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Best Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebrations In Boston

Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Photo credit AFP/Getty Images)

When it comes to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it is not only about celebrating his life, but his work. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a strong advocate for public service and did much himself. As such, the holiday dedicated to him is a day of service and learning both in Boston and the rest of the country. To truly celebrate the day, become part of the many initiatives set up around the city or enjoy free admission to a great museum on January 19, 2015. What better way to celebrate MLK than by volunteering or learning?

Package Books For Prison Book Program
1306 Hancock St., Suite 100
Quincy, MA 02169
(617) 423-3298
www.prisonbookprogram.org

A great way to get in both community service and education is to help with the Prison Book Program in Quincy. On Martin Luther King Day, some of the volunteers who are taking part in MLK Boston Cares Day of Service are going to be putting together packages for this program. It allows prisoners to read great books and even give reviews on their readings. Both children and adults can participate in this event.

Make Lunch At Twelfth Baptist
150 Warren St.
Roxbury, MA 02119
(617) 442-7855
www.cmsboston.org

One way to help out on Martin Luther King Day is to make lunch for other volunteers. People will be gathering at Twelfth Baptist Church to eat after they go to their respective volunteering stations. The work is simple and the sentiment in the right place. Enjoy the company of fellow volunteers in a building that has strong historical connections to the figure whose memory is being honored in the heart of Boston on January 17, 2015.

MLK Boston Cares Day Of Service And Learning Closing Celebration
150 Warren St.
Roxbury, MA 02119
(617) 442-7855
www.cmsboston.org

Once volunteers are done preparing and eating lunch, there will be a true celebration at Twelfth Church. Participants will gather to appreciate the work that has been done, the work that can still be done and the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As this man strove to bring people together, those who appreciate his message will gather together in his honor. This celebration is open to all who participate, not just members of the church. The deadline for registration is January 12, 2015 and volunteers must sign a release.

Related: Boston's Best Volunteer Opportunities For Kids

Sew & Quilt For Boston Cares
Boston, MA 02110
www.bostoncares.org

For MLK Boston Cares 2015, people who are great at sewing and quilting are asked to make blankets for beds being donated to those in need. The locations for these sewing meet-ups will be identified near the event day, as different groups and individuals sign up. Remember that bringing a sewing machine is required and the skills to use it are necessary. Pull together a group of crafters or sign up alone to help out. Some squares are already put together for quilters.

Open House At Museum Of Fine Arts, Boston
465 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 267-9300
www.mfa.org

From 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Martin Luther King Day, admission to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is free. Lean on the learning side of the holiday and appreciate the many genres, generations and cultures of art spread throughout the building's wings. Bring the whole family and take advantage of the savings as a group. Do not forget to visit the Art of the Americas Wing to learn more about American history, a period of which Martin Luther King, Jr. was a large part.

Related: Boston's Best Volunteer Opportunities For Art Lovers

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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