Old State House
Built in 1713, the Old State House was originally called the Town House and was where the Royal governor, his council, and House of Representatives worked. At this stop, visitors learn about some of America's earliest ideas of liberty, like voting, petitioning, and transparency of the government. They also learn how this building, through the government and decisions made inside, helped spark the revolution.
Admission Included
Old South Meeting House
Most well known for being the start of the Boston Tea Party, the Old South Meeting House and the stories within, go beyond the revolution. Originally built as a Puritan House of Worship, the Old South Meeting House would go on to be used as a British Riding School, post office, and finally, preserved as a museum after fundraising efforts. This building was also used as a platform for Freedom of Speech, bringing in many individuals from a range of topics.
Admission Included
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Built in 1742, visitors get to learn about Faneuil Hall, a building that John Adams would nickname "the Cradle of Liberty." Faneuil Hall was used as a gathering space for town meetings in the 18th century talking about the Boston Massacre as well as during the abolitionist movement in the mid-19th century. Since then, groups have continued to gather here for a range of meetings.
Boston City Hall
Boston's current City Hall was built in 1968 and is a prime example of Brutalist architecture. Before City Hall Plaza was installed though, this area was home to Scollay Square; a hub for entertainment and theater in the 19th century. In this square was one of America's earliest sit ins by Sarah Parker Remound. Visitors will learn about the destruction of Scollay Square and the West End of Boston to install City Hall Plaza. This plaza would later see multiple protests over time, including ones over the Boston Bussing Crisis of 1974.
John Adams Courthouse
Built in 1894, the John Adams Courthouse has seen many cases come through its doors, including November of 2003's Goodridge vs. The Department of Public Health, which legalized gay marriage in Massachusetts. This court runs under the Massachusetts Constitution, which was ratified in 1780. It is through the words on this Constitution that Elizabeth Freeman and Quock Walker sued their enslavers, citing the Massachusetts Constitution in order to secure their freedoms. It is from these cases that Massachusetts abolished slavery in 1783.
