Welcome to the North End Historical Society
We are a Massachusetts 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to identifying and documenting the history and culture of Boston's North End and to preserve, catalog, and present these resources in service to the wider community through publications, educational programs, and exhibits.
Founded in 2009, North End Historical Society is committed to uncovering the rich and dynamic history of one of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods and finding ways to share it that is responsive and accessible to all.
We welcome new members to the NEHS and hope to represent a broad spectrum of neighborhood interests and voices in our programming and publications.
History happens. We’re all a part of it, and we can learn a lot from one another.
Donations by check can mailed to:
North End Historical Society
PO Box 130152, Boston, MA 02113
News & Noble Journey Sculpture Updates:
Summer 2024
NEHS is very excited about our new major project: The Noble Journey Sculpture to be installed in the iconic Peace Garden of St. Leonard Church in the North End by the summer of 2024. It is an interactive bronze sculpture to honor our ancestors who crossed the Atlantic from Italy and other parts of Europe from the 1850s to the 1920s to create a better life for themselves and future generations.
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The Noble Journey is the brainchild of world-renowned sculptor, Nancy Schön (creator of the “Make Way for Ducklings” in Boston Public Garden) and leaders of the Friends of the North End and NEHS. It is a tax-deductible gift by NEHS to St. Leonard Church. We hope you will participate in this effort!
​We thank the 250 people and institutions who have generously donated to date! In less than 7 months, we are 3/4 to our goal of raising $120,000 to complete the project by this summer and have installation and dedication by September 29th.With your help we can succeed!
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To learn more about this fantastic story CLICK on the Child and Duck below for a short 1 minute video!
Fundraising Update
In case you missed this exciting News Event!
May 16 at St. Botolph Club, Boston
OH!! What A Night!!
It was a wonderful evening celebrating the History of the Italian Immigration of the North End with so many wonderful patrons, supporters and many special guests as we paid tribute to Nancy and her legacy sculpture The Noble Journey!
The North End Historical Society was honored to co-host this elegant event with Anthony Sammarco.
Anthony is a Boston historian whose 45 books have proven enoromously popular. His knowledge of the city's history and his affection for the North End are evident in his commitmment of time and generosity towards helping us make The Noble Journey Sculpture a reality. Because of his admiration for Nancy and her works he initiated the idea of having this event at the stately
St. Botolph Club. (Anthony face book page)
We wish to thank all our dedicated volunteers of the NEHS and the many Patrons who attended or donated to this fundraising event and tribute.
Sincerely,
NEHS Board of Directors
Noble Journey Sculpture Fundraising Events Were A Smash Hit!
The Noble Journey Sculpture Springs Forward
The Noble Journey Sculpture project of the North End Historical Society (NEHS) and award-winning sculptor Nancy Schön of “Make Way for Ducklings” fame in the Boston Public Garden, took a giant leap forward on March 23rd . Over 130 North Enders and others braved heavy rains to attend a fun afternoon event at Saint Joseph Hall of St. Leonard Church to raise funds for the bronze sculpture to be installed in Saint Leonard’s Peace Garden. The sculpture will honor several generations of immigrants who made the arduous journey from Italy and other parts of Europe to the North End. With the proceeds, NEHS has now raised $85,000 toward the $120,000 needed to install the sculpture sometime in June. Over 200 people have donated to the project, a gift from NEHS and the Friends of the North End to St. Leonard’s Church.
Attendees were treated to inspiring dialogue about immigration history and the importance of the project from Saint Leonard pastor Fr. Michael Della Penna, Sculptor Nancy Schön, NEHS president Tom Damigella, and board member Anthony Cortese. Well-known North End attorney and author Patricia Annino had an engaging discussion about her new book, Italians of the North End, with Tom Damigella, which explored the history of Italians and other immigrants and the future challenges of the beloved North End. Patricia generously provided signed complimentary copies to all attendees. The iconic North End acapella group, Street Magic, brought the house down with their Doo Wop and Italian music.
The enthusiasm and support for the project was palpable. Nancy Schön, age 95 and going strong, reflected on the potential impact of the sculpture: “This sculpture represents the confluence of our cultural beliefs and our religious ethics. I believe that introducing the footsteps of our forebears leading directly to the church that was built for their benefit gives continuity for generations to come, symbolizing the pathway all immigrants walked as they crossed the Atlantic to the United States for a better life.”
Learn more at www.northendboston.org.
We are North End enthusiasts, resident and non, who are committed to uncovering the rich and dynamic history of one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in the entire USA
01.
Education
The North End Historical Society offers a range of educational programs for all ages. From sponsorship of public lectures and site tours, our programs are designed to engage and educate the public about the history and culture of the North End community.
02.
Collaboration
Our research facilities provide access to a wealth of information about the North End community's history. From archives to oral histories, our resources are available for researchers, academics, and the general public.
03.
Preservation
The North End Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the stories and artifacts of the North End community's past. We work to ensure that these important pieces of history are not lost, but instead celebrated and shared with future generations.
04.
Community
We believe that engaging the community is an important part of preserving and sharing the history of the North End. Our programs and resources are designed to encourage community involvement and promote an appreciation for the past.
