We acknowledge that our parks occupy the traditional homelands of the Massachusett Nation, historically land, marshlands, and waterways that today are known as Boston. We acknowledge the painful history of displacement of Indigenous peoples from their land, and that the work of repair is ongoing. In the spirit of the Masssachusett people past, present and future, we acknowledge that we live in a bond of reciprocity with the plant and animal relatives who call our parks home. We honor the gifts given to us by this land and return them with our care.
Friends of the Public Garden, in response to the national reckoning about public monuments and their meanings, launched the Monument & Memory Task Force initiative in partnership with the City of Boston, local scholars, art historians, and artists. The work produced by this Monument & Memory Task Force will serve as a platform for public dialogue about Boston’s history and social and cultural fabric and its representation in public sculpture in the three parks.
The Founders Monument on Boston Common was chosen as the pilot project to creatively engage with the sculpture itself, using collaborative storytelling, movement, and film to reveal the deeper histories behind the bronze and stone facade and uplift historically marginalized voices.
This pilot project performance centers Indigenous histories and understandings of the land on the Shawmut Peninsula. Focusing on ideas of reciprocity and exchange rather than land ownership, Revealing a Deeper History: Intervention at the Founders Monument asks you to think about Indigenous life on the land prior to colonial encounter and settlement.
We welcome the public to join us for a series of artistic activations beginning September 25 at the Founders Monument, Boston Common. These presentations are free and open to the public. Register for the Opening Day Program using the button below.
The Founders Monument is accessible via the following transit options:
Via car: The Founders Monument is located across the corner of Beacon and Spruce Streets, Boston, MA, directly across from 50 Beacon Street, Boston, 02108 on GPS. Paid parking is available in the Boston Common Garage or Transportation Building garages.
Via subway: Take the Red or Green Line to Park Street, Green Line to Boylston, or Orange Line to Downtown Crossing (requires short walk)
Via MBTA Bus: Take any of the following bus routes: #11, #43, #501, and #504. For any of these bus routes, stop close to the Common. Stops may require a short walk. Check your MBTA app for exact proximity.
