The West End Museum

06/22/2026

Today is WEM's 22nd Birthday! Ensure that the story of The West End will be preserved and shared for many more years by donating today by clicking this link: https://thewestendmuseum.org/donate/

06/21/2026

Happy to all the dads in the West End and beyond! Is your father connected to the West End? Make a donation to our important historical work in his name today! Click here to be directed to our donation page: https://thewestendmuseum.org/donate/

C. Stephen Edgell and son standing in a cleared section of The West End, 1959

06/19/2026

HAPPY JUNETEENTH!!!!!!!!!!!!

WEM will be open during our normal hours this weekend.

Want to learn more about Boston's role in the long road to abolition? Navigate to the history page on our website and select "abolition" under "find by topic."

https://thewestendmuseum.org/history/?term=120

06/18/2026

The plaque for the ghost sign restoration that WEM has been apart of was mounted last week. We are thrilled to have this completed project a permanent part of our neighborhood and to have our name next to Holt and Bugbee Company, The WMS Brothers , and West End Productions.

06/16/2026

Come out, Come out, Wherever you are to see our special exhibition Q***r History West End opening TOMORROW!

This is one of three Lavender Rhino posters that were created in 1974 by the group Gay Media Action-Advertising for subway campaigns that aimed to increase gay visibility.

Poster on loan from The History Project: Documenting LGBTQ Boston
Exhibition sponsored by Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce and MA250

***rHistory

06/14/2026

WEM welcomes the 2026 World Cup and its fans to Boston!

Although West Enders historically prefered sports like basketball and boxing - we're inviting locals and visitors alike to get into the spirit by visiting our website or checking us out in person to learn more about the sports history of our city!

c. Co***lo (aka Tommy Greb) with ball, 1950s

06/12/2026

WEM is partnering with Dorchester Brewing Company to throw a FREE PRIDE PARTY celebrating Boston’s Q***r past and present as part of Q***r History West End on display from June 17th to October.

This event will feature drag artist Axel Starc**k (he/they). Their style mixes old Hollywood, glam rock, and absurdist humor. Watch him light up the stage with dance, physical comedy and immersive hand-crafted props.

Support an independent brewery, learn about local Q***r History, and have tons of fun.

Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queer-history-west-end-pride-party-tickets-1988024928076?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Thank you to our generous host - Dorchester Brewing - our exhibition collaborator - Q***r History Boston - and our Exclusive Sponsors - Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce + Mass250!

06/11/2026

Pictured here is a key from Hotel Manger which was attached to North Station and The Boston Garden between 1930 and 1959. This was the sight of the Hotel Raid where on July 29, 1932 Boston Police arrested dozens of people suspected of illegal activity including notable mobsters Joseph "Big Joe L." Lombardo, Phil "Buccola" Bruccola, and Doc Sagansky.

Want to learn more? See our special exhibition WILD TIMES IN THE WEST END open through 6/14.

Exhibitions

06/10/2026

Somehow we've already reached the last week of WILD TIMES IN THE WEST END. Come see our true crime exhibition curated by Emily Sweeney - Boston Globe journalist before it's TOO LATE!

06/08/2026

Boston Beyond The Revolution - visit The West End Museum this summer to experience a once lost neighborhood and the only urban planning museum in the country.

***rHistory

Discover the history and culture of the West End — Boston's most dynamic neighborhood. Explore its diversity, growth, development, destruction, and return