The Noble Warrender

The Boston Public Library was established as the first large free library in the mid-1840s at a relatively small building (a schoolhouse) in Boston. But, impressively, it had outgrown itself before opening. Right away plans were made to move the collection to the current, massive, and amazing location in the 1890s, and it's kept growing to the twenty-six branch system it is today. The design is that of a palace surrounding a courtyard. It's one of those places where you think you've seen it all, but then you walk through a doorway to another wing or another study room. The library seems endless. This statue adorns the front steps of the main entrance. It is titled "Art" and was created by Bela Pratt (1867-1917).  Bates Hall is the perfect place to do research or just grab a book and read. The lamps, the busts, the ceiling and dome at the end. It's inspiring. Two lion sculptures greet visitors who pass between them on the staircase. Th...

The New England Holocaust Memorial was dedicated in 1995 and stands quietly just past Quincy Market. I'd been in that area a dozen times and didn't see this down the street, so when I looked up places not to miss in Boston and the memorial was listed, I added this important stop. I would suggest visiting the website to read more about the memorial, but in short, it was built in remembrance of local Boston Holocaust survivors and of World War II itself. The memorial is rightfully placed along the Freedom Trail of Boston. As you approach the six pillars, you will see this: "To remember their suffering is to recognize the danger and evil that are possible whenever one group persecutes another. As you walk this Freedom Trail, pause here to reflect on the consequences of a world in which there is no freedom—a world in which basic human rights are not protected. And know that wherever prejudice, discrimination, and victimization are tolerated, evil like the H...