Crossing Downtown, Through Time, On Paper: Streetscapes of 19th Century Boston

The Waterworks Museum presents an evening lecture with Dr. Jeffrey A. Cohen, Professor, Growth & Structure of Cities Department at Bryn Mawr College at 7pm on Wednesday, October 14. Dr. Cohen's talk, "Crossing Downtown, Through Time, On Paper: Streetscapes of 19th Century Boston," will take a look at documentary records of the Downtown Crossing neighborhood and examine the evolution of the city in this area. These locations have since given way to more modern buildings, erasing the smaller commercial structures of the 1850s and 1880s. What impact did this neighborhood have on the commercial heart of Boston, and what is happening there now? Come learn more about this distinctive urban legacy. The talk is open to the public with no admission fee, although donations are welcome.

The Metropolitan Waterworks Museum at 2450 Beacon Street in Boston, opposite the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, is a non-profit museum dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the historic waterworks and buildings which supplied the City of Boston with public water. The Museum presents unique stories of this early metropolitan water system through exhibitions and educational programs on engineering, architecture, social history, and public health. The Waterworks sits on the site of the original reservoir and pumping station in a building dating to the late 1880’s. The Museum consists of the Great Engines Hall, housing three historic steam-powered pumping engines, and a two story glass-enclosed pavilion, featuring the Overlook Gallery. Directions and hours can be found at www.WaterworksMuseum.org. Connect with us on Facebook at Waterworks Museum (official) and on Twitter @MetroWaterworks. Accessible by T on the Green Line “C” and “D” trains, and by Bus (#51 and #86). Limited parking available.