the United States.
-
Make Way for Ducklings Statues
10 min
Sculpture by Nancy Schön based on Robert McCloskey's classic picture book.
-
George Washington Statue
10 min
Equestrian statue of George Washington by Thomas Ball commissioned in 1859.
-
Boston Women's Heritage Trail
10 min
Marking important sites related to Boston's Women's History
-
6 Marlborough St
10 min
Home of Pauline A. Shaw, financier of Boston's women's suffrage movement and founder of the Boston Equal Suffrage Association for Good Government.
-
First Church in Boston
5 min
Established in 1630, the church later became a center of the Transcendentalist movement.
-
67 Marlborough St
5 min
Home of Elizabeth Putnam, anti-suffragist and first woman to preside over a state electoral college.
-
45 Commonwealth Ave
5 min
Home of Kate Gannett Wells, founding member of MAOFESW, Boston's leading anti-suffrage organization.
-
25 Commonwealth Ave
5 min
Home of Mary Shreve Ames, president of the Massachusetts Anti-Suffrage Association.
-
The College Club of Boston
10 min
First women's college club in the United States
-
Commonwealth Avenue Mall
10 min
Historic, long avenue featuring a path through trees, grassy areas, park benches & statues.
-
Newbury Street
10 min
Popular street home to shopping, dining, and many luxury brands.
-
RH Boston | The Gallery at the Historic Museum of Natural History
10 min
Home to the Museum of Natural History from 1864-1951.
-
Copley Square
10 min
Iconic public square built to be the cultural center of Boston.
-
Trinity Church Boston
10 min
Built in 1877 and considered by members of the American Association of Architects as one of this country’s top 10 buildings.
-
585 Boylston St
10 min
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.
-
Boston Public Library
10 min
Founded in 1848, it is now the third-largest public library in the United States.
-
Boston Marathon Finish Line
10 min
Finish line of the iconic Boston Marathon.
-
687 Boylston St
10 min
Location of the Kensington Building (demolished 1967), which housed the offices of the Massachusetts Association Opposed to Further Extension of Suffrage to Women.
-
Boston Women's Memorial
10 min
Memorial depicting Abigail Adams, Phillis Wheatley, and Lucy Stone
-
3 Exeter St
10 min
Home of Abigail Williams May, one of the first women appointed to the Massachusetts State Board of Education and cousin of Louisa May Alcott.
-
Beacon Street & Exeter Street
5 min
Beacon Street, "enemy-country" according to Boston Suffragists, was the starting location for the 1915 Suffrage Victory Parade.
-
260 Beacon St
5 min
Home of Blanche Ames, a pro-suffrage cartoonist and early advocate for birth control.
-
241 Beacon St
5 min
Home of Julia Ward Howe.
-
The Gibson House Museum
5 min
Historic House Museum with preserved interior from 1859.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/New York).
Additional Information
- Not recommended for travelers that have trouble standing for extended periods of time.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Back Bay: Small Group Tour of Women's Rights Boston
Can I cancel Back Bay: Small Group Tour of Women's Rights Boston for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours 30 min.
Where does it start?
The tour gathers on Boston Common at the intersection of Beacon and Charles Streets.
What's included?
- Small Groups (16 guests max)
- Women's Rights Landmarks
- Back Bay Neighborhood
What's not included?
- Guides in Period Costume
- Admission inside Museums
- Gratuities
Which places does it visit?
It visits Boston Public Garden, Make Way for Ducklings Statues, George Washington Statue, Boston Women's Heritage Trail, First Church in Boston, The College Club of Boston, Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Newbury Street.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Hub Town Tours
