400 Years of History: A Walking Tour of the West End

Adult Enrichment / Out & About -

Spring 2025

This walking tour traces a circle around the West End, exploring the people and places that shaped the neighborhood over the past 400 years. The West End’s history is one of continual change, from supporting immigrants on their journey to the American Dream to producing America’s first native-born architect and leading innovations in railroads and electric streetcars. The neighborhood also provided a home for free Black citizens after the Revolution. Following decades of Urban Renewal after 1950, the West End was dramatically reshaped into its modern form. Come see how this fascinating neighborhood has evolved over the centuries.

Sebastian Belfanti

Sebastian Belfanti joined the West End Museum in 2019 as Volunteer Program Director, was hired in 2020 as the Museum’s first paid full-time staff member and became Executive Director in 2022. He holds a MSc in geology from Vanderbilt University and is President of the West End Civic Association, a Board Member of the Massachusetts History Alliance, and a Director Ex-Officio of the West End Community Center.

April 2025