Month: December 2019

Boston’s First Night 2019, Family Events

New Year’s Eve is almost upon us. With a sleet and rain storm on tap for the next two days, I’m crossing my fingers that the weather will be good enough and safe enough for a little celebrating Tuesday.

Images courtesy of First Night Boston

Boston’s First Night has been through a lot of changes over the years, and isn’t nearly as big as it used to be, but it still has a good number of events for families. All events are now FREE! You just have to pay attention to which events require tickets so you can go early to get some.

This year I hope our family can check out:

  • The Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association’s Arts & Crafts and Cultural Performances running 1pm to 4pm in the McKim Exhibition Hall at the Boston Public Library at Copley Square.
  • One of Improv Boston’s performances on the other side of the BPL at 1:15, 2:30 and 3:45. These are free but ticketed performances. Go early to get tickets!
  • My kids might not be thrilled at this one, but I’m really looking forward to The King of Instruments organ performance at Old South Church at 3pm. Have you ever heard an E.M. Skinner organ? They are WONDERS and make such beautiful music. It’s so powerful, you experience the music with your whole body, not just your ears! And they can make all kinds of sounds, including trumpet and flute sounds. It’s like an orchestra packed into one enormous music machine. The program says they’ll have music for the whole family, so hopefully the kids will enjoy it too.

Some other lovely events in the early afternoon for families are the Puppet Showplace Theater performances in the Copley Mall, and interactive drumming sessions and ballroom dance instruction both at the BPL. Click here for the full schedule of events.

There’s a several hour break between those family events and the next events we might attend.

The Skating Spectacular on Frog Pond starts at 5:30pm. But the People’s Procession from Copley Square to the Common starts at 6pm. So we’ll have to choose between them. Finally, the Family Fireworks light up over Boston Common at 7pm. I love heading home at 7:30pm on New Year’s Eve. I definitely feel like we celebrated AND get to leave before the city gets crazy with New Year’s revelers.

Because of that few hours break between activities and fireworks, I’m not sure what we’ll do. As a BBHSer, I love the free holiday festivities, but I don’t want to spend a lot on food in a more expensive Boston neighborhood. I’ll have to research where we might go before we head down to Copley Square on Wednesday. If you have any tips for cheap eats within a reasonable walking distance of Copley Square and Boston Common, please share them in the comments below!

MFA December Vacation Week Activities 2019

One of our favorite activities at an MFA vacation week was a weather-vane project, where my “avant-garde” 4-year-old made a dog weather vane with a spiraled, yellow pipe-cleaner attached to show the dog peeing 😂😍🎨 The museum educators facilitating the activity were wonderfully supportive of him and even suggested art styles his creation would fit right into. The child has a sense of humor!

Another time we made Polynesian stick charts after looking at a Navigation Chart from Micronesia. This was right around the time the Disney movie “Moana” was big, and my kids really enjoyed an activity relevant to something they loved.

Now, I know as homeschoolers we don’t usually like to go places during school vacation weeks, there are just so. many. people. But I do make an exception for the MFA’s vacation week activities because the quality of the activities is very good and very kid-friendly. The activities are also more low-key and free-form compared to Artful Adventures. Giving my kids a positive experience with art, history and museums is something I highly value, and can usually accomplish at the MFA!

This year’s December Vacation Week Activities are focused on the solstice and light, and runs Thursday, December 26 to Tuesday, December 31, 2019.

Cover image for “Ancient Nubia Now” special exhibit
Source: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

From 10am to 4pm everyday, you can visit these activities:

  • Reflected Light – Features a Persian mosaic with mirror pieces and a mosaic making activity.
  • Light from Above – This activity invites kids to look for the rainbow in a painting called Blue Niagara and to see if they can find rainbows in other paintings. The connected art activity is to make your own picture with colored pencils focused on water and light.
  • Light of the Sun – After visiting the Ancient Nubia Now exhibit to see how the Nubians used gold to represent sunlight, kids can make their own jewelry.
  • Infinite Light – Kids can look at a bronze Altarpiece with Amitabha and Attendants, and then make their own mixed-media sculpture as they “imagine a special place filled with endless light.”

On Monday December 30, 2019 at 11 am only, you can visit this activity:

  • Riley the Museum Dog Book Signing and Scent Training Demonstration – Meet the MFA’s canine volunteer who helps sniff out bugs hiding in the museum that could damage art works. There will be a demonstration of his skills and a book signing.

The MFA full-price admission isn’t cheap, but you can get passes for $10 admission for 2 people at most area libraries. Children 17 and under are free whenever school is not in session. An EBT card will get you $3 admission per person.

Have you gone to any of the MFA’s vacation week activities in the past? What did you think of your experience? Leave a reply below 🙂

Harvard Semitic Museum, Cambridge

Sandwich board sign outside the Harvard Semitic Museum showing an Egyptian sculpture and advertising Free Admission and open hours Sunday-Friday 11am-4pm. My son leans against the sign with a smile on his face.
Welcome Sign at the Semitic Museum. Source: BBHS

A few days ago, we spent some time visiting collections at Harvard University, including The Semitic Museum which is tucked behind the Museum of Natural History at 6 Divinity Avenue. Admission is free and open to the public.

When I first heard about this museum I wasn’t sure what it was about, maybe you’re scratching your head too. Here’s a lovely text from the museum to explain:

An informational text from the Harvard Semitic Museum which is titled "A Museum for All People." Text reads "David Gordon Lyon envisioned an institution that highlighted the tremendous cultural contributions of the Semitic peoples of the Ancient Near East: Israelites, Phoenicians, Egyptians, Arameans, Babylonians, Arabs, and many others. For students in Lyon's time, the achievements of ancient Greece and Rome were common knowledge. But long before those great civilizations arose, the kingdoms of the 'Fertile Crescent' had already developed fundamental concepts that would shape all of Western civilization. Three great religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - emerged from the Semitic world, as did the modern alphabet and elements of complex mathematics."
Text from the Semitic Museum. Source: BBHS

My favorite object on display here is a painted, plaster cast of the Stele of Hammurabi that is in the Louvre! Our first time to the museum, we were totally surprised to see it. We had come to see Egyptian artifacts and I had no idea Greater Boston had a life size replica that we could visit. I remember learning about the Code of Hammurabi as a kid. We covered it in our ancient history homeschool curriculum. The pictures didn’t prepare us for how massive it is in person. We were also surprised to see the text covers the entire surface, front to back, and that it’s roughly cylindrical. The long story short is that seeing an object in person is powerful!

Laws of Hammurabi. Source: BBHS

The Semitic Museum is very small, and is nestled among academic offices on three floors. You can visit objects that are at least 5 thousand years old, see Egyptian sarcophagi, cuneiform tablets, pottery and more. And, you can see everything in under an hour.

On our visit this week, the first floor gallery with a life-size reproduction of an Israelite home was closed. I can’t say if it’s a long-term closure for renovations or temporary for minor repairs. Call before you go if that’s what you want to see most! The third floor has a newer exhibit on reproductions of ancient Mesopotamian palace carvings, which I personally think is really great! We can’t all have original objects available to see in person all around the world. Well made reproductions give people a wonderful opportunity to have first hand experience with important art and artifacts.

“From Stone to Silicone” exhibit at Harvard Semitic Museum. Source: BBHS

There are two really cool technological features available from the museum. One is an augmented reality app you can use with the reproduction of the Dream Stela on the second floor. You can either borrow a tablet from the information desk downstairs or download an app to your own device. Click here for more on experiencing the Sphinx and Dream Stela in augmented reality.

The second are digital models of artifacts that you can download and recreate on a 3D printer. The cuneiform tablet image above is actually a 3D printed model. When you visit the digital models page, click on the little blue box on each model image to go to sketchfab.com where the downloads are available.

Have you been surprised to find an important artifact in one of Greater Boston’s museums? Tell us about it in the comments!

Kendall Square Ice Show moved to 12/21 due to ice melt

Because today was so warm, the rink postponed their ice show to Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 2 pm.

Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, Harvard U.

  • Water Lens in the Science Center
  • Commodore 64 station once used in Harvard’s Cyclotron
  • A 1st floor display
Source: BBHS

Yesterday we visited the Harvard Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments located in Harvard’s Science Center at 1 Oxford Street in Cambridge. Admission to the collection is free and open to the public.

This is a lovely, small, but high-interest collection with lots of objects from Harvard’s long history of scientific research and study. The collection spans 400 years and includes “telescopes, microscopes, sextants, medical tools, and computational instruments.” You could easily connect your history or science studies to objects on view here. Before you go, you could search their collection online using their Waywiser database to see what’s on view that you’d like to see.

The main entrance to Harvard’s Science Center. In the summer, there’s a mist fountain among the boulders, which are a fun obstacle course for kids year-round. Source: BBHS

While you’re visiting the Science Center, you can see some wonderful examples of Mid-Century arts and some fun science objects on display in the hallways. There’s also a Clover cafe on the first floor where you could stop for a snack or coffee. You can also bring your own food and eat in the cafe seating.

Source: BBHS

Have you visited the CHSI? Do you have any favorite scientific instruments that are on display? Would love to hear your comments below!

Free Online Learning for You!

One of my favorite parts of this homeschooling journey has been the opportunity to fill in gaps in my own education. I love learning about history, culture and science.

Over the years I’ve used some online education portals to pursue some amazing classes. Not only is it a great way to pass time while my kids are doing their own work, it’s also a powerful way to demonstrate to them my values around education.

Two textbooks. "Philosophy in the Flesh: The Embodied Mind and its Challenge to Western Thought" by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson. A geology textbook, "Understanding Earth, 5th Edition" by Grotzinger, Jordan, Press, Siever.
Books I used with online courses, Source: BBHS

Here are my fav online learning portals, let me know of your favs in the comments!

EdX.org – This platform was created by Harvard and MIT and hosts courses from colleges and universities around the world. Most courses you can take for free. The first amazing course I took was “The Science of Religion” from the University of British Columbia. I’ve also taken courses on Chinese History, the basics of Neuroscience, Ethics, History of Architecture. Most EdX courses do not require any outside materials or text books, though classes may suggest optional readings. The site is user-friendly, and you can go at your own pace.

MIT OpenCourseWare – From their site: “MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) is a web-based publication of virtually all MIT course content. OCW is open and available to the world and is a permanent MIT activity.” I’ve taken an introductory course on Geology through this platform. Compared to EdX.org, OCW isn’t as user friendly. The courses available, however, are actual college-level courses! You will often want to buy or borrow the textbooks for each course. I bought my textbook off eBay for less than $20. If you can get your course’s books from the library, these courses are truly free and high quality.

A few years ago, a homeschooler was in the news for using MIT OpenCourseWare for his entire homeschool education and getting admitted to MIT at age 15.

Coursera – This platform is a lot like EdX. The biggest difference with Coursera is that you need to keep up with each course’s timing. It’s not as relaxed as EdX, but I do think the courses are at a slightly higher level. I haven’t successfully finished a class on Coursera because of the timing issue, but have found some really great topics, such as entomology and fair use copyright law for blogs!

Do you use these online platforms yourself? Do your kids learn from them? Please share your experiences in the comments below!

Free Holiday Fun this Weekend – 12/14 to 12/15

Kendall Square Holiday on Ice Celebration – 12/14

Every year the Kendall Square outdoor skating rink opens for the season with a skating show featuring professional skaters, international competitors, and lots of holiday fun. The show is free. Skating is free for the day as well (skate rentals cost extra) 11am-9pm.

Details: Saturday, December 14, 2019, show begins at 2pm, free, 300 Athenaeum St, Cambridge, MA.

Source: https://www.kanva.ca/entrelesrangs/

“Entre Les Rangs” – Ongoing until 2/2/2010

There’s a very fancy public art installation that just opened up in the Seaport this week. While I don’t usually enjoy the District 1-ness of the Seaport and the events held there, I do enjoy free public arts and exposing my children to them! This one looks like a community experience akin to the “The Gates” many years ago in Central Park in NYC. From the descriptions, it sounds to me like the best time to go is night, but I’m sure it’s captivating any time of day. “Entre Les Rangs” translates to “Between the Ranks” or “Between the Rows.”

Details: December 9, 2019 to February 2, 2020, free, Seaport Commons, 85 Northern Ave, Boston, MA.

Blink! at Faneuil Hall – Nightly through 1/1/2020

This exuberant light and music display has become an annual tradition in Boston. During the day on Saturday, December 14, 2019, you can also enjoy “Candy Land Play-A-Thon” from 10am to Noon where each participating child receives a free game or gift. From Noon to 5pm you can take “Selfies with Santa” and make a Christmas Photo Frame while supplies last.

Details: Saturday, December 14, 2019, free, Candy Land 10am-Noon, Selfies with Santa Noon-5pm. Blink! holiday lights, nightly 4:30pm-10pm every half hour, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA.

Family Hike: Short Days, Long Nights – 12/15

The Arnold Arboretum is hosting a winter solstice themed family hike, with a storywalk and chickadee craft. Meet inside the Main Gate at the visitor center.

Details: Sunday, December 15, 2019, 2pm to 3:30pm, free, Hunnewell Building Visitor Center, 125 Arborway, Boston, MA.

“A Light Through the Ages” the Meaning of Chanukah in Story and Song – 12/15

“Central Reform Temple of Boston will offer the eleventh annual presentation of “A Light Through the Ages”, a celebration of Chanukah in story, song and light. This beloved holiday tradition for people of all faiths offers a unique opportunity for the greater Boston community to experience the inspiration and broader significance of the Festival of Lights.” Free but registration is required.

Details: Sunday, December 15, 2019, 4 pm, free, Central Reform Temple, 15 Newbury St, Boston, MA.

Holiday Concert Featuring the Copley Singers – 12/15

On Sunday at the St. Mary-St. Catherine of Siena Church, the Friends of the Charlestown Branch of the Boston Public Library is hosting a holiday concert where the audience is welcome to sing along to festive and solemn Christmas carols from Europe and the Americas, from ancient to modern times.

Details: Sunday, December 15, 2019, 3:30pm, free, 55 Warren Street, Charlestown, MA.

Have any free and fun holiday events you think another BBHSer might enjoy? Please share them below in the comments, thank you!!

Free Holiday Fun this Weekend – 12/7/19 to 12/8/19

Double posting today! After writing about Saturday’s Tree Lighting on the USS Constitution, I realized a post about weekend holiday events would be useful and fun too!

Old South Meeting House – Holiday Open House – 12/7

We took a tour of the Freedom Trail for the first time this fall and had a lot of fun. But we decided to skip the sites with admissions fees, both to keep costs down and to try to finish the trail in a reasonable amount of time 😉

Well, this weekend we might head over to Old South Meeting House for their FREE Holiday Open House!! It looks like a really fun and interesting program, PLUS we can get another stamp for our National Parks Passport.

Details: Saturday, December 7, 2019, 10am-4pm, Free Admission, 310 Washington St, Boston, MA.

Photo by Luis Quintero on Pexels.com

Brandeis Ballet Club’s Full Length Nutcracker – T accessible, 12/7 & 12/8

Seeing the Nutcracker is a wonderful holiday tradition for some. But tickets to most productions can be expensive. Looking for a cheaper alternative to the Boston Ballet’s production? The Brandeis Ballet Club is putting on their 4th annual, full-length Nutcracker! They’ve put a modern twist on the classic ballet.

There is free admission for students and non-students alike!

Details: Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 12:30 pm and Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 5 pm. Free and open to the public. Shapiro Campus Center (SCC) Theatre, Brandeis University, 415 South St, Waltham, MA.

T-Accessible! 0.3 mile walk from the Brandeis/Roberts stop on the Fitchburg commuter rail line. 0.7 mile walk from Bus #70 stop at Tavern Rd and Weston St.

Live Nativity on Boston Common – 12/7

If you hit up the Old South Meeting House on Saturday, you could continue your holiday festivities in the evening with a Live Nativity on Boston Common, featuring live animals and readings in English and Spanish! This event is put on by Renewal Church Boston in Back Bay. It’s free, but they are collecting gently used winter accessories such as scarves, hats and gloves to distribute to the needy.

Details: Saturday, December 7, 2019, 5pm to 8pm, Boston Common Parade Ground near Frog Pond. Spanish reading at 7 pm.

Candlelight Labyrinth Walk – 12/8

Looking for something more contemplative? I’m intrigued by this event held by the Armenian Heritage Park on the Greenway in Boston. The simple description reads:

Candlelit Labyrinth Walk: In Peace & Harmony. Meet & Greet. Celebrate Walk the Candlelit Labyrinth. Tie a Ribbon with Your Wish on the Wishing Tree. Enjoy Hot Chocolate & Luscious Cookies. RSVP appreciated

Details: Sunday, December 8, 2019, 4:30pm to 5:30pm, Free, Armenian Heritage Park, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, Boston, MA

Holiday Concert by the Harvard Wind Ensemble – 12/8

My son’s saxophone teacher is performing with the Harvard Wind Ensemble this weekend in a free Holiday Concert. We can’t wait to see them perform!

Details: Sunday, December 8, 2019, 8pm, Lowell Hall, 17 Kirkland St, Cambridge, MA.

Know of any other great and free holiday events this weekend or anytime later this month? Please share them in the comments below! Thanks!!!

Free Christmas Fun at the USS Constitution 12/7/19

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Pexels.com

This Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 3:45 pm to 6 pm, the USS Constitution is hosting a lovely Christmas Tree Lighting. The event includes “holiday music, free hot chocolate and cookies, an appearance by Santa Claus and his elves, and remarks from USS Constitution’s Commanding Officer.”

I bet opportunities for beautiful holiday photos will be abundant!

The public may begin boarding the ship at 3:45 pm, the tree lighting will be at 4:30 pm, guests may then tour the ship until 6 pm.

Please note that all adults must show appropriate ID and all bags are subject to search before going onto the ship. Click here to read more about visiting the USS Constitution, ID requirements, what to expect when going through security screening, directions and parking.

List of Free Admission Days/Times at Area Museums

The links in the list below go to each institution’s visiting/admissions information page. Please make sure to read all information on those pages to make sure you know what to expect and to confirm the days and times. I always recommend calling ahead or visiting websites before going to museums because policies can change at any time and sometimes museums are closed unexpectedly. Click here for the BBHS page on Museum resources.

Source: BBHS

Generally you will need to bring an appropriate ID for free admissions based on residency, military status and EBT benefits.

I will update this post with new information as I get it. Please send me any information you have on free admission to museums not listed here!! Comment below or contact me.