Credit Old South Meeting House
Old South Meeting House
Built in 1729, the Old South Meeting House was one of the first buildings to be declared a historic site as it was the location of the meetings that sparked the famous Boston Tea Party movement of 1773. To continue the significance of this building’s history, poet Phillis Wheatley, Samuel Adams, Ben Franklin, and William Dawes called this congregation home and Ben Franklin was even baptized here. This is also the site of the oldest operational American-made clock tower in its original location.
Open daily, the Meeting House is a must-see stop for groups touring Boston’s historical destinations. Tours visiting this building are available through the Freedom Trail Foundation though they are also offered through the Meeting House organization itself. When visiting, check out the “Voices of Protest” exhibit with its 3D model of colonial Boston that is over 100 years old, see tea and tea crates, and John Hancock’s portable writing desk among other artifacts. Scavenger hunts focusing on the exhibit have been put together for all ages and are especially enjoyed by families. Public events and programs such as concerts, lectures, and tours are also hosted periodically for the general public.
There are several available options for group tours including those with themes of architecture, the Tea Party, the Freedom Trail, and the meetings that sparked the Revolution. School groups are offered abbreviated versions of the adult tours with extra educational information depending on the tour type and age group. Every December 16, the Old South Meeting House partner with The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum with more than 100 volunteers to reenact the Boston Tea Party for the public.
