Old South Meeting House

Highlights / General details

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.

Points of Interest: Tea leaves from the Boston Tea Party; John Hancock’s portable writing desk; A first-edition 1773 book by slave & poet Phillis Wheatley; Rare revolutionary artifacts and historical documents.

Inclusion

Self-Guided tour.

Exclusion

Transportation to and from museum.

Hours of operation

Available daily. April-October: 9:30am - 5:00pm, November-March: 10:00am - 4:00pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Inclusion

Self-Guided tour.

Exclusion

Transportation to and from museum.

Hours of operation

Available daily. April-October: 9:30am - 5:00pm, November-March: 10:00am - 4:00pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Location

Old South Meeting House is located at 310 Washington Street, Boston MA 02108. Nearest Intersection: Washington and Milk Streets.

Parking: Limited street parking. Local Garages: Standard parking garage at 33 Arch Street, entrance on Hawley Street; Garage at One Post Office Square, entrance at 130 Congress Street.

Participant restrictions

Children under 5 participate free of charge.

Policies

Cancellation: 1 day prior 100% penalty. No show 100% penalty.

Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**