Students spends lots of time learning about the revolutionary history of the country, and some of the heroes from that era. I remember memorizing the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow describing the famous ride of Paul Revere:

One if by land, and two if by sea; And I on the opposite shore will be, Ready to ride and spread the alarm Through every Middlesex village and farm

The poem refers to hanging a lantern (or lanterns) in the belfry of the Old North Church in Boston as a signal that the British were coming, a signal to Paul Revere to alert the neighboring villages to prepare and take action.

The Old North Church still stands in Boston today, and is the city’s oldest surviving church structure as well as a National Historic Landmark. It’s 191 foot tall steeple makes it the tallest steeple in the city, and it a recognizable part of the Boston skyline. The church is on Boston’s Freedom Trail, a two and a half mile red-brick walking trail that leads you to 16 historic sites.

The church is more properly known as Christ Church in the City of Boston, and is affiliated with the Episcopalian Church. It is an active church, and services have been held there regularly since it was built in 1723, save for a brief closure during the American Revolution. It’s said that the box pews, the brass chandeliers, and the first clock are all original — that’s over 250 years ago!

A short walk through the church will give you a view of architecture and a tremendous sense of history.

Location: Old North Church, 193 Salem Street, Boston

Hours: June-October, 9 am-6 pm daily; November & December, 10 am-5 pm daily; January & February, 10 am-4 pm, Tuesday-Sunday; March – May, 9 am-5 pm daily.

Church Services: Sunday at 9 and 11 am; Thursday at 6 pm. Visitors are welcome to attend services.

Admission: No charge. Donations are accepted and welcome.

Photo credit: wikimedia commons

Boston Vacations

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In Boston’s North End you’ll find the small wooden home that was the starting point for Paul Revere’s infamous ride.  He lived in the home with his wife, five children, and mother, remaining in the home long after the ride that made him a legend.  The house was eventually sold around 1800.

Paul Revere House in Boston's North End

The Paul Revere House still stands today and is downtown Boston’s oldest building.  The home was opened as a museum in 1908, one of the first historic house museums in the country, and today it is one of the few buildings remaining from the colonial era.

Although it has been renovated substantially over the years, about 90% of the building is original back to 1680.  Some of the original items include two doors, three window frames, and portions of the flooring and rafters.  The heavy beams and large fireplaces were typical interiors of colonial homes, and the upstairs chambers contain furniture believed to have belonged to the Revere family.

This is a popular spot for school groups and families, and during spring break and summer there can be a long wait to get in.  Once inside the house, it will take about a half hour for a leisurely walk through.

Location:  19 North Square (map) on the Freedom Trail between Faneuil Hall (map)  and the Old North Church.

Hours:  Self-guided tours are available April 15th – October 31st, 9:30 am – 5:15 pm, and November 1st – April 14th, 9:30 am – 4:15 pm.  Closed on Mondays, January through March.

Admission:  $3.50 adults; $3 seniors and college students; and $1 children (ages 5-17).

Take the T: Take the green line to Government Center or Haymarket, or the blue line to Government Center of Aquarium, or the Orange line to State or Haymarket.

Special Note:  There are no public restrooms on site, so plan accordingly.

Photo credit:  Wikimedia Commons

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