Laboratory products in North Adams, Massachusetts

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:

Welcome to Chase Hill, home of the Floating Tower Immigrant & Refugee Artists Retreat, nestled in the serene landscapes of North Adams, Massachusetts. Located at 1 Chase Hill, this historic estate serves as a vibrant sanctuary for immigrant and refugee artists, fostering creativity and collaboration in the heart of the Berkshires. Since 2016, Floating Tower has been a beacon for innovative performances, originally rooted in the Blue Building in Manhattan. However, the challenges of the pandemic prompted us to reimagine our mission and expand our horizons. We witnessed many talented artists, particularly those on Artist Visas or asylum status, face unprecedented hardships and a lack of support. In response, we have transformed Chase Hill into a year-round artist retreat, dedicated to nurturing and empowering artists through residencies and creative support.

Welcome to Floating Tower Refugee & Immigrant Artists Retreat Located at 1 Chase Hill, North Adams, Massachusetts, the Floating Tower Refugee & Immigrant Artists Retreat is a sanctuary and creative hub designed to empower artists from immigrant and refugee backgrounds. Established as an extension of our work in Manhattan's Blue Building since 2016, our mission is to provide a nurturing environment where artists can thrive, collaborate, and innovate.