Bunker Hill Roots Run Deep in Gardens for Charlestown and 13 New Liberty Trees

Charlestown’s history isn’t just etched in stone—it’s alive and growing in our backyard.

Gardens for Charlestown, a nonprofit born from rubble in the 1970s, now thrives with over 60 community garden plots. What was once neglected land was gifted by the city for a dollar in 1995, thanks to locals who rolled up their sleeves and rebuilt it brick by brick!

This spring, the community and the Bunker Hill Monument Association planted 13 new Liberty Trees along Bunker Hill Street—a homegrown nod to the original Revolution-era Liberty Tree—and a tribute to Kevin Burke, the late founder of Gardens for Charlestown. Partnering with Mass Audubon, we’re deepening our roots—literally and figuratively. 

Recently, TV cameras from Chronicle stopped by, and covered this neighborhood news: these trees are more than just shade—they’re a bridge to passing on history to kids and neighbors alike.

There’s also a new book in the works—Kevin’s idea, carried forward by Bill Foley—to tell Charlestown’s story in fresh, vibrant pages, keeping our Revolution-rooted spirit growing strong.

As Bunker Hill Week unfolds—with parades, reenactments, concerts, and a beer garden at City Square—Charlestown shows again why we call ourselves “Liberty A Trust To Be Transmitted To Posterity.” Every seed sown, every sapling planted, says we’re tending history—and our future—right here in the neighborhood.