Boston National Historical Park in Boston is spread over 43 acres and encompasses 350 years of American history. Visitors will be captivated by the Freedom Trail, Charlestown Navy Yard, and other places that have molded the history of the United States.
Many of the sites in Boston National Historical Park are located along the Freedom Trail and are found in Downtown Boston and Charlestown. The Park also encompasses part of South Boston. The park manages all properties in the park as well as two additional visitor’s centers at Faneuil Hall and the Charlestown Navy Yard.
Visitors to the Boston National Historical Park should start their journey at the Visitor Center where they can obtain maps of the park and register for tours. There is also an app available for android and iOS that will help you on self-guided walking tours of the park.
Attractions in Downtown Boston:
Faneuil Hall Visitor Center- Located on the first floor of Faneuil Hall, visitors can meet with volunteers and park rangers who will assist them in planning their visit to the park and how to navigate Freedom Trail.
Faneuil Hall, The Great Hall- A political hub of Boston where protests, speeches, rallies and meetings have been held for the last 275 years. The first floor includes the visitors center and central marketplace for Bostonians.
Old South Meeting House- The site of the Boston Massacre protests, where colonists gathered to announce their opposition to British Rule, and the meeting that lead to the Boston Tea Party. Built in 1729 the site was first used as the church for the Puritan congregation in Boston. Benjamin Franklin was baptized here.
Old State House- This building was the center for royal government in Colonial times and where the Declaration of Independence was read aloud for the first time. Exhibits featuring the history of British Rule in America and the Revolution are found inside.
Paul Revere House- This home built in 1680 was where Paul Revere grew up in the late 18th century. The home is filled with exhibits on the Revere family and the famous Midnight Ride.
Old North Church- This church was where two lanterns were hung, arranged by Paul Revere, to signal to nearby Charlestown that the British troops were on the move on April 18, 1775.
Attractions in Charlestown:
Bunker Hill Monument- This large obelisk memorial of the battle of Bunker Hill contains 294 steps that visitors can take to the top. There is no elevator at this attraction.
Bunker Hill Museum- The museum commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill and Revolutionary War. The history of Charlestown and the monument, located nearby are also featured.
Charlestown Navy Yard- One of the original Navy Yards and where the USS Constitution and USS Cassis Young rest. There is a visitor center on site that features films and exhibits on the history of the navy yard and how the site has been used over the last two centuries.
USS Constitution- The oldest commissioned warship still operating, this ship was used in the battle of 1812 and has been undefeated in combat. Guided tours are available by active duty sailors with the US Navy.
USS Constitution Museum- A few yards away from the ship herself, this museum offers interactive exhibits and programming for visitors that tell the history of ship building in colonial times, the undefeated USS Constitution, and the life of sailors.
USS Cassin Young- This destroyer was built in 1943 and was used during World War II. The ship has survived attacks and served in 7 battles. She was used throughout the 1950’s and retired to the Charlestown Navy Yard. Tours are available seasonally.
Attractions in South Boston
Dorchester Heights- These hills were where the Continental Army built fortifications against the British Army in the spring of 1776. The siege of Boston was ended due to this fortification giving General George Washington his first victory of the Revolutionary War.
Educational Opportunities and Events
There are dozens of special events held in the Park and at each site located within the park annually. A day to day calendar of events can be found online.
Junior Ranger Program- This program allows children who have completed the checklist of attractions at the park to turn it in and receive a junior ranger badge.
Field Trips-There are many different field trip options available at Boston National Historical Park. Self-guided visits, ranger lead walking tours, and education programs based on specific curriculum or sites are available.
Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, Massachusetts, 02129, Phone: 617-242-5601