Forum Network

On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere and William Dawes set out from Boston with information to convey to key Patriot leaders and to local Patriot militiamen. The story of “Midnight Ride,” on the eve of the Revolutionary War, has been told and retold over the past two and a half centuries, both as a historical event and as a national legend. The 2025 Lowell Lecture Series will share perspectives on the events of April 18, the various participants, and on what it means to people looking back on the ride today.Presented in partnership with GBH, the Suffolk University History Department, Old North Illuminated, Lexington History Museums, Evanston History Center at the Charles Gates Dawes House (Evanston, IL), and Made by Us, with funding from the Lowell Institute.All lectures are free and open to the public.

The 2024 Lowell Lecture Series focuses on the lesser-known express assignments Paul Revere completed. Speakers will share the importance of his courier work as part of a communications system that involved complex overlapping networks of leaders of all stations. The series will also explore the very practical aspects of long-distance horse journeys and the local colonial politics in key communities Revere interacted with.Presented by Paul Revere Memorial Association in partnership with GBH, the Suffolk University History Department, Milton Historical Society/Suffolk Resolves House (Milton, MA), Carpenters’ Hall (Philadelphia, PA), Fraunces Tavern Museum (New York, NY), and the Portsmouth Athenaeum (Portsmouth, NH), with funding from the Lowell Institute. All lectures are free and open to the public.

For its annual Lowell Lecture Series, the Boston Public Library explores “Revolutionary Music: Music for Social Change” as a year-long overview of how music has spurred social change in the United States. It is the first in a series of three thematic years leading up to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution."Revolutionary Music" will use a combination of programs and examples from BPL's collections to celebrate music's rich history of catalyzing social change, acting as a powerful conduit for dissent, unity, awareness, and cultural influence. From spirituals to jazz, folk, reggae, punk, and hip-hop, various music genres have echoed societal shifts and served as a voice for some of the protests and movements that have changed the course of history.Through captivating performances and discussions, curated booklists and playlists, and thought-provoking displays, the BPL is set to explore and celebrate the transformative impact of music on social change throughout the year.

Talks that are about physics, biology, astronomy, geology and more.

In 1974, U.S. District Court Judge W. Arthur Garrity Jr. ordered the Boston Public Schools to bus students between predominantly white and Black neighborhoods. The plan was intended to integrate the schools, but it led to racial violence and protests. The talks here study what happened that year from different perspectives and the long lasting legacy.

In virtually every corner of the Boston metro region, an issue that comes up frequently is how people face down institutional racism. This collection of talks draws together a diverse group of leaders and thinkers tackling distinct problems that grow out of persisting racist views.A subset of the talks come from one day where Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh pledged to tackle racial prejudice in his city. On November 19, 2016, he acknowledged to a full house in Boston’s Cutler Majestic Theater that the city has an issue with racism. Walsh and others addressed the mistakes of the past and set goals to build a more socially cohesive and resilient city.Boston was listed as one of 100 Resilient Cities by the Rockefeller Foundation for its application to root out institutional racism as part of a crisis response plan for the city.

At Ask the Expert, get access to experts specializing in a wide variety of topics, learn something new about a subject you are passionate about or discover a new interest. GBH invites you to drive the conversation by asking questions during the live event directly with our expert.

At Beyond the Page, we believe in the power of knowledge, the magic of stories and the beauty of shared experiences. This event series features interactive sessions with renowned authors discussing their latest work and their writing process. Whether you're seeking profound discussions or heartfelt emotions, these events offer something truly special for everyone.Discover more events like these here.

This 3-part series From Puritans to Catholics: Religion in Boston’s North End examines how shifts in religious traditions impacted cultural expression, demographics, political affiliations and economic status in the North End.Presented by the Paul Revere House in partnership with GBH, Suffolk University, Old North Illuminated and the North End Historical Society with funding from the Lowell Institute.

Talks curated around the ideas, celebrities, and media permeating our everyday lives.