SDI Educational Events

Boston is a vibrant, thriving city. It is the region's social and commercial hub and is renowned for its cultural facilities, world-class educational institutions, champion sports franchises, as well as its place at the very forefront of American history.

Make a contemplative practice of your visit by being truly present and listening with compassion.

Boston North Shore
The Spiritual Directors International conference is located in Boston's prestigious North Shore: a New England coastal region that holds many surprises for visitors--all within an hour of downtown Boston. The conference hotel is located in Danvers, Massachusetts USA.

At the end of the day, head to a local museum or one of the many historic sites in nearby Salem, Gloucester, Rockport, or Boston.

A picturesque drive from the SDI conference hotel through New England may include a stop in Salem–site of the witch trials of 1692 and home to the Peabody Essex Museum and Nathaniel Hawthorne's House of Seven Gables.

Area Attractions and Beaches

Danvers
Originally Salem Village, it was here that the witchcraft hysteria began in 1692. Incorporated in 1757, Danvers has many fine buildings of historical and architectural significance.

Essex
Essex is famous for its clam beds and 300-year-old tradition of ship building. Incorporated in 1819, Essex was originally part of Ipswich. It was purchased from the Agawam Indians for approximately $100. Its First Congregational Church has one of the last bells cast by Paul Revere. Distance from Danvers: 15 minutes.

Gloucester
Gloucester is part of Cape Ann.  A cape is a point of land projecting out into the sea. The main portion of Gloucester is an island, connected only by two bridges. Other towns making up Cape Ann are Rockport, Manchester, and Essex. Come and visit the places made famous by the movie "The Perfect Storm." Tour the city's enthralling museums that include the Cape Ann Historical Museum featuring an extensive collection of Fitz Hugh Lane paintings or stroll around the Hammond Castle.

Ipswich
Settled in 1630, Ipswich, the “Birthplace of American Independence,” boasts more 17th century structures than any community in America. Over forty homes, still serving residents today, were built before 1725. An excellent walking-tour guide of historic Ipswich is available through its Chamber of Commerce at 978-356-3231. No visit is complete without a serving of its famed “Ipswich Clams.” Distance from Danvers: 20 minutes.

Lexington and Concord
If your taste for history has been whetted by touring Boston’s Freedom Trail, you may want to visit Lexington, “Birthplace of American Liberty,” and Concord, where in 1775 “embattled farmers stood and fired the shot heard around the world.” Visitors to Concord walk Walden Pond, immortalized by Henry David Thoreau. Distance from Danvers: Lexington, 20 miles: Concord, 25 miles.

Manchesterby the Sea
Picturesque Manchester by the Sea was incorporated in 1645. This fashionable village has a yacht-filled harbor and famous Singing Beach, where the sand makes musical sounds when walked upon.

Marblehead
This yachting capital of the world offers a panoramic view of the Atlantic –blue ocean and white sails. Boats of every description fill the town’s picturesque harbor. Fort Sewall, off Front Street, is a perfect place to sit and watch the activity. The original painting, “Spirit of ’76,” is hanging in Abbot Hall, the spired Victorian town hall. Distance from Danvers: 15 minutes.

Newburyport
History greets the Newburyport visitor at every turn. Established in the early 1630's, the town is home to numerous historic homes. In addition, Newburyport is the birthplace of the United States Coast Guard. A Coast Guard station remains a part of the town to this day.

Salem
While the city of Salem is abundant in history, its founding in 1626 by Roger Conant, today it is a lively urban community, rich in culture and diversity with a vibrant downtown and attractive waterfront. Visit world famous museums, stroll the city’s historic architecture, and learn about the infamous Salem Witchcraft Trials of 1692. Salem is pedestrian-friendly, where visitors can walk around the downtown and explore eclectic shops, restaurant, and attractions. Distance from Danvers: 15 minutes.

Beaches
Cranes Beach, Ipswich                  15 Minutes
GoodHarbor Beach, Gloucester   30 Minutes
WingarsheakBeach, Gloucester   20 Minutes
Kings Beach, Swampscott             20 Minutes
DevereauxBeach, Marblehead      20 Minutes
LynchPark Beach, Beverly              10 minutes

North Shore Music Theatre
Located on its 26-acre Dunham Woods campus, the award-winning North Shore Music Theatre is creating some of the most vibrant and exciting musical theater in the country.  With its renowned Theatre for Young Audiences program, a school touring program, and year-round classes for children, NSMT has become one of the region's leading providers of theater arts and education.

Metropolitan Boston
Boston Common
Boston Public Library
Freedom Trail
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Mary Baker Eddy Library
Museum of African American History
Museum of Fine Art
Museum of Science
Old South Meeting House
Public Garden
Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Sacred Sites
Trinity Church
Shambhala Meditation Center
Islamic Center of Boston
Boston Synagogue

Share Your Favorites
Do you have a favorite sacred spot in Boston? Hundreds of participants from many countries will be visiting Boston to attend the SDI  educational events. E-mail favorite places to events@sdiworld.org along with a link to the appropriate website. Thank you.