10 events in Boston this month that will make you smarter
Because even the brightest Harvard professor can learn something new.
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Boston is bursting at the seams with intellect. With over 40 colleges and universities in the area—including two of the world’s most prestigious—Greater Boston is a haven for some of the brightest historians, programmers, doctors, writers, biologists, and engineers in the world.
With so many brilliant minds forming and firming in its vicinity, Bostonians—regardless of age, income, and education level—have an overwhelming (and unique) opportunity to learn via lectures, workshops, and events. It’s one of the best things about our city.
The goal of this list is to trim down the seemingly endless cognitive possibilities Boston offers into a manageable itinerary for the curious mind. Here are 10 events in the month of July that will make you brighter.
Bobby Kennedy: The Making of A Liberal Icon
Despite being a member of one of the most well-known political families in American history, many details of Robert Kennedy’s life remain relatively unknown. Biographer Larry Tye, author of Bobby Kennedy, will speak about what he found among unpublished memoirs, unreleased government files, and 58 boxes of Kennedy’s papers that had been locked away for 40 years. (Wednesday, July 13, 5:30-7:00 p.m.; Massachusetts Historical Society; $20 GA, free for members; all-ages)
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Genetics of an Evolving Diagnosis
The increase of diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) over the last 20 years has led to many people—people whose behavior and abilities differ enormously—being classified under the same broad umbrella. Dr. Elise Robinson, an instructor at Mass. General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, will discuss recent findings from ASD genetics studies and changes in the diagnostic landscape. (Wednesday, July 13, 6:00-7:00 p.m.; Broad Institute Auditorium; free; all-ages)
Preservation and Innovation: Striking a Balance
As a city rich in architectural history, Boston is careful to preserve significant buildings from centuries past. But not every old edifice has a place in a modern city, as the original Museum of Fine Arts in Copley Square can attest. Historic preservation specialist Lynne Spencer will present a highly visual lecture examining how to encourage modern architectural creativity while acknowledging the past. (Wednesday, July 13, 6:00-7:30 p.m.; Otis House Museum; $10 GA, $5 Historic New England members; all-ages)
The Business of Beer
The craft beer movement is hopping, with new breweries and taprooms opening all the time. But how can you tap into your own passion for fermented malt beverages? A panel of experts from local breweries big and small will offer up their ideas on how to get a leg up. (Thursday, July 14, 6:00-8:00 p.m.; CIC Boston; $20 before July 7, $25 after; 21+)
Real Food/Fake Food at Harvard Book Store
Here in Boston, legislators have considered requiring DNA testing for imported fish due to rampant mislabeling. But the seafood industry isn’t the only one engaging in fishy business. Larry Olmstead, author of Real Food/Fake Food: Why You Don’t Know What You’re Eating and What You Can Do about It, will share some fake food horror stories while giving tips on how to spot the real deal. (Monday, July 18, 7 p.m.; Harvard Book Store; free; all-ages)
Couples and Money
Whether you’ve been with your partner for six months or 25 years, money is an important—and often undiscussed—part of any relationship. Splitting bills, co-signing a lease, or even addressing problematic spending are all topics that can be difficult to approach. A financial planner will discuss these issues and more over dinner. (Wednesday, July 20, 6:30-8:00 p.m.; Society of Grownups; $40; all-ages)
Thirty Eight: The Hurricane That Transformed New England
On September 21, 1938, a Category 3 hurricane tore through Long Island and much of New England, killing almost 700 people and causing close to $5 billion in damages when adjusted for inflation. Author Stephen Long will discuss the effects a profoundly damaging weather event had on the region. (Thursday, July 21, 12:00-1:00 p.m.; Boston Athenaeum; free; all-ages)
Conquering Age Bias In Your Job Search
Looking for a job can be a difficult process when you’re older. In this two-part workshop by JVS CareerSolution, you will learn strategies for landing an interview, handling age-related questions that can come up during an interview, and many reasons your age can actually be an advantage. (Wednesday, July 27, 1:00-4:00 p.m.; JVS Boston; $25; all-ages)
Butterfly and Caterpillar Weekend at the Museum of Science
It’s butterfly and caterpillar weekend at the Museum of Science, which means tons of interactive exhibits featuring cute critters from New England and beyond. Purchasing a regular admission ticket to the museum gives you access to all the regular MoS exhibits as well as a dozen butterfly-centric presentations and activities. (Saturday and Sunday, July 30-31, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Museum of Science; $26 Adult, $21 Senior, $20 Child, butterfly garden admission is an additional $6; all-ages)
Brookline’s Historic Homes Tour
The historic streets and buildings of Boston have been explored plenty, but have you ever delved into the elegant 19th century homes in Brookline? Architecture buffs will appreciate this walking tour featuring a remarkable collection of romantic English country-style cottages and picturesque churches built in a variety of classical styles. (Sunday, July 31, 2:00-3:30 p.m.; Boston Unity Church; $15 GA, $5 for Boston by Foot members; all-ages)
A butterfly rests on a leaf inside the Butterfly Garden exhibit at the Museum of Science.
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