Charlestown

Summer Events Schedule

 

 

 

 

Up Next! Fenway/Kenmore next Tuesday
Charlestown: The what

August 29-October 31
Charlestown Farmer’s Market
Thompson Square
Main Street and Austin Street
Wednesdays, 2-7 p.m.
Whether you live or work in the city, head into Charlestown for the obligatory locally-grown fruits and veggies and baked goods. There’s nothing better than fresh produce for Wednesday night’s dinner.
Free
www.mass.gov/agr

September 16 & October 21
New England Fine Arts Fair
Bunker Hill Community College
250 New Rutherford Ave.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Support and celebrate the fine arts tradition. The fair was established to promote the fine arts and fine crafts of New England. Highlights include the juried exhibition, live arts and crafts demonstrations and children’s activities.
Admission is $3, free for kids under 12.
www.newenglandfineartsfair.com

September 8
Art in the Park 2007
City Square Park
City Square and Main Street
10 a.m – 5 p.m.
This 9th annual outdoor festival brings art lovers and the general public together to view and purchase works from more than 70 juried artists and artisans. Art, food, music and fun for all!
Raindate: Sept. 9
Free
www.artistsgroupofcharlestown.com

September 11                 
Special Event only for Metro readers!
Tour of USS Cassin Young
Charlestown Navy Yard
Constitution Road
5:15 p.m.
The Boston Harbor Association is pleased to offer this unique event only available to Metro readers! Terry Savage, superintendent of the Boston National Historical Park, will lead this tour of the preserved World War II destroyer. Among other displays, the ship houses “Rosie the Riveter” programs which introduce the work and lives of women who wielded rivet guns and welding rods during WWII. You’ll also see where the “tin can sailors” lived during their long periods at sea.
Free, reservations required.
Call 617.482.1722 or e-mail   for more information.


EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Charlestown: The where

Charlestown Navy Yard
No trip to Charlestown would be complete without a visit to its most prominent, and historic, landmark. Established in 1800 as the first of six federal yards to build, outfit, repair and supply naval vessels, the Navy Yard had the only ropemaking facility for the Navy and allowed for production of rope up to 1,200 feet. The Navy Yard was decommissioned in 1974, and 30 of its acres became part of the Boston National Historic Park. It is home to the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) and its museum, and Building 114, a former naval joinery shop and current state-of-the-art biomedical research facility. Deeply rooted in history, the Charlestown Navy Yard played an important role in the birth, growth and effectiveness of the U.S. Navy.
Constitution Road
www.nps.gov/bost/historyculture/cny.htm

Paul Revere Park
This 5-acre park is located where the Charles River meets the Inner Harbor and extends from the North Washington Bridge up to the breathtaking Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge. The park’s large grass oval, fenced-in playground and pier perfect for fishing make it an appealing destination for all. While the landscape provides natural beauty, the mosaic art, with its bright colors and unique writing, is the park’s real highlight.
North Washington Street
www.bostonharborwalk.com

Bunker Hill Monument and Museum
Located along the Freedom Trail, the 221-foot granite Monument and its recently-opened museum, commemorate the first major battle of the American Revolution, “The Battle of Bunker Hill.” The current obelisk, built from Quincy-quarried granite, replaced the original 18-foot wooden pillar with a guilt urn in 1842 and was dedicated on June 17, 1843, in a national ceremony. Looking to burn some serious calories? The 292-step monument can be climbed daily, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The museum’s 4,000 square feet showcase “The Decisive Day: The Battle of Bunker Hill-Revolution, Monument, and Commemoration” exhibit, includes a 360-degree cyclorama mural depicting the epic battle. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monument Ave.
www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail

Shipyard Park
With heat typical of August in the forecast, the Shipyard Park’s spray fountain and wading pool are the place to be. Located on the grounds, the Korean War Memorial provides a quiet oasis to honor those from Massachusetts who died in the war. A motion-activated audio presentation tells their tale. Nearby, at Pier 4, is the Courageous Sailing Center which offers a variety of community sailing programs for people of all ages and experience.
8th Street and 1st Avenue
www.bostonharborwalk.com

Charlestown: The skinny

• One of Boston’s best-kept secrets is the MBTA water shuttle that runs between Long Wharf and the Charlestown Navy Yard. For just $1.70, it provides the fastest, and most scenic, way to travel to and from Charlestown.
• First erected in 1780, the Warren Tavern (2 Pleasant St.) is the oldest tavern in Massachusetts, and claims to have served none other than George Washington and Paul Revere. Old world charm provides a cozy atmosphere in which to eat and drink.
• Established in 1629, Charlestown’s settlement actually predates Boston‘s in 1630. However, evidence of this early settlement is hard to find, as much of Charlestown was burned to the ground by the British in 1775.
• Bunker Hill Community College was the backdrop and place of employment for Robin Williams’ character for some prominent scenes in 1997’s “Good Will Hunting” with his and Matt Damon’s character.