Due to scheduled events, the Great Hall will be closed on February 6, 12, and 19. The Visitor Center Desk on the market floor will remain open.

Great Hall, Faneuil Hall Closures: February 2026

Discover how one city could be the Cradle of Liberty, site of the first major battle of American Revolution, and home to many who espoused that freedom can be extended to all.

View of the Colonial Town Meeting program from the desk

Colonial Town Meeting

Rainbow over Faneuil Hall

Paul Revere House Sign

Commandant's House

View of the Navy Yard from the harbor showing the USS Constution, USS Cassin Young and Bunker Hill

Navy Yard from the harbor

Boston

Boston National Historical Park is a unique collaboration of federally, municipally, and privately owned and operated historic sites. Most of the park is along Boston's Freedom Trail®, a 2.5 mile (4 km) walking path marked by a red brick or painted line weaving through Downtown Boston, the North End, and Charlestown.

The trail itself is outdoors and open year round. Every site along the trail has its own hours which vary throughout the season. Please check ahead before planning your visit.

Juneteenth National Independence Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veteran's Day

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Day

New Year's Day

Boston National Historical Park

Only 20 people are allowed in the Monument at a time. Last climb is 30 minutes before closure.

Be advised: The Monument may close for climbing due to weather conditions and/or other safety considerations.

Winter

Bunker Hill Monument

Dorchester Heights marks the site of George Washington's first Revolutionary War victory. The park grounds are open to the public daily.

Dorchester Heights

The Paul Revere House is a Boston National Historical Park partner site operated by the Paul Revere Memorial Association.

Winter Hours

Summer Hours

Christmas Eve

Paul Revere House

Old North is a Boston National Historical Park partner site operated by Old North Illuminated.

Spring

Fall

New Year's Eve

Old North Church

The Old State House is a Boston National Historical Park partner site operated by Revolutionary Spaces.

For more visitor information, please visit the Revolutionary Spaces website.

Old State House

The Old South Meeting House is a Boston National Historical Park partner site operated by Revolutionary Spaces.

For more visitor information, please visit the Revolutionary Spaces website.

Old South Meeting House

The Great Hall is operated as a historic site by the National Park Service in partnership with the City of Boston. Faneuil Hall is owned and managed by the City of Boston. The Great Hall is closed to public visitation when City-permitted events are scheduled.

Visitors can find maps and other visiting materials in the Great Hall.

Presidents' Day (Washington's Birthday)

Memorial Day

The Great Hall of Faneuil Hall

USS CONSTITUTION is the oldest commissioned ship in the United States Navy. Naval officers and crew still serve aboard the ship. The Navy operates the ship as a historic site in cooperation with the National Park Service.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday

Spring Hours

USS Constitution

USS Constitution Museum collects, preserves, and interprets the stories of "Old Ironsides." The museum is a partner of Boston National Historical Park located in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

USS Constitution Museum

USS CASSIN YOUNG is a Fletcher Class destroyer docked in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Park staff operate the ship seasonally. Weather conditions may alter hours without advanced notice.

Off-season

USS Cassin Young

Museum Exhibits

Three story brick building with white furnishes and a white and gilded cupola atop.

Faneuil Hall

Looking to plan your visit to Boston's historic sites? Visit the Cradle of Liberty, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/learn/historyculture/fh.htm">Faneuil Hall</a>!  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 <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/learn/faneuil-hall-virtual-tour.htm">virtual tour</a>!  <hr /> <h2>First Floor: Visitor Center and Marketplace</h2> 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.  <h2>Second and Third Floor: Great Hall</h2> 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 Wednesday through Sunday at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm. No registration required.  Take a <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/learn/faneuil-hall-virtual-tour.htm">virtual tour of Faneuil Hall</a> to learn more about the Great Hall. <h2>Fourth Floor: Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company</h2> 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 <a href="https://www.ahac.us.com/">Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company website</a> for more information. Take a <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/learn/faneuil-hall-virtual-tour.htm">virtual tour of Faneuil Hall</a> to experience the headquarers of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. <h2>Lower Level: Find Your Park Space</h2> In the "Find Your Park Space" in the lower level of Faneuil Hall, watch "Fighting for Freedom: Lewis Hayden and the Underground Railroad." This <a href="https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1205/index.htm">Network to Freedom</a> film follows the story of <a href="https://www.nps.gov/people/lewis-hayden.htm">Lewis Hayden</a> 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. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=BA117BF0-97CC-43C0-D0B9010B67E016EB">"Fighting for Freedom: Lewis Hayden and the Underground Railroad"</a> is also available online. During the summer, ranger-guided tours begin in the "Find Your Park Space" in the basement of the Visitor Center. From January 17th through February 21st join a Ranger for Revolutionary Boston Talk, a FREE 30 minute program, on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Learn about the American Revolution and how subsequent generations of Bostonians have sought to expand the ideals, values, and sacrifices of the founding generation. While some focus on the Revolutionary era, others examine how later changemakers sought to expand the ideals, values, and sacrifices of 1776 in the ongoing pursuit of a more perfect union. The stories that define Boston are rooted in an unfinished legacy that began before and continued after the American Revolution.

Service animals are allowed inside Faneuil Hall. 

Visit the Historic Cradle of Liberty's marketplace, Visitor Center, Great Hall, and Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.

<h2>Faneuil Hall Visitor Center</h2> <ul> <li>Winter Hours (September 29 - March 31): <ul> <li>Sunday: Open 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM.</li> <li>Monday - Tuesday: Closed.</li> <li>Wednesday - Saturday: Open 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h2>The Great Hall</h2> <ul> <li>Winter Hours (September 29 - March 31): <ul> <li>Sunday: Open 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM.</li> <li>Monday - Tuesday: Closed.</li> <li>Wednesday - Saturday: Open 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Visit our <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/hours.htm#FH">operating hours and seasons</a> page for more information.

Visit Historic Faneuil Hall

American Revolution

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

Activity is available for families. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.oldnorth.com/admission-pricing/">Old North Church's website</a>.

This activity is available for children ages 6-12 and their families.

This activity is included with your admission ticket! To participate, simply request a copy of Prince’s Pew Pursuit when you enter the church.

A black cat walks along an upper floor ledge that overlooks pews in a church.

Prince's Pew Pursuit: Family Activity

In this new activity designed especially for families, visitors explore Old North through a scavenger hunt narrated by Prince, the friendly North End cat who used to frequent the church. By finding clues and answering questions, participants will see highlights of the sanctuary and learn about Old North’s unique history.  This activity is included with your admission ticket! To participate, simply request a copy of Prince’s Pew Pursuit when you enter the church. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.oldnorth.com/admission-pricing/">Old North Church's website</a>.

Explore Old North through a scavenger hunt narrated by Prince, the friendly North End cat who used to frequent the church.

Old North Church: Prince's Pet Pursuit Family Activity

Churches

Note: Participants should be comfortable in a basement setting and navigating tight spaces. The crypt has low lighting, uneven surfaces, and is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

Visitors may purchase the Crypt Combo package during normal operating hours. The Crypt Combo is $9 per person when you book online, or $10 at the ticket booth. It includes a self-guided tour of the crypt, general admission to the church’s sanctuary and new exhibit, and an immersive audio guide with 300 years of the church’s secrets and stories. Children 5 and under are free. Visit Old North's <a href="https://oldnorth.doubleknot.com/openrosters/availableevents.aspx?orgkey=3965">online schedule</a> to plan your visit.

Inside a small red-brick crypt with a shelf that has a couple boxes and a coffin shaped box.

Old North Church Crypt Tour

Did you know that over 1,100 bodies lie underneath the sanctuary of Old North Church? Explore Old North’s crypt on a self-guided tour. You’ll find out about the burial practices of early congregants, get introduced to some of the notable crypt "occupants" who have rested in this unique space for hundreds of years, and learn about discoveries from recent archeological work. Content: Historical topics discussed include death, burials, and human remains. Note: Participants should be comfortable in a basement setting and navigating tight spaces. The crypt has low lighting, uneven surfaces, and is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.oldnorth.com/admission-pricing/">Old North Church's website</a>.

Reservations are not required, but it is possible to reserve tickets in advance. Please visit Old North Church's <a href="https://www.oldnorth.com/admission-pricing/">Admission & Pricing</a> page for more information.

Take a self-guided tour of Old North’s historic crypt, where 1,100 people were laid to rest.

Old North Church: Crypt Tour

Architecture and Building

Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite

Guided Tours

This tour is best suited for individuals aged 8 and above.

The Black Heritage Trail® Tours typically lasts 1.5 hours.

An NPS Ranger speaking to a group of children in front of a monument, holding an image of soldiers.

Walking the Black Heritage Trail

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 <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-heritage-trail-tour-tickets-905004281167?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl">eventbrite</a>. It begins at the Massachusetts 54th Regiment across the street from the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/massachusetts-state-house.htm">Massachusetts State House</a> and ends at the <a href="https://www.maah.org/">Museum of African American History</a>, covering about 1.4 miles. <hr /> For the 2025 season from May 24 - September 28, Black Heritage Trail Tours will occur Wednesday through Sunday at 10am and 1pm. Sign up in advance <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-heritage-trail-tour-tickets-153151587521?aff=ebdssbdestsearch">on Eventbrite</a>. If you have a group larger than five people, please <a href="mailto:boaf_mail@nps.gov">e-mail us</a> or call us at 617-429-6760. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-heritage-trail-tour-tickets-153151587521?aff=oddtdtcreator">Reserve your spot here</a> *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 <a href="https://www.nps.gov/boaf/virtual-black-heritage-trail-tour.htm">The Virtual Black Heritage Trail</a> or download the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/boaf/mobile-app.htm">NPS App</a>.

Pets are allowed while walking through Beacon Hill. The Museum of African American History only allows service animals into its buildings. Please visit our page on <a href="https://www.nps.gov/boaf/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm">Accessibility</a> to learn more about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/boaf/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm#General_Guidelines_for_Visitors_with_Service_Animals">General Guidelines for Visitors with Service Animals</a>.

Guided tours are offered in the summer and into the fall.  For the 2025 season from May 24 - October 13, Black Heritage Trail Tours will occur Wednesday through Sunday at 10am and 1pm. Register for the tour in advance on <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-heritage-trail-tour-tickets-905004281167?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl">eventbrite</a>. *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 <a href="https://www.nps.gov/boaf/virtual-black-heritage-trail-tour.htm">The Virtual Black Heritage Trail</a> or download the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/boaf/mobile-app.htm">NPS App</a>.

Guided tours are offered in the summer and into the fall. For the 2025 season from May 24 - October 13, Black Heritage Trail Tours will occur Wednesday through Sunday at 10am and 1pm. Register for the tour in advance on <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-heritage-trail-tour-tickets-905004281167?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl">eventbrite</a>. *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 <a href="https://www.nps.gov/boaf/virtual-black-heritage-trail-tour.htm">The Virtual Black Heritage Trail</a> or download the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/boaf/mobile-app.htm">NPS App</a>.

Join a Park Ranger from the National Parks of Boston on a Black Heritage Trail® Tour to learn about the Black community of Beacon Hill that thrived before, during, and after the American Civil War.

For the 2025 season from May 24 - October 13, Black Heritage Trail Tours will occur Wednesday through Sunday at 10am and 1pm. Register for the tour in advance on <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-heritage-trail-tour-tickets-905004281167?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl">eventbrite</a>. *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 <a href="https://www.nps.gov/boaf/virtual-black-heritage-trail-tour.htm">The Virtual Black Heritage Trail</a> or download the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/boaf/mobile-app.htm">NPS App</a>.

Walk the Black Heritage Trail®

African American Heritage

Enslavement

Monuments and Memorials

Religion and Spirituality

Schools and Education

Social Movements

Abolition Movement

Civil Rights

Trails

American Revolutionary War

Civil War

People sitting on Long Wharf as someone in wellies stands in the flooded lower area of the walkway.

King Tide at Long Wharf

High Tide Trail begins at Dock Square (in front of Faneuil Hall) and moves towards the water.  King Tides can be seen on Long or Central Wharves.

For thousands of years, Boston's coastline has been filled, moved, and transformed thanks to both human and natural interventions. Learn about Boston's ever-changing coastline by following the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/boha/learn/high-tide-trail.htm">High Tide Trail</a>, a short 6-stop walking tour in downtown Boston. You can also join our partners, the <a href="https://stonelivinglab.org/">Stone Living Lab</a>, for onsite programming at Long or Central Wharves in downtown Boston during King Tide, or "Wicked High Tide" events. <a href="https://stonelivinglab.org/events/">See events on the Stone Living Lab's calendar.</a>  <a href="https://stonelivinglab.org/education/wicked-high-tides/">Learn more about King Tides and why they happen here in Boston.</a>

Leashed pets are allowed in downtown Boston.

The High Tide Trail self-guided audio tour is available year-round.  Wicked High Tide programming occurs during King Tide events in the fall.

Learn about Boston's coastlines and King tides by taking the High Tide Trail audio tour or joining a high tide program hosted by our partners, the Stone Living Lab.

Learn about Boston's "Wicked" High Tides

Climate Change

Coasts, Islands and Atolls

Oceans

Floods

The mess of the USS CASSIN YOUNG which has white square tables with gray food trays on top.

USS Cassin Young Tour

USS Cassin Young sits at the end of Pier 1 of the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Explore above and below the main deck of USS Cassin Young (DD 793), a Fletcher-class Destroyer that served in the Second World War and throughout the 1950s. Learn how such ships were built and see how the sailors lived, served, and made sacrifices aboard. Visitors will be able to see various parts of the ship on the tour, including: the Combat Information Center, the Plotting Room, Officer's Country (or Berthing Area), Ammunition Handling Room, Officer's Mess, Sailors' Berthing Area, Crew Mess, the Galley, Barber shop, and the Bridge. Tours begin on the deck of the ship and last for approximately 45 minutes. Tickets are available for FREE on a first-come, first served basis aboard the ship. Since this tour highlights small spaces, only 12 people are allowed per tour. Visitors must be over 48" in height to safely climb the ladders. Check back for information regarding 2026 programming. <hr /> *To learn more about the USS Cassin Young, explore the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/features/bost/DD793/1.0/index.html#mainMenu">USS Cassin Young app</a> or visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/uss-cassin-young.htm">USS Cassin Young page</a>. If you have any questions, please <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/contacts.htm">contact us</a>.

Check back for information regarding 2026 programming.

Explore above and below the main deck of USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD 793), a Fletcher-class Destroyer that served in the Second World War and throughout the 1950s.

Charlestown Navy Yard: Tour USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD 793)

Ships and Shipwrecks

US Navy

Cold War

World War II

Living History

Two Park rangers dressed in period clothing, one has a musket to her side and speaks to the audience

Muskets, Men, and Liberty

This program is held on the grass lawn next to the Bunker Hill Monument.

Who fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill? Listen to a ranger dressed in period clothing discuss why three men from different backgrounds stepped onto the battlefield. They each had different ambitions, motivations, and concerns. The program concludes with a musket firing demonstration! Programs are held outside the Bunker Hill Monument and last approximately 30 minutes. Check back for information regarding 2026 programming. <hr /> To learn more about the battle, visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/learn/historyculture/bhm.htm#battle">Battle of Bunker Hill page</a>. If you have any questions, please <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/contacts.htm">contact us</a>.

Pets are allowed on-leash on the grounds around the Bunker Hill Monument. NOTE: The loud noise from the demonstration may be uncomfortable for some pets.

Listen to a ranger dressed in period clothing discuss why three men from different backgrounds fought in the battle. The program concludes with a musket firing demonstration!

Bunker Hill: Muskets, Men, and Liberty

Military

Infantry and Militia

Group of people sitting and standing on grass listening to a Ranger speak outside a granite building

Decisive Day Talks

The Bunker Hill Lodge is located next to the Bunker Hill Monument. 

Throughout the summer season, join Park staff or a volunteer outside of the Bunker Hill Lodge for a "Decisive Day Talk." These talks provide an overview of the Battle of Bunker Hill and its memory. Hear the stories of the colonial militiamen who constructed the redoubt where the Bunker Hill Monument stands today. Consider the experiences of those in British military forces who sustained substantial casualties in pursuit of this position. Learn about the early inspiration for a Monument to commemorate this early battle of the American Revolutionary War and the individuals and community effort it took to construct. These talks are typically 15-20 minutes in length. If there is poor weather, these talks may be moved inside to the Bunker Hill Lodge or cancelled. Check back for information regarding 2026 programming.

Join Park staff or a volunteer outside of the Bunker Hill Lodge to learn about the Battle of Bunker Hill and its memory.

Bunker Hill: Decisive Day Talks

Ranger talking to a group of people. Faneuil Hall stands in the background.

Enemies to this Country Tour

Tours begin inside the Faneuil Hall Visitor Center and end at Old North Church.

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. Check back for information regarding 2026 programming. *In case of weather, Rangers will offer an indoor option in the basement of Faneuil Hall, also known as the "Find Your Park Space." <hr /> For a self-guided tour of the Freedom Trail, see either the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/learn/freedom-trail-audio-tour.htm">Virtual Freedom Trail® Tour</a> or download the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/app.htm">NPS App</a>. If you have any questions, please <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/contacts.htm">contact us</a>.

Check back for information regarding 2026 programming. *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 <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/learn/freedom-trail-audio-tour.htm">Virtual Freedom Trail® Tour</a> or download the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/app.htm">NPS App</a>. If you have any questions, please <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/contacts.htm">contact us</a>.

Join a park ranger for a free 75 minute walking tour and decide who the real "Enemies to This Country" were in the months before the breakout of the War for Independence.

For 2025, "Enemies to This Country" walking tours will run May 24 through August 30. Tours will be offered Wednesday through Sunday at 11:00am. *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 <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/learn/freedom-trail-audio-tour.htm">Virtual Freedom Trail® Tour</a> or download the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/app.htm">NPS App</a>. If you have any questions, please <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/contacts.htm">contact us</a>.

The Freedom Trail: Enemies to this Country Guided Tour

Reenactments

A woman in a green 1800s dress stands in front of the stage and paintings in the Great Hall

Sumer 2025 Town Meeting

Make your voice heard by joining the National Parks of Boston for compelling reenactments of three historic town meetings! Inspired by real words spoken in historic town meetings in Faneuil Hall and around Boston, these programs encourage audience members to participate in debates from pivotal moments of Boston's history. Debate with your fellow audience members and vote on the issue. Have your voice heard in town meeting! <h3 style="text-align: center;">"The Destruction of the Tea" 1774 Town Meeting</h3> 250 years ago, to protest a tax placed upon tea, Bostonians loosely disguised themselves and boarded three tea ships at Griffins Wharf. They worked throughout the night to dump over 300 chests of tea into the harbor. In response to the destruction of over 90,000 pounds of East India Company Property, Parliament passed the Coercive Acts, closing the Port of Boston until the tea was paid for. How will Boston react? <h3 style="text-align: center;">"Rocking the Cradle" 1854 Town Meeting</h3> In May of 1854 Federal Marshals arrested <a href="https://cms.nps.gov/articles/-god-made-me-a-man-not-a-slave-the-arrest-of-anthony-burns.htm">Anthony Burns</a> under the <a href="https://cms.nps.gov/articles/000/fugitive-slave-laws-boston.htm">1850 Fugitive Slave Law</a>. Immediately following Burns’ arrest, Bostonians gathered at <a href="https://cms.nps.gov/places/faneuil-hall.htm">Faneuil Hall</a> to discuss whether they would abide by this federal law or appeal to a higher law of freedom and liberty for all. The eyes of the nation were firmly fixed upon Boston. How will Boston respond? <h3 style="text-align: center;">"Woman's Tea Party" 1873 Town Meeting</h3> On December 15, 1873 Boston’s suffragists held the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/boston-womens-tea-party.htm">New England Women's Tea Party</a>, a massive suffrage rally in the Great Hall of Faneuil Hall. Leading suffragists, including Lucy Stone, Frederick Douglass, and Mary Livermore, delivered rousing speeches to a crowd of more than three thousand, furthering the suffrage movement in Boston. Will Boston support women's suffrage?

Join National Parks of Boston Rangers as we recreate historic town meetings.

Join a Historic Town Meeting at Faneuil Hall

Voting Rights and Suffrage

Women's History

Join a Park Ranger for a special guided tour.

These programs are free and open to the public.

A park ranger points out something on a historic 18th century gravestone

Nathan Die is Cast

The stories that define Boston are part of the unfinished legacy set into motion in the years leading up to and following the American Revolution. These ranger-led tours unpack themes and questions that originated with the founding generation. While some tours focus on the Revolutionary Period, others explore how later changemakers advocated to expand the ideals, values, and sacrifices from 1776 in order to move towards a more perfect union.  Check back for information regarding 2026 programming.

Join a Park Ranger for a special guided tour exploring Boston's rich history as a city of revolutions.

Ranger's Choice Walking Tour

Exhibit display of map of Charlestown Navy Yard with "Serving the Navel Fleet" sign hanging behind.

Charlestown Navy Yard Visitor Center

Entrance to this Visitor Center is via a security checkpoint. Photo ID may be required for access. This is for added security for USS Constitution, an active navy ship.

For 174 years, the Charlestown Navy Yard served as a hub of innovation, an employer of skilled workers, and a home to Naval officers, sailors, and U.S. Marines. Walk through the exhibits of the Navy Yard's Visitor Center to learn about the history of the Yard, the ingenuity of its workers, and its role in "Serving the Fleet." Explore the exhibit about the USS Mason, a destroyer-escort constructed here in the Charlestown Navy Yard in 1943 and one of only two US Navy ships in World War II with a predominately African-American crew. Learn about how the service of this ship and its crew in the Battle of the Atlantic helped speed the end of segregation in the US Military. Please check current <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/hours.htm#anch_49">hours of operation</a> before visiting the Visitor Center. Entrance to this Visitor Center is via a security checkpoint. Photo ID may be required for access. This is for added security for USS Constitution, an active navy ship.

Service animals are allowed inside the Charlestown Navy Yard Visitor Center.

Please check current <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/hours.htm#anch_49">hours of operation</a> before visiting the Visitor Center.

Walk through the exhibits of the Navy Yard's Visitor Center to learn about the history of the Yard and the ingenuity of its workers.

Charlestown Navy Yard: Dive into The History of the Yard at the Visitor Center's Exhibits

Engineering

Industry

Laborer and Worker

World War I

The audio tour is recommended for ages 12 and up. Younger children may also find it enjoyable with explanations from a parent.

Some admission packages to Old North Church include the immersive audio guide. Visit Old North Church's <a href="https://www.oldnorth.com/admission-pricing/">Admission and Pricing webpage</a> for up-to-date fees.

a man holding up an audio tour set to his ear while standing in a pew.

Old North Church Audio Tour

Discover Old North’s secrets and stories with a brand-new audio tour! Available in English or Spanish, the tour weaves together the story of Paul Revere’s famous lantern signal with recent research into the lives of Old North’s free and enslaved Indigenous and Black congregants. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.oldnorth.com/admission-pricing/">Old North Church's website</a>.

Reservations are not required, but it is possible to purchase audio tour tickets in advance. Please visit Old North Church's <a href="https://www.oldnorth.com/admission-pricing/">Admission & Pricing</a> page for more information.

Discover Old North’s secrets and stories with a brand-new audio tour! Available in English or Spanish, the tour weaves together the story of Paul Revere’s famous lantern signal with recent research into the lives of Old North’s free and enslaved Indigenous and Black congregants.

Old North Church: Audio Tour

Circular metal medallion surrounded by brick that says "The Freedom Trail Boston"

Explore the Freedom Trail

Originally conceptualized in the 1950s, the Freedom Trail® is an iconic symbol of Boston. Its red brick line snakes through some of the oldest parts of the City, navigating visitors to some of the most significant historic sites in the Downtown, North End, and Charlestown neighborhoods of Boston. The trail itself does not necessarily tell a narrative. Rather, it aids tourists with a starting point—an opening sampler of Boston's storied, complicated, and multi-faceted history. While many sites are primarily recognized for their role in the American Revolution, all the sites on the Freedom Trail® remained significant because of the role they played in subsequent social, political, and religious movements, controversies, and challenges. <h2>Exploring Boston's History</h2> Some choose to walk the entire 2.5 mile trail, end to end. Others select a handful of sites of particular interest and focus on those places. Visits can be as short as a few hours—however those who wish to enter every historic site and explore what each site has to offer can spend a full weekend along the Freedom Trail. Guided tours are available seasonally from both National Park Service staff and through private organizations. Generally, few public tours walk the entire trail. Many sites are part of Boston National Historical Park, however they are independently owned and operated and may charge admission fees. <h2>Free Self-Guided Audio Tour</h2> The National Parks of Boston have developed a FREE Freedom Trail® Audio Tour for visitors. This tour is available online on our <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/learn/freedom-trail-audio-tour.htm">Freedom Trail® Audio Tour webpage</a>, or by downloading the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/app.htm">NPS App</a>. Once downloaded, search "Boston National Historical Park" and select "self-guided tours." Our Freedom Trail Audio Tour is also available in Spanish and French online and on the NPS App. Visit <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/learn/freedom-trail-audio-tour-espa%C3%83%C2%B1ol.htm">Freedom Trail Audio Tour - Español</a> or <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bost/learn/freedom-trail-audio-tour-french.htm">Freedom Trail Audio Tour - Français</a> to listen to the tours.

Originally conceptualized in the 1950s, the Freedom Trail® is an iconic symbol of Boston. Its red brick line snakes through some of the oldest parts of the City, navigating visitors to some of the most significant historic sites in the Downtown, North End, and Charlestown neighborhoods of Boston.

Alert: Great Hall, Faneuil Hall Closures: February 2026: Due to scheduled events, the Great Hall will be closed on February 6, 12, and 19. The Visitor Center Desk on the market floor will remain open.

Boston

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Walk the Black Heritage Trail®

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Learn about Boston's "Wicked" High Tides

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Charlestown Navy Yard: Tour USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD 793)

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