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Community Corner

Faneuil Hall Marketplace Hosts Exhibit on History of Boston Marathon

Faneuil Hall Marketplace announced today that an exhibition chronicling the history of the Boston Marathon has opened to the public in partnership with The Sports Museum and retail store Best of Boston. Boston: America’s Greatest Marathon will be located on the 2nd floor of the North Market Building in Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The exhibition is free and open to the public seven days a week. 

“Best of Boston is in the business of celebrating Boston’s historic events both from an educational and entertainment standpoint,” said Al Shameklis, President and COO of Color Inc., owner of Best of Boston at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.  “We are thrilled to bring this exhibition to the public with the collaboration of The Sports Museum.”

Boston: America’s Greatest Marathon features notable moments from the early days of the Boston Marathon from its start in 1897 to the present day. It includes memories of the World War years, Johnny Kelley’s first run in 1928 – and his 60 additional races, the inclusion of female runners in the 1960s, and those with disabilities in the 1970s. The exhibit culminates with tributes to the present day, one year after the fateful bombings of April 15, 2013.

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The exhibition was organized by The Sports Museum curator Richard Johnson, who says the Boston Marathon is one of the greatest sporting events in the world because it’s “the people’s race.”

“The 2013 race was the scene of unspeakable loss as well as the remarkable performance of first responders to the site of the Boylston Street bombings. In the wake of this tragedy both Boston and the running community galvanized more than ever before as millions were raised to aid the victims and plans were made to ensure Boston would remain the greatest road race on the planet. It is our hope this exhibit from The Sports Museum at TD Garden captures a measure of the history and triumphant spirit attendant to this great race,” said Johnson.

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The exhibition also features memorabilia and photographs from past Boston Marathons and a backdrop of the finish line on Boylston Street, set up for a photo opportunity for visitors. 

“It’s the perfect place to showcase the museum’s Marathon exhibition - in the heart of Quincy Market located in the center of the City of Boston.  You get a genuine sense of the 117-year history of the race while also availing yourself of the richness of the Marketplace that combines great shopping, experiences and history too,” Johnson added.

“We welcome The Sports Museum exhibition to Faneuil Hall Marketplace. We understand it will be an important destination for the runners as well as their friends and families who will be cheering them during Marathon Monday,” said Carol Troxell, President, Faneuil Hall Merchants Association.

Boston: America’s Greatest Marathon Exhibit will continue throughout the summer at Best of Boston in Faneuil Hall Marketplace. 10am – 9pm on Saturday, Noon – 6 pm on Sunday - North Market Building at Best of Boston 2nd Floor.

Other events happening at Faneuil Hall Marketplace during “Marathon Weekend:”  

Saturday, April 19

10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Easter egg hunt

12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Band Concerts starting at 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. featuring Reverse Order and The Sugarbabies Band. Both bands have written songs to commemorate the tragic bombings at last year’s Boston Marathon. 

11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Faneuil Hall Merchants will host a Sidewalk Sale

Sunday, April 20

11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Faneuil Hall Merchants will host a Sidewalk Sale 

About the Sports Museum

The Sports Museum as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit educational institution housed in the TD Garden that has served Boston and New England for the past 30 years.  At the Sports Museum, we celebrate the character of Boston sports – the unique brand of teamwork, determination, responsibility, courage, fairness and other qualities of character possessed by our teams and athletes that make Boston “The Greatest Sports City in America.”  Equally important, we use this distinctly rich heritage to help build character in kids so that they can stand strong in the face of drugs, violence and other dangers.  For more information regarding The Sports Museum click on www.sportsmuseum.organd you can also follow the Museum onwww.twitter.com/TheSportsMuseumwww.facebook.com/TheSportsMuseum

 And www.instagram.com/TheSportsMuseum.

Visit www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com for more information on Spring Weekend events and other happenings.

About Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is one of the nation’s premiere retail destinations combining a rich history with innovative retail concepts. The cobblestone streets are lined with famous restaurants, ethnic food stalls and a wide variety of stores. Renowned for outdoor entertainment, Faneuil Hall has hosted many events and performances from acrobats and magicians to musicians and more. This one-of-a-kind marketplace has something for everyone and promises a memorable experience every time.

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