69. A bit of Boston History

Week 69  11/3/16

Paul had never toured the Massachusetts State House, so we made a reservation to have a guide show us around. Of course we had to be scanned through a metal detector at the entrance. Arriving early, we spent some time looking at the exhibits in the main hall.

We both learned a lot about the history and art of this "new" state house. The others on our tour were from Chicago (proud of Cubs recent World Series win) and Philadelphia. Both cities with much history of their own. For me, much of the interest was seeing legislators, aides, press and others scurrying around doing their regular business. One hall was set up for a press conference. 

This hall of flags is a new use for the space. Each city and town in the Commonwealth has a flag displayed. It is used for functions. Medway's flag is in the middle tier, 9th from the left (white flag with seal in the center).

Next stop was to the main branch of the Boston Public Library. We viewed a special exhibition on Shakespeare.

This photo of the main Copley Square entrance makes me laugh because even though I've been here dozens of times, I would have sworn that there were two lions at the outside entrance. Turns out the lions are inside. The figures on either side of the entrance represent science and the arts. Paul has chosen science for his photo op.

We picked up a hot drink at the cafe and watched the tourists.

I was excited to show Paul the beautiful new (last month) renovations to the BPL building at the Boylston Street entrance. Here is a broad view of the information/cafe/radio broadcast booth area.

The upper floors of the renovated building contain spaces for media, children, reference, and so forth. It is getting lots of use. That is me on the stairs. Paul is taking this shot from the matching staircase on the other side of the lobby.

I wanted to see the old reading room where I read and studies sometimes. This part of the library is historically preserved.

This is the Abbey Room with it's murals about the quest for the Holy Grail. The room is being set up for a function here.