Arts Department, Special Collections
Revolution! 250 Years of Art + Activism in Boston
The Boston Public Library is presenting its first major exhibition in nearly a decade. Revolution! 250 Years of Art & Activism in Boston will open October 23, 2025. Featuring more than 100 artworks and documentary materials from the BPL’s renowned Special Collections, the exhibition explores America’s evolving struggles for freedom, civil rights, and belonging.
Marking 250 years since the Revolutionary War and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Revolution! reflects on the nation’s founding ideals, asking: To whom were these promises made? And how are people working today to ensure they are kept?
List of Resources
Books by Activists:
A collection of works written by social and political activists sharing their experiences, causes, and calls to action.
18 Activist Memoirs:
First-person stories from individuals who fought for justice and change, revealing the personal side of activism.
21 Books on Creating Community:
Titles exploring how to foster belonging, mutual support, and inclusive spaces in neighborhoods and organizations.
Fighting Fascism:
Historical and contemporary books on recognizing, resisting, and countering fascist movements and authoritarianism.
Native American Economic Justice:
Works addressing Indigenous sovereignty, resource rights, and equitable participation in modern economies.
Native Lives-Native Stories:
A mix of fiction and nonfiction by Indigenous authors highlighting Indigenous histories, identities, and resilience.
Disabled/Not Unable:
Books that celebrate voices in the disabled and neurodivergent community and challenge societal assumptions about ability and inclusion.
Vida Latina Non-Fiction:
Nonfiction works by Latino authors exploring culture, politics, migration, and identity across the Americas.
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month Booklist 2024:
A showcase of recent books celebrating AAPI stories, creativity, and community.
17 Books on American Unions:
A reading list on the history, struggles, and victories of the labor movement in the United States.
BAGLY’s Winter Book Picks:
Reading recommendations chosen by the youth of BAGLY (Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth)
Books about Immigrants:
Stories and studies reflecting the immigrant experience, from journeys and displacement to belonging and identity.
Economics, Sociology, Sociopolitical theory, and Statistics:
Foundational and accessible works for understanding how societies function, change, and measure progress.
Nurturing Earth:
Books promoting environmental awareness, climate action, and sustainable living for a healthier planet.
Get Involved!:
Guides and stories encouraging civic participation, volunteerism, and grassroots engagement.
Remembering Dr. King:
A selection honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, writings, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.
Talking about Racism, Anti-Racism and Protest with Kids:
Age-appropriate books to help children understand racism, activism, and social justice.
Youth Mental Health:
Books offering insight and support for young people navigating anxiety, depression, and emotional wellbeing.
Trauma, Therapy and Mental Health:
Titles exploring how trauma affects the mind and body, and paths toward healing through therapy and community care.
LIVING IN MUSIC
The year 2024 marks two significant anniversaries relating to Serge Koussevitzky (1874-1951): the 150th anniversary of his birth and the centennial of his appointment as the ninth conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Koussevitzky's arrival in Boston in 1924 heralded the start of a twenty-five-year tenure that would forever transform both the orchestra he conducted and the state of contemporary classical music in the United States.
Living in Music was organized by Jared Rex, BPL's Curator of Music. The Associates of the Boston Public Library provides critical funding to support the long-term preservation and enhanced public access to BPL special collections.
Living in Music can be viewed on the 3rd floor of the Boylston building. Enter the Boylston Street entrance of the library and take the glass elevator up to 3U.