Otis House Museum

Sunday, July 12, 10:00 a.m. Starting at <a href="https://www.historicnewengland.org/property/otis-house/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Otis House,</a> 141 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 


Explore histories of health and healing in 19th-century Boston on this new walking tour. Starting at Otis House and winding through the streets of Beacon Hill, you’ll discover how residents navigated medical care and how that care evolved over time. Meet intriguing figures like Elizabeth Mott, whose alternative treatments drew patients to the area, and trailblazing physicians such as Harriot Kezia Hunt and Rebecca Lee Crumpler, who challenged barriers in education and care. This tour offers a glimpse into the people and practices that shaped Boston’s medical past.

Members $20; Nonmembers $25. 

Also offered on&nbsp;Saturday,&nbsp;August 22. Tickets can be purchased <a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/27269/health-home-822" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">HERE</a>.Please call (617) 994-5920 for more information. 

Private group tours available on request. Please call the number above or email <a href="mailto:OtisHouse@HistoricNewEngland.org">OtisHouse@HistoricNewEngland.org</a>
for details.

Accessibility Considerations: This tour involves traversing the brick and cobblestone sidewalks of Beacon Hill, including climbing to the top of the hill. There is no seating, and restrooms are only offered at the beginning of the tour. The main thoroughfare of Cambridge Street can be very loud, including the prevalence of sirens in the vicinity.

Local Event: Health and Medicine on Beacon Hill

Suffolk County

Beacon Hill

Massachusetts

Health and Medicine on Beacon Hill

Sunday, July 12, 10:00 a.m. Starting at Otis House, 141 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 


Explore histories of health and healing...

Uncover stories of the last surviving mansion in Bowdoin Square through two distinct chapters of its history. First, delve into the lives of the Otis family members. Built in 1796, the house reflects the wealthy couple and their growing family in the Federal era. Then, travel into the mid-19th century, when the house transformed into a genteel boarding house. The Williams sisters managed and operated a shared residence for middle-class individuals and families.Also offered on&nbsp;Sunday, August 23. Tickets can be purchased <a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/27269/two-eras-823" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">HERE</a>.

Members $15; Nonmembers $20. 

 Please call (617) 994-5920 for more information. 

 A Last Look Inside Otis House Before Its Next Chapter
This summer is your last opportunity to experience the interiors of Otis House before Historic New England embarks on an exciting multi-year restoration and visitor enhancement project. Be sure to visit before August 30, when the house temporarily closes for this transformative work.

 Accessibility Considerations: The site is not equipped with ramps, elevators, or lifts and the house is not air-conditioned.

Local Event: A Tale of Two Eras at The Otis House

A Tale of Two Eras at The Otis House

Uncover stories of the last surviving mansion in Bowdoin Square through two distinct chapters of its history. First, delve into...

Barbara Callahan

Boston

Boston Metropolitan Area

Back Bay

North End

South End

Charlestown

Fenway

Middlesex County

Cambridge

Benjamin Pierce

Somerville

Jamaica Plain

Norfolk County

Brookline

Pauli's

Thirteen years ago, on what should have been just another quiet Fourth of July weekend, a small family-run sandwich shop in Boston’s North End made a decision that would change its future forever. Without a big advertising budget. Without a marketing department. Without knowing whether anyone would even care. The Barker family built a lobster roll so ridiculously oversized that it made people stop, laugh, argue and, most importantly, pay attention. They called it the USS Lobstitution. What happened next became part of Boston food lore.
The first story appeared in the neighborhood newspaper (North End Patch). The idea was celebrated by some and criticized by others. A rival restaurant questioned the audacity of using so much of New England’s most treasured ingredient for what many dismissed as a publicity stunt. But the debate only fueled the story. One television station became several. Food writers took notice. National media soon followed. Before long, the little sandwich shop tucked into Boston’s North End had become one of America’s most recognizable destinations for lobster rolls.
That one outrageous idea transformed Pauli’s.
Over the next thirteen years, the family-owned restaurant became a fixture on national television, including shows like the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Good Morning America, while earning coverage from countless local, national and international news outlets. More importantly, it established an identity that still defines the restaurant today: if customers loved something, Pauli’s wasn’t afraid to dream a little bigger.
As imitators emerged over the years, the family never stopped innovating. The original USS Lobstitution eventually gave way to the six-foot, 15-pound Lobzilla, once again capturing headlines and reminding people where the oversized lobster roll phenomenon began.
Today, thirteen years after the sandwich that changed everything, the Barker family returned to where the story started. Standing proudly in front of the USS Constitution, the historic ship that inspired its name, family members and employees gathered to unveil the USS Lobstitution 2.0. A new 15-foot long lobster roll overflowing with approximately 20 pounds of fresh lobster meat, it is the biggest lobster roll Pauli’s has ever created.
But for the Barker family, the sandwich represents far more than size. It represents the belief that a small family business with a bold idea can compete with anyone. It represents every early morning, every late night, every risk taken and every obstacle overcome over the past thirteen years. And perhaps most importantly, it is a reminder that originality cannot be manufactured.
“As we’ve watched restaurants unveil their own giant lobster rolls over the years, we’ve never been upset,”
said Paul Barker, owner of Pauli’s. “If anything, we’ve been proud. It told us that one crazy idea from a little family business in Boston made people think differently. But every once in a while it’s important to remind people where that idea began.”
He continued, “We didn’t have investors. We didn’t have a giant marketing budget. We just believed that if we were willing to work harder, think bigger and have a little fun, people might notice. Thirteen years later, we’re still here, and we’re still dreaming bigger.”
While the USS Lobstitution 2.0 is available for large private parties, corporate gatherings and special events ($1,999.99 USD) Serves 80-100, the Barker family says the biggest sandwich they’ve ever built isn’t just about making headlines.
Throughout the remainder of 2026, as Boston celebrates its 250th anniversary, Pauli’s will donate several USS Lobstitution 2.0 sandwiches to military service members, veterans and first responders as a way of thanking the people who dedicate their lives to serving others.
“It felt right,” Barker said. “The original USS Lobstitution was inspired by one of America’s greatest symbols, the USS Constitution. As we celebrate this country’s 250th birthday, we wanted this anniversary to stand for something bigger than us.”
Thirteen years ago, the USS Lobstitution introduced America to a family business that refused to think small.
Today, the Barker family isn’t simply unveiling an even bigger lobster roll. They’re celebrating the idea that imagination will always outlast imitation, that passion can still outperform marketing budgets, and that sometimes the biggest stories begin in the smallest kitchens. Pauli’s is the 2026 Best of Boston winner for Best Gigantic Lobster Roll presented by Boston magazine and is ensuring they honor that title. 
For more information please visit: <a href="https://paulisnorthend.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://paulisnorthend.com/</a>

Local Event: The Lobster Roll That Changed Everything: Thirteen Years Later, Pauli’s Unveils USS Lobstitution 2.0

The Lobster Roll That Changed Everything:...

 Thirteen years ago, on what should have been just another quiet Fourth of July weekend, a small family-run sandwich shop in...

The Lobster Roll That Changed Everything: Thirteen Years Later, Pauli’s Unveils USS Lobstitution 2.0

Charles River Esplanade

The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular returns to the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade for its 52nd year on Saturday, July 4, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET. Led by legendary conductor Keith Lockhart, the Pops concert welcomes three very special guest artists: Grammy-winning country music superstar Lainey Wilson, three-time Grammy winner Chance The Rapper, and Grammy-winning NOLA icon Trombone Shorty, each making their first appearance with the Pops.
As the Signature Event of the Commonwealth’s MA250 (Massachusetts 250) initiative honoring the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, this year’s free July 4 concert anchors a multi-year, statewide commemoration highlighting Massachusetts’ legacy of leadership and innovation in shaping the nation’s founding and future.

Local Event: 2026 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

2026 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular returns to the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade for its 52nd year on Saturday,...

The Farm at Gore Place

Get outside and embrace the SUMMER by learning how to shoot a bow and arrow at the historic Gore Place Estate! 
Join us Sunday from 12:00 - 1:30 PM for a fun and entertaining introduction to archery and reconnect with your inner Katniss or Robin Hood.&nbsp;
All coaching and equipment is provided by our team of instructors who will have you laughing, smiling and maybe even weeping with tears of joy as you strike the bull's eye and relive all those childhood memories of archery - or create new ones for the first time.<figure><img src="https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/22552416/20260701/041814/untitled-design-4___01161812888.jpg" id="Untitled design (4).png" data-image="Untitled design (4).png"></figure>

Tickets available online only at <a target="_blank" href="https://onthemarkarchery.com/waltham" rel="nofollow noopener">otma.us/waltham</a>
*Please check website in advance BEFORE coming!*
**Rainouts will be credited towards a future Open Range Sunday**
The FARM at Gore Place: 249 Waltham Street, Watertown, MA 02472
#weekendplans #archery #openrange

Local Event: Archery Sunday!

Newton

Archery Sunday!

Get outside and embrace  the SUMMER by learning how to shoot a bow and arrow at the historic Gore Place Estate! 
Join us Sunday...

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