Boston remembers. I just returned from a week-long visit to the city. It is amazingly rich in history, and even more amazingly, is eager to share that history with every visitor. In this current climate of history-removal, it was refreshing to visit a place and a people so excited about their roots.
I visited several historic sites and will share them below in preferential order, not necessarily in the order of their importance, but in the order of my enjoyment. The list is not conclusive, for even a week is not long enough to visit all of the important places Boston has to offer.
Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
This was my hands down favorite! The visit begins with participating in a "Town Hall Meeting" in 1773, just prior to the Tea Party. The speakers seek to fire up the crowd by sharing facts about the hated tea tax. Participants are given feathers and then lead to one of the ships. More information is given on board, along with a tour of the ship itself. Visitors then get to "throw the tea into the sea." Following the reenactment, the guide leads visitors through the museum which includes many surprising exhibits! I only thought I knew about the Boston Tea Party!
*Fun Fact: Nathaniel Greene was a Tea Party "Indian."
**Ticket Note -- If you purchase On/Off Trolley tickets online before your visit (or even after you arrive) you can get into this museum at a discount. Also included with the trolley ticket is free admission into the Old State House and Dreamland Wax Museum.
Bunker Hill Monument
We were lucky enough to visit this site on Bunker Hill Day, June 17. In my pre-visit research, I saw that there was to be a parade commemorating the day. We didn't end up seeing the parade but had an awesome time nevertheless.
When we arrived, re-enactors were marching in formation near and around monument and a wreath was being placed inside. To my surprise, we learned that we could acquire tickets for actually climbing to the top of the monument! What a climb -- 294 steps! But well worth it when you see the view from the top!
After making it back down, we got a recommendation for a restaurant and made our way a couple of blocks to get there. We ate at Warren Tavern, named for Dr. Joseph Warren, and I will review the restaurant on another post. One neat thing though was that the re-enactors were there too -- watching golf. That struck me as SO FUNNY!!! Especially when they yelled, "Huzzah!" at the tv.
Old North Church
My third favorite historical site was the Old North Church. It was one of the few places I actually got to see on a previous visit to Boston 35 years ago. (I know, I'm old.) This visit was so much more informative and comprehensive. I really enjoyed it. There are different ticket options available at the church. We chose the guided tour that included a trip into the belfry and into the crypt. Wow! Imagine walking up the same steps that Robert Newman walked up!! We did not go to the very top but stopped in the belfry itself and were treated to a video and explanation of the bells which are still rung every Sunday. The bells themselves are quite interesting. We also journeyed down into the cellar where we learned of the 37 tombs and also about the columbarium where you can purchase a niche to hold your ashes, for the affordable cost of $3000!
It was hard not to be overwhelmed in this exact space where history took place. The boxes in the church, the steps up to the belfry, the close proximity of buried Revolutionary fighters all took my breath away. It is definitely worth the slightly more expensive ticket to go behind the scenes!
Without going into great detail, I will list the other important historical sites I saw or wished I had seen, accompanied by possibly interesting information.
USS Constitution -- We didn't get to tour this amazing ship because I did not have my license with me, and there is a security process to go through. We did get close enough for a picture and to see the nearby spot where Paul Revere came ashore in his boat on that fateful night. I really regret not getting to go on board.
Old State House -- (included in trolley ticket) This was another good museum. It sits right beside the spot of the Boston Massacre. We toured the museum on our own but were treated to guide-led informational talks at intermittent times throughout our visit. One talk was about the Boston Massacre, and I found it to be extremely interesting and informative.
Paul Revere House -- Just okay. It's on the Freedom Trail and near the Old North Church. It is possible to walk up and purchase a ticket which does not cost a lot, so I would definitely recommend it unless you are in a time crunch.
*Fun Fact: Top 5 non-alcoholic drinks in Colonial times were cider, milk, tea, coffee, and chocolate
Cemeteries -- Several of these were on our agenda, but we just simply ran out of time. There are several in the downtown area, and they are attended by guides in period clothing. Not going into any of them is another of my regrets.
