EVENT
Chestnut Hill Reservoir Historic Walking Tour
September 7, 2024
10am–11am
Have you ever wanted to learn more about the 150-year old Chestnut Hill Reservoir and the historic structures around it? On this one hour walking tour, you will have the opportunity to view diverse architectural examples from Boston’s Golden Age, hear how the reservoir site was developed over time, and discover how all the Waterworks complex buildings contributed to the success of one of the country’s first metropolitan water systems.
As this tour will be conducted outdoors, please dress accordingly for the weather. Should your tour get rained out, the museum will reach out with information about rain dates and refunds. Tours meet on the front steps of the museum. You are welcome to visit the museum after your tour.
The total distance covered on this tour will be about 0.75 miles across grass, sidewalk, gravel, and 2 flights of stone steps. Please note that while this tour is wheelchair accessible, the accessible route includes some steep ramps. We recommend visitors in wheelchairs bring a companion to assist them on this tour.
Great Engines Hall
The centerpiece of the Waterworks Museum is its collection of steam engines. Three original coal-powered, steam-driven water pumps are preserved at the Museum and are monuments to 19th century technology and innovation. Leavitt, Worthington, and Allis stand in the Great Engines Hall and reach more than 3 stories tall. Walk around each and see the multitude of perfectly engineered parts that pumped million gallons of freshwater a day into the City of Boston.