Meet Your Site Manager: Barbara Callahan

Every historic site has a story—and so do the people who care for them. Meet Barbara Callahan, Metro Boston Regional Site Administrator at Historic New England. She has been with the organization for two years and manages the Lyman Estate, Otis House, and Browne House, as well as coordinating our museums in the metro Boston region as a whole. When Barbara isn’t hiring tour guides or planning programs, she enjoys board games, books, and escaping to the woods, and her favorite season is actually winter.

Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be a site manager at Historic New England.

I worked at historic house museums in Boston before and after receiving my master’s in museum education from Tufts University. The intimate, place-based histories of these unique museums have always captivated me. I had my eye on Otis House and Historic New England for a while and eventually the position opened up! 

How do you spend your days when the sites are open—do they follow any sort of routine, or is it always changing?

This role continually challenges me and every day is different. During the season, I might be finalizing program details or hosting one, working with guides and interns, or meeting with colleagues to catch up on the other sites in this area or learning about the work other departments are doing related to the houses I manage. 

When you think about your sites, what is one favorite thing that comes to mind? 

I always seek out the stories that haven’t been told at a site. At the Lyman Estate, I’ve focused on working-class history. My favorite part of that project has been speaking to descendants of estate staff who have shared their incredible memories with me.

What are some of the best ways you’ve found to connect neighbors and community members with Historic New England’s sites?

Last year I started a Community on the Lawn program at Browne House, where Watertown organizations are invited to gather with locals and visitors to chat, participate in activities, and tour the museum. I heard from many locals who finally made it to Browne House after many years of wanting to, and from those who had never heard of the small museum. This event has grown into an even larger version this year and I look forward to making and facilitating even more connections.

Are there any new tours, programs, or surprises visitors can look forward to this season? 

A medical history walking tour of downtown Boston is in the works for this year. It is inspired by Dr. and Elizabeth Mott’s medical practice that operated out of Otis House in the mid-nineteenth century. We take that story and expand into the neighborhood with a look at medical care around this time and the individuals who pioneered its advancements. 

Do you have a favorite local spot or activity near your sites that you like to recommend to friends or visitors?

Boston is best explored on foot, so I always hype museums and historic sites within walking distance from Otis House. The Museum of African American History, West End Museum, and Nichols House Museum are all doing awesome work in the neighborhood. 

To learn more about these and other events at Barbara’s sites, visit HistoricNewEngland.org/Events.