Tours Program

Our Tours Program has grown from an idea in the works to a series of three experiences that look at what makes Roxbury great. To get here, we have convened discussions with neighbors to hear their thoughts, and have led numerous test tours to garner feedback—which at times was positive, challenging, and enriching. It pushed us to reflect on how we are approaching this work - which aims to tells a deeper story of Roxbury and engage visitors more in our mission to dismantle racism and white supremacy culture.

From Outlaws to Insiders

Tours for the Season

The Trees of John Eliot Square

History

Enjoy a stroll around the neighborhood focused on Roxbury's agriculture and horticulture and how these shaped the neighborhood over the years.

Local

Legacies

Student-Led

In partnership with Live Like A Local Tours, local youth from RYP have curated a walking tour through Boston that highlights the past, present, and future of Roxbury through the lens of community, history, and their personal experiences.

From "Outlaws" to Insiders

Art

This tour will focus on graffiti and murals featured on the walls in back and in the middle of the Madison Park and John D. O’Bryant High School campuses, which is usually only seen by their students.

History

Meetinghouse

Tour

A guided tour of the historic First Church in Roxbury, led by historian and preservation expert Thomas Plant. Explore the rich legacy and recent refurbishments of this landmark building at the heart of the UU Urban Ministry.

The Roxbury

Ramble

Art

Wear your walking shoes and plan to make it a day in The ‘Bury! This expanded tour will explore public art and places of note in the Sugar Hill and Fort Hill areas of Roxbury that border on JP and Dorchester.

Roots of

the 'Bury

Art

This tour will focus on public art along Washington Street in the Nubian Station area with featured stops at The General Gourdin and African American Veterans Memorial, The Bruce Bolling Building, Black Market, Madison Park High School

We envision these walking tours accomplishing the following goals:

Countering traditional narratives of Roxbury as a place of deficits with witnessing the historical and cultural richness of this significant Boston neighborhood – which was protected and preserved by the Black community that has taken root here.
Uncovering the ways government-sanction and systemic racism have shaped segregated communities in Boston, and this community. We hold our own institution up for such interrogation.
Creating space for shared learning, in reflection after the tours. These become more than just walks. They become opportunity for transformational learning.
Driving dollars to Black-owned businesses in nearby Nubian Square. All visitors on the tours are encouraged to dine and shop in nearby businesses after their walks.

UPCOMING TOURS SCHEDULE

After Your Tour, Stay for Lunch

After enjoying your UUUM Tour experience, take the short walk/drive to Nubian Square for lunch at one of the great restaurants in the neighborhood. CLICK HERE for a map of the restaurants and small businesses in the Nubian Square area that we're sure you'll enjoy!

* There is a suggested donation of $10.00 - $30.00 to the UU Urban Ministry for taking a tour. CLICK HERE to visit our Donate page.

CONTACT US TO TAKE A TOUR

Questions? Want to join us for a tour?

If you are interested in taking one of the upcoming scheduled neighborhood walking tours, or if you have any questions about the Urban Ministry's Tours Program, contact us by emailing: tours@uuum.org

CHECK OUT OUR PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

The Urban Ministry's Tours Program is made possible, in part, by support from: