Discovering Justice Tours
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 docents, 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 Associate Kiara Batista at kbatista@discoveringjustice.org if you have any questions.
Book a Visit
Become a Tour Docent
Are you a lover of history, architecture, and justice? Discovering Justice is seeking Volunteer Docents to lead tours at the Moakley Federal Courthouse, an architectural and civic landmark in Bostonâs Seaport District. Docents 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.
Docents will be trained in the history and architecture of the building and how to conduct engaging group tours.Â
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.Â
Virtual Tour
Drop in tours
Discovering Justice invites you to attend one of our drop-in tours of the Moakley Federal Courthouse on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. Tours are an hour long, free of charge, and welcoming to all ages.
Hope to see you there!
