The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston no longer offers tours to the public; however, the Bank offers economic education programs designed for schools from elementary through college levels, and for a variety of adult audiences including business groups, bankers, and community organizations. Program topics range from banking and currency to basic economics.

Educational programs are held in the Bank, or arrangements may be made for a speaker to address your group at the site. We also encourage you to schedule a visit to the Boston Fed's New England Economic Adventure.

Programs Offered

Banking Basics (Grades 5-9 or Adults)
This program teaches students the basics of opening a bank account, the purpose of banks and some pitfalls to avoid when choosing a bank. It examines the three functions of money and the critical role that banks and the Federal Reserve System play in establishing a sound banking system. Issues like fraud prevention and counterfeit detection are also discussed.

Consumer Savvy (Grades 11 & 12, College, or Adults)
This program uses an interactive quiz-show format and audience polling technology to present basic consumer information on money, banking, credit, and identity theft.

Currency and Counterfeits (Grades 5-12 or Adults)
This program provides an understanding of the dollar through an overview of the production, distribution, and security features in our banknotes. Distinctions between genuine and counterfeit notes are included in the visual program. It also teaches students about the history of our currency and the role of the Federal Reserve System in our country's economy. The role of the dollar in world trade is also discussed. This program is also adaptable to the general public.

Federal Reserve System Overview (Grades 8-12, College, or Adults)
This program outlines the origins of the Federal Reserve System and explains the role that the Fed plays in regulating the nation’s monetary system. Participants learn about the role of the Fed as the Central Bank of the United States. As such, it sets the monetary policy for the nation, serves as a regulator of the country’s banking system, and offers a variety of financial services to its member banks.

Introduction to Monetary Policy (Grades 11 & 12, College, or Adults)
This program takes a deeper look at the Fed’s most publicized role—controlling the rate of growth of the nation’s money supply. As part of this program, participants take a look at the current condition of the economy that the Fed must consider when establishing its monetary policy. Participants have the opportunity to play the role of FOMC policy-makers through an interactive series of macroeconomic situations presented.

Teens & Credit (Grades 11 & 12 or College)
This program uses an interactive quiz-show format and audience polling technology to present basic information about establishing credit for the first time, developing a good credit history, and avoiding credit pitfalls in college.

Teacher Workshops (All Levels)
Teachers in group of 10 or more may request a Teachers Workshop to discuss economic education materials and methods. A two-hour workshop can be adapted to meet the needs of the audience and grade levels taught.

Scheduling a Program

• If you would like to schedule a program, please contact us at (617) 973-3464 or e-mail us.
  
  
• For Education Programs, we require that the list of names of all participants be faxed to the Boston Fed in care of Public and Community Affairs two weeks in advance of the scheduled visit.
  
  
• For scheduled adult groups (college and above) we require a valid photo ID of each participant.
  
  
• For scheduled elementary or secondary school groups, we require a photo ID of all adults such as teachers and chaperones.
  
  
• Group programs are scheduled on weekdays starting at 9:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.
  
  
• Group members must arrive 15 minutes ahead of their scheduled program for security purposes.
  
  
• Please notify us in advance if a member of your group has special needs. The Bank has assistive listening devices for the hearing impaired and is fully wheelchair accessible.
  
  
• Parking facilities are not available at the Bank. We will provide a map which includes public parking lots. Directions are available online or can be obtained by calling 617-973-FIND.
  
  
• Public transportation to the Bank is very convenient. The Bank is located directly across the street from South Station (MBTA Red Line commuter rail, and bus terminal). For more information, call the MBTA at 1-800-392-6100 or visit the MBTA's web site.
  
  
• All cameras, audio equipment, and cellular phones must be stored in the Bank's secured lockers for the duration of your visit.