Last updated: October 2, 2024
Thing to Do
Ranger's Choice Walking Tour
NPS Photo
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.
"An Incident on King Street, March 5, 1770"
August 24 through October 13, Saturdays and Sundays at Noon
Tour beings in the Find Your Park Space in the basement of Faneuil Hall.
Starting address: 1 Faneuil Hall Sq, Boston, MA, 02109
On March 5, 1770, seven British soldiers fired into a crowd of Boston citizens. What led to this “Incident?” Join a Park Ranger as we explore the role of riots in Boston since 1700 and how the social popularity in riots effected growing tension between British Regulars and Boston colonists between 1768-1770.
Beginning at Faneuil Hall, a short walk to State Street and Old State House.
Sign up for the "An Incident on King Street" tour on Eventbrite.
Fall Lantern Tours
Thursdays, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Join us for our Fall Lantern Tours as we uncover the lesser-known stories of Boston at twilight. All ranger-led tours are free and will last approximately one hour.
October 3 - "Boston: An Underground Railroad Hub"
Beginning at the African Meeting House, a one mile walk through Beacon Hill (meet at Smith Court in Beacon Hill) and ending at the African Meeting House.
Starting address: 8 Smith Court, Boston, MA, 02114
Did you know that Boston played a central role in the Underground Railroad? Join a National Park Ranger and explore the inspiring stories of the freedom seekers who escaped to Boston and the people and organizations here that assisted them.
Sign up for the "Boston: An Underground Railroad" tour on Eventbrite.
October 10 - "Sons and Spies"
Beginning at Faneuil Hall, a short walk to Old State House, Long Wharf, and Haymarket (meet in the Education Space in the Faneuil Hall basement)
Starting address: 1 Faneuil Hall Sq, Boston, MA, 02109
As sides were drawn in Boston during the 1770s, both loyalists and patriots, grew and hatched secret plans. To try and stay ahead of each other, both set up a network of spies to gather information. Focusing on the Sons of Liberty spy network, known as the “Mechanics,” we will explore the multiple perspectives of the mechanics as they gathered information to push Boston towards Revolution.
Sign up for the "Sons and Spies" tour on Eventbrite.
October 17 - "The Parkman Murder"
Beginning at the Robert Gould Shaw/54th Regiment Monument and ending at the Liberty Hotel on the Esplanade.
Starting address: Robert Gould Shaw/54th Regiment Monument
On November 23, 1849, Dr. George Parkman was seen leaving Beacon Hill, en route to Harvard Medical School. He never came home. For over a week, Bostonians searched and speculated on his whereabouts—did run away? Was he kidnapped? Parkman was one of the richest men in Boston, socially and politically powerful. What could have possibly happened to him? The events that followed would lead to a media frenzy, and one of the biggest murder trials of the 19th century.
Sign up for "The Parkman Murder" tour on Eventbrite.
October 24 - "Magic and Myth in Old Boston"
Beginning at the Robert Gould Shaw memorial on Boston Common and will end at Government Center.
Starting address: Robert Gould Shaw/54th Regiment Monument
Learn about the dark side of Old Boston - witchcraft, graveyards, and Puritans, visiting some of the oldest sites of folklore in the city
Sign up for the "Magic and Myth in Old Boston" tour on Eventbrite.
LGBTQ+ History Month Tours
October 12, 13, 19, and 20 at 11:00am
Join us to explore the LGBTQ+ History of Beacon Hill.
"Their Dreams, Their Rights, and Their Love:" A LGBTQ+ History Tour of Boston
Beginning at the Massachusetts State House, at the corner of Beacon and Park Street, and will end at Faneuil Hall.
Starting address: Massachusetts State House
This tour will highlight the different ways the LGBTQ+ community in Beacon Hill and greater Boston area have lived, thrived, and fought for their rights.
Sign up for "Their Dreams, Their Rights, and Their Love:" A LGBTQ+ History Tour of Boston on Eventbrite.
Prescott Townsend: Queer Beacon Hill before Stonewall
Beginning in front of the Robert Gould Shaw Massachusetts 54th Memorial.
Starting address: Robert Gould Shaw/54th Regiment Monument
How do we leave a legacy behind? What makes a person worthy of being remembered? Join a National Park Service Ranger for a free 90-minute walk to learn about the life and legacy of Prescott Townsend, one of Boston’s earliest LGBTQ activists.
Sign up for "Prescott Townsend: Queer Beacon Hill before Stonewall" on Eventbrite.
Details
Duration
60-75 Minutes
Activity
Guided Tours
Join a Park Ranger for a special guided tour.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Activity Fee
No
These programs are free and open to the public.
Reservations
No
Season
Summer
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
Depending on the topic, the tour may require a bit of walking, possibly up hills.