The Road Less Traveled: Travelogues in Symphony Hall, 1900-1950

The Road Less Traveled: Travelogues
in Symphony Hall, 1900-1950
Symphony Hall Travelogues
Travel lectures were a popular source of entertainment at Symphony Hall in the early 20th century. The engaging talks by amateur and professional travelers and explorers were often accompanied by colored lantern slides and moving images that transported the audience to far-flung destinations.
Featured Photographs and Documents
Click the images and links below to view the full documents.
Garrett P. Serviss at Symphony Hall (PDF) |
Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd at Symphony Hall (PDF) |
Commander Robert E. Peary at Symphony Hall (PDF) |
Travelers Elmendorf, Homes, and Newman
Professional travelers Dwight L. Elmendorf, Burton Holmes, and E.M. Newman gave regular lectures about their travels on the stage of Symphony Hall during the first half of the 20th century, bringing the world to Boston’s door.
Elmendorff was the most elegant, presenting his travels as sophisticated grand tours, while Holmes brought a more informal and chatty approach. Newman’s talks differed with a down-to-earth quality that did not shy away from discussions of poverty and postwar conditions in many countries.