Some historians draw distinctions between "slave societies" and "societies with slaves." As Jaimie argues in this video, when it comes to New England's ties to slavery, the truth is more complicated.
Old North
@oldnorth1723.bsky.social
300 Years of History. 2 Lanterns. 1 Revolution. Visit us along Boston's Freedom Trail. oldnorth.com
#TBT to a beautiful afternoon in 1920 on Hull Street. (📷 via Boston Public Library archives - Photo by Leon Abdalian)
Join us on Zoom on October 7 to hear the incredible true story of one of Old North's parishioners, Mary Ann Patten — the first woman to captain a merchant ship!
On this day in 1940, Boston’s iconic Paul Revere statue was unveiled! Around 8,000 people gathered to watch the big reveal, including the statue’s sculptor, 79-year-old Cyrus Dallin. He had waited 55 years since a committee had first selected his design to see the statue displayed.
The Old North team had a wonderful time at the @aaslh.org and @ncph.bsky.social Joint Conference last week! We loved connecting with other public historians and reflecting on how we can work together to continue the important work of revolution. #workofrevolution
Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day! Did you know that Old North Church is home to stolen treasure plundered on the high seas? Our wonderful Educator, Meg, tells the tale in this video!
In 1768, Paul Revere cast a special silver bowl commissioned by members of the Sons of Liberty. What is the story behind this famous artifact? Meg explains it all in this clip! See the items from the video here: oldnorthgiftshop.online/collections/...
At the onset of the American Revolution, the Old North Church was the tallest building in Boston. This made our steeple an ideal spot to shine two lanterns on April 18, 1775. In 1810, Park Street Church surpassed Old North as Boston's tallest building.
On October 9, we're hosting a musical reading of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at Old North Church! The brilliant Johnny Kinsman will bring Washington Irving’s classic tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman to life.
On this day in 1757, an Englishman named John Childs flew from the steeple of Old North Church – sort of. A traveling entertainer, Childs built a makeshift zipline for his stunt. He tied a rope from the steeple to a tree about 700 feet away.
Today, we remember those killed in the tragic events of September 11, 2001. We recognize the courage and compassion shown by Americans in service of one another during the September 11 attacks, and in the weeks and years that followed.
Resisting authoritarianism is an American tradition. In April of 1775, Paul Revere and his allies risked everything to warn Patriots that British troops were heading to Concord. Where did Revere and his friends get the courage to defy authority? What would it take for you to do so?
When one of our Educators went to play a round of mini golf at Miniature Golf on the Village Green, they came across this excellent replica of the Old North Church! We're impressed with the likeness. ⛳ 🏌️🏌️♀️
If you have visited Boston, you may have seen this famous image: a row of five coffins with the initials S.G., S.M., J.C., C.A., and P.C. This colonial-era engraving dates back to the Boston Massacre of 1770.
On this day in 1630, the city of Boston received its name! Previously, the Puritans had called the settlement “Trimountain” after a large hill with three summits. On September 7, the settlement was renamed “Boston” after the port town in Lincolnshire, where several prominent colonists were from.
Whenever we go through our photo archive, we always end up finding something unusual! Apparently, in 1987, the church hired a pest-sniffing beagle from Terminex Pest Control. The beagle must have done good work, because the sanctuary remains pest-free!
How much did it cost to be buried in Old North’s crypt? In the early 1800s, adults could be interred in the crypt for $10. In today’s money, that would be roughly $240. Burials and funeral services were an important source of revenue for the church.
On September 16, authors @juliaangwin.com and @fieldsmeyer.com will join us on Zoom for a fascinating conversation about their new book "On Courage: How to Be a Dissident in an Age of Fear."
Today is Moving Day in the North End! 70% of leases begin on September 1 in Boston, which creates a massively chaotic day where thousands of young people move at the same time. To celebrate this insane day, our team played Moving Day Bingo. Congratulations to Rada for winning!
On this day in 1954, Hurricane Carol ripped off the steeple of the Old North Church! This was the second time our steeple had been toppled. The original was lost during “The Great Gale of Boston” in 1804. Miraculously, our original weathervane survived both storms.
Rada, one of our wonderful Educators, captured this beautiful photo in our sanctuary!
John and Elizabeth Humphries were a free Black couple who worshiped at Old North Church in the 1740s. The Humphries seem to have been kind and charitable people. We know that they took in Jerusha Will, a terminally ill Indigenous woman who was also a member of this church.
Happy 110th Birthday to the National Park Service! 🎂 Old North Church & Historic Site is a proud partner of the National Park Service and Boston National Historical Park. Here is a photo of our favorite Park Ranger, NPS K9 Jersey!
Why is there a statue of St. Francis behind Old North's gift shop? Built in 1918, our gift shop was once the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, which served Italian Protestants living in the North End. Today, the St. Francis Garden behind the shop reminds us of this unique history.
When Paul Revere recounted his ride, he mentioned a gruesome landmark: “where Mark was hung in chains.” Mark, an enslaved Black man, was hanged for conspiring to kill his enslaver. Then, Mark’s body was left on display in a metal cage — a grisly practice known as gibbetting.
Today is Dr. Samuel Prescott’s birthday! He played an important role in Paul Revere’s ride. This photo shows where Prescott, Revere, and Dawes were intercepted by British troops. Revere was captured, and Dawes fell from his horse, but Prescott escaped — making him the only rider to reach Concord.
Have you seen the "Death's Head" symbol during your travels in Boston? What is the significance of this winged skull? Kaitlin, our resident death rites expert, explains it all in this video! You can check out the items from the video here: oldnorthgiftshop.online/collections/...
Have you seen the "Death's Head" symbol during your travels in Boston? What is the significance of this winged skull? Kaitlin, our resident death rites expert, explains it all in this video! You can check out the items from the video here: oldnorthgiftshop.online/collections/...