Greater Boston Bigfoot Research Institute

The Greater Boston Bigfoot Research Institute is a tongue-in-cheek shop in Egleston Square selling cryptozoological gear for anyone on the trail of Bigfoot or the Yeti. Shelves hold Bigfoot T-shirts, gear such as the Box & Stick Trap, and stories of creative creatures, along with a catalog of student publications. The joke has a serious purpose: every purchase supports 826 Boston, the nonprofit writing and tutoring center behind the store.

826 Boston works with students in grades K-12 and beyond, helping them share their stories, build literacy skills and develop as leaders. Its free programs include after-school tutoring, field trips, creative writing workshops, in-school Writers’ Rooms, college essay help, support for English language learners and in-depth publishing projects that turn students into published authors. The organization recruits new volunteers through regular orientation sessions.

What to Know

• The Boston Globe named 826 Boston among its Bostonians of the Year.
• The annual Night of 1,000 Stories gala supports the organization’s programs.
• The organization also hosts readings at Boston bookstores.
• The shop is part of the Egleston Square Main Street business community.