South End House and Children’s Art Centre
Boston’s settlement house movement, including South End House and the Children’s Art Centre, provided essential community support, education, and arts programs.
Girls’ High and Girls’ Latin School
Girls’ High opened here in 1870, with Girls’ Latin School added in 1877. Both schools provided education for girls until they became coeducational in 1972.
Villa Victoria Cultural Center, Inquilinos Boricuas en Accion (IBA) and Paula Oyola, Latina activist
Latino residents founded IBA in 1968 to develop Villa Victoria, a cultural and economic hub in the South End. Activist Paula Oyola (1938-2013) was pivotal in its creation.
Home of Helen Morton
Helen Morton (1898-1991), a South End activist, transformed from social worker to political activist, playing a key role in the creation of Villa Victoria.
Myrna Vazquez and Villa Victoria Center
This sign in the center of Villa Victoria illustrates community pride. Myrna Vazquez (1935–75), a renowned actress, helped establish the IBA art component and the Puerto Rican Festival
Cathedral High School and St. Helena’s House
The Sisters of St. Joseph directed Cathedral High School, founded in 1926, emphasizing academics, sports, drama, and choral programs for its diverse student bod
South End House Site
One of the first branches of the South End House, established at 20 Union Park, served the community from 1901-1959 and was home to social worker Beatrice Williams (1898–1986).
Boston Center for the Arts
The Cyclorama, centerpiece of the Boston Center for the Arts (BCA), hosts diverse events, including Sarah Caldwell’s (1924-2006) Louise (1980) and Judy Chicago’s (1939) Dinner Party (1990).
Boston Ballet
The Boston Ballet, founded by E. Virginia Williams (1914–84) in 1963, is now one of North America’s top ballet companies, with headquarters and a school on this site
Rice School and Boston Normal School (former)
The Boston Normal School, founded in 1852 to train women teachers, became independent in 1876. It evolved into Boston Teachers College in 1922 and later merged with UMass Boston in 1965.
Cora Reid McKerrow and the Reid Funeral Home
Cora Reid McKerrow (1888-1984) and her brother founded Reid Funeral Home in 1926, serving the South End African American community. She ran the funeral home solo after his death until 1971.
High School of Practical Arts and Girls High
Erected in 1912, this building was dedicated to girls’ education. It evolved from the High School of Practical Arts to Girls’ High School, and now Dearborn STEM Academy.
Childhood Home of Sarah-Ann Shaw
Sarah-Ann Shaw (1933-2024), the first Black female reporter at WBZ-TV, dedicated over 30 years to journalism and civil rights, covering key events like school desegregation.
Home of Dr. Jessie Garnett
Jessie Garnett (1897-1976), Boston’s first African American woman dentist, graduated from Tufts Dental School in 1919 and practiced until 1969 from her home office.
The Museum of NCAAA
Elma Lewis (1921-2004) founded the Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts in 1950 and the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists in 1968, promoting arts and culture in Roxbury.
William Monroe Trotter School: Geraldine Pindell Trotter and Maude Trotter Steward
Named after a civil rights leader, the Trotter School in Boston promotes racial justice and excellence. Key figures include Maude Steward (1873-1952) and Geraldine Trotter (1872-1949).
Melnea Cass – Cass House
Melnea Cass (1896-1978), known as the “First Lady of Roxbury,” dedicated over 60 years to improving Boston’s black community, founding Freedom House and leading the Boston NAACP.
Muriel Snowden: Freedom House
Muriel Snowden (1916-1988) and Ellen Jackson (1921-2005) were pivotal in improving education and community services in Roxbury, founding Freedom House and Operation Exodus.
Former Site of Nicole’s: Maria Pace Barker
Maria Pace Barker (1939 – 2020) was a restaurateur and entrepeneur. Her restaurant Nicole’s was frequently visited by influential guests such as the President of Japan and the Archbishop of Boston.
Home of Sophie Tucker
Sophie Tucker (ca.1884-1966), born Sonya Kalish, was a vaudeville star known for “Some of These Days.” Born en route from Russia, her family lived in Boston before moving to Hartford.