While East Boston may seem remote from the rest of the city, its insular geography has created a self-reliant neighborhood that is both cohesive and dynamic. Radical landfill projects over the last 200 years turned the neighborhood from a collection of five small islands into a densely populated peninsula. While the waterfront was once a gateway for immigrants arriving by sea, it is now a unifying physical element for the community. As the neighborhood with the second-least amount of open space (next to Chinatown), East Boston treasures its waterfront, which accommodates land uses from industry to housing, and hosts activities from sports to arts. We’ll look at this space where the neighborhood connects through events and tours of the architecture, art, and landscape that make East Boston and its waterfront a unique space in Boston.

Events

East Boston Greenway Walking Tour
Saturday, June 19, 11:00 am
Bremen Street Park across from Airport T Station

Led by educator and Eastie resident Neenah Estrella-Luna, this tour starts at Bremen Street Park, through the East Boston Greenway and ends at Lo Presti Park. Participants will see how a major rail yard, coal pier, and ferry dock were transformed into treasured park spaces. Registration Recommended : http://commonbostoneastiegreenway.eventbrite.com/

Logan Airport Sidewalk Wander
Saturday, June 19, 1:00 pm
Blue Line Airport T Station

Join multi-media artist, Tim Devin for a group exploration of the sidewalk connecting Logan’s terminals. Tim will share Logan’s architecture and history, then lead a discussion about public space and security. Registration is required: http://commonbostonloganwander.eventbrite.com/

HarborArts Outdoor Gallery at the Boston Harbor Shipyard Along the Harborwalk
Saturday, June 19, 11:00 – 4:00 pm
256 Marginal Street

Enjoy a walking tour of the first international HarborArts Outdoor Gallery exhibition of large-scale 2D and 3D artworks by over 25 artists / teams from three continents, including works by renown and emerging sculptors from the region. The public is invited to visit and view the art installed at this unusual industrial site of a working shipyard at the terminus of the HarborWalk in East Boston. HarborArts is a global community bringing people together to champion the vital role our oceans, waterways and harbors play in the future of our planet. HarborArts employs the arts to raise awareness for issues affecting our water resources. HarborArts is featuring the Massachusetts Ocean Coalition and information about the member organizations, highlighting their important environmental work on the Massachusetts Ocean Plan. For additional information please visit www.harborarts.net. Registration Recommended: http://commonbostonharborarts.eventbrite.com/

Cultural Exchange Center Artist’s Reception and Atlantic Works Building Open House
Saturday, June 19, 3:00 – 6:00 pm
80 Border Street, 2nd Floor

The Cultural Exchange Center will be showcasing the work of Eastie’s own Joe Pepi in the debut exhibition of the artist’s colossal metal sculptures. Viewers have been moved by the workmanship in his compositions, which relate to 1950s America. The CEC welcomes the general public for the artists reception as well as exploring the Cultural Center itself. Attendants will also be able to visit some of the 40 artists’ studios in the recently renovated Atlantic Works Building, a place that many East Boston artists call their creative home. Registration Recommended: http://commonbostonculturalexchangecenter.eventbrite.com/

Maverick Landing Youth-led Tours of the Neighborhood
Saturday, June 19, 3:00 – 5:00 pm (note time change)
Maverick Landing Meeting House, 31 Liverpool Street

The kids of the Maverick Landing Residential Development will be the focus of this open house as they will be sharing their neighborhood program. Projects they will be showcasing include a public service announcement, area video tours, artwork and photography. They will be also be discussing their civic engagement through the example of their involvement in the LoPresti Park Redevelopment project. Registration Recommended: http://commonbostonmavericklanding.eventbrite.com/

Public Welfare Building Adaptive Re-use Open House
Saturday, June 19, noon – 3:00 pm
154 Maverick Street

See how the old Public Welfare Building is now before the extensive renovations that will turn it into a mixed-use redevelopment in the heart of Maverick Square. Learn about the idea of the entrepreneurial incubator space and how it will benefit the tenants, community and the city. Registration Recommended: http://commonbostonpublicwelfare.eventbrite.com/

Eastie Food Tour with Chef Nadine Nelson
Saturday, June 19, 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Outside of Maverick T Station at open area

Those in the know understand that East Boston has one of the best views of the Boston skyline. An eclectic area based on history and migration patterns have created an exciting mix of peoples and cuisines. We will munch our way through the best empanadas in the city, Vietnamese Pho, old world Italian food, Salvadorean enchiladas, Mexican Tacos, and the famous Peruvian chicken Brasas. Unknown to most Bostonians, East Boston’s beautiful shoreline provides a delicious setting for some of the city’s most inventive cuisine. Registration required: http://commonbostoneastiefood.eventbrite.com/