Women of Liberty Walking Tour

On a two hour guided walking tour, hear the Boston stories of women who challenged authority and changed the country. In the 17th century Mary Dyer and Ann Hutchinson demand religious tolerance and freedom of conscience. In revolutionary Boston, The Daughters of Liberty work with the Sons of Liberty in their demand for independence from The British Empire. Phyllis Wheatley becomes America's first African-American poet. Mercy Warren, America's first female playwright and war reporter. Walk the streets of Beacon as you hear the stories of Authors Louisa May Alcott and Julia Ward Howe as well the as crucial roll of women on the underground railroad. In the 19th Century Boston's leading women demand the abolition of slavery and immediate full rights for women. Lucy Stone is the first woman in America to marry and not take her husband's name. Angelina Grimke gives the first public speech in America by a woman. In the 20th Century, Maggie Foley leads the call for women's suffrage and full union membership.

The tour begins at the State House with talks about the Puritan and Quaker women that challenged authority. From the State House we walk the streets of Beacon Hill and hear the store of Louisa May Alcott and Battle Hymn author Julie Ward Howe, as well as the work of women on the underground railroad. We stroll through Boston Common to hear stories of Lucy Stone (the first woman to marry and not take her husbands name) as well the Daughters of Liberty and their crucial role in the Revolution. We go into the Old Granary Burial ground to see the grave of the first African-American poet. We see the offices of the woman who lead the battle for ending slavery and woman's suffrage. The tours ends near Fanueil Hall, at the office of the first woman playwright and war reporter.