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Discovering Justice Tours

OUR PROGRAMS
Courthouse

Discovering Justice Tours

Since the opening of the Moakley Courthouse in 1998, Discovering Justice Tours have invited both students and adults to experience the magnificent architecture of the John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse, home to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Our online exhibit allows community members and students to view a set of artifacts and legal documents specific to the Moakley Courthouse as they explore the history and significance of conflict resolution in the judicial branch.

In-Person Tours

Led by Discovering Justice staff and volunteer Courthouse Education Guides, free in-person tours welcome the public into the Moakley Courthouse and provide a unique look at the structure and history of this award-winning landmark, central to the judicial landscape of Boston.

In-person tours are limited to a maximum of 40-45 people. However, exceptions can be made for groups of 60-70 with advance notice. All adults are required to present a Photo ID upon arrival to the courthouse. The Moakley Federal Courthouse is ADA accessible, and tours last approximately one hour. Please contact Courthouse Programs Manager Emily Dall’Orso at edallorso@discoveringjustice.org if you have any questions..

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Become a Courthouse Education Guide

Are you a lover of history, architecture, and justice? Discovering Justice is seeking volunteer Courthouse Education Guides to lead tours at the Moakley Federal Courthouse, an architectural and civic landmark in Boston’s Seaport District. Courthouse Education Guides will guide school groups, community organizations, and interested members of the public on a one hour tour of the Courthouse including inside its courtrooms and artistic spaces, highlighting the workings of the building and how the architecture and art reflect the aspirations and challenges of justice and our democracy.

Courthouse Education Guides will be trained in the history and architecture of the building and how to conduct engaging group tours. 

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Virtual Tours

With the advent of COVID-19, Discovering Justice is pleased to offer both virtual and in-person tour options. This virtual tour of the Moakley Courthouse explores the connections between the architectural designs of the Moakley Courthouse, and the civic ideals they represent. It features conversations held with members of the courthouse community, from judges to probation officers and restorative justice participants to courthouse reporters. All integral to the working of the justice system, the staff explore their work, and share their thoughts on the civic ideals of our justice system. The online tour can be navigated by using the right arrow key on your keyboard to advance to the next slide. 

Virtual Tour

Contact Us about Courthouse Tours

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Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan has spent nearly her entire 20+ year career dedicated to providing students with access to high-quality education experiences that lead to strong academic outcomes. She brings extensive and diverse experiences as a teacher, school administrator, funder, and nonprofit professional. Rana is committed to Discovering Justice’s mission to enable students to become well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and desire to build and sustain an equitable democracy.

Prior to Discovering Justice, Rana spent seven years at Boston Schools Fund, most recently as the Chief Operating Officer. She co-led the development of the organization’s second fund, and ensured its operationalization across the organization. Previously, Rana played pivotal roles at organizations such as Salsify, Phoenix Charter Academy, The Achievement Network, and Roxbury Prep Charter School. Rana graduated from Williams College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Psychology. She earned her Master’s in Education Policy & Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Mehana Koch

Bianca Lora