Feel like the most powerful person in Colonial America – the Old State House is where the American Revolution was born. It's where the Boston Massacre took place, freedom was debated, and independence was announced to the city. Step across the threshold of the iconic museum and you'll get a real insight into the past.
You'll have access to the tours and performances led by costumed Revolutionary characters, who literally bring history to life. Or, you can take your time and explore the museum at your own pace on a self-guided tour. Discover period rooms filled with multi-sensory exhibits, historic art, and one-of-a-kind artifacts. Sit in the Royal Governor's chair in the King's Council Chamber and see lavish Colonial costumes and ammunition up close. You'll even find tea salvaged from the Boston Tea Party on display.
Did you know
- The Old State House is the only surviving public building in Boston.
- It's where the 1761 speech by James Otis took place that helped lead to the American Revolution, and it's because of this that it's seen as the birthplace of the American Revolution.
- The Declaration of Independence was proclaimed from the balcony of the Old State House in 1776.
- The house was originally built with symbols of Britain incorporated, like wooden statues of a lion and unicorn. These were torn down by the townspeople and burned.
