My Trip to the Boston Athenaeum
As a first-year at Tufts, it seems as if you’re sorted into study spots like Hogwarts students are sorted into their houses. Some people thrive in Tisch Library, others revel in the prestigious Ginn Library, many enjoy the sleek modernity of the Joyce Cummings Center, and still more prefer studying in their cozy dorm room. Whatever floats your boat, it is inarguable that we tend to stick to the study spots that make us the most comfortable and productive.
My favorite study spot usually changes based on the day of the week and time of day. One thing that has remained constant, though, is that I always study on campus. I find that studying in a café is too distracting and that leaving Medford-Somerville entirely throws me out of my groove (yes, I know, this is giving a lot of “old man yells at cloud energy”).
However, with Tuesday off for Veterans’ Day, I decided to join my housemate in what became my first off-campus study excursion. He has a membership at the Boston Athenaeum, so we set off on the Red Line to Park Street in search of a study sanctuary.
After hopping off the train, we walked past the scenic Boston Common and up Beacon Hill toward the Massachusetts State House, before winding our way through the narrow streets of Boston’s most historic neighborhood. Once we made it to Beacon Street, the Athenaeum immediately caught my eye. Jutting out of the crowded street like a collegiate gothic palace, it was downright unmissable.
Founded in 1807, the Athenaeum prides itself on being a “unique combination of library, museum, and cultural center in a magnificent landmark building.” With five floors of endless books, I felt as if I had actually found the real-life version of Hogwarts. After passing through the magnificent entry hall and spotting intricate sculptures, we made our way up to the fifth floor to find a secluded study spot.
Exiting the rickety elevator, we walked among book stacks, portraits of nineteenth-century dignitaries, and hidden pathways until we reached a table overlooking the entire level. We settled down to “lock in,” taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi. Eventually, though, hunger reared its head, and I retreated to the members’ lounge for a snack. The lounge is complemented by a stunning view of the Boston skyline, which compelled me to explore the rest of the building.
Making my way down the floors in descending order, I crisscrossed past statues of George Washington, intense chess matches, and innumerable cups of coffee, taking in the sights and (lack of) sounds. Eventually, my appetite for studying subsided, and we wrapped up our exploration of the Athenaeum.
The convenient location of the building, though, meant that our Boston journey was still ongoing. After leaving the Athenaeum, we passed by the historic Granary Burying Ground and the Cheers bar and made our way to the cobblestone paths of Beacon Hill. After doing some window-shopping and basking in the crisp fall air, we ended up back at the Charles-MGH station and took the Red Line back to Davis Square.
In the end, I enjoyed my visit to the Athenaeum. Offering exquisite views, a serene atmosphere, and historical marvels, it was the perfect venue for my first trip to study in the city. So, while I may retreat back to the Campus Center for the time being, I will definitely return before my time at Tufts comes to an end.
Photo Credit: Max Druckman