The Sporting Life: Archaeology of a nineteenth-century North End brothel

With so much attention in Boston's history focused on Puritans and revolutionaries, it's easy to forget that the City has also had a fraught relationship with sex work almost since its founding. What do we actually know, however, about the daily lives of nineteenth-century Boston sex workers? Boston University historical archaeologist Jade Luiz will discuss how the artifacts recovered from a North End brothel privy shed light on what life inside a nineteenth-century brothel might have been like for the women working there, the madam running it, and the male customers visiting.

The Alibi Bar & Lounge, 215 Charles Street, site of the “Drunk Tank” at the Charles Street Jail is the venue for this unique presentation. This is a free event, but purchase of food and beverage is expected. Seating is limited and reservation is required.