Calendar of Events
Daily Events at the Old State House
Old State House History Tours
Guides lead visitors through the historic chambers of the Old State House highlighting the revolutionary events that occurred here and the many changes this building has seen. These 20 minute tours are offered on the hour.
Boston Massacre Tours
Visitors are led to the site of the Boston Massacre, just outside the Old State House. Guides explain the circumstances leading to the infamous incident, the bloody details of the event itself, as well as its remarkable aftermath. These 20 minute tours are offered at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30 p.m.
Themed Tours
Each day a different themed tour will be offered at 1:00p.m. Please call ahead for details.
Gallery Activities
Throughout the summer there will be demonstrations, craft activities and special presentations related to Boston in the 18th century. Please call ahead for details.
August 1 , 2:00p.m Sunday Series Tour: From Slavery to Freedom
Learn about the history of slavery in Massachusetts and explore Boston’s critical role in the abolitionist movement through the remarkable objects on display in the museum.
August 8, 2:00p.m Sunday Series Tour: Quacks, Surgeons, and Heroes: Boston Doctors and 18th Century Medicine
Explore the world of 18th century medicine – from old wives remedies to gruesome battlefield surgeries. Learn about the doctors who played a role in the Revolutionary movement and laid the foundation for Boston’s contributions to modern medicine.
August 14, 10:00a.m - 4:00p.m. Colonial Woodworker
With a basic set of hand tools, an 18th-century house joiner could produce wooden paneling, wainscoting, and decorative moldings so familiar in period houses and public buildings such as the Old State House. Our house joiner will use hand planes and other historical tools to demonstrate how the elegant woodwork in 18th-century buildings was created.
August 21, 1:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. Meet General and Mrs. Gage
Come to the Old State House to meet with Governor General Thomas Gage and his American wife, Margaret! In 1774, soon after the Boston Tea Party, General Gage was sent to Boston to become the new Royal Governor and enforce the newly-passed Coercive Acts (or Intolerable Acts, as colonists called them). He will share his struggles in dealing with the unruly and irreverent citizens of Boston.
August 28, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00p.m. Harpsichord Performance
Andrus Madsen, director of Newton Baroque, will bring his stunning harpsichord to the Old State House and play music that was popular in Boston during the colonial period. Between pieces Mr. Madsen will provide commentary to place the music in historical context. Please feel free to come at any point during the afternoon and stay as long as you’d like!
Armenian Heritage Foundation’s The K. George and Carolann S.Najarian, M.D. Inaugural Lecture on Human Rights
Thursday September 23, 2010 7:00 p.m.
Faneuil Hall
The Bostonian Society is pleased to partner with the Armenian Heritage Foundation as it presents its first annual lecture on human rights. This annual endowed series seeks to advance understanding of human rights issues and societal abuses worldwide, and to increase awareness of the work of individuals and organizations so that we are all more actively engaged.
Kerry Kennedy, President and Founder of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, Washington, D.C. and human rights activist, will be this year’s keynote speaker. Prior to Ms. Kennedy’s address, Peter Balakian, Professor of Humanities at Colgate University and author of The Burning Tigris: The Armenian Genocide and America’s Response will present opening remarks. This event will take place at Faneuil Hall. It is free and open to the public.
Saturday October 2, 2:00p.m Themed Tour
The Better Sort and the Meaner Sort: Class in 18th Century Boston
How did social class affect the lives of the revolutionaries? Learn how rich and poor lived in 18th century Boston and how they joined together to fight for American independence.
Saturday October 9, 2:00p.m Themed Tour
Lifeline: The Port of Boston
Explore Boston’s history as a port city through the maritime artifacts on display in the Old State House. Learn about the life of an 18th century sailor, the bustling trade of Boston Harbor, and what happened when that lifeline was threatened.
Saturday & Sunday October 16 & 17, 10a.m. – 4p.m. Old State House Preservation
Keeping a 300 year old building in good repair takes a lot of work! Learn about the ongoing preservation efforts that are taking place at the Old State House and view historic materials taken from the building during recent preservation projects.
Saturday October 23, 2:00p.m Themed Tour
From Slavery to Freedom: A History of Slavery and Abolitionism in Boston
Discover the history of slavery in Massachusetts and explore Boston’s critical role in the abolitionist movement through the remarkable objects on display in the museum.
Thursday October 28, 6:00p.m. Judging Dr. Benjamin Church, British Spy
Dr. Benjamin Church had an intriguing biography: he was a high-ranking patriot and a British spy. Come and hear about him from Paul Revere and British Governor General Gage, two men who knew him well. Why did he become a spy? How treacherous was he? You can weigh up all the evidence and decide for yourself! This program is made possible by the Lowell Institute. It is free and open to the public.
Saturday October 30, 2:00p.m Themed Tour
Quacks, Surgeons, and Heroes: Boston Doctors and 18th Century Medicine
Explore the world of 18th century medicine – from old wives’ remedies to gruesome battlefield surgeries. Learn about the doctors who played a role in the Revolutionary movement and laid the foundation for Boston’s contributions to modern medicine.
Events are free of charge unless otherwise noted.
If you have any questions about our programs, please call (617) 720-1713 ext. 27 or email.
