Permits

 

Before you Begin

Permits may be required for professional photography and filming, special events and ceremonies, first amendment activities*, and other events that are beyond the scope of general enjoyment of the park by the public. PLEASE NOTE: Boston National Historical Park only owns and manages the following areas:

• Charlestown Navy Yard (.pdf of park boundary)
• Bunker Hill Monument Grounds (.pdf of park boundary)
• Dorchester Heights (.pdf of park boundary)

Popular park areas elsewhere in Boston, such as Boston Common and the Public Garden, are City properties with their own permitting requirements through the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department. Other parks like the Charles River Esplanade and Harbor Islands are properties of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Reservations and permits for Faneuil Hall are through the City of Boston Property Management Department.

Contents

• Photography and Filming
• Special Events
• First Amendment Activities
• Miscellaneous Activities

Photography and Filming

A permit may be required when the filming, videotaping, sound recording, or still photography involve the use of talent, professional crews, set dressings, or props; when they involve product or service advertisement; or when the activity could result in damage to park resources or disruption of visitor use. If you are uncertain whether your project requires a permit or not, contact the park for additional information. Learn more about film permitting on the Photo and Film permits page.

Special Events

A special use permit is required for activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large and that require some degree of management from the National Park Service to protect park resources and the public interest. Some examples of special events that require permits are:

• Non-competitive sporting events
• Public spectator attractions
• Festivals
• Concerts
• Ceremonies
• Cultural programs

First Amendment Activities

Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are rights protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, and in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulation. People may exercise these rights in national parks, but the National Park Service still retains its responsibility to protect park resources and prevent impacts to park visitors. A first amendment permit is not required for groups of 25 individuals, or less, conducting first amendment activities in the park’s designated first amendment area with the use of hand carried signs only.

A permit is required for groups of 25 or more, those wanting to use stages, platforms, structures or amplified sound, and for groups desiring to reserve a designated area in advance. A first amendment permit will not be issued for more than 14 days so, applicants will be required to reapply for additional permits. Unless permitted, the designated area is on a first-come, first-served.

Miscellaneous Activities

Other activities may require permits if there is the potential for interference with visitor use, congestion of a highly visited area, or possible impact on park resources.

Application Process

Below is the application for a Special Use Permit. Please contact the Special Park Use Office at 617-921-0867 or via email to discuss the application process.

• Application for Special Use Permit