Exploring Boston's rich history, this guide offers a series of walking tours centered around the Massachusetts State House, dubbed the "Hub of the Universe." It showcases the city's prominent neighborhoods and highlights its evolution into a cultural epicenter during the 19th and 20th centuries. Ideal for both visitors and locals, the tours navigate Boston's famous crooked streets and alleys, allowing walkers to experience historic sites along key streets like Tremont, Washington, and Beacon. Discover the deep cultural and economic influence of Boston on New England.
Anthony Mitchell Sammarco Book order
Anthony Mitchell Sammarco is a distinguished historian and author whose extensive body of work focuses on the history and development of Boston. His writings, which began in 1995, often delve into the lesser-known aspects of the city and its iconic institutions. Sammarco has garnered acclaim for his engaging style, which brings Boston's past to life and makes it accessible to a wide audience. His contributions are valued for their depth and ability to evoke nostalgia as well as understanding of his native city's evolution.






- 2013
- 2010
Milton:: A Compendium
- 160 pages
- 6 hours of reading
The book explores the rich history of Milton, Massachusetts, from its founding in 1640 through its transformation by early mills and an industrial boom that attracted immigrants. Local historian Anthony Sammarco compiles his best columns from the Milton Times, highlighting remarkable residents like Dr. William Rimmer and significant local innovations such as the Granite Railway. Through these stories, Sammarco captures the evolution of this picturesque New England town, showcasing its unique contributions to the region's heritage.
- 2009
Forest Hills Cemetery
- 128 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Established in 1848, Forest Hills Cemetery serves as Boston's premier arboretum cemetery, showcasing a diverse history through its 250 acres. It is the final resting place for notable figures such as poets Anne Sexton and E. E. Cummings, playwright Eugene O'Neill, and abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison. The landscape features a rich collection of sculptures and monuments reflecting the Victorian era to modern times. As the site of New England's first crematorium, it holds historical significance and is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 2004
Milton, Massachusetts
- 96 pages
- 4 hours of reading
The book explores the significant transformations in Milton over the past century, detailing its evolution from an agrarian community to an independent town in 1662. Following the Civil War, population growth surged due to improved railway access to Boston, leading to extensive development by the early 20th century. Featuring a rich collection of vintage and contemporary photographs, it vividly illustrates the town's historical changes and captures the essence of Milton's development through time.
- 2004
Boston's North End
- 96 pages
- 4 hours of reading
The North End, a historic Boston neighborhood since 1630, has transformed from residential and artisan spaces into a key tourist destination. It features significant landmarks such as the Paul Revere House, the oldest standing building in the city, and the iconic Old North Church, both of which highlight its rich cultural heritage and historical importance.
- 2004
South Boston
- 96 pages
- 4 hours of reading
The transformation of South Boston, originally a close-knit community of Polish, Lithuanian, and Irish Americans, highlights its significant growth and change since its annexation to Boston in 1804. The book explores the social and cultural evolution of this neighborhood over the past decade, reflecting on the impacts of urban development and demographic shifts.
- 2004
East Boston
- 128 pages
- 5 hours of reading
The unexpected history of East Boston unfolds through over 200 rare photographs, tracing its evolution from the quaint Noodle's Island to the bustling site of Logan Airport. This visual journey highlights the area's transformation and captures its unique character, showcasing the rich heritage and stories that define East Boston.
- 2004
Charlestown
- 128 pages
- 5 hours of reading
The book delves into the rich history of Charlestown, showcasing its heritage through a collection of captivating photographs. It offers a visual journey that highlights significant events, landmarks, and the community's evolution over time, providing readers with a deeper appreciation of this historic city.
- 2004
Boston's South End
- 96 pages
- 4 hours of reading
The book explores Boston's South End, a vibrant neighborhood that evolved from man-made land into a cultural melting pot by the 1850s. Highlighting its unique architecture, including brick row houses and lush parks with cast-iron fountains, it showcases the area's diverse ethnicities, races, and religions. The narrative emphasizes the South End's appeal as both a desirable destination and a thriving residential community, enriched by upscale restaurants and cultural institutions like the Boston Center for the Arts.
- 2003
Boston's Back Bay in the Victorian Era, MA
- 128 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Focusing on the vibrant history of Boston's Back Bay from 1837 to 1901, the book explores its transformation from a marshy area to a sophisticated urban neighborhood. It highlights the development of iconic structures around Copley Square, including Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library, while capturing the essence of the Victorian Era through images of swan boats and notable architecture. The narrative reveals the neighborhood's evolution into a premier residential area, showcasing its cultural and architectural significance.