American Revolution

Looking to plan your visit to Boston's historic sites? Visit the Cradle of Liberty, Faneuil Hall ! The City of Boston owns and operates Faneuil Hall. Since the establishment of Boston National Historical Park in 1974, National Park Service rangers interpret the stories of this historic building. Can't visit in-person or the Hall is closed? Experience Faneuil Hall through our virtual tour ! First Floor: Visitor Center and Marketplace Stop by the NPS Visitor Center located in the first floor of Faneuil Hall, where park rangers and volunteers are eager to provide general information and insider tips. While here, you can also find junior ranger books, maps, brochures, videos, exhibits, and information about sites along Boston's historic Freedom Trail ® . You can also explore the different shops in the first floor market. Second and Third Floor: Great Hall The second floor is home to the historic Great Hall. This gathering space has hosted meetings, orations, debates, and protests for over 275 years. Bostonians continue to use the Great Hall to this day. Political rallies, debates, concerts, and natruralization ceremonies are just some of the events that regularly take place here. When open for public visitation, rangers offer Faneuil Hall Talks about the history of the building and the Bostonians who have met here. Faneuil Hall Talks take place Tuesday through Sunday at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm. No registration required. Take a virtual tour of Faneuil Hall to learn more about the Great Hall. Fourth Floor: Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company The fourth floor of Faneuil Hall is home to the headquarters of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. Their museum and meeting hall are independently operated. Please visit the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company website for more information. Take a virtual tour of Faneuil Hall to experience the headquarers of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. Lower Level: Find Your Park Space In the "Find Your Park Space" in the lower level of Faneuil Hall, watch "Fighting for Freedom: Lewis Hayden and the Underground Railroad." This Network to Freedom film follows the story of Lewis Hayden and his family as they seek freedom on the Underground Railroad and become activists living in Boston, Massachusetts, determined to crush the institution of slavery. The film runs for just over 17 minutes and has captions in English, Spanish, French, and simplified Chinese and Vietnamese, as well as audio descriptions. "Fighting for Freedom: Lewis Hayden and the Underground Railroad" is also available online. During the summer, ranger-guided tours begin in the "Find Your Park Space" in the basement of the Visitor Center.

Join a Park Ranger from the National Parks of Boston to explore the rich history of the Black community in 1800s Beacon Hill. The Black Heritage Trail ® showcases residences and community buildings associated with a Black community that thrived on, and near, the north slope of Beacon Hill before, during, and after the American Civil War. Throughout that time, this community organized for equal rights and access to equal education. Community members championed the movement to abolish slavery and even housed freedom seekers on their journey along the Underground Railroad. This tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. Register for the tour in advance on eventbrite . It begins at the Massachusetts 54th Regiment across the street from the Massachusetts State House and ends at the Museum of African American History , covering about 1.4 miles. 2026 Season (May 23 - October 11) Join a ranger for a Black Heritage Trail Tour Wednesday through Sunday at 10 am and 1 pm. Registration is required in advance on Eventbrite . If you have a group larger than five people, please e-mail us or call us at 617-429-6760. *In case of weather, rangers will offer an indoor option in the basement of Faneuil Hall, also known as the "Find Your Park Space." For a self-guided audio tour, see either The Virtual Black Heritage Trail or download the NPS App .

In 1774 Paul Revere and his neighbors in the North End were forced to make difficult and dangerous choices. As sides were drawn, both Patriots and Loyalists labeled the other "enemies to this country." Join a National Park Service Ranger for a free 75 minute walk and decide who the real "Enemies to This Country" were in the months before the breakout of the War for Independence. Tours begin inside the Faneuil Hall Visitor Center and end at Old North Church, covering about 0.5 miles. 2026 Season (May 23 - October 11) Join a ranger for an 'Enemies to this Country' tour Wednesday through Sunday. May 23-June 21: 11 am and 2 pm June 22-September 8: 11 am September 9-October 11: 11 am and 2 pm Register in advance on Eventbrite or check in with the ranger at the desk for same day registration. *In case of weather, rangers will offer an indoor option in the basement of Faneuil Hall, also known as the "Find Your Park Space." "An Incident on King Street:" Boston Massacre Walking Tour Join a ranger for "An Incident on King Street" walking tour on Wednesday's at 12:00pm July 22nd through September 2nd. On March 5, 1770, seven British soldiers fired into a crowd of Bostonians. What led to this “Incident?” Join a Park Ranger over the next several weekends as we explore the role of riots in Boston since 1700 and how the social popularity in riots effected growing tension between British Regulars and the citizens of Boston between 1768-1770. Tours begin inside the Faneuil Hall Visitor Center and end at the Boston Massacre Site, covering about .25 miles. Register in advance on Eventbrite or check in with the ranger at the desk for same day registration. *In case of weather, rangers will offer an indoor option in the basement of Faneuil Hall, also known as the "Find Your Park Space." For a self-guided tour of the Freedom Trail, see either the Virtual Freedom Trail ® Tour or download the NPS App . If you have any questions, please contact us .

Stop by the visitor center to see "Crossroads of a Revolution." This 22-minute orientation film tells the story of Ninety Six. From its forming at the crossroads along trade routes linking the Cherokee territory to Charleston, SC. Ninety Six in the 1700s was a land of hope and opportunity, of conflict and revenge, and a land of fronteir justice. Ninety Six played a significant role in the struggle for Ameircan independence from British rule. It was the site of the first southern land battle of the Revolutionary War in 1775, and the scene of the longest field siege in 1781. The video is availbe for viewing on request during the visitor center hours.

The park museum is located in the visitor center. It contains a variety of artifacts from the Colonial and Revolutionary War Era, a 3-pound reproduction cannon, and interpretive exhibits.

HEY PETS!!! Do you want to proudly wear the Ninety Six National Historic Site BARK Ranger tag? Your human to help you get one, and you can both have fun while earning it. What does the human need to do for you? 1) Learn and follow the rules B is for bag your poop A is for always keep you on a leash (6' or shorter, please) R is to help you respect wildlife K is to know where you can go 2) Pick up a BARK Ranger page at the visitor center, bulletin board, or here and do the activities. 3) Once you have finished knock on the Visitor Center door to show the ranger that you have completed your booklet, and receive your official BARK Ranger dog tag and certificate!

Hartwell Tavern is a restored 18th century home located along the Battle Road in Minute Man National Historical Park. The tavern sits on a beautifully restored section of the battlefield and is the heart of our Living History operations at Minute Man. The grounds around Hartwell remain open sunrise to sunset. Living History at Hartwell Tavern: If you visit during the operational season, you will have an opportunity to explore the interior of Hartwell Tavern and talk with interpreters dressed in eighteenth century attire. Learn about the experiences of the Hartwell Family on April 19, 1775 or talk about popular drinks consumed in the 18th tavern room! During the summer and fall National Park Service staff will also conduct musket firing demonstrations outside the tavern. Park at 112 North Great Road, Lincoln, MA, walk dirt path 1/4 mile north to Tavern.

2026 Tours While walking the historic streets of Boston, become immersed in the stories that have shaped this city. Join National Park Service Rangers as they share Boston’s diverse history through unique guided tours. These tours will be offered weekly on Thursdays throughout the summer and fall. Each tour will begin at 5:30 pm and last approximately 75 minutes, covering 1-2 miles in distance. Registration is required in advance on Eventbrite . Note: Some tours may involve navigating hills, narrow sidewalks, and uneven surfaces. Taking the High Ground June 18 Follow the route British troops took in attacking the colonial defenses of Charlestown during the Battle of Bunker Hill. This 90-minute guided tour of the Bunker Hill battlefield will use notable modern landmarks to pinpoint the locations of battle positions. Learn about the battle, its immediate aftermath and far-reaching global consequences. Meeting Point: Charlestown Navy Yard Visitor Center, 5 1 st Ave, Charlestown, MA 02129 Final Stop: Bunker Hill Monument Route Info: The tourour will cover approximately 1.5 miles thgh the Charlestown neighborhood over uneven surfaces and up moderate hills. Boston: An Underground Railroad Hub June 25 & September 24 Did you know that Boston played a central role in the Underground Railroad? Explore the inspiring stories of freedom seekers in the Beacon Hill neighborhood who escaped to Boston, as well as the people, organizations, and historic buildings that gave them refuge. Meeting Point: Museum of African American History, 46 Joy Street, Boston, MA 02108 Final Stop: Museum of African American History Route Info: The tour will cover approximately 0.75 miles through Beacon Hill over uneven surfaces and moderate hills Pirate or Patriot? July 30 & October 8 Did you know that colonial Boston was a hub of activity for the most notorious pirates in the 1700s? During this “Golden Age of Piracy” pirates lived in Boston, were imprisoned here, and sometimes executed here. This tour examines the lives of several of the most famous pirates who walked the streets of Boston, including Captain William Kidd, “Black” Sam Bellamy, Ned Lowe, and William Fly. Meeting Point: Sam Adams Statue, outside Faneuil Hall, 1 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, MA 02109 Final Stop: Old State House Route Info: The tour will cover approximately 1.5 miles over uneven surfaces and cross multiple intersections in a highly populated urban area. Merchants, Mariners, Men of God and Mayhem: Boston 1845-1855 July 9 Explore how Boston's North End transformed into a bustling, working-class neighborhood in the 1800s. This 90-minute guided tour will weave together stories of merchants and mariners, as well as social reformers, nativists, and newcomers forging new lives. Visit the sites of historic warehouses and wharves, sailor’s hotels, and immigrant tenements, immersing yourself in the vibrant history that helped shape Boston’s identity. Meeting Point: Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center, 191 W. Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02110 Final Stop: North Square Route Info: The tour will cover approximately 0.75 miles over uneven surfaces and cross multiple intersections in a highly populated urban area. Becoming American During the Siege of Boston July 16 & September 10 During a year under siege, colonists in Boston began to see themselves not as subjects of the crown but as citizens. Discover how a new American identity emerged here in Boston on the eve of the Declaration of Independence. Explore the site of Boston's Mill Pond neighborhood, the home of Rachel and Paul Revere, and the Copps Hill Burying Ground. Meeting Point: Sam Adams Statue, outside Faneuil Hall, 1 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, MA 02109 Final Stop: Copp's Hill Terrace Route Info: The tour will cover approximately 1.5 miles over uneven surfaces, moderate hills, and cross multiple intersections in a highly populated urban area. Pirates and Puritans: Cotton Mather and the Pirate Trial of 1717 July 23 & October 22 In 1717, six captured pirates faced trial for piracy in Boston. Cotton Mather, a Puritan minister, condemned piracy but also offered salvation to these six pirates. This tour will explore the moment during which the opposing worlds of Puritan Boston and piracy collided. Walk in the footsteps of the condemned pirates through Boston’s North End where they met their fate. Meeting Point: Find Your Park Space in the lower level of Faneuil Hall, 1 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, MA 02109 Final Stop: Copp's Hill Terrace Route Info: The tour will cover approximately 1.1 miles over uneven surfaces, moderate hills, and cross multiple intersections in a highly populated urban area. Henry Knox: A Pillar of the Early American Republic July 30 & August 27 On March 5, 1770, a young Henry Knox witnessed the chaotic scene of the Boston Massacre. This moment sparked the transformation of Knox from a bookstore owner to son of liberty, revolutionary war hero, and Secretary of War. Explore sites that played a significant role during Knox’s life in Boston. Meeting Point: West side of the Old State House, 206 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02109 Final Stop: Long Wharf Route Info: The tour will cover approximately 0.71 miles over uneven surfaces and cross multiple intersections in a highly populated urban area. The Siege, or Ruin and Back Again: Life in 1776 Boston August 21 (rescheduled) & October 15 When the sun set on June 17, 1775, General Thomas Gage held the heights outside Charlestown at the cost of roughly 1,000 British casualties. Charlestown lay in ruins, and Boston remained a city under siege. Nine months later British soldiers evacuated Boston as General George Washington and the new Continental Army entered Boston victorious. This 90-minute walking tour explores how everyday colonists navigated uncertainty and hardship under occupation and rebuilt their lives after the siege ended in March 1776. Meeting Point: Find Your Park Space in the lower level of Faneuil Hall, 1 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, MA 02109 Final Stop: Bunker Hill Monument Route Info: The tour will cover approximately 1.5 miles over uneven surfaces, moderate hills, and cross multiple intersections in a highly populated urban area. A Man Kidnapped: Boston Resists the Fugitive Slave Act August 13 & September 17 On June 2, 1854, more than 1,500 troops marched Anthony Burns down State Street to T wharf where he was taken aboard a steamer bound for Virginia. The arrest, trial, and re-enslavement of Anthony Burns was the last time an enslaver captured and returned a freedom seeker to slavery from Boston. This tour traces paths of resistance by Boston residents as they fought to protect freedom seekers from the Fugitive Slave Act. Meeting Point: African Meeting House, 8 Smith Court, Boston, MA 02114 Final Stop: Long Wharf Route Info: The tour will cover approximately 1.25 miles over uneven surfaces, moderate hills, and cross multiple intersections in a highly populated area. Desegregation in the Cradle of Liberty August 20 & September 3 Boston earned its nickname as the “Cradle of Liberty” by fostering the revolutionary ideals and values that serve as the foundation of this country. As the home to the oldest public school in America, Boston has historically considered access to education as one of these core values. But to whom were those doors open for? Explore Boston's long struggle for equal education, from Prince Hall’s petitions of 1787 through 1976 with the fight for school desegregation. Meeting Point: African Meeting House, 8 Smith Court, Boston, MA 02114 Final Stop: City Hall Route Info: The tour will cover approximately 1.5 miles over uneven surfaces, moderate hills, and cross multiple intersections in a highly populated area. Memento Mori: the Significance of Gravestones and Burying Grounds October 1 & October 29 While walking through Boston’s Granary Burying Ground, learn what burying grounds meant to the Puritans in the 1600s and other residents of colonial New England. How did the emblems and imagery on gravestones change over time? How have Bostonians of the founding generation been honored and remembered within these burying grounds? On this tour, view gravestones of patriots such as Sam Adams, Paul Revere, and the victims of the Boston Massacre. Meeting Point: Granary Burying Ground, 120 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116 Final Stop: Granary Burying Ground Route Info: The route will cover approximately 0.25 miles and consist of walking over uneven surfaces.

The 1715 Clough House remains one of the oldest surviving brick residences in Boston. Now located on Old North's campus, the Clough House serves as the home to the exhibit Unearthing Childhood: 300 Years of North End Kids and Ye Olde Pepper Candy Pantry. Unearthing Childhood Archaeology Exhibit Unearthing Childhood: 300 Years of North End Kids explores the lives of seven real children of diverse backgrounds who lived in Boston’s North End in the 1700s, 1800s, and early 1900s. This multimedia exhibit includes archaeological artifacts on loan from the City of Boston, videos, and activities for families with children. The exhibit is completely free and can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. The exhibit is presented in partnership with the City of Boston Archaeology Department and was made possible by a grant from Mass Humanities, which provided funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), a grant from the Cabot Family Charitable Trust, and an anonymous donor. A Community Partnership Grant from the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority helps keep this exhibit free for all visitors. Ye Olde Pepper Candy Pantry Founded in Salem, MA, in 1806, Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie is the oldest candy company in America. The company’s signature candies, the Salem Gibralter and the Black Jack, are recognized as the first candies ever sold commercially in the United States. Both are still made by hand using their original recipes. Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie has opened a pop-up shop and history experience here at the Clough House. The pop-up shop carries a full range of Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie’s candies, chocolates, and sweets. Beyond the treats, the space offers a deep dive into American candy history. Visitors will encounter original manufacturing equipment from the late 1800s, historical photographs, artifacts, and a 1913 book written by the uncle of Thomas Spencer, son of company founder Mary Spencer. History cards tracing the stories of the Gibralter and Black Jack accompany purchases, and a QR code gives visitors a live look at candy being made in the company’s Salem kitchen. The Ye Olde Pepper Candy Pantry pop-up shop will run through October 31. For more information, please visit Old North Church & Historic Site's website .

Did you know that dogs are welcome to visit Fort Stanwix National Monument with their special people? Learn the rules of B.A.R.K., participate in two activities below, and take the oath to become a Bark Ranger! You can also visit the ranger station inside the historic fort for a special B.A.R.K. Ranger stamp and collar tag! Activities : FIND A POOP BAG STATION - Sometimes your friend may wish to leave a present behind at the park. There are poop poles provided at two locations along the park trail, and several trash cans. Find one, just in case you must dispose of one of these gifts. TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR PUP ON LEASH - It is always important to keep your dog on a leash while exploring. Take a picture of your dog on their best behavior at the park! #FortStanwix #BARKRangers SAY HELLO TO ANOTHER VISITOR - Whether in your living room, in a local park, or on the lakeshore, find a spot to share a snack with your pet. Remember to keep them on a leash, dispose of any poop bags if needed, and always check hot pavement with the back of your hand before letting your pet walk across a street or parking lot on a hot day. If you can't hold your hand there, it's too hot! VISIT A BONUS PARK - Explore a park that shares Fort Stanwix’s history. Gansevoort Park, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers of the American Revolution, and the Oneida Carry Monument, are all in walking distance. Be prepared to share a picture of your pupper in your picked park! B = Bag your poop! • Help keep the park clean by bagging your and placing it in a trash receptacle. • Dog waste is not natural fertilizer. It pollutes waterways and can spread disease. A = Always wear a leash! • Keep your dog and others safe by using a handheld leash no more than 6ft in length. • Even if your dog is friendly, not every person, animal, or other dog will react well to them. R = Respect wildlife! • Dogs can scare and chase birds and other animals away from nesting, feeding, and resting spots. • Even small animals wildlife can be unpredictable and dangerous to pets. Give them space. K = Know where you can go! • With the exception of service animals, no pets are permitted in park visitor centers. However, pups can go through most areas of the historic Fort that their humans can. B A R K Ranger Pledge: (Fill in your pet's name and your name in the spaces. Raise your right hand and your pet's paw and read the pledge out loud.) I, _______________________, a well-behaved dog, and my human, ____________________, promise to respect the rules of B.A.R.K. and to help show others how to care for our National Parks. Congratulations, B A R K Ranger!