Boston Votes for Women History Tour in Back Bay
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Discover Boston’s pivotal role in the fight for women’s rights on this engaging 2.5-hour walking tour through the historic Back Bay neighborhood. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll explore tree-lined streets filled with Victorian architecture, visiting key landmarks tied to the women’s suffrage movement.
From Boston Common to Copley Square, your journey takes you through the years 1870 to 1920—a period marked by fierce activism, political battles, and inspiring stories of women fighting for the vote. Walk in the footsteps of notable activists, financiers, and suffragists, learning how Boston contributed to this critical chapter in American history.
With lively storytelling and a focus on local history, this tour offers a captivating glimpse into Boston’s influence on women’s rights. As you pass historic homes and landmarks, you'll hear stories of the passionate individuals who shaped the movement, making this experience both educational and inspiring.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Boston: Votes for Women History Tour of Back Bay?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
What languages are available for the tour?
The tour is conducted in English.
What is the group size limit?
Groups are limited to up to 15 people.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is recommended for adults aged 6 to 99. It is wheelchair accessible, and infants or small children can ride in a stroller or pram.
What’s included in the tour?
Small group experience (max 15 guests), visits to women’s rights landmarks, and exploration of the Back Bay neighborhood.
Are museum admissions included?
No, admissions to inside museums are not included, and guides are not in period costumes.
Free cancellation
You can get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour starts.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 2.5 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Live tour guide
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Small groups (15 guests max)
- Women’s rights landmarks
- Back Bay neighborhood exploration
Not included
- Gratuity for guide (optional)
- Admission inside museums
- Guides in period costume
Itinerary
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Stop 1
Meet your guide inside the Boston Public Garden, opposite 67 Beacon Street, near the Make Way for Ducklings statues. Bronze sculptures by Nancy Schön depict a mama duck leading her ducklings.
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Stop 2
View the iconic equestrian statue of George Washington (1859).
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Stop 3
Visit the first public botanical garden in the U.S., established in 1837.
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Stop 4
See the site of a school founded in 1887 by Pauline A. Shaw, a key financier of Boston’s women’s suffrage movement and founder of the Boston Equal Suffrage Association for Good Government.
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Stop 5
Explore the site of a church established in 1630 that later became a hub for the Transcendentalist movement.
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Stop 6
View the home of Elizabeth Putnam, an anti-suffragist and the first woman to preside over a state electoral college.
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Stop 7
Visit the residence of Julia Ward Howe, author of 'Battle Hymn of the Republic' and co-founder of the American Woman Suffrage Association.
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Stop 8
See the home of Blanche Ames, a pro-suffrage cartoonist and early birth control advocate.
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Stop 9
View the Ames-Webster Mansion (1872), linked to the Ames family’s political and suffrage activities, including suffragist Blanche Ames and anti-suffragist Mary Shreve Ames.
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Stop 10
Stroll through a wide boulevard with greenspace and statuary at the heart of Back Bay’s development plan.
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Stop 11
See the home of Mary Shreve Ames, president of the Massachusetts Anti-Suffrage Association.
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Stop 12
Visit the site of the first women’s college club in the U.S., founded in 1890.
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Stop 13
Learn about the former Museum of Natural History (1864–1951).
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Stop 14
See the former MIT chemistry lab where Katherine McCormick protested against fashion trends as part of the suffrage movement.
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Stop 15
Visit the central public square designed as Boston’s cultural hub in 1883.
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Stop 16
View the historic church (1877), recognized as one of the top 10 U.S. buildings by the American Association of Architects.
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Stop 17
See the third-largest public library in the U.S., established in 1848.
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Stop 18
Explore the site of Chauncy Hall, once home to multiple pro-suffrage organizations including the Massachusetts Woman Suffrage Association.
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Stop 19
Finish at the Boston Marathon finish line, a historic sports milestone.
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Stop 20
See the Hotel Kensington (1884–1967), which housed offices of the Massachusetts Association Opposed to Further Extension of Suffrage to Women.
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Stop 21
Enjoy the lively shopping, dining, and luxury shopping district along Boston’s outdoor attraction.
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Stop 22
Visit the former Spiritualist Temple (1885), where women led public meetings.
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Stop 23
End at a memorial honoring Boston’s notable women: Abigail Adams, Phillis Wheatley, and Lucy Stone.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the Boston Public Garden
The tour starts inside the Boston Public Garden, at the northeast corner near 67 Beacon Street, beside the Make Way for Ducklings statues.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
You can get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour starts.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day in advance
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours of departure
- Tour may be canceled due to bad weather or low enrollment
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $35.00 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
