About this experience
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.
At a glance
- Duration: 2 hr 30 min
Plan your experience
Set aside 2 hr 30 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What is included
- Small Groups (15 guests max)
- Women's Rights Landmarks
- Back Bay Neighborhood
Not included
- Gratuity for Guide (optional)
- Admission inside Museums
- Guides in Period Costume
Itinerary and highlights
Meet your guide inside the Boston Public Garden, in the northwest corner of the park opposite 67 Beacon Street (02108). Bronze sculptures by Nancy Schön, based on Robert McCloskey's classic children's book (1941), depict a mama duck proudly leading her band of ducklings.
Iconic equestrian statue of George Washington (1859).
First public botanical garden in the United States (1837).
Site of school founded in 1887 by Pauline A. Shaw, financier of the women's suffrage movement in Boston and founder of Boston Equal Suffrage Association for Good Government.
Originally established in 1630, this church later became a center of the Transcendentalist movement.
Home of Elizabeth Putnam, anti-suffragist and first woman to preside over a state electoral college.
Home of Julia Ward Howe, who authored "Battle Hymn of the Republic" (1861) and co-founded the American Woman Suffrage Association (1869).
Home of Blanche Ames, pro-suffrage cartoonist and early advocate for birth control.
Ames-Webster Mansion (1872) was centerpiece of the Ames family fortune and political involvement, including anti-suffragist Mary Shreve Ames and suffragist Blanche Ames.
Wide central boulevard with greenspace and statuary at the heart of Back Bay development plan.
Home of Mary Shreve Ames, president of the Massachusetts Anti-Suffrage Association.
First women's college club in the United States (1890).
Former site of Museum of Natural History (1864-1951).
Former MIT chemistry lab, where Katherine McCormick protested against popular fashion as part of the suffrage movement.
Central public square designed to be the new cultural center of Boston (1883).
Iconic church (1877) recognized by American Association of Architects as one of the top 10 buildings in the United States.
Third-largest public library in the United States (1848).
Formerly Chauncy Hall, office site of multiple pro-suffrage organizations including Massachusetts Woman Suffrage Association and The Women's Journal.
Finish line of the iconic Boston Marathon.
Hotel Kensington (1884-1967) housed offices of the Massachusetts Association Opposed to Further Extension of Suffrage to Women.
Popular Boston outdoor attraction lined with shopping, dining, and numerous luxury brands.
Former Spiritualist Temple (1885), where women were allowed to lead public meetings.
Memorial honoring three famous Bostonians: Abigail Adams, Phillis Wheatley, and Lucy Stone.
Meeting and pickup information
- The tour gathers inside the Boston Public Garden—opposite 67 Beacon Street (02108)—beside the Make Way for Ducklings statues, which are located in the northeast corner of the park.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Hub Town Tours
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for travelers that have trouble standing for extended periods of time.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
What is the cancellation policy?
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