The Paul Revere House

Themes relating to the preservation of the house and Revere's life are explored in two second floor display cases. Exhibits change annually. Free with admission. Currently on view:

The Revere Family and the Revere - Lincoln Connection
This display examines Paul Revere's family, and includes Revere artifacts and silver. To honor the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln (1809-2009), it highlights how the Revere and Lincoln families intersected through marriage, politics, and the Civil War. Learn about Revere's wives, children, and some of his 51 grandchildren, including notable Lincolns.

Saving and Restoring the Paul Revere House - 100 Years as a Museum
This display examines the preservation effort preceding the Paul Revere House opening to the public as a museum in 1908, beginning with its purchase by Revere descendant John Phillips Reynolds, Jr. in 1902. The restoration by Joseph Everett Chandler is illustrated with 1908-1909 interior postcards of the resulting museum. Includes photographs and artifacts, such as the earliest known depiction of the home, painted in 1845.

Visit the Revere House this summer and enjoy a rousing concert of fife and drum music, chat with Paul Revere, or explore the North End with a Revere House guide. Most events are free with museum admission: adults $3,50, seniors and college students $3.00, children 5-17 $1. Members and North End residents admitted free at all times. In summer, the Revere House is open daily, 9:30-5:15.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY. 17, and THURSDAY, FEBRUARY. 19, 2009; 10:30 - 12:00
The Revere Family at Work
$4.50 for children ages 6-10; $4.50 for accompanying adults.
Both Paul Revere his wife Rachel worked hard to keep their large family fed, clothed, and healthy. During this program discover what kinds of chores the Reveres (adults and children) completed in each room in their house. Then try your hand at engraving metal as Revere did in his silversmith shop and make an herbal remedy Rachel may have used to treat her children's headaches. Participants will take home both an engraved piece of copper and a small cloth bag of dried herbs. Each presentation is limited to 20 people. Reservations are required and may be made by calling the Revere House at 617-523-2338.

Saturday, April 18; 1:00-4:00
A Visit with Paul Revere
On the 234th anniversary of Revere's famous ride, David Connor brings Boston's favorite patriot vividly to life in the museum courtyard. Ask him about the details of his midnight ride, inquire about his 16 children, or engage him in conversation about his activities as a member of the Sons of Liberty.

Sunday, April 19; 1:00, 1:45, 2:30
Rachel Revere: A Revolutionary Woman
Professional storyteller Joan Gatturna takes on the role of Paul Revere's second wife. Listen to her dramatic account of a woman's struggle to hold home and family together in a time of war, blockades and shortages.
Back to top

Tuesday, April 21; 1:00, 1:45, 2:30
A Loyalist Perspective on the Revolution
Hear a first-hand account of the abuses loyalists suffered at the hands of emboldened "patriots." Michael Lepage takes on the role of Chief Justice Peter Oliver, brother of Andrew Oliver, a stamp collector.
Back to top

Wednesday, April 22, and Thursday, April 23; 10:00-11:30
Midnight Ride Storytelling Program
Find out what really happened on Paul Revere's ride! Watch a short slide program that separates the facts from the myths, then retrace Revere's route from his home to the banks of the Charles River. Participants don hats and carry props as they go, taking on the roles of Paul and Rachel Revere, their children, British soldiers, rowers, John Hancock and Samuel Adams. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 617-523-2338. $4.50 for children ages 6 to 10 and for accompanying adults.
Back to top

Friday, April 24; 1:00-4:00
Paul Revere Pottery
In the early 1900s, immigrant girls decorated tiles, plates, and bowls in a pottery named for Paul Revere. Clay artist Anne Bowen makes and sells reproductions and invites visitors of all ages to try their hands at copying the chicks, rabbits, and Revere-related motifs for which the pottery was famous.
Back to top

Saturday, April 25; 1:00-4:00
Gilding Demonstration
Watch professional gilder Nancy Dick Atkinson apply gossamer thin sheets of gold leaf to wooden ornaments just as craftsmen did in Revere's era.
Back to top

1:00-3:00 or 1:00-4:00 depending on the program
Paul Revere's Boston Event Series
Free with admission to the Revere House
Every Saturday from May 2 through October 17, the Revere House courtyard takes on a festive atmosphere as musicians perform lively concerts of colonial music, costumed storytellers portray Revolutionary figures, or craftspeople demonstrate silversmithing, paper marbling, and other period trades. Every week visitors will get a different glimpse into life in Paul Revere's Boston.

Saturday, May 2; 1:00-3:00
Patriot Fife and Drum
Enjoy a lively concert of music that accompanied colonists as they marched, danced, wooed their beloveds, and waged war. Dressed in period costume, David Vose and Jim Starski provide fascinating insight into each selection they perform.
Back to top

Saturday, May 9; 1:00, 1:45, 2:30
Deborah Sampson: Petticoat Patriot
A female soldier who served in the American Revolution would like to tell you about her extraordinary adventure! Storyteller Joan Gatturna portrays Sampson.
Back to top

Saturday, May 16; 1:00-4:00
Revolutionary War Medicine
Medical historian Ed Page takes on the role of regimental surgeon Elisha Skinner. Find out how he treated bullet wounds and disease on the battlefield during the war.
Back to top

Saturday, May 23; 1:00-4:00
Silversmithing in the Tradition of Paul Revere
Geoffrey Blake, a master silversmith from Old Newbury Crafters, produces hand-wrought sterling silver flatware just as Paul Revere did in his North End shop.
Back to top

Saturday, May 30; 1:00-4:00
Colonial Remedies
Dressed as early American healers, Dan and Judith Grillo display their collection of colonial medical implements and describe how herbalists (women) and barber/surgeons (men) used different techniques to treat the same ailments.
Back to top

Saturday events explore aspects of everyday life in early Boston. Free with museum admission.

Saturday, June 6; 1:00, 1:45, and 2:30
Petticoats at Sea: A Clipper Ship Girl
Storyteller Joan Gatturna tells the tale of a teenage girl who saves her father's ship after pirates attack it. The story is based on real life adventures.

Saturday, June 13; 1:00-4:00
Silhouette Cutting
For a $29 fee, Jean Comerford will snip your likeness freehand from black paper just as itinerant artists did in Revere's era. One duplicate copy is available for an additional charge of $10.

Saturday, June 20; 1:00, 1:45, and 2:30
Meet Dr. Joseph Warren
Chat with one of the best-loved and most articulate members of the Sons of Liberty as portrayed by Michael Lepage. Head of an elaborate intelligence network, Warren learned that British regulars were planning to march into the countryside and dispatched Revere to alert Samuel Adams and John Hancock.

Saturday, June 27; 1:00-4:00
Silversmithing in the Tradition of Paul Revere
Geoffrey Blake, a master silversmith from Old Newbury Crafters, produces hand-wrought sterling silver flatware just as Paul Revere did in his North End shop.

Wednesday, July 1; 2:30-3:30 PM
Paul Revere's North End Walking Tours
Fee: Adults $5, seniors and college students $4.50, children ages 5-17 $1.50, includes admission to the Revere House
Explore Paul Revere's neighborhood with an experienced guide from the Paul Revere House. Discover fascinating details about Revere's work and family life and learn about the history of one of Boston's oldest and most colorful districts.

Thursday, July 2; 2:30-3:30 PM
Paul Revere's North End Walking Tours
Fee: Adults $5, seniors and college students $4.50, children ages 5-17 $1.50, includes admission to the Revere House.
Explore Paul Revere's neighborhood with an experienced guide from the Paul Revere House. Discover fascinating details about Revere's work and family life and learn about the history of one of Boston's oldest and most colorful districts.

Thursday, July 2; 1:00-4:00
A Visit with Paul Revere
David Connor portrays Boston's favorite patriot. Find out what really happened on his midnight ride. Chat with Revere about his other exploits during the Revolution or about his work as a silversmith, dentist, and copper plate engraver.

Friday, July 3; 2:30-3:30 PM
Paul Revere's North End Walking Tours
Fee: Adults $5, seniors and college students $4.50, children ages 5-17 $1.50, includes admission to the Revere House
Explore Paul Revere's neighborhood with an experienced guide from the Paul Revere House. Discover fascinating details about Revere's work and family life and learn about the history of one of Boston's oldest and most colorful districts.

Saturday, July 4; 1:00-3:00
Poor Richard's Penny Concert
Larry Young and Kevin Scorupa perform stately instrumentals, comical tavern songs, and lively dance tunes that were popular in Paul Revere's era on instruments ranging from whistles to a cittern and mandolin.

Saturday, July 11; 1:00-4:00
Colonial Basket Weaving
Rather than in plastic bags or cardboard boxes, colonists stored cheese, chickens, and candles in specially designed baskets. Fred Lawson weaves and sells reproductions copied from period originals.

Thursday, July 16; 1:00-4:00
A Visit with Paul Revere
David Connor portrays Boston's favorite patriot. Find out what really happened on his midnight ride. Chat with Revere about his other exploits during the Revolution or about his work as a silversmith, dentist, and copper plate engraver.

Saturday, July 18; 1:00-4:00
Boston Massacre: Copper Plate Printing Demonstration
Discover the techniques Paul Revere used to engrave and print incendiary broadsides and political cartoons, as well as currency to pay soldiers soon after the Revolutionary War began. Gary Gregory demonstrates the process.

Thursday, July 23; 1:00-4:00
A Visit with Paul Revere
David Connor portrays Boston's favorite patriot. Find out what really happened on his midnight ride. Chat with Revere about his other exploits during the Revolution or about his work as a silversmith, dentist, and copper plate engraver.

Saturday, July 25; 1:00-3:00
Colonial Dance Tunes and Love Songs
In the guise of an itinerant musician, Al Petty performs popular 18th-century tunes such as "Mr. Isaac's Maggot" and "Jack's Health" on the penny whistle, flute and fife.

Thursday, July 30; 1:00-4:00
A Visit with Paul Revere
David Connor portrays Boston's favorite patriot. Find out what really happened on his midnight ride. Chat with Revere about his other exploits during the Revolution or about his work as a silversmith, dentist, and copper plate engraver.

Saturday, August 1; 1:00-4:00
Glass Harmonica Concert
Vera Meyer plays early American melodies on the intriguing instrument that Ben Franklin invented. The ethereal, haunting tones Meyer creates as she places her wet fingers on the rims of rotating glass bowls will mesmerize all who listen!

Thursday, August 6; 1:00-4:00
A Visit with Paul Revere
David Connor portrays Boston's favorite patriot. Find out what really happened on his midnight ride. Chat with Revere about his other exploits during the Revolution or about his work as a silversmith, dentist, and copper plate engraver.

Saturday, August 8; 1:00, 1:45, 2:30
Fife and Drum Concert by the Boston Alarm Company
Treat yourself to a sprightly concert of fife and drum music! Dressed in civilian clothing reproduced from period originals, alarm company members play marches and beat out cadences used to warn citizens of impending attack.

Thursday, August 13; 1:00-4:00
A Visit with Paul Revere
David Connor portrays Boston's favorite patriot. Find out what really happened on his midnight ride. Chat with Revere about his other exploits during the Revolution or about his work as a silversmith, dentist, and copper plate engraver.

Saturday, August 15; 1:00-4:00
Colonial Leather Working
Find out how leather workers fashioned scabbards, sword belts, and harnesses to outfit the Continental Army. Fred Lawson demonstrates the methods and invites visitors to try their hands at punching holes and sewing leather.

Saturday, August 22; 1:00-4:00
The Tailor's Craft
Clothing historian Henry Cooke takes on the role of an early Boston tailor. Watch as he "takes the measure" of visitors, recording the data with coded cuts on parchment tape, then sits cross-legged, fashioning waistcoats from luxurious fabrics and "slops" from course weaves.

Saturday, August 29; 1:00-4:00
Captain Amasa Soper's Compay
Costumed members of this Revolutionary War reenactment group take on the roles of farmers, printers, and tailors who volunteered to defend Boston Harbor after the siege of the city ended in 1776.

Fall Lecture Series

Abraham Lincoln, the Lincoln Family, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the Paul Revere Memorial Association, in cooperation with Old South Meeting House, presents a series of lectures examining the many connections between Lincoln and Massachusetts. Funded by the Lowell Institute. All lectures Presented at Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St., Boston, MA 02108. Admission Free.

Wednesday, September 9, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Elaine Grublin, "I Looked on Him with Great Interest, and Should Like to See More of Him" : Abraham Lincoln through the Eyes of Massachusetts’ Citizens, presented at Old South Meeting House.

Wednesday, September 16, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
William F. Hanna, Abraham Among the Yankees: Abraham Lincoln's 1848 Visit to Massachusetts, presented at Old South Meeting House.

Wednesday, September 23, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Jock Herron, Revere Connections: The Lincolns of Worcester, Massachusetts, presented at Old South Meeting House.

Wednesday, September 30, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
James W. Crawford, Slavery & Abolition at Old South Meeting House: The Inspiration of Lincoln, presented at Old South Meeting House.

Saturday, September 5, 1:00-4:00
Silversmithing in the Tradition of Paul Revere
With hammers, iron shears, and jeweler’s saws, master silversmith Steve Smithers reveals the techniques Revere used to transform ingots of silver into creamers, porringers and beakers.

Saturday, September 12, 1:00-4:00
Boston Massacre: Copper Plate Printing Demonstration
Discover the techniques Paul Revere used to engrave and print incendiary broadsides and political cartoons, as well as currency to pay soldiers soon after the Revolutionary War began. Gary Gregory demonstrates the process.

Saturday, September 19, 1:00-4:00
Hammered Dulcimer Concert
Award-winning musician Dave Neiman plays jigs, reels, and Baroque and Renaissance tunes that Paul Revere and his family may have enjoyed.

Saturday, September 26, 1:00-3:00
Book Signing: Road to Revolution
Stan Mack and Susan Champlin return to the Paul Revere House, one of the sites they visited to research their exciting, new young adult book set in Revolutionary Boston. The author/illustrators will describe the process of developing a graphic novel, read from Road to Revolution, and sign copies. Books will be available for sale.
Back to top

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1:00-4:00
Quill Pen Writing and Drawing
Dressed in colonial garb, R. P. Hale uses early American teaching techniques to instruct museum visitors in the art of writing and drawing with quills.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1:00–4:00
Revolutionary War Medicine
Medical historian Ed Page takes on the role of regimental surgeon Elisha Skinner. Find out how he treated bullet wounds and disease on the battlefield during the war.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1:00-4:00
Paper Marbling
See how colonial craftsmen created eye-catching marbled papers to decorate book covers and instrument boxes. Watch as R. P. Hale floats pigments in water, swirls the colors, then transfers the designs to paper.
Back to top

Thanksgiving Feasts and Christmas Controversies in Early Boston, 9:30 AM - 4:15 PM

Admission during the holiday event:
Adults $5
Seniors and College Students $4.50
Children Ages 5-17 $1.50.

Did early Bostonians celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas? Would Paul Revere put up holiday decorations, or exchange gifts with his many children? How did people in colonial Boston mark the darkest season of the year? Come to the Paul Revere House, home of Boston's favorite patriot, to find out. We invite you to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells, even tastes of the holidays in colonial Boston!

Costumed interpreters in the Revere House, c. 1680, and neighboring Pierce-Hichborn House, c. 1711, will acquaint visitors with colonial thanksgiving traditions and controversies surrounding the observance of Christmas. Both houses will feature period appropriate displays of tropical fruits, prized by the colonists for their bright colors as much as their sweet flavors.

Discover why Boston banned any observance of Christmas at times during the 1600's. Learn how by the Reveres' era, even Puritans sometimes treated themselves to delectable thanksgiving feasts scheduled suspiciously close to December 25, and visited Anglican churches to enjoy the greenery and festive music.

Colonial Tarts and Cakes
Warm up with a cup of mulled cider and enjoy delicious sweets baked from early American recipes. Refreshments are free with admission.

Concerts of Seasonal Songs
Each afternoon from 12 to 4 PM, R.P. Hale performs overtures, melodies and Anglican Advent songs in elegant colonial garb on a harpsichord and a hammered dulcimer he has painstakingly reproduced from period originals.

Inside the Revere House visitors view rooms restored to their appearance during the Revolutionary era, when the Revere family lived there, and to the 1680s, when the house was built for one of Boston's wealthiest merchants. The rooms will be decorated for a colonial thanksgiving with fruit pyramids. During the event, visitors will also be able to visit the Hichborn House (c. 1711), one of the oldest brick structures in Boston. This house is directly across a courtyard from the Revere House and is owned and operated by the Paul Revere Memorial Association.

Baskets for Sale!
Looking for unique, handmade gifts? Visit with Fred Lawson on Saturday from 12 to 4 PM as he dexterously weaves natural materials into baskets of all shapes and sizes. Fred will delight you with descriptions of each basket's function in the colonial era. Forget your shopping list, you'll be tempted to keep one of these beautiful yet functional items for yourself!