Elevate Cities Launches Boston Scavenger Hunt
The competition invites teams to explore city history for a chance to win grants and prizes.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Elevate Cities has launched a three-week scavenger hunt across Boston that tasks residents with visiting 100 historical landmarks. The winning team will earn the right to nominate a local non-profit to receive a $10,000 grant.
Why it matters
The event aims to boost public engagement with Boston history by encouraging residents to explore neighborhoods and the 25 new historic markers installed by the city this summer.
The scavenger hunt includes clues across 12 of the city's 23 neighborhoods and offers rewards for teams of up to six players. Participants can earn prizes at 50-point increments until they reach the maximum of 500 points.
The players
Elevate Cities
This nonprofit organization focuses on promoting civic engagement and community exploration through structured events.
Joe Deitch
He is the founder of the nonprofit organization Elevate Cities.
The details
Players track their progress and complete challenges at historical sites through the FindTheGood website. The game features locations in areas including Dorchester, Roxbury, Hyde Park, and Jamaica Plain.
Timeline
The city installed 25 new historic markers during the summer of 2026.
The scavenger hunt began on October 23, 2026, at noon.
The game ends on November 13, 2026.
Market Landscape
The scavenger hunt aligns with broader urban development trends that leverage gamification to drive foot traffic and civic participation. By partnering with local authorities, the initiative positions itself as a key tool for connecting residents with municipal history projects.
Residents can participate in the hunt to win prizes and potentially direct funding to local non-profits without any entry fee. Teams should gather up to six members to maximize their ability to cover the 100 historical locations involved.
The takeaway
Engaging with local history through competitive games can provide tangible benefits for community organizations. Residents looking to participate should focus on visiting landmarks across the 12 active neighborhoods to reach the 500-point goal.
What happens next
The scavenger hunt is scheduled to conclude on November 13, 2026, at which point the winner will be determined and the non-profit grant recipient will be named.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to support community initiatives in our Boston Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Boston Globe.
Live Poll
Do you think citywide scavenger hunts are an effective way to encourage local community engagement?
