Old South Meeting House, Where the Boston Tea Party Began!

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Qty

Price

Adult

$6.00

Child5-17 yrs old, Children under 5 are Free

$1.00

Stu/Sen/MilSenior 62+/College Student with ID

$5.00

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Old South Meeting House, Where the Boston Tea Party Began!

The largest public gathering place in colonial Boston, the Old South Meeting House was the setting for numerous dramatic debates and historic votes. These impassioned cries for liberty blazed the path for national independence.

Highlights:

Tea leaves from the Boston Tea Party
John Hancocks portable writing desk
A first-edition 1773 book by slave & poet Phillis Wheatley
Rare revolutionary artifacts and historical documents

Built in 1729, this original structure is an important historic colonial landmark that contains several rare artifacts. Renowned as the location where the Boston Tea Party began, the meetinghouse contains a 3D model that depicts the route the Sons of Liberty took to the ships in the harbor. Along with John Hancock's writing desk, visitors can view a first edition copy of internationally renowned poet Phillis Wheatley's 1773 book as well as other rare revolutionary era artifacts and documents.

The Old South Meeting House is the site where magistrate Samuel Sewall made a public apology for his participation in the notorious Salem Witch Trials. Benjamin Franklin was baptized here, and African American author Ms. Wheatley received inspiration for her work. It was inside the walls of this national landmark that the revolution began after a series of meetings.

While costumed colonists are well known for throwing casks of tea into Boston Harbor on the evening of December 16, 1773, "the party" actually began at the Old South Meeting House. A large crowd had gathered to debate and protest the tax on tea. When the meeting adjourned, the overflowing crowd made their way to Griffin's Wharf to stage their famous protest. A group of concerned citizens bought the meetinghouse when it was facing demolition in 1876.

This treasured landmark preserves and chronicles its revolutionary legacy. The museum is home to the Voices of Protest exhibit, which depicts the events that took place here and the story of early Bostonians. Visitors can explore the central role of the Old South Meeting House and view interesting relics like a bottle of tea from the pivotal Boston Tea Party. Obtain an eTicket today to see where the smoldering embers ignited the flames of revolution.

Visit the the authentic National Historic Landmark where the Boston Tea Party began in 1773! (Image courtesy of FayFoto)

The exhibit Voices of Protest features life-like statues and rare objects. (Image courtesy of Julie Sterling Photography)

Explore the charming 3-D map of colonial Boston! (Image courtesy of Julie Sterling Photography)

See More Details: Schedules, Locations, etc.

Boston Old Town Trolley with free Harbor Cruise

Name:

Old South Meeting House, Where the Boston Tea Party Began!

Operating Times:

Open Daily 7 days a week.
Winter: November 1 through March 31: 10:00 am. - 4:00 pm
Summer: April 1 through Oct 31: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Reservation Notes:

Reservations are NOT needed or accepted. Tickets can be used on any operating day within 6 months of the purchase date.

Duration:

self guided

Booth Location:

Old South Meeting House
310 Washington St, Boston, MA 02108

Nearest Intersection:

Washington and Milk Streets

Parking:

Street Parking. Local Garages-Standard parking garage at 33 Arch St. (entrance on Hawley St.) Garage at Post Office Square at One Post Office Square (entrance at 130 Congress St.)

Age Requirements:

Child Ticket: 5-17 yrs old., Children under 5 are Free.

Notes:

To book a program or visit for groups of 10 or more, please contact Old South Meeting House Education Department at education@osmh.org or (617) 482-6439. ~ Assisted listening devices are available for programs ~ Old South Meeting House is easily accessible by all subway lines. The closest stops are State Street (Blue/Orange Lines), Government Center (Green Line) and Downtown Crossing (Red Line)