The Innovation Trail 30 School Street, Boston, MA 02108
About the Business
The Innovation Trail offers a unique way to experience, learn about, and be inspired by four centuries of groundbreaking innovations that originated in Boston. Whether you join one of our scheduled walking tours or use our website as a guide for your own stroll, you'll explore the rich history of science, medicine, entrepreneurship, and technology that has shaped the modern world. Our aim is to inspire you to create the next great innovation!What to Expect:
When people think of Boston, they often think of the American Revolution or its prestigious educational institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Northeastern. While the Freedom Trail highlights the city’s revolutionary past, The Innovation Trail focuses on the remarkable advancements that followed America's independence and the establishment of early schools like Boston Latin (1635) and Harvard (1636). Boston’s legacy of innovation was built on a foundation of independence and education, bolstered by societal changes such as the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, waves of immigration, and marriage equality. These factors allowed a diverse group of people to collaborate on research and company formation, funded by investors, universities, and government agencies. This thriving innovation ecosystem has significantly contributed to shaping our modern world.Who Should Visit:
The Innovation Trail is perfect for visitors, residents, students, and teachers eager to delve into Boston’s history of world-changing innovations. Recognition and Accolades:
- Named "Best Walking Tour" by Boston Magazine’s 2023 Best of Boston issue.
- Featured in Yankee Magazine’s 2024 Best of Massachusetts.
- Covered by WBUR Radio Boston, GBH Boston Public Radio, NBC Boston, and the Boston Globe.
- Rated ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on Google and TripAdvisor.Tours and Events:
- Guided Tours: Available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 PM, led by award-winning guides from the Boston History Company, focusing on Kendall Square stops.
- Private Tours: Arrange for a private guided tour tailored to your interests, led by the Boston History Company.Media Features:
- Featured by Expedition Kristen as one of the best things to do in Boston within 72 hours.
- Recognized by the Wall Street Journal as a top AI-recommended activity in Boston.
- Highlighted in Bostonia, Boston University’s Alumni Magazine, and Teach & Travel Magazine.
- Co-founder Scott Kirsner and Namrata Sengupta of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard interviewed by Tiziana Dearing.Key Stops and Highlights:
- Lewis Latimer and Patent Law: Learn about the patent law firm where Lewis Latimer, the son of escaped slaves, worked.
- Technicolor: Discover the origins of the company that revolutionized movie projection with color film.
- Frederick Tudor’s Ice Business: Explore the story of one of America’s first millionaires who shipped ice globally.
- Onesimus and Early Medical Knowledge: Understand the contributions of Onesimus, an enslaved man who shared his knowledge of inoculation.
- The Ether Dome: Visit the historical site at Massachusetts General Hospital where the first surgery with anesthesia was performed.
- Paul Russell Museum of Medical History and Innovation: Explore medical advancements and instruments from the first surgery with anesthesia.
- Museum of Science: Optional detour to a museum that brings all sciences together, featuring AI and robotics exhibits.
- Cambridge Incubator: Learn about Tim Rowe’s venture that evolved into a hub for startups.
- Entrepreneur Walk of Fame: Celebrate the achievements of inventors and entrepreneurs like Thomas Edison and Steve Jobs.Get Involved:
We are working on a slate of events, tours, and educational initiatives for 2024 and would love your support. Follow us on social media or get in touch to stay updated!Join us on The Innovation Trail and be inspired to contribute to the next wave of world-changing innovations.
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Reviews
"This tour was fabulous! Learned a lot of history that I was not familiar with, and the tour guides were energetic and passionate. Highly recommend this tour for a fun new way to see and learn about Boston."
"Great tour of small museums, each a little jewel box of technology. Our tour started at the telephone museum and then went to the Ether Dome at Mass General Hospital and ended at the Museum of Medical History and Innovation. My favorite part was the telephone museum, it's usually closed to the public but this tour was able to get us inside to see it."
"Boston is known for innovation and revolution, but where do you go to hear the innovation story? We had a great tour seeing the centers of computer tech and biotech innovation at MIT and hearing the stories of their origins and greatest hits."
"The Innovation Trail was awesome. I was an undergrad in the area so I’ve spent a lot of time in the Kendall Square, but still learned a ton on this trail. The tour guide (I think his name was Matthew) was incredible — he was extremely entertaining and really knew his stuff and could answer all the questions folks had on the tour. The history and stories of the area and the innovations done here were incredible! I laugh, I cried, I was inspired. I totally recommend this tour for anyone — I don’t love history but I love science and there was someone there that didn’t love science but loved history but we both loved the tour — our guide made things entertaining and understandable for everyone. There were a couple of 9 year olds in my tour group and they loved the tour too! I’ll also mention that I went out on a hot day and I’m usually very heat sensitive but our guide was so intentional about keeping us in the shade (there’s a lot of shade in the area) and stopping for stories in places with shade and places to sit down. It was an incredibly pleasant experience on a day that I usually would not have been able to spend outside — but we were so well taken care of!"
"Outstanding tour, filled with insight and surprising facts about the innovation that sets Cambridge and Boston apart in the world. Tour host was amazing. We'll never forget this one!"
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