Historic Sites

Lemon House Tours 2026 program dates: June 5 to August 30- Fridays through Tuesdays September- Saturdays and Sundays Staff dependent, a park ranger is available from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the morning and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the afternoon to greet visitors and answer questions about the tavern and its operations during the days of the Allegheny Portage Railroad. No reservations are required. The Lemon House is open Fridays through Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Free Register Register in advance on Eventbrite 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. The Black Heritage Trail Tour runs Wednesday through Sunday at 10 am and 1 pm. *In case of weather, Rangers will offer an indoor option in the basement of Faneuil Hall, also known as the "Find Your Park Space."

The public is invited inside the reconstruction of Bent’s Old Fort, entering through the zaguan gate and into the plaza. Park Rangers will be present to explain the features of the fort and its 20 th century reconstruction. Entry into the reconstructed fort is limited to the central plaza, except on guided tours. For your safety, respect all closures and restrictions. Guided tours provide access into additional areas. Access to the reconstructed fort is restricted due to safety issues stemming from nearly 50 years of use and deficiencies in the 1970s design and construction of the Fort. Park staff conducted stabilization work in the spring of 2025 and continue to monitor the condition of the structure for further change. A water fountain and public restrooms are located at the visitor parking area. The reconstructed fort does not have these services available currently due to safety restrictions.

Join Parks & Pages as we discuss "Hick: The Trailblazing Journalist Who Captured Eleanor Roosevelt's Heart" by Sarah Miller. This biography explores the life of journalist Lorena "Hick" Hickok and her remarkable friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt, offering a new perspective on one of the 20th century's most influential women. Before the meeting, a park ranger will record a conversation with author Sarah Miller. Readers are invited to submit questions ahead of time through social media or in person at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor Center at a dedicated table. Selected questions will be included in the interview. Highlights from the conversation will then be shared during the book club discussion in a short video. Whether you've read the book or are just curious about Eleanor Roosevelt's world, everyone is welcome to join us.

Take a tour with a Park Ranger to learn more about Bent's Old Fort. Each tour lasts approximately forty-five minutes and begins in the plaza. Tours are limited to fifteen participants and will explore the historic use of the site and the reconstruction of the fort in the 1970s. A water fountain and public restrooms are located at the visitor parking area. The reconstructed fort does not have these services available currently due to safety restrictions.

Costumed demonstrations 2026 program dates: June 5 to August 30- Fridays through Tuesdays September- Saturdays and Sundays Costumed rangers conduct a variety of program offerings that vary from day to day. They include stone cutting, rope making and natural dyes. They are generally held between 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the morning and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the afternoon. The programs are weather and staff dependent. For additional information and to find out what program is offered on the day of your visit, please inquire at the visitor center or call 814-886-6150. No reservations are required!

Costumed programs 2026 program dates: June 5 to August 30- Fridays through Tuesdays September- Saturdays and Sundays Costumed rangers conduct a variety of program offerings that vary from day to day. They include stone cutting, rope making and natural dyes. They are generally held between 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the morning and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the afternoon. The programs are weather and staff dependent. For additional information and to find out what program is offered on the day of your visit, please inquire at the visitor center or call 814-886-6150. No reservations are required!

Lemon House Tours 2026 program dates: June 5 to August 30- Fridays through Tuesdays September- Saturdays and Sundays Staff dependent, a park ranger is available from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the morning and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the afternoon to greet visitors and answer questions about the tavern and its operations during the days of the Allegheny Portage Railroad. No reservations are required. The Lemon House is open Fridays through Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

While fighting for their lives, prisoners of war also struggled against privation and boredom. This program explores the many creative ways prisoners maintained morale for themselves and their comrades. The program will take place in the National Prisoner of War Museum Theater at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Join us in the National Prisoner of War Museum for POW/MIA Recognition Day. Throughout the day, Park Rangers will share stories of prisoners of war and the challenges they faced, from capture and transport to daily life in captivity, communication, privation, and morale. Programs will also reflect on freedom, homecoming, and the families who waited—and remember those who never made it home.

The third event in our Freedom 250 commemorative series highlights the experiences of prisoners of war during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. This event will feature living historians, demonstrations, and a special Freedom 250 activity for visitors of all ages.

Learn about Civil War medicine and the medical care provided in the hospitals at Andersonville Prison during this interactive program.