Today’s Forecast

👟 Walking down memory lane

Read on to find out why this photogenic Beacon Hill area is called Acorn Street. | Photo by @behindthelens617

Since the City of Boston was named and incorporated almost 400 years ago, it’s been home to by countless historical figures and happenings — many of which have shaped the names of local buildings, parks, and streets.

Without further ado, here’s part two to our guide of Boston’s historic street names.

Newbury Street

The name of Back Bay’s current day shopping hub celebrates the victory of the Puritans in the 1643 Battle of Newbury during the English Civil War. The street was originally downtown as part of present-day Washington Street, and later reappeared in the newly-made Back Bay.

Shawmut Avenue

This South End street’s name comes from the Shawmut Peninsula that connected Boston to Roxbury. Fun fact: The South End used to be home to “the New York Streets,” which were named after cities along the Erie Canal.

Street of brownstones and cars in Boston's South End — Most cross streets in the South End are named after Massachusetts towns.
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Photo by @bretclancy

Washington Street

The Washington Street we know today has a rich history as the main road in colonial Boston, and was named after the first US President. For those wondering why Boston is home to so many Washington streets, it’s because Boston is made up of annexed cities that all had their own Washington Street (think: Roxbury and Charlestown).

Acorn Street

Boston’s most photographed street was originally called Kitchen Street, as the row houses were occupied by the cooks and coachmen who lived near their employers. It was renamed after a type of tree to follow suit with the rest of the area’s streets (think: Chestnut, Walnut, and Cedar streets).

Adams Street

One of the longest streets in Boston, the Dorchester street is named for housing the 18th century estate of President John Adams.

10 more street names

Events

Monday, May 29

Harbor Sail: Denis Sullivan | Monday, May 29 | 1-3 p.m. | Moakley Courthouse Docks, 2 Northern Ave., Boston | $45-$55 | Set sail along the replica of a Great Lakes schooner and take in the sights of Boston Harbor.

Tuesday, May 30

Margaret Li and Irene Li | Tuesday, May 30 | 6:30 p.m. | WBUR CitySpace, 890 Commonwealth Ave. | $5-$25 | Fight food waste with the cookbook authors + enjoy a post-show bite inspired by the conversation.

Wednesday, May 31

Guided Bird Tour | Wednesday, May 31 | 7:30-9 a.m. | Community Boating, Inc., 21 David G. Mugar Way, Boston | Free | Bring your binoculars for this guided one-mile walk along the Esplanade to see a variety of species, from songbirds to waterfowl.

Thursday, June 1

The People’s Karaoke | Thursday, June 1 | 9 p.m. | Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub, 472-480 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge | Free to attend | Head to the local rock venue to sing your heart out each Thursday night.

Friday, June 2

True Crime Obsessed Live | Friday, June 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St., Boston | $40-$50 | See the live show from one of the most popular true crime podcasts, featuring the hosts Gillian Pensavalle and Patrick Hinds.

Saturday, June 3

Dorchfest | Saturday, June 3 | 12-5 p.m. | Various locations, Ashmont Adams, Dorchester | Free | Catch local performances featuring all genres of music at the Dorchester neighborhood’s Porchfest.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Playoffs

The Celtics beat the Heat in Game Six on Saturday night, 104-103. Boston can complete the historic comeback and go to the NBA Finals with a Game Seven win tonight. The game tips off at 8:30 p.m. at TD Garden.

Open

The newly renovated LEGO Discovery Center is now open in Somerville’s Assembly Row. Bring the kiddos to the 43,000-sqft space to explore the 12 new discovery zones + design your own spaceship.

Coming Soon

The team behind the Quiet Few in East Boston is opening a new whiskey bar + restaurant at 400 Dorchester St. in South Boston later this year. Small Victories will serve the Eastie bar’s signature smash burgers, plus new offerings like Monster Energy drinks. (Eater Boston)

Community

The City of Boston announced multiple LGBTQ+ community events taking place at City Hall Plaza throughout the summer. The calendar includes the annual Donna Summer Disco Party on Friday, June 16 + Boston Urban Pride’s Music and Arts Festival on Sunday, July 2.

Today Is

Memorial Day, honoring US military personnel who died in the line of duty. It is a federal holiday, meaning civic offices, most state offices, banks, and public libraries will be closed. Visit the MFA or ICA for free today + stop by the Boston Common flag memorial, on view through this evening.

Arts

ArtsEmerson announced the theater’s 2023-2023 season lineup, featuring “Moby Dick” in January and “Mrs. Krishnan’s Party” opening at the end of March. Season packages are available now.

Transit

The CapeFlyer is offering $10 round-trip tickets throughout June to celebrate its 10th anniversary. It normally costs $40 to get from South Station to Hyannis — now that the transportation is covered, let us know if you’re interested in a Cape Cod day trip itinerary. (Boston.com)

Ranked

No. 5. That’s where the Freedom Trail ranked on a list of the country’s 10 best free attractions by USA Today. Our city’s famous walking trail isn’t just for tourists — review our guide to exploring the historical route.

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Events

Embrace these festival details

"The Embrace" bronze memorial of arms hugging on Boston Common

Don’t miss a musical performance from Mayor Wu and The Embrace Choir on June 14. | Photo by @charos10

The group behind “The Embrace” memorial on Boston Common will host its second annual Embrace Ideas Festival this summer.

Plan ahead for three days of community events promoting racial justice ahead of Juneteenth — starting with the Embrace Inaugural Juneteenth Concert on Wednesday, June 14 at Boston Common.

Other events include “Unearthing History and Monumentalizing the Truth” with the Boston Foundation and “Creativity is the Center of Black Resistance” at MassArt. The festival culminates in a block party at Roxbury College on Friday, June 16 with Grammy Award-nominated DJ Just Blaze.

Tickets are available for day passes (the multi-day pass has sold out). Good news: The Roxbury block party is free to attend.

View the full schedule

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Sara

From the editor

Anyone in the market for a lighthouse? The federal government is offering up six of these classic New England landmarks for free — but only to groups that are willing to preserve them.

If you’re not up for that challenge, you can still get your lighthouse fill with a visit to one of these local beauties.

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