Visitor Center hours:
Monday - Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.,
Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
December 2004
Old North Church (Christ Church) - The Old North Church is the oldest surviving religious building in Boston. Its famous 191-foot steeple contains the first set of church bells brought to the Colonies from England. As a boy, Paul Revere was one of the original bell-ringers here. However, this church is most famous for another reason. On April 18, 1775, church sexton Robert Newman displayed two lanterns in the steeple as a signal alerting Colonial patriots that the British soldiers were planning to leave Boston by sea to march into Lexington and Concord. The signal was planned by Paul Revere, who then began his midnight ride to warn his fellow countrymen of the attack.
193 Salem Street
Open for tours Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.;
Saturday - Sunday after services until 5:00 p.m.
Call for worship service times.
Free; voluntary donations welcome.
617-523-6676
www.oldnorth.com
January 2005
Boston Common - The oldest park in America, the famed Boston Common began its long history in 1634 as a military training field and grazing pasture. This almost 50-acre park later served as quarters for the British Army during the Revolutionary War. In the summer, Boston Common is loved by many as an escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Boston. During this time, the park is filled daily with street musicians, family picnics, live concerts and people who simply want to enjoy the scenery. In the winter, families enjoy many activities, like ice skating at Frog Pond Pavilion.
The park is bound by Tremont, Beacon, Charles and Boylston Streets
Free to the public.
617-536-4100
www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/bostoncommon.asp
February 2005
King's Chapel - Established in the late 1600s, King's Chapel was created when King James II demanded the establishment of an Anglican congregation in Boston. However, the colonists refused to sell the necessary land. In response, the Anglicans seized land next to a public burial ground and built the original King's Chapel on that site - a small, mostly unadorned building. By the mid-1700s, the congregation had outgrown the chapel, and a new, larger church was built on the same site, this time with a beautiful, ornate interior. King's Chapel is believed by many to be one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the United States. After the Revolutionary War, many members of its congregation left and King's Chapel closed for a time. In the late 1700s, it reopened as the nation's first Unitarian church. Today, it remains a Unitarian Christian church, holding regular services. 2004 marked the 250th anniversary of the opening of the present building designed by America's first architect, Peter Harrison.
Corner of Tremont and School Streets
Chapel Hours: Memorial Day through Veterans Day open Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
After Veterans Day to Memorial Day open Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Call for worship service times.
Suggested donation $2.00.
Burying Ground open daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; admission is free.
617-227-2155
www.kings-chapel.org
March 2005
Site of the Boston Masacre - On March 5, 1770, the Boston Massacre took place on this site, which is now marked by a ring of cobblestones. Tension over British occupation of the area and the imposition of taxes had been running high, and on that night a crowd gathered to protest. Colonists began throwing rocks, snowballs and garbage at the British soldiers who were sent to keep order. The soldiers retaliated by jabbing the group with bayonets. This only served to further enrage the crowd, which became even more unruly. Five men were killed, including Crispus Attucks, the first African-American to die in the Revolution, when the British fired into the group at point-blank range. Public outrage over the Boston Massacre helped sow the seeds of rebellion in the Colonies, paving the way for the Revolutionary War.
Look for a ring of cobblestones in a traffic island outside of the Old State House.
April 2005
The State House - It is believed that after the end of the Revolutionary War, the citizens of Boston wanted a new State House to reflect their pride in their new country. The result was this majestic, neoclassical building, designed to represent the power and optimism of self-governance. Construction began in 1795, with then-Governor Samuel Adams laying the cornerstone and patriot Paul Revere serving as the master of ceremonies. Originally, the State House's dome was covered in plain white shingles. In 1802, the shingles were replaced with copper from Paul Revere's foundry; in 1874 the copper was replaced with 23 carat gold leaf. Today, two hundred years after it was first built, the State House still serves as the seat of Massachusetts' government.
24 Beacon Street; corner of Beacon and Park Streets
Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Admission is free.
617-727-3676
www.state.ma.us/sec/trs
May 2005
Bunker Hill - In June of 1775, one of the first major battles of the Revolutionary War was fought here - the first time an organized group of colonists held their own against the British army. Although the Americans were outnumbered, ran out of gunpowder and ultimately lost the battle, the selfless fighting and heroism they witnessed in each other cemented their resolve to continue their struggle for liberty. A 221-foot granite obelisk commemorating the battle was constructed on the site over an 18-year period between 1825 and 1843. Visitors can now climb the 294 steps to the top to see breathtaking views of the city of Boston.
Monument Square, Charlestown
Monument open daily 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.;
exhibit lodge open daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.;
grounds open daily until dusk.
Free to the public.
617-242-5641
www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/bunkerhill.asp
June 2005
Old Granary Burying Ground -Although it is a mere two acres in size, the historical importance of the Old Granary Burying Ground is immeasurable. The third-oldest burial ground in Boston, it was first laid out in 1660 and is known as the final resting place for many of our nation's most famous patriots: John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, Peter Faneuil, the victims of the Boston Massacre and John Phillips, the first mayor of Boston, can all be found here. Sometimes referred to as the "Westminster Abbey of the nation," the Old Granary Burying Ground is a place where history lives forever.
Tremont Street next to Park Street Church
Open daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Free to the public.
617-635-4505
www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/parkstreet.asp
July 2005
The Old State House - Built in 1713, the Old State House stands as the oldest public building in Boston and is rich with colonial history. It was home to the Massachusetts Assembly, served as the backdrop for the Boston Massacre of 1770 and housed the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Boston. It was once the center of all political life and debate in Boston. However, the Old State House was nearly dismantled and moved to Chicago, brick by brick, before the Bostonian Society was formed in order to save the building. Now fully restored, it is owned by the city and operated as a museum of historical significance.
206 Washington Street; corner of State and Washington Streets
Open daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Adults $5.00; Seniors (62+) and Students (over 18) $4.00; Children (6-18) $1.00. Admission to the museum shop is free.
617-720-1713
www.bostonhistory.org
August 2005
Park Street Church - Built in 1809, the Park Street Church is a hallmark of religious architecture, and its towering 217-foot steeple is one of Boston's beloved landmarks. The church has been called "brimstone corner" - some believe the nickname came from years of "fire and brimstone" sermons heard there, while others attribute it to the fact that the church was used to store gunpowder during the War of 1812. It was at the Park Street Church, also, that the song "America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee)" was first publicly performed on July 4, 1831.
1 Park Street; corner of Park and Tremont Streets
Open for tours July through August;
Tuesday - Saturday from 9:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Call for worship service times.
Admission is free.
617-523-3383
www.parkstreet.org
September 2005
Faneuil Hall - Known as the "cradle of liberty," Faneuil Hall is named after Peter Faneuil, the wealthy merchant who built it and presented it to the city as a gift. Then, as now, the first floor was used as a town marketplace, while the second floor served as a public meeting hall. Faneuil Hall became the site of many of the passionate "town meetings" that led up to the Revolutionary War, including assemblies called to protest the Sugar Act of 1764, the Stamp Act of 1765 and the Townshend Acts. This is also where one of the first tea tax protests took place. After the Revolution, Faneuil Hall continued to serve as a forum for open discussion, hosting Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass and other civil rights crusaders in the 19th century.
Merchants Row and Quincy Market
Second floor meeting hall and market level information desk open daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
National Park Service rangers present historical talks every thirty minutes, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., except when Hall is in use for special events.
Admission is free.
617-523-1300
www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/faneuilhall.asp
October 2005
Old Corner Bookstore - Built in 1712, the Old Corner Bookstore has often been referred to as "the heart of literary Boston." It has housed a number of different bookstores and publishers over the years. By the mid-1800s, it was considered the literary center of America during the country's "intellectual revolution." In its heyday, literary giants such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow frequently met in this unassuming building to discuss their works. Most recently, the Old Corner Bookstore (which changed its name to The Globe Corner Bookstore) housed offices and a store for The Boston Globe newspaper.
November 2005
U.S.S. Constitution (Old Ironsides) - The oldest commissioned warship still afloat, the U.S.S. Constitution earned its famous nickname - Old Ironsides - during the War of 1812, when it repeatedly withstood cannon fire from the British fleet and emerged from battle undefeated. It was said that cannon volleys simply glanced off the sides of the ship as if it were made of iron (it is, in fact, constructed of wood). The 44-gun frigate was first launched in 1797. Today, Navy sailors in 1812-era uniforms provide free historical tours of the ship for visitors.
Charlestown Navy Yard
1 Constitution Road, Charlestown
Open every day except Monday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Free guided tours every 1/2 hour starting at 10:30 a.m. with last tour starting at 3:30 p.m. From 3:30 - 4:00 only the top deck is open for self-guided tours. Plan to arrive at least 1/2 hour before you would like to tour the ship to allow time for security clearance.
Admission is free.
617-426-1812
www.ussconstitution.navy.mil/
December 2005
Paul Revere House - This historical dwelling is the oldest surviving wooden building in downtown Boston. The famous patriot Paul Revere and his family owned the house from 1770-1800, and this was Revere's home when he made his famous midnight ride in 1775. After he sold the house in 1800, it had a bit of a checkered history, becoming a boarding house, a bank, and even a cigar factory for a time. In 1902, a Revere descendant purchased the house and by 1908, it was restored as a historical monument.
19 North Square, Hanover Street
Open daily April 15 - October 31, 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.; November 1 - April 14, 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.; closed on Mondays in January, February and March.
Adults $3.00; Seniors and College Students $2.50; Children (ages 5-17) $1.00.
617-523-2338
www.paulreverehouse.org
Completing the Freedom Trail - There are 16 stops along the Boston Freedom Trail, and we have featured 13 of them in the pages of the calendar. As you continue your trip along the Freedom Trail, here are the other three sites you will encounter: the Boston Latin School, the Old South Meeting House and Copp's Hill Burying Ground.
OLD SOUTH MEETING HOUSE - The present building was erected in 1729 as a house of worship. However, this site is best known for its town meetings, the most famous of which triggered the Boston Tea Party. In what is remembered as the first case of urban historical preservation in America, Boston authors including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Louisa May Alcott began a public campaign to rescue the building from destruction. This led to the formation of the Old South Association, which managed to raise $400,000 to purchase the building, thus saving it. The Old South Meeting House is now a museum run by the same association. Its history echoes the Bostonians who once gathered here to demand their rights from British oppression.
310 Washington Street
Open daily from April 1 - October 31, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m;
November 1 - March 31,
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Adults $5.00; Students and Seniors $4.00; Children 6-18 $1.00; Children under six free. Discounted tickets available for school and adult groups with reservations - call for details.
617-482-6439
www.oldsouthmeetinghouse.org
THE LATIN SCHOOL - Founded in 1635, the Boston Latin School is the oldest free public school in the country. This was the learning place for such notable patriots as Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Benjamin Franklin, who left before finishing. Classes were initially held at the schoolmaster's home until a proper building was constructed in the 1640s. That building, located appropriately enough on School Street, housed the school until 1844, when it was torn down to make way for what is now known as Old City Hall. The school, which became coeducational in 1972, has since relocated to the Fenway neighborhood, where it continues its rich history of traditional learning values.
Located on School Street between Washington and Tremont Streets
Old Corner Bookstore
The Old Corner Bookstore is located on the corner of School and Washington Streets
www.historicboston.org
COPP'S HILL BURYING GROUND - Overlooking the Charles River, this site has been home to one of Boston's oldest cemeteries since 1660. Its height above the city and its panoramic views made it useful to the British army more than a century later - they used it as a vantage point to aim their cannons across the harbor on the city of Charlestown during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Buried here are renowned ministers and orators Cotton and Increase Mather; Edmund Hartt, builder of the U.S.S. Constitution; and Prince Hall, an African-American freeman who fought at Bunker Hill and struggled for civil rights.
Located at Hull and Snowhill Streets, just past Old North Church.
Open daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Free to the public.
617-635-4505
www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/coppshill.asp
While great care has been taken to ensure accuracy of listings, hours and admissions are subject to change. Please call the telephone numbers or visit the Web sites listed to verify information.
©Copyright 2012, Big Y Foods, Inc., Springfield, MA, (413) 784.0600
Artwork is for display purposes only and does not necessarily reflect specific items. Not responsible for typographical errors.
like our Facebook Page