Neighborhood Roundup

West End Museum Closed for Winter

The West End Museum is closed through at least mid-February.

“While closing for most of the winter is a challenging decision, we feel that doing so is our best option to serve the WEM community, do our part to keep people safe, and prepare for a return to normal,” reads a statement on the museum’s website posted prior to Mayor Martin Walsh’s announcement that Boston would be returning to Phase two Step Two on Dec. 14, which shutters museums citywide for at least three weeks. “While we’re closed our work will continue.”

Over the winter, the museum will continue to offer virtual tours/talks about West End history, as well as outdoor “Strolling Tours” scheduled upon inquiry.

To schedule a tour, email [email protected].

Historic Christmas Eve Handbells Will be Silent this Year

Due to state COVID-19 guidelines limiting outdoor gatherings, bell ringing on Louisburg Square Christmas Eve has been canceled, but the proprietors of Louisburg Square hope to resume the beloved tradition in 2021.

The tradition began in 1924 with Margaret Nichols Shurcliff, who was raised at 55 Mount Vernon St., which is currently home to the Nichols House Museum. On Christmas Eve of that year, Margaret and her children, including her youngest daughter, 9-year-old Alice, rang Christmas carols in front of their home, then, joined by a joyful gathering of neighbors, strolled the streets of Beacon Hill ringing carols. This celebration grew in such popularity that Margaret’s family has continued for many years, passing bell ringing down to new generations. Some of her grandchildren still observe the Christmas Eve ringing on Louisburg Square, the perennial home of this tradition on Beacon Hill.

TONIGHT: Virtual Hearing on Proposed Hurley Building          Redevelopment Set for Dec. 17

The state’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) will hold a virtual public hearing on Thursday, Dec. 17, at 6:30 p.m. to present the draft Project Proposal for the redevelopment of the Charles F. Hurley Building.

You can view the draft Project Proposal at https://www.mass.gov/doc/charles-f-hurley-building-draft-project-proposal/download.

The hearing will be held online, via Zoom. To pre-register, click on https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Zw1ed5LORHqn_M2OsqgqBg; after registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining.

Beacon Hill Seminars Registration and Kickoff

Beacon Hill Seminars is offering 18 online courses this spring and the public is invited to learn more at their Spring Semester Kickoff on Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 2 p.m. via Zoom.  The course leaders will share brief introductions to their classes on art, history, science, politics and more. 

For more information, visit beaconhillseminars.org or email [email protected].

‘Memoirs’ Collection of Artwork Now on Exhibit at the Barry Group’s Offices

The Hidden Art Gallery presents “Memoirs” – a collection of paintings by Patrick Anderson and Zoe Arguello that are a mix of realists cityscapes of Boston, Beacon Hill and impressionist paintings of nearby public parks – for viewing during the week or by appointment at The Barry Group offices at 98 West Cedar St. through Dec. 31. Feel free to stop by in person or call 617-308-5966 for an appointment.

Hill House Offering Semi-Private Classes for Family Pods

Hill House, Inc., located at 127 Mount Vernon St., recognizes that many families have formed pods to keep groups smaller/reduce exposure.

To acknowledge that, Hill House is now offering semi-private classes and athletics for small cohorts of children. From art to science and Pre-K sports, there are open opportunities for you to come into the Firehouse at flexible times and enjoy the wide array of enrichment programs and athletics with the comfort of knowing who you’re in the class with in an individualized space. These semi-private classes are open to all ages and led by our trained staff. For further information and to sign up, call the Front Desk at 617-227-5838, or visit www.hillhouseboston.org.

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