Why start a crime tour company?

Boston is one of the most historically rich cities in the United States, especially as it relates to the foundation of the country. And while tales of Paul Revere’s midnight ride and the Boston Tea Party are interesting, lots of companies share those stories. I’ve always had a fascination with the oddball stories: riots, robberies, and the ones where you say, “You couldn’t make this stuff up.” (A good example in another city: the Toronto Circus Riot of 1855 where clowns faced off against firefighters! What?!) I wanted to create a company to share those stories.
 
I also think Boston has a lot of buildings and spaces with which people aren’t familiar. So many people come to Boston and follow The Freedom Trail. And while it’s a great way to see many sites, when I go to cities, I want to see the places only the locals know of and the sites I would likely never find on my own.
 
Thus, I sought to combine it all. I created tours that expose people to areas of the city they might not find on their own. Also, I highlight statues, buildings, and spaces they may not understand without some explanation. And I wanted to tell people interesting stories they would never hear on most tours.
 
My personal history also lent well to this type of work. I have a background in history and American Studies and have always enjoyed public speaking. Since 2015 I’ve led hundreds of tours for multiple organizations and tour companies.
 
And hence, Historic Boston Crime Tours was born. I try to delve further back in history: you won’t hear about crimes more current than 1950. I also make sure that each story involves an actual illegality: there are usually trials mentioned in almost each of my tales.
 
It’s been a fun, interesting ride so far and I’m glad to have you all along for it! If you want to learn more about the crime history of Boston, why not take our virtual or walking crime tour!