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The Bostonian Society

The Bostonian Society Boston's revolutionary history museum.

The Bostonian Society is dedicated to studying, and preserving Boston’s uniquely important history, embodied in materials, records, and structures such as the Old State House, and in sharing an understanding of the revolutionary ideas born here. Follow us on twitter:
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: /thebostoniansociety
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Discover more on our blog: http://bostonhistory.org/kingstreet

Operating as usual

Difficult Transitions
01/12/2021
Difficult Transitions

Difficult Transitions

JAN 13: A lively panel discussion with leading historians exploring some of the most tenuous moments in executive power in our nation’s history.

If you're not following Revolutionary Spaces, you're missing out on some stellar upcoming events, including:Tues, Nov. 1...
11/07/2020
Events

If you're not following Revolutionary Spaces, you're missing out on some stellar upcoming events, including:

Tues, Nov. 10: Monumental Attucks

Thurs, Nov. 19: Looking for Miss Phillis: Finding the Woman Inside the Icon

Sun, Nov. 22: Poetry as a Force for Change: A Conversation with Marge Piercy

LEARN MORE via RevolutionarySpaces.org.

A community connected. Upcoming Events

09/08/2020
Reflecting Attucks at RevolutionarySpaces.org

Over the course of several months, Revolutionary Spaces' provides a ground-breaking look at Crispus Attucks - a man of African and Native descent, who was the first to die at the Boston Massacre.

The time has never been more relevant to reflect on the "first martyr of liberty" as our nation grapples with the vital role that protest and resistance play in American democracy and with the historical roots of inequality, particularly for Black and Indigenous communities.

Join the conversation: www.RevolutionarySpaces.org/ReflectingAttucks

Video narration by Charles Coe.

Revolutionary Spaces is excited to announce the reopening of Boston's Old State House and Old South Meeting House on a t...
08/01/2020
Reopening Revolutionary Spaces

Revolutionary Spaces is excited to announce the reopening of Boston's Old State House and Old South Meeting House on a trial basis for at least 3 weeks beginning TODAY!

MORE INFO AND ONLINE TICKETS: https://www.revolutionaryspaces.org/reopening/

Revolutionary Spaces will reopen the Old State House and Old South Meeting House museums with strict cleaning and physical distancing guidelines.

Follow Revolutionary Spaces for all updates!
06/02/2020

Follow Revolutionary Spaces for all updates!

Silence is violence. As a new organization striving for a just, equitable future, we cannot ignore the injustices Black people in America face every single day.

As a nation, we look to our history to tell us who we are. Too often our founding history has been enlisted to justify inequality and legitimize white supremacy. We cannot allow this to happen any longer. We must recognize and credit the many Black and Brown people who have contributed so much to the ongoing American experiment. While we can’t change the past, we have a duty to tell the truth about the founding of our nation, and we stand committed to exploring this history in new and honest ways.

We know we have work to do as a public history organization striving to be anti-racist in our practices. But we stand here committed to listening, to learning, to growing. This is only the beginning.

Hi folks! Here's your periodic reminder that the Bostonian Society is no longer, as we merged with the Old South Associa...
04/28/2020

Hi folks! Here's your periodic reminder that the Bostonian Society is no longer, as we merged with the Old South Association in January. Please follow Revolutionary Spaces for all Old State House and Old South Meeting House updates!

Becoming a Revolutionary Spaces member gives you the opportunity to connect with the history and continuing practice of ...
03/24/2020

Becoming a Revolutionary Spaces member gives you the opportunity to connect with the history and continuing practice of democracy through the intertwined stories of two of the nation’s most iconic sites – Boston’s Old South Meeting House and Old State House.

https://www.revolutionaryspaces.org/membership/

As we grapple with uncertainty in this pandemic, we're finding new ways to connect in the chaos. Becoming a Revolutionary Spaces member gives you the opportunity to connect with the history and continuing practice of democracy through the intertwined stories of two of the nation’s most iconic sites – Boston’s Old South Meeting House and Old State House.

While we can't be together in person right now, we're exploring new ways to connect virtually, and will roll out new member-exclusive content soon.

Your support is vital in helping us bring people together, and we couldn't do this without you.

https://www.revolutionaryspaces.org/membership/

Check it out! Cato & Dolly is featured in a PBS series called The Future of America's Past. Watch now!(And follow Revolu...
03/18/2020
The Future of America's Past | The Revolutions | Season 2

Check it out! Cato & Dolly is featured in a PBS series called The Future of America's Past. Watch now!

(And follow Revolutionary Spaces for more content and resources while we're hunkered down for a few weeks.)

What did “freedom” mean during the American Revolution?

03/17/2020
Remembering Unity In Moments Of Crisis

As we adjust to this new normal of social distancing, follow Revolutionary Spaces for updates and digital content related to the Old State House and Old South Meeting House!

03/08/2020

Follow Revolutionary Spaces and stay tuned for more upcoming events, exhibits, and conversations!

Timeline photos
03/05/2020

Timeline photos

One of the only objects connected to Crispus Attucks that remains is a teapot. Artist Frano Violich's piece "Material Witness" imposes disjointed body parts onto casts of the teapot, highlighting our fragmented understanding of Attucks' life.

Timeline photos
03/05/2020

Timeline photos

"Redcoats" by Larry Rivers invites viewers to imagine themselves on the receiving end of hostile fire, standing against injustice. The specific events depicted may have happened 250 years ago, but the POV is all too familiar and relevant.

Out of the dark and into public view, this print is one of the favorites of our collection. But years of damage mean we ...
03/05/2020

Out of the dark and into public view, this print is one of the favorites of our collection. But years of damage mean we can't keep it out for long. Come visit soon before we have to put it back vault.

Paul Revere's engraving may be the most indelible image of the . Its explicit bias became the final word on the tragedy and has shaped the narrative for generations. Our original print is now on limited display at the as part of .

Here's your periodic reminder to head on over and follow Revolutionary Spaces for the most updated info about events and...
03/04/2020
Six Things Everyone Gets Wrong about the Boston Massacre

Here's your periodic reminder to head on over and follow Revolutionary Spaces for the most updated info about events and happenings at the Old State House!

It wasn't even a massacre, and other misconceptions about the 250-year-old killings.

The 250th anniversary of the Boston Massacre is one week from today. Follow Revolutionary Spaces for events and updates!
02/27/2020

The 250th anniversary of the Boston Massacre is one week from today. Follow Revolutionary Spaces for events and updates!

Next Thursday marks the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Massacre. To commemorate this historic event, we have several programs coming up, including:

March 5 - Commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Massacre: a few tickets are still available!

March 7 - 2020 Boston Massacre Reenactment

March 12 - Sanguinary Theatre: Dr. Joseph Warren & his Massacre Oration

We hope you'll join us at one of these events. And stay tuned for even more events and programs at the Old State House and Old South Meeting House soon!

Watch Revolutionary Spaces President & CEO Nat Sheidley talk with Karen Holmes Ward on WCVB CityLine about Crispus Attuc...
02/17/2020
CityLine: Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020: Crispus Attucks, fallen patriot

Watch Revolutionary Spaces President & CEO Nat Sheidley talk with Karen Holmes Ward on WCVB CityLine about Crispus Attucks our plans for programs this year.

Remember to follow Revolutionary Spaces for all news and updates!

The first casualty of the American Revolution.

Watch WCVB CityLine TODAY at Noon to see Revolutionary Spaces President & CEO Nat Sheidley talk about plans for and the...
02/16/2020

Watch WCVB CityLine TODAY at Noon to see Revolutionary Spaces President & CEO Nat Sheidley talk about plans for and the upcoming exhibit, opening soon at the Old State House!

Thanks for having us, WCVB CityLine! Tune into WCVB on Sunday at Noon - President & CEO Nat Sheidley will discuss our upcoming exhibit, the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Massacre, and how these historic events tie into present day challenges.

The deadline to register for the Massachusetts presidential primary is TOMORROW! Don't let this chance to make a differe...
02/11/2020
Online Voter Application

The deadline to register for the Massachusetts presidential primary is TOMORROW! Don't let this chance to make a difference pass you by.

Just three weeks after the events of March 5, 1770, Paul Revere and the Sons of Liberty were using the memory of the Bos...
02/05/2020

Just three weeks after the events of March 5, 1770, Paul Revere and the Sons of Liberty were using the memory of the Boston Massacre to stir up emotion in the people of Boston. As the colonies moved toward Revolution, annual Boston Massacre Orations at the Old South Meeting House kept that memory alive.

March 5 marks the 250th anniversary of the . This year, while we reflect on the lives lost and the impact of that night on the move toward Independence, we will also explore how we remember people and events and why we commit so much to commemoration.

That wreath was hung from the balcony for the holidays, but we're still feeling the love for today's announcement!
01/07/2020
Two Freedom Trail destinations joining forces - The Boston Globe

That wreath was hung from the balcony for the holidays, but we're still feeling the love for today's announcement!

The Old State House and Old South Meeting House, which together attract more than 200,000 visitors a year, have joined to form a new organization called Revolutionary Spaces.

It’s official! We’re merging with the Old South Meeting House to create Revolutionary Spaces, a dynamic new cultural res...
01/07/2020

It’s official! We’re merging with the Old South Meeting House to create Revolutionary Spaces, a dynamic new cultural resource unlike any other. Follow Revolutionary Spaces and visit RevolutionarySpaces.org to learn more.

Happy New Year!
12/31/2019

Happy New Year!

The will be closed tomorrow for Christmas Day. We wish you all the best for a warm holiday with family and friends.
12/24/2019

The will be closed tomorrow for Christmas Day. We wish you all the best for a warm holiday with family and friends.

We're sorry to see leave, but we are so excited for what comes next!
12/17/2019

We're sorry to see leave, but we are so excited for what comes next!

Address

206 Washington Street
Boston, MA
02109

Telephone

(617) 720-1713

Website

Alerts

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Videos

20180303_125900.mp4
20180303_125900.mp4

South Façade Timelapse
South Façade Timelapse

Daylight Savings
Daylight Savings

NEW SEATS AVAILABLE
NEW SEATS AVAILABLE

BLOOD ON THE SNOW
BLOOD ON THE SNOW

NEW TIX NOW ON SALE
NEW TIX NOW ON SALE

Evacuation Day (?) Cutlass
Evacuation Day (?) Cutlass

Old State House Clock Repair
Old State House Clock Repair

BLOOD ON THE SNOW
BLOOD ON THE SNOW

First Person Interpreters
First Person Interpreters

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In the 1600s, Puritans in Boston worked to prevent celebration of the Christmas holiday due to its roots in paganism and rowdy partying by the masses. For a different lens on the alleged, present-day "War on Christmas," check out our latest online entry on First Town House--the seat of colonial government--and what took place there in 1686. The Bostonian Society Boston National Historical Park Tisch Library, Tufts University
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBAS6zxm9F4
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Boston is the place to celebrate America’s Birthday! 🇺🇸

Fireworks take center stage over the weekend, taking place July 3rd over Boston Harbor, as part of Boston Harborfest and July 4th on Boston Common following the conclusion of the Boston Pops concert at Tanglewood Music Center. Take to the water and learn how to kayak with L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools kayak course, located just steps from Seaport. Take in a reading of the Declaration of Independence at the The Bostonian Society's Old State House on July 4th. The Lawn On D is open throughout July 4th weekend and features live music on Saturday and Sunday. And there’s no better time to climb onboard a whale watch boat from Central Wharf and enjoy the marine life just off our coast.

Allow Seaport to be your home away from home this July 4th weekend – rates start at $242 per night! www.seaportboston.com

Photo courtesy of New England Aquarium
Coming tomorrow to Pay-Per-HAP Episodic Livestream Living History Series! Enter the threshold of the Hancock House, Governor John Hancock's Beacon Hill Home, and meet Cato, an enslaved person of color, and Dolly Quincy Hancock, the First Lady of Massachusetts - eye-witnesses to history over the course of 50 years (1764-1816), living through late-Colonial America's most pivotal events.

A play by Patrick Gabridge , originally developed and produced by  in Place for the The Bostonian Society (now Revolutionary Spaces) at Boston’s Old State House.

Viewable for 48 Hours! Tickets must be purchased BEFORE 6:00 PM ET on Friday to gain entry to the Livestream; tickets purchased after 6:00 PM ET will be sent a link to view the recording after the Livestream ends. Tickets at this Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pay-per-hap-cato-dolly-a-new-american-play-livestream-tickets-132962808339.
in 1858, delivered her legendary “Taxation without Representation” speech in Orange, NJ, quoting the of at The Bostonian Society / Revolutionary Spaces nearly a century prior: “Taxation without representation is tyranny.”

Lucy, although married to Henry Browne Blackwell, ensured their home was deeded in her name. When she refused to pay property tax on the home, the constable auctioned her possessions on her front lawn. A neighbor purchased her property, satisfying the $10.50 property tax, and returned the possessions to her. Lucy NEVER paid a during her life, citing akin to that of her forefathers of the
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to the , Lucy!


The Lucy Stone League
This week in New York’s American Revolution History...

November 5, 1840 – George Robert Twelves Hewes dies in Richfield Springs, NY

George Robert Twelves Hewes, participant in the political protests in Boston at the onset of the American Revolution and one of the last survivors of the Boston Tea Party and the Boston Massacre, and who later fought in the Revolutionary War as a militiaman and privateer, dies in Richfield Springs, Otsego County, New York at the age of 98.

Read more about Twelves Hewes at this Wikipedia link:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Robert_Twelves_Hewes



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Image Credit:

Black & White of “The Centenarian” (1835) by Joseph G. Cole

Revolutionary Spaces (formerly The Bostonian Society) at Old State House, Boston MA

Via Wikipedia:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/18/Georgehewes.jpg
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Money Museum of Boston The Paul Revere House Historic New England The West End Museum The West End Museum Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Digital Computer Museum The Computer Museum, Boston Boston Fire Museum USS Constitution Museum Queer Women in Music - Boston USS Constitution Museum Bunker Hill Monument Mary Baker Eddy Library South End Historical Society