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Welcome to The Boston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Boston biotech shares plunge sharply.

• Red Sox reliever All-Star snub.

• A deep-dive into the life of Isabella Stewart Gardner.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."

- Carl Sagan

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What is the name of the famous Boston street known for its Italian restaurants and historic sites?

A) Newbury Street

B) Boylston Street

C) Hanover Street

D) Beacon Street

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The bridge known for connecting Boston to Cambridge is A) Longfellow Bridge.

News

💼 Business

Boston biotech’s shares drop nearly 90% on norovirus vaccine data. (link)

Eastern Nazarene College closure to eliminate 125 jobs. (link)

🏒 Sports

Red Sox star reliever is one of the biggest All-Star Game snubs. (link)

Meet the two Massachusetts gymnasts looking to make history at the Paris Olympics. (link)

🏦 Finance

Eli Lilly buys Waltham biotech company for $3.2 billion. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Iacono Playground PM - Week 2
150 Readville St, Boston, MA
Monday, Jul 15th | 1:00 pm | (More info)

⚾ Boston Sports Trivia Night
1282 Boylston St #123, Boston, MA
Monday, Jul 15th | 6:00 pm | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎥 Jesse Sendejas plays Days N Daze
Sonia 10 Brookline St. Cambridge, MA
Thursday, Jul 15th | 6:30 PM | (More info)

🎷Albee Al
The Sinclair Music Hall, Cambridge, MA
Tuesday, Jul 16th | 6:30 PM | (More info)

Family

📚 Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away.
The Castle at Park Plaza, Boston, MA
Monday, Jul 15th | time varies | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “High-tech entertainment district in Boston with virtual reality arcades” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Boston Historical Events

John F. Kennedy's Senate Career (1953-1960) - JFK's political rise began in Boston.

John F. Kennedy's political rise began in Boston, where he launched his career as a U.S. senator for Massachusetts from 1953 to 1960. Elected to the Senate in 1952, Kennedy quickly established himself as a national figure, focusing on areas such as economic development in New England and foreign affairs. During his Senate career, Kennedy spoke out vigorously for the defense of Europe while opposing many European policies. He also developed expertise on national issues, laying the groundwork for his future presidential aspirations.

Kennedy's Senate career got off to a rocky start when he refused to condemn Senator Joseph McCarthy, a personal friend of his. However, he soon found his footing and became an effective senator, expanding his horizons and making significant contributions to the political landscape. Notably, during his time in the Senate, Kennedy published his book "Profiles in Courage" which went on to win a Pulitzer Prize. This period in Kennedy's political journey laid the foundation for his eventual run for the presidency in 1960, marking a pivotal chapter in his legacy as a prominent political figure.

Famous People From Boston

Isabella Stewart Gardner – Art collector and philanthropist

Isabella Stewart Gardner (1840-1924)

Isabella Stewart Gardner was an American art collector, philanthropist, and patron of the arts. She founded the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. Gardner possessed an energetic intellectual curiosity, a love of travel, and, most importantly, money. Throughout her life, she was known for her passion for art and her dedication to supporting artists and preserving their work.

Early Life and Marriage (1840-1860)

Isabella Stewart Gardner was born on April 14, 1840, in New York City. She was the daughter of David Stewart, a successful businessman, and Adelia Smith Stewart. Isabella grew up in a wealthy and cultured environment, surrounded by art and literature. In 1860, she married John Lowell Gardner Jr., a member of a prominent Boston family, and the couple settled in Boston.

Passion for Art and Travel (1861-1870)

Isabella's marriage to John Gardner opened doors to Boston's elite social circles, where she developed a deep appreciation for art and culture. She began traveling extensively, visiting Europe and immersing herself in the art scenes of Paris, Rome, and Venice. These experiences ignited her passion for collecting art and exposed her to a wide range of artistic styles and movements.

Creation of the Gardner Museum (1871-1890)

Isabella Stewart Gardner's vision for a museum to house her extensive art collection began to take shape in the late 19th century. She acquired a plot of land in Boston's Fenway area and commissioned the construction of a museum to showcase her growing collection. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum officially opened to the public in 1903, becoming a hub for art enthusiasts and scholars.

Support for Artists and Writers (1891-1900)

Gardner's museum became a haven for artists, writers, and musicians, who found inspiration and support within its walls. She was known for her generous patronage of emerging and established artists, providing them with financial assistance, studio space, and opportunities to exhibit their work. Her support extended to writers and poets, fostering a vibrant creative community in Boston.

Cultural Influence and Legacy (1901-1910)

Isabella Stewart Gardner's influence extended beyond the art world, as she became a prominent figure in Boston's cultural and intellectual circles. Her salon-style gatherings at the museum brought together leading thinkers, artists, and socialites, creating a space for intellectual exchange and artistic collaboration. Her legacy as a cultural influencer and philanthropist continues to inspire generations of art enthusiasts.

Connection to Boston's Elite Circles

Isabella Stewart Gardner's involvement in Boston's elite circles was a defining aspect of her life. Through her marriage to John Gardner, she gained access to influential social networks and established herself as a prominent figure in Boston's cultural and intellectual scene. Her contributions to the city's artistic and philanthropic landscape solidified her place in Boston's history.

Key Achievements of Isabella Stewart Gardner:

• Founded the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, showcasing her extensive art collection and becoming a cultural landmark.

• Supported emerging and established artists, providing financial assistance, studio space, and exhibition opportunities.

• Fostered a vibrant creative community in Boston, hosting salon-style gatherings that brought together leading thinkers, artists, and socialites.

• Established a legacy of cultural influence and philanthropy, inspiring generations of art enthusiasts and cultural influencers.

• Immersed herself in Boston's elite circles, becoming a prominent figure in the city's cultural and intellectual scene.

Isabella Stewart Gardner's life was marked by her unwavering passion for art, her dedication to supporting artists, and her influential role in Boston's cultural landscape. Her legacy as a philanthropist and patron of the arts continues to shape the artistic community and inspire creativity.

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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