Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Quaker Community & Event Space in Heart of Boston
Founded in 1957, Beacon Hill Friends House operates as a Quaker nonprofit organization rooted in principles of faith, simplicity, integrity, community, and social responsibility. Our mission centers on fostering spiritual deepening, personal growth, and collective action through residential community living, public programs, and space rentals in Boston. With over six decades of experience, we provide a cooperative living environment for 18 - 22 residents annually, offering shared meals, communal decision-making, and opportunities for mutual growth.Our event spacesincluding a large meeting room, parlor, and courtyardserve nonprofits, artists, and community groups, reflecting our commitment to accessibility and alignment with Quaker values. We prioritize transparency, inclusivity, and service, ensuring our historic Boston property remains a hub for dialogue, learning, and social justice initiatives while honoring the Indigenous peoples whose ancestral land we occupy.
Services
Residential Community
Event Space Rentals
Guest Accommodations
Public Programs
Short-Term Residencies
Details
- Year established: 1957
Highlights and features
- We have 67 years of experience fostering intentional community living in Boston.
- Our residential program emphasizes Quaker principles of equity and mutual support.
- We offer flexible event spaces with sliding-scale rates for nonprofits.
- Proximity to Beacon Hill landmarks and Boston transit enhances accessibility.
- Our team integrates social justice, sustainability, and spiritual practice.
What people say
Vibrant Quaker community
Flexible event spaces
Meaningful spiritual programs
Central Boston location
Impactful social justice focus
Services
Residential Community
Our residential program offers room and board for 1822 individuals annually in a cooperative, Quaker-guided community. Residents share meals, maintain the house, and engage in regular meetings for worship and decision-making. This immersive experience fosters personal growth, spiritual connection, and collective responsibility through daily living.
Event Space Rentals
We provide flexible spaces for meetings, workshops, performances, and weddings in Bostons historic Beacon Hill. Our venues include a 70-person meeting room, a parlor with a grand piano, and a courtyard with lush greenery. Sliding-scale rates support nonprofits and community groups aligned with our mission.
Guest Accommodations
The Mary Dyer Room offers overnight lodging with shared amenities, including breakfast and access to communal spaces. Guests may join house dinners SundayThursday for $8. Our location near Massachusetts State House and public transit makes it ideal for travelers seeking a community-focused Boston stay.
Public Programs
We host lectures, workshops, and cultural events open to the public, emphasizing Quaker values and social justice. Recent initiatives include vocational discernment curricula, Indigenous history discussions, and partnerships with local organizations. These programs aim to inspire dialogue, learning, and collective action.
Short-Term Residencies
Flexible stays of four weeks to three months provide access to communal living, meals, and programming. Ideal for creatives, seekers, or professionals seeking reflective environments, this program offers discounted rates for extended stays. Residents engage with the community while pursuing personal or spiritual projects.
People
Jennifer Newman
Executive Director
Jen Newman, a theologian and activist, leads Beacon Hill Friends House since 2020. She holds a Master of Theological Studies and advocates for human rights and environmental justice. A committed Quaker, she integrates spiritual practice with community leadership and social change initiatives.
Vickie Wu
Associate Director
Vickie Wu oversees hospitality and kitchen operations, bringing culinary expertise and a passion for intentional community. A former banquet chef and theater enthusiast, she fosters a welcoming environment through shared meals and resident engagement, emphasizing simplicity and collaboration in daily life.
Ben Hasan
Facility Manager
Ben Hasan manages building operations with a focus on sustainable maintenance and community-centered spaces. His experience includes nonprofit budgeting and cooperative management. He prioritizes creating vibrant, functional environments that reflect the values of care, equity, and collective stewardship.
Gaston Gosselin
Hospitality Coordinator
Gaston Gosselin supports guest services and culinary programs as a resident musician and arts advocate. He partners with local arts groups to promote social change through performance, blending creative expression with the Quaker ethos of community service and inclusivity.
Alana Parkes
Admin & Outreach Manager
Alana Parkes handles communications and outreach, combining design skills with decades of Quaker committee service. As a MassArt student and award-winning quilter, she bridges traditional crafts with modern storytelling to strengthen community connections and amplify the organizations mission.
Questions
What types of events can I host at Beacon Hill Friends House?
Our spaces accommodate meetings, workshops, weddings, performances, and cultural gatherings. We prioritize nonprofits and groups aligned with our Quaker values.
How do I apply for residency?
Prospective residents complete an application, attend an interview, and commit to communal living principles. Visit our website for forms and current availability.
Does Beacon Hill Friends House offer financial assistance?
Yes, we provide reduced rates for residents, event rentals, and programs to ensure accessibility for diverse groups and individuals.
Is the building accessible for disabled visitors?
Our meeting room and courtyard are ground-level accessible. The parlor is not accessible for large mobility devices due to stairs and narrow elevators.
Can I volunteer with Beacon Hill Friends House?
Volunteers support events, hospitality, and outreach. Contact us to discuss opportunities matching your skills and interests in our Boston community.
Are pets allowed in the facility?
We currently have three support animals. Please contact us in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs or concerns.
