Looking for something fun to do during the long, boring days of February school vacation week? Bring your kids and their friends to the Old State House Museum! A different hands-on, historical activity will be offered each day of the week. All activities take place between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m, and are free with museum admission. Here are the exciting activities in store at the museum:
Monday, February 15
A Sailors’ Life
-Make and take home your own piece of scrimshaw - whale bone carving, which was a popular pastime for sailors
-Learn to tie sailing knots
-Listen to popular sea shanties
Tuesday, February 16
Colonial Broadsides
Broadsides were one-sided printed sheets that were posted in public places around town and read at public meetings. The broadsides could be official notices, petitions, advertisements, or special news items. Come to the Old State House to make your own 18th-century-style broadside to take home and share.
Wednesday, February 17
Optical Toys
In the early 19th century, people began to notice that the eye can be tricked into seeing something that isn’t really there. This was the beginning of animation and eventually movie making, but before the technology got that advanced, children played with toys that created optical illusions. Come and try them out for yourself!
Thursday, February 18
Tin Punching
In the colonial era, Boston’s homes were lit by candlelight. Candles were often put in hole-punched tin lanterns, which were both decorative and functional. Learn how these lanterns were made by making your own punched tin decoration.
Friday, February 19
Tavern Games
Experience the atmosphere of a colonial tavern with an assortment of fun, family-friendly games, and activities!
240th Anniversary of the Boston Massacre
On the evening of March 5, 1770, a small group of British soldiers fired into an angry mob that had gathered in front of the Old State House. Five citizens were killed. Though the court ruled in a subsequent and highly publicized trial that most of the soldiers had acted in self-defense, the people of Boston called the event a Massacre. The so-called Boston Massacre inflamed anti-British sentiment throughout the colonies and become a critical turning point in the American struggle for independence.
Saturday March 6, 2010
Kids Reenact the Massacre 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Free; on the mall outside of the Old State House.
With little red coats and styrofoam snowballs, young visitors will be the stars in a recreation of the Boston Massacre led by rangers from the Adams National Historical Park.
Trial of the Century 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Free with museum admission; in the Old State House.
Immediately following the Kids’ Reenactment, come inside to watch patriot lawyers John Adams and Josiah Quincy defend the British soldiers accused of murdering Bostonians. Audience members are invited to act as witnesses and jurors for this celebrated case. Space is limited; tickets for both performances go on sale at 9:00 a.m. at the Old State House.
Boston Massacre Reenactment 7:00 p.m.
Free; in front of the Old State House, at the corner of State and Congress streets
Witness the event that sparked the American Revolution! Join us and become a part of this infamous event as it is reenacted in front of the Old State House, in the very place where it took place in 1770. Decide for yourself if the soldiers fired into the crowd in self-defense or cold-blooded murder. Before the action unfolds, hear from patriots, loyalists, and moderates who will talk about the events and attitudes that led to that fateful night.
Reenactors, please sign up!
Are you a reenactor who would like to take part in the Society’s Boston Massacre Reenactment? Please complete this form for each person who will participate. Reenactors are needed to form the colonial mob and to be citizens in the crowd. More information will be provided once your registration has been received. Registration closes on February 15, 2010.
