Boston is a perfect location for Choosing to Participate. Founded in
1630, Boston’s history is full of landmark events like the Boston Tea
Party, the American Revolution, and the creation of the
first American university. The Boston Public Library, the host of
Choosing to Participate, was founded in 1848 and was the first large,
free municipal library in the United States.
While remaining true to its historical and cultural roots, Boston continues to prosper today as a bastion of intellectualism and innovation — celebrated for its world-renown research universities and cutting-edge contributions to science and technology. However, it may be best known for its quaint neighborhood charm, its cold winters, and as the home to some of the world’s most loyal sports fans.
Facing History and Ourselves [1], the creator of Choosing to Participate, is an international educational and professional development organization whose mission is to engage students of diverse backgrounds in an examination of racism, prejudice, and antisemitism in order to promote the development of a more humane and informed citizenry. By studying the historical development and lessons of the Holocaust and other examples of genocide, students make the essential connection between history and the moral choices they confront in their own lives.
Facing History's overarching goal is to transform the next generation of students into more thoughtful, knowledgeable, caring citizens with respect for the principles and values that inform democratic communities and with the knowledge that their choices can change the world.
We are proud to partner with the City of Boston [2] and to be hosted by the Boston Public Library [3] for the second time to present this major civic initiative in our own hometown.
Some of these resources may help you plan your visit to Boston: