Join us on a walking tour in Newton! During our popular and informative walking tours, you'll learn more about local architecture, notable people and events, and the natural sights and neighborhoods around our city. See below for information about our 2026 walking tours and links to register for each.

Space is limited and registration is required for each tour. To be added to the waitlist, contact us at 617-796-1450 or email education@historicnewton.org

The meeting location for each walking tour will be shared after registration.

Most tours last approximately 1.5 hours. We go at an easy pace and typically cover about 1 mile. We encourage you to bring study shoes and bring a water bottle. All ages are welcome!

Historic Newton’s walking tours are sponsored by Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

Summer 2026 Tours

**JUST ANNOUNCED!** Recreation and Relaxation at Newton Centre Playground

Tuesday, August 25 9:00-10:00am

Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted laid out plans for Newton Centre Playground in 1891, and much of his original vision still informs the park. On this walking tour, discover his original design and how subsequent landscape architects have made changes to adapt to local needs. Find out the original location of the Hut, nationally-recognized archers that practiced here, the history behind the infamous toboggan slide, and more! Register here.

Newton 250 at East Parish Burying Ground
Sunday, September 13, 2:00 – 3:30pm
In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of America, walk through the city’s oldest burying ground to see the final resting places of Newtonians who shaped the town at the time of the American Revolution. Learn about General Michael Jackson’s leadership at the battle of Lexington and Concord, how Timothy Jackson earned a commendation from George Washington, and Edward Durant’s participation in Newton’s Committee of Correspondence. We’ll also talk about the women, enslaved and free Africans, and Indigenous Peoples whose stories are less widely known but whose experiences are no less important. Please note that the majority of this walk will take place on unpaved, uneven terrain.
Register here.

Past Tours

Mellen Bray and the Union Street Historic District: A Newton Centre Tour
Sunday, June 14, 1:00 – 2:30pm
Construction of the new train station in Newton Centre in 1890 inspired local resident Mellen Bray to commission construction of a commercial block that transformed this once quiet village. In addition to retail on the ground floor, Bray's building included indoor tennis courts, a bowling alley and a grand hall that became a focal point for social life in Newton Centre. Who was Mellen Bray and where can we see his impact in Newton Centre today? Explore the Union Street Historic District and learn about this remarkable inventor, real estate investor and philanthropist who welcomed the new century with vision and enterprise. Tour led by local history buff Tori Zissman.

Cold Spring Park with Alan Nogee
Thursday, June 25, 6:00 – 7:30pm
Where was the original cold spring located? What films were recorded in the park?
Where did high schoolers hold secret parties? Traverse some of the 67 acres of Cold Spring Park as you learn about its origins as Alcock’s Swamp to a source of drinking water, a gravel pit, and a trash dump; proposals to develop it for housing, schools, and a golf course; film locations, and much more! Tour led by Friends of Cold Spring Park President Alan Nogee.


Artists and Authors at Newton Cemetery
Tuesday, July 28, 6:00 – 7:30pm
Newton has been home to creative people throughout history, and many are laid to rest in Newton Cemetery. During this new walking tour, visit the final resting places of some of Newton’s famous artists and authors. Learn about celebrity photographer Louis Fabian Bachrach, “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” writer Samuel Francis Smith, stained glass artist Charles Jay Connick, and more. At each site we’ll view their art or read excerpts of their writing aloud to bring their work to life.

Early Life and Industry in Newton Lower Falls
Thursday, August 6, 6:00 – 7:30pm
(rain date Thursday, August 13)
Learn about the rise and fall of industry in Lower Falls by seeing where the Charles
River once powered nationally renowned paper mills. Also find places where early
residents built their village, including St. Mary’s Church and the one-time community hall that is now Lower Falls Wine Company. Led by local author and
historian Clara Silverstein.

Walking Tour of West Newton Hill
Tuesday, August 11, 6:00 – 7:30pm
Join local preservation historian Laura Foote on a walking tour of some of West Newton Hill’s prettiest streets to learn about some of the early residents and the homes they built in the late 19th century. We will look at examples of a wide range of architectural styles, ranging from Italianate to Second Empire to Queen Anne.