In the year of America’s bicentennial, the fervor for American history was at an all-time high, and few cities are as full of patriotic landmarks as Boston. Nearly four decades later, non-profit Boston By Foot, still pairs curious patrons with enthusiastic volunteers schooled by the company in the city’s lore and architecture.

This diverse selection of tours allows patrons to learn more about the aspects of Boston that interest them most. Specialized excursions might visit the scenes of the city's most infamous crimes and diseases, the buildings important in the Revolution, the homes of Boston’s greatest literary heroes. The staff even lead one tour specifically designed for children, which helps illustrate lessons from history class without too much walking for little legs.