about
Meet Our Guides
Charles Bahne
Academic Director
Charles Bahne started as an instructor for Humanities International’s very first Elderhostel program in November 1997, and since then he’s taught more than 140. He is not only our expert guide to all things historical in Boston and Cambridge but is also integral to the crafting of our overall program design. Charlie grew up in the Midwest (Indianapolis) and came east for college. Like many other students, he fell in love with our city and stayed on. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning a B.S. in Urban Studies and Planning in 1974. Since then he has immersed himself in the history of the area and is quite well-known around Boston as a tour guide extraordinaire. He is author and publisher of “The Complete Guide to Boston’s Freedom Trail,” with over 400,000 copies sold to date. He has also written or co-written a number of other books. Charlie is married and lives in Cambridge. Our travelers always applaud his remarkable scope of knowledge and his passion for his subject material.
Jeannette Fullerton
Academic Coordinator in Art History
Jeannette Fullerton joined Humanities International in April of 1998. She was born and educated in the United Kingdom. She holds a B.Sc. from London University, an M.Ed. from Boston University and a Certificate of Museum Studies from Tufts University. She attended the Radcliffe Institute for Advance Study and was Coordinator for Public Education at the Harvard University Art Museums for 8 years. She was a docent at the DeCordova Museum in Lincoln, Massachusetts and a Doric Dame at the Massachusetts State House. The mother of 2 daughters and grandmother of 4, Jeannette lives with her husband on Cape Cod. She is widely praised for her extensive knowledge, and her skillful commentary and quick wit make a trip with Jeannette to any museum a viewer’s delight.
Our Volunteers
Humanities International relies on its dedicated staff of volunteers to ensure the smooth running of our programs. Volunteers work closely with the Program Director and the program leaders to deliver a memorable experience to each and every traveler. Overseeing a large group of people for most of a week is no easy task, but our Group Leaders enjoy the experience of getting to know new, like-minded people from all over the United States and abroad. Our volunteers are an integral part of every program.
Here’s what one of our couples has to say about their Humanities International experience:
“We are proud of our Boston heritage and enjoy sharing the culture and romance of the city with the interesting and varied groups that invariably come to us with inquiring minds and an appreciation of the joy of travel.” Chris & Pat Jackson
You Need To Be:
- Friendly and outgoing and comfortable with public speaking
- Knowledgeable about the City of Boston, its history and cultural resources
- Familiar with Boston’s public transportation
- Physically able to walk and to climb stairs easily
What You Will Do:
- Live on site for the duration of the program (generally Sunday from 2 pm to Friday at noon)
- Be available from breakfast until the end of each day’s programs
- Assist our staff with introductions, explanations, and equipment
- Assist on field trips and subway trips
Humanities International covers your expenses for the week, including lodging, parking, all meals, transportation and events. In addition you will receive a stipend to cover any incidental expenditure. We prefer couples (spouses, friends, and partners) simply because most programs require 2 Group Leaders to share one hotel room. Ideally you are able to volunteer at least 2 weeks per year (although we may not be able to schedule you for both weeks every time). The orientation program for new Group Leaders will include one afternoon spent assisting with a group on their arrival day and at least one full day spent accompanying a group. If you are interested in volunteering with us, please contact our Program Director.
- Board of Trustees
- Richard Faust
- Frank Freese
- Jeannette Fullerton, Clerk
- Henry Hicks
- Kenneth Scott, Treasurer
- Susan Weber
- Fred Meagher, President
- Our Friends
- Constitution Inn Friendly staff and a harbor-side location in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard
- Hotel 140 A great Copley Square location in a newly-renovated historic building
- Navy Yard Bistro This charming restaurant in the Charlestown Navy Yard serves creative, local cuisine.
- Paul Revere House A national historic landmark and downtown Boston’s oldest building (c.1680)
- The USS Constitution Museum Brings the story of our nation’s oldest commissioned ship to life
- Boston Harbor Island Alliance Explore the fascinating Harbor Islands.
- Jack Holmes – Images from Near and Far Professional photographer and one of our volunteer coordinators
- Jen Strickland Our talented website designer