Researching the History of the Vilna Shul and Beacon Hill

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Conversations at the Vilna is a series of spirited discussions around the Vilna Shul’s old study table with local scholars and authors about topics relevant to Jewish identity. This Conversation will be led by Mark Nystedt, the Vilna Shul’s lead researcher and historian. Mark will share the discoveries he has made in researching the Vilna Shul property back to 1630, conducting deed research and searching for biographical sketches (these tasks are required for researching downtown Boston properties, particularly those of Beacon Hill). For most of its history, the Vilna Shul property was owned by Boston’s affluent and was rented and leased to the not-so-affluent. These included Puritan ministers, lieutenant governors, slave owners, former slaves, a Chinese laundry, and brothels. Come and learn more about this small Beacon Hill lot before it was occupied by the building we know and love!

This will be a brown bag lunch event. Please respect basic kosher laws (no pork, shellfish, or mixed meat and dairy). Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. Registration is appreciated - please email [email protected] - but walk-ins are welcome.