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History and Society: An In-Person Living Room Conversation

February 18, 2026
  • 6:00pm - 7:30pm
  • Old South Meeting House
    310 Washington Street
    Boston, MA 02108
  • Contact:
    Boston Public Library
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
  • Boston 250

Event Date2026-02-18T18:00:00 - 2026-02-18T19:30:00

Join the Boston Public Library and Revolutionary Spaces for a Living Room Conversation on history and society in the historic Old South Meeting House.

History is not a fixed truth, but a tapestry of stories - each shaped by the storyteller's viewpoint. What happens to our understanding of the historical record when some of those stories are amplified and others are silenced? This conversation gives us a chance to explore the relationship between history and society and how narratives influence our collective identity, values, and understanding of the world we live in.

What is a Living Room Conversation?

In Living Room Conversations, participants will take turns talking and listening to share and learn about the topic being discussed. Facilitated by library staff members, these conversations offer a simple, sociable, and structured way to practice communicating across differences while building understanding and relationships.

This program is free to attend. Registration is required.

This event is part of the Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness program series hosted by BPL Community History Dept and Revolutionary Spaces. Learn more about the series at bpl.org.

February 18, 2026
  • 6:00pm - 7:30pm
  • Old South Meeting House
    310 Washington Street
    Boston, MA 02108
  • Contact:
    Boston Public Library
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
  • Boston 250

Event Date2026-02-18T18:00:00 - 2026-02-18T19:30:00

36 Questions for Civic Love

February 11, 2026
  • 6:00pm - 7:00pm
  • BPL - North End Branch
    25 Parmenter St
    Boston, MA 02113
  • Contact:
    BPL - North End
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Citywide
    North End
  • Published Date
  • Boston 250

Event Date2026-02-11T18:00:00 - 2026-02-11T19:00:00

Join the BPL and the North End Community to celebrate civic love!

Attendees will be paired with one stranger and will ask each other a series of 36 pre-created questions, ranging from “Who was your most memorable teacher in school?” to “Who is an unsung hero in your community?” These conversations are aimed at connecting with and getting to know your neighbors and community.

The civic love celebration doesn’t end there! The BPL will also provide postcard “valentines” that participants can use to write to their local community organizations and elected officials about anything important to them.

Inspired by The National Public Housing Museum’s 36 Questions for Civic Love program, this event is designed to connect strangers and strengthen relationships between neighbors, BPL patrons, and your community.

What is Civic Love?

The National Public Housing Museum defines civic love as “one’s love for society, expressed through a commitment to the common good. It is a belief in the idea that we’re all better off, when we are all better off. We manifest it through all kinds of actions — volunteering, marching, speaking against systemic injustice, making reparations — but the love itself is the emotional heart of the work.”

February 11, 2026
  • 6:00pm - 7:00pm
  • BPL - North End Branch
    25 Parmenter St
    Boston, MA 02113
  • Contact:
    BPL - North End
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Citywide
    North End
  • Published Date
  • Boston 250

Event Date2026-02-11T18:00:00 - 2026-02-11T19:00:00

36 Questions for Civic Love Community Celebration

February 9, 2026
  • 6:00pm - 7:30pm
  • Codman Square Library
    690 Washington St
    Dorchester, MA 02124
  • Contact:
    Codman Square BPL
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Citywide
    Dorchester
  • Published Date
  • Boston 250

Event Date2026-02-09T18:00:00 - 2026-02-09T19:30:00

Join us to celebrate civic love!

For 90 minutes, attendees will be paired with one stranger and will each ask each other a series of 36 pre-created questions, ranging from “Who was your most memorable teacher in school?” to “Who is an unsung hero in your community?” These conversations are aimed at connecting with and getting to know your neighbors and community.

The civic love celebration doesn’t end there! The BPL will also provide postcard “valentines” that participants can use to write to their local community organizations and elected officials about anything that is important to them. Valentine’s chocolates will also be provided!

Inspired by The National Public Housing Museum’s 36 Questions for Civic Love program, this event is designed to connect strangers, and strengthen relationships between neighbors, BPL patrons, and your community.

What is Civic Love? The National Public Housing Museum defines civic love as “one’s love for society, expressed through a commitment to the common good. It is a belief in the idea that we’re all better off, when we are all better off. We manifest it through all kinds of actions — volunteering, marching, speaking against systemic injustice, making reparations — but the love itself is the emotional heart of the work.”

February 9, 2026
  • 6:00pm - 7:30pm
  • Codman Square Library
    690 Washington St
    Dorchester, MA 02124
  • Contact:
    Codman Square BPL
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Citywide
    Dorchester
  • Published Date
  • Boston 250

Event Date2026-02-09T18:00:00 - 2026-02-09T19:30:00
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