Past Events

Honor the mother figure in your life with this evening of stories celebrating motherhood in all of its forms. More than just a night out, this storytelling event is a heartfelt tribute to moms, mentors, and caregivers—the ones who lift us up, hold us steady, and shape our lives with love. Whether you are a mother yourself or someone who has been touched by one, these powerful stories will honor the strength, sacrifice, and joy of nurturing loved ones. Through moments of resilience, laughter, and deep connection, our storytellers will remind us why motherhood—however it unfolds—is one of life’s most profound journeys. This evening is a tribute to the mothers in our lives.

At Stories from the Stage, produced by GBH WORLD, ordinary people share extraordinary experiences that you will not soon forget. You’ll hear stories of love and loss, amazing adventures, incredible surprises, and unexpected triumphs. In each taping, we get up-close and personal with storytellers about what inspires them and the craft of storytelling. Join us!


Each ticket includes: 
· A seat on the set of Stories from the Stage: Maternal Instinct
· A drink token for a refreshing glass of wine or beer (additional beverages can be purchased on-site)
· Light nibbles from our partners SamosaMan, Batter + Bloom, and Popped!
· A small potted plant from Mahoney's
· Complimentary parking

6:30pm Doors open to GBH's Atrium where light refreshments are available
7:00pm Doors open to GBH's Calderwood Studio for seating

Complimentary treats will be provided by SamosaMan, Batter + Bloom, and Popped! Small potted plants will be gifted to guests by Mahoney's.


Note all onsite purchases will be credit card only.
Event registration is required. Seating is general admission.The maximum capacity of this event is 130.
All guests must age 21 or older and have a valid ID.


This event is presented with support from our sponsor Liberty Mutual Insurance.
This event is also presented with support from our sponsor UMass Amherst.

Climate change, global disruption, and labor scarcity are forcing us to rethink the underlying principles of industrial society. How can a new generation reanimate the best ideas of our industrial forbearers and begin to build a realistic and human-centered future? Join us at the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation for a conversation with David Mindell who envisions a new form of industrialism that draws upon the first principles of the Industrial Revolution that date back to the 18th Century in his recent book 'The New Lunar Society'.

While discussing new industrialism, he will tell the story of the Lunar Society, a group of engineers, scientists, and industrialists who came together to apply the principles of the Enlightenment to industrial processes. The Lunar Society included pioneers like James Watt, Benjamin Franklin, and Josiah Wedgwood whose conversations both ignited the Industrial Revolution and shaped the founding of the United States.

Join American Experience PBS for an exclusive virtual film preview and discussion of the new documentary film "Mr. Polaroid".

Join the iconic Sasha Velour, season 9 winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, author of "The Big Reveal", and visionary drag artist, in conversation with Giselle Byrd, Executive Director of The Theater Offensive.

Hosted at the Boston Public Library, this talk explores the transformative power of drag, and the revolutionary role of art in shaping inclusive futures.

Come hear Cuban-Spanish flautist Anabel Gil Diaz and her ensemble bring the rhythms of Latin jazz to the BPL!

 India is an emerging major power in world affairs, occupying a pivotal position between China, the United States, and the Global South. Its population size, economy, and geopolitical location ensure that it will be an influential voice in debates and political struggles over global order. What are India’s choices and opportunities for regional and global leadership? How will it maneuver between China and the United States, and what is its role as a voice of the Global South? What opportunities exist for Washington to work with India?

With WorldBoston and Sugata Bose, Former Member of Parliament in India and Professor of Oceanic History and Affairs at Harvard University. 

Carbon gets a bad rap these days, according to author and environmentalist Paul Hawken, who urges us to widen our perception and response to the climate crisis.  Too often carbon is maligned as the “driver” of climate change and blamed for the possible demise of civilization.  However, this narrative is erroneous and misleading. 

Carbon is an intriguing element; the only one that animates the entire living world.  Manifesting in coal and diamonds, it displays a host of different properties because of its ability to bond easily. One vital example is carbon-dioxide, which allows plants to photosynthesize. Though carbon comprises a tiny fraction of Earth’s composition, our planet is lifeless without it. 

Paul Hawken, veteran environmentalist and author, looks at the flow of life through the lens of carbon. Embracing a panoramic view of carbon’s omnipresence, he explores how this ubiquitous and essential element extends into every aperture of existence and shapes the entire fabric of life. Hawken charts a course across our planetary history, guiding us into the realms of plants, animals, insects, fungi, food, and farms to offer a new narrative for embracing carbon’s life-giving power and its possibilities for the future of human endeavor.

Hawken’s latest book, Carbon: The Book of Life illuminates the subtle connections between carbon and our collective human experience and suggests we see nature, carbon, and ourselves as exquisitely intertwined -inseparably connected.

GBH Music and JazzBoston celebrate International Jazz Day with Walid Zairi and Talween, showcasing original world jazz music that blends the oud and accordion. Oud player and Talween frontman Walid Zairi’s compositions are influenced by his Tunisian African roots and classical Arabic music background, with jazz elements layered in to create a fresh and energetic sound. Named after the Arabic word for "coloring," Talween features world-class Boston musicians who weave a kaleidoscope of musical colors with intense melodies, jazz and African rhythms, intricate harmonies, and bold improvisation.

“Listen my children and you shall hear of the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.”

This talk will explore Revere’s patriotic technological service to his country, starting before his famous ride and ending long afterwards. Paul Revere pioneered new manufacturing techniques in iron casting, bronze bell and cannon making, and copperwork.

As the first American to roll copper into sheets for the young United States Navy, Revere’s innovative practices helped lead his young nation into the industrial age.

In this fireside chat, legal scholar Martha Minow, 300th Anniversary University Professor at Harvard University (and GBH Board Chair), sits down with Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden to talk about accessing reliable information in a world riddled with misinformation.

Opening remarks for this conversation will be provided by David Leonard, President, Boston Public Library and Susan Goldberg, President & CEO, GBH.

Please join us for community talks at the Boston Public Library. All are free and open to the public; limited seating is available on a first come, first serve basis. Please RSVP in advance for this free event.