New England Weekend

Since the days following the Revolutionary War, the Massachusetts Historical Society has been dutifully documenting events and stories that have made up the American experience, especially here in New England. That includes a one-of-a-kind look into how the war for independence played out back in the 1700's. Chief Historian Peter Drummey joins Nichole with new information about their exhibit "1775 - Rebels, Rights, and Revolution", and a deeper look into what it takes to preserve history. This segment is the fourth interview in our new series, "Revolutionary Roots", where we take a closer look at the stories, people, events, and local ties that connect New England to the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.

Baseball and music lovers come together each year for the "Hot Stove Cool Music" benefit concert, which raises money for underserved youth through the Foundation To Be Named Later. It's a brainchild of baseball writers Jeff Horrigan and Peter Gammons, with a nod to the sport they love. This year, the event is celebrating its 25th anniversary with some epic guests. Former Red Sox pitcher Lenny DiNardo, now a sports analyst at NESN, is co-hosting this year's event. He joins Nichole this week to share all the cool details about this hot event.

Dorchester's Louis D. Brown Peace Institute was founded more than 30 years ago out of a mother's grief and pain. Chaplain Clementina Chery created the Institute to honor her late son, Louis, who was gunned down in the streets of Dorchester at just 15 years old in 1993. Now, the institute is known for the Mother's Day Walk for Peace and other work to not just prevent gun violence, but also help the families impacted by it. Chaplain Chery says she and the Institute want to take their work to a new level with a new Center for Healing, Teaching, and Learning. She shares the details with Nichole and explains how the community can help make the Center a reality.

April school vacation in Massachusetts is just a few weeks away. If you're doing a staycation this time around, or if you don't have any plans just yet, you might be thinking about what you want to do with the kids. The City of Boston says it's got a special event planned for girls age 7-12: the All-Girls Sports and Wellness Festival! Jennifer Misiaszek from Boston Parks and Recreation joins Nichole this week to talk about everything the event has to offer in hopes of empowering Boston's girls.

Finding a bargain these days is far more streamlined than it used to be - no more clipping coupons around the kitchen table! Couponing apps are all the rage with influencers on social media who are helping their followers save a buck or two as we deal with high prices on just about everything. Julia Belkin, the Boston woman behind Freebies and More on Instagram and TikTok, joins Nichole to share some tips and tricks.

The legendary poem about Paul Revere from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poignantly lays out the dramatic events that unfolded between Boston and Concord on April 18, 1775, setting the stage for the opening battles of the Revolutionary War. Revere wasn't the only man who made the crucial ride to warn the minutemen, but thanks to that poem, Revere's efforts became stuff of legend. Nina Zannieri, Executive Director of the Paul Revere House in Boston, joins Nichole to talk about the work to preserve Revere's legacy and the celebrations they have planned for the 250th anniversary of Revere's ride. This segment is the third interview in our new series, "Revolutionary Roots", where we take a closer look at the stories, people, events, and local ties that connect New England to the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.

Tariffs have been imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China, impacting farm and dairy products like wheat, corn, cotton, chicken, fruits, vegetables, and beef. Farmers and ranchers have been voicing their concerns about this, saying if the tariffs stick, it could hike prices for farmers and consumers alike, and strain an industry that's already, in some cases, struggling to get by. Warren Shaw, the President of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation and the owner/operator of Shaw Farm in Dracut, talks with Nichole about the potential local impact of these tariffs on farmers.

While the nation's big birthday party is coming up next year, in just a matter of weeks, Massachusetts will mark 250 years since the "shot heard 'round the world" - the battles of Lexington and Concord, which sparked the war against the British for American independence. The colonists were ready for the British that day thanks to careful planning and a group of militia members called the "Minute Men". Even today, the Minute Men's spirit is preserved by the Concord Minute Men, led by Captain Carl Sweeney. He talks with Nichole about what it's like to re-enact American history and their plans for this year's Patriots Day celebrations, and shares a bit of history, too. This segment is the second interview in our new series, "Revolutionary Roots", where we take a closer look at the stories, people, events, and local ties that connect New England to the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.

When we talk about Boston's history, it's easy to focus on the familiar stories of colonialism, the Revolutionary War, and the Founding Fathers. The true stories of the city aren't complete without the contributions of Boston's diverse communities, who have played crucial roles in shaping the cultural, economic, and social fabric of the Hub. Everyone250 is a new coalition of arts and cultural organizations ensuring those diverse stories are told as we look ahead to the nation's 250th birthday. Jeneé Osterheldt, Dr. Imari Paris Jeffries, and Brian Boyles, Co-Chairs of Everyone250, talk with Nichole about their mission and upcoming events. This segment is the first interview in our new series, "Revolutionary Roots", where we take a closer look at the stories, people, events, and local ties that connect New England to the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.

Some big changes have been happening behind the scenes at two of Boston's best-known mentoring organizations, and you may not have even noticed. That's exactly how they planned it! Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts and the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston have merged in hopes of helping more kids around the region reach their full potential. Big Sister Association President and CEO Annissa Essaibi-George and Big Brothers Big Sisters President and CEO Mark O'Donnell share details about the merger with Nichole and talk about what this means for mentoring access around Eastern Massachusetts.

Back in 1958, passenger rail service came to an end between Boston and the South Coast of Massachusetts, leaving cities like Taunton, New Bedford, and Fall River without train access to the largest city in New England. Now, decades later, South Coast residents are about to get that access back, as the MBTA is starting up service in late March. MBTA General Manager Phil Eng joins the show to discuss the long-running project, what riders can expect, and what comes next.

Each and every day, Jake Prusha, a member of the US Coast Guard stationed in Boston, takes part in a grueling challenge called the "Murph" workout, which honors a Navy SEAL who was killed in Afghanistan back in 2005. Prusha's doing this for 100 days - not to get fit, but to raise awareness of members of the military and first responders who are grappling with mental health challenges. Jake talks with Nichole about his story, why this challenge means a lot to him, and how you can help him raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. (Find Jake on Instagram at @jakeprusha.)

In places like Massachusetts where the cost of living is higher than average, many low-income families are having to make a difficult choice each day: pay critical bills and buy food, or pick up hygiene necessities like soap and toothbrushes. Often, the heat and food win out, but that's where Needham's Hope and Comfort Hygiene Hub comes in, making sure families in need are connected to hygiene supplies - even working with local schools to do it. Kerry Carter, the CEO of Hope and Comfort Hygiene Hub, returns to the show to talk about a new grant they received that will help them distribute these items to hundreds of kids in the Chelsea Public Schools.

Even though it's downright frigid outside, the Franklin Park Zoo and Zoo New England are embracing all things tropical at their new "Orchid Adventure" exhibit! Visitors can spend time with some special animals as they admire a lush display of stunning flowers - some real, some "brick". Josh Meyer, the Zoo's Horticulture and Sustainability Curator, joins the show to talk about how he keeps the orchids healthy and everything guests will get to experience when they stop by.

By the year 2030, experts say most work opportunities will require applicants to be strong in their digital literacy skills, including knowledge of artificial intelligence systems. As we work with future generations to get them ready for the workforce, schools are coming up with creative ways to teach those skills. Enter "hack-a-thons", where students are presented a complex problem and they have to use those skills to find a solution - and Roxbury Community College's Computer Science Club is about to host one for the very first time! Derek Goodwin, student organizer of the event, and faculty advisor Dr. Mya Bowen join the show to talk about hack-a-thons and what they hope theirs will accomplish.

For more than 30 years, Our Neighbors' Table in Amesbury has been working in the Merrimack Valley to help people who are food insecure get access to the nourishment they need with dignity and grace. They've opened up two "free markets" so people can feed their families while still having a choice over what they bring home, but Our Neighbors' Table also offers community meals and home delivery services for those who need them. Lyndsey Haight, Executive Director of Our Neighbors' Table, talks with Nichole about their mission, the local food supply chain, how they foster community, and more.

Coming up next month in Dartmouth, One SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce is getting ready to celebrate local female entrepreneurs and business leaders at their Women's Forum and Expo! Women who attend will be able to network, share ideas, and learn all about the impacts of burnout from an expert. Katie Greene, the Chamber's Vice President of Marketing and Events, returns to the show to talk with Nichole about this inspiring event.

February is Black History Month, and the Freedom Trail Foundation is offering special tours highlighting the rich and often overlooked history of African-Americans who've made an impact on the city's history. The tours promise a great walk around Boston, some enlightening and enriching conversations, and education from 18th century costumed guides playing the roles of iconic Black Bostonians. This week, a guide from the Foundation playing Phillis Wheatley joins Nichole to talk about the Foundation's work and these special tours.

Children's museums are a great place for kids and adults to thrive, learn, and play, but you often find them in larger cities - not so much in smaller towns. That's changing in Franklin, as two mothers who have been friends for years are making moves to open up the Children's Museum of Franklin, promising interactive exhibits, imaginative play, and much more. Co-Founders Meg Hagen and Erin Gallagher share all the details with Nichole on this week's show, and also discuss ways the community can contribute to help open the doors within the next few months.

With housing so tight in the Boston area, there's a lot of conversation about new construction - everything from affordability to rats. Another major factor: sustainability. Climate change is impacting New England faster than any other part of country, according to experts, and that means our architecture has to respond in kind. RODE Architects in Boston was founded by Eric Robinson and Kevin Deabler, who say they center sustainable design in all their projects. They join Nichole this week to talk about sustainable design, why climate-focused design is critical in future construction, and how they're working to get this done in one of the nation's most historic cities.