Areas of Focus
American Revolution; Boston Massacre; Boston; History; 18th century, Guided Museum Tour, Self-Guided Museum Tour, Student Program
Program Fees: All of our programs are free for Boston Public Schools.
Transportation Options
School Bus Availability:
Yes, buses are available
MBTA Accessibility :
Orange and Blue Lines: State Street Station; Green and Red Lines: Park Street Station
To Register for a Field Trip: www.bostonhistory.org/group-visits/
Please call or email with any questions: education@bostonhistory.org or 617-720-1713 x 300.
Old State House Self-Guided Visit
Visit the building at the center of Revolutionary Boston! After an introduction from a museum educator, your group will explore the Old State House at its own pace, in a self-guided visit. Enjoy the Revolutionary Era artifacts and the historic chambers of the oldest public building in Boston. Don’t miss the Boston Massacre multi-media show or the popular Hands-on History galleries. Grades: 1-12Time: 30-45 minutesThe Boston Massacre: You be the Judge!
Many questions remain unanswered about the incident that became known as the Boston Massacre. Using material from the original trial records, students role-play the trial of the nine British soldiers involved in the shooting. Students will become lawyers, witnesses, and jurors to explore this complex and at times contradictory historical event. Did the soldiers commit murder or did they fire in self-defense? After all the evidence is heard, students deliberate to reach their own verdict. Requires pre-visit work; materials will be provided when your visit is booked.Grades: 5-12Time: 90-120 minutesGroup size: 15-30 children (minimum 15 students)Witness to a Massacre
This program is designed to introduce students to the story of the Boston Massacre through primary source documents. Students will examine a newspaper article, eyewitness accounts of March 5th 1770, and Paul Revere’s famous engraving in small groups. A museum educator will guide students through the story of the Boston Massacre and will lead a discussion about using primary source documents to learn about the past and make connections to the 21st century.Pre-visit materials will be provided at the time your visit is booked. For a more in-depth program on the Boston Massacre, please see The Boston Massacre: You Be the Judge!Grades: 5-12Time: 45-60 minutesGroup size: 10-30 childrenThe Old State House: Treasure or Trouble?
Preserving old buildings can be difficult and very expensive. So why do we save them? Students will consider the importance of historic preservation and learn about the Old State House’s remarkable story of rescue from destruction. Photos from recent restoration projects will be on view and students will have the opportunity to put on a pair of gloves and get hands-on with historical materials taken from the building for preservation purposes. After the program, students will be able to explore the Old State House on their own.Pre-visit materials will be provided at the time your program is booked.Grades: 3-8Time: 45-60 minutesGroup size: 15-30 children