A nice historic stop along the Freedom Trail. Good displays, the most interesting one was the jacket of John Hancock. I didn't realize how small he was, I don't even think I could've fit into his jacket myself! It was a bit hard to go through the museum peacefully as when I went there were hoards of high schoolers having a field trip, so I recommend going later in the day after the morning school rush. The site of the Boston Massacre is in the back of the building, noted by the big circle on the ground. read more

A really cool historical stop! There's a lot to look at here and a knowledgeable worker that walks around to answer questions. There's a couple floors to look at. I really liked the Council Chamber that had a fully set table and the rest of the room was also set up. Some of the historical descriptions also had these little "air fresheners" where you pumped the container and a scent came out that was related to what you were reading. I won't spoil it any further but it was pretty cool! read more

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We visited the Old State House in Boston recently and were excited to see a piece of early American history, but our experience left us a bit underwhelmed. The building itself is absolutely beautiful and steeped in real historical significance; the architecture and period details are truly worth seeing if you love history. That said, we were disappointed by the January 6th display. It didn't feel well-integrated or contextualized, and it seemed out of place in a museum focused on 18th-century events and the birth of American government. We expected more thoughtful framing or explanation connecting it to the broader themes of the Revolution and democratic struggles. Instead, it felt abrupt and didn't add to our understanding of the site. The staff were friendly and the rest of the exhibits about colonial Boston were informative, but the way the modern content was presented took away from what could have been a stronger historical narrative. We left feeling more confused than enlightened. Good for traditional Revolutionary history buffs, but plan your visit knowing the modern political material isn't always handled as clearly as the rest of the museum. read more

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The old state house is an incredible historic site! Just outside is a marker where the Boston Massacre occurred. Inside, there offer a tour of the historic building where you may walk in the footsteps of our founding fathers. An amazing preserved piece of American History. read more

So much history! It was incredible to walk through and see/read everything there was to offer. Highly recommend stopping in while on the Freedom Trail. read more

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Really great experience, love the architecture, fees associated are completely reasonable and I highly recommend this experience read more

The Old State House - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Not only is the building beautiful, there's a subway stop beneath it. The first time I came here was from that stop. We walked outside and looked up to see the Old State House. Less than a mile down the street is Faneuil Hall and plenty of food options. read more

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The outside of this building is the coolest part of this site. The inside is fine with lots of reading but the rooms aren't overly exciting in terms of historical looks. read more

it was breathtaking to see such old historical buildings right across modern ones, the cvs/ walgreens right across the street HAHAHA lov it read more

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Pretty interesting history and great preservation. Definitely no parking space. Find a garage read more

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I really enjoyed visiting this very historic site. The exhibits inside are great and it's definitely worth getting the ticket that admits you to this location and one other a few blocks down the street. My favorite part was seeing how many different uses the building had over the years and the number of times it was altered. The lower level is the entrance to a subway station, which is absolutely crazy! read more

We went to a lot of historical places in Boston, and this is definitely a stand out. The museum explores the Boston massacre, the players during Revolutionary times, and the role the building played. In addition, there was a special exhibit on protest that was interesting and provided context into contemporary times. The museum could use some updates with interactive elements - it was a lot of reading - but other than that really excellent. Go read more

Amazing experience! Great opportunity for young children to learn something new, with the interactive exhibits. Also great for adults. Gave a lot of opportunities to reflect on our current political climate with fun ways to share your opinions. Worth getting the 13 dollar pass to also see the old south meetinghouse. read more

The Old State House - So fun to be able to dress up! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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The Old State House is right downtown and a stop along the Freedom Trail. This was the statehouse that was used during the Revolution and is known as the pace where Independence was born. Today, it operates as a museum and gift shop. Yours are cheap and worth the price of admission. Underneath is also the entrance to the State Street Station. From the window inside you can also see the marker for on the ground for the site of the Boston Massacre. read more

The Old State House - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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We visited the Old State House while on the Freedom Trail and spent a lot of time here. First, I think it's bizarre that there is a subway stop in the basement. But anyway, I thought the exhibits were very interesting and engaging. And on top of that, the staff were wonderful - extremely proactive and helpful in sharing information. As we were there, a staff person invited us into a room upstairs to a long table for a presentation that we really enjoyed. All in all, the building is in good condition and the exhibits & staff were top notch. read more

GREAT VISIT TO THE OLD STATE HOUSE AND OLD SOUTH MEETING HOUSE As part of my trip to Boston, I visited the Old State House and the Old South Meeting House. Both locations are managed by Revolutionary Spaces - one admission fee $15 covers both locations for two days. Short gallery talks take place throughout the day at both locations. Free with your admission are two docent-led tours that start from both locations - sign up early as only one to two tours take place each day and are capped at 20 people/tour. I did the 75 minute "Massacre and Memory Tour" that starts from the Old State House and covers 1/2 mile. A similar tour titled "Slavery and Resistance in Colonial America" starts from the Old South Meeting House and ends at the Old State House. The Old State House houses many exhibits - do not miss the basement exhibit describing the restoration efforts behind the Old State House. You can walk in the room and see the balcony from where the Declaration of Independence was first read. A short gallery talk discussed petitions by which Bostonians made requests to government officials. I was part of a group of five people on a docent-led tour that started outside the Old State House where the Boston Massacre took place. She gave us geographical and political context for the Boston Massacre as walked around Boston. It ended at the Old Meeting House where we learned how the Puritan church evolved from a church to a political meeting house. VACATION TIP: This is a less costly alternative to the commercial Freedom Trail tours that are expensive, crowded and may not include admission to either building. You will also be supporting Revolutionary Spaces that hosts many educational programs. read more

We were on a bit of a time crunch so we didn't pay for the admission into the State House Museum but we did pop into the store so I could get my National Parks passport cancellation. The Old State House is an official National Parks visitor's center for the Freedom Trail so there's plenty of info about the whole trail and the buildings/spaces that are part of it. The shop has cute knickknacks like shirts, revolutionary war-esque costume pieces for kids, reprints of the declaration of independence, etc. If you're someone who likes to collect these types of items I'd highly recommend a peek in. It's also incredible to walk in the same space that John Adams, John Hancock, and more debated the US Declaration of Independence. As a history nerd I basked in the energy, even if it was super crowded and tight in the common spaces like the spiral staircase and such. I wish we had the time to fully take in the historical aspect in the museum but we know for next time that it's a "must do" on our list. read more

The Old State House - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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one of the oldest public buildings in the United States... One of the landmarks on Boston's Freedom Trail, it is the oldest surviving public building in Boston, and now serves as a history museum operated by the Bostonian Society. Small, and cramped, but I guess that's what it used to be like, so I can't really blame the structure since it was made years back by ancestors. Lots of history and its part of the freedom trail which is good. The building has been nicely restored and inside it's furnished in the way it would have looked in the early days of Boston. The museum exhibits were well-organized and there were many interesting historical artifacts on display. The short-guided tour was educational and worth the time. You don't need to spend a lot of time at the Old State House, 20 or 30 minutes is more than enough time, so stop by and take in some history. The Boston Massacre spot is just near to it, was an incident in which British Army soldiers shot and killed five people while under attack by a mob. Heard every 4th of July they read the declaration of independence here. read more

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We went on the Free day to this place, so we didn't feel bad missing the upstairs tour. We will go when we come back to Boston. The rooms with the stories and artifacts were bustling and cramped. We were given cards with famous people as ID badges/souvenirs and told to watch for them throughout the exhibit. Good idea to keep people's attention. The use of maps and lights of famous places was a great way to illustrate history. WE were given only ONE coupon in our party for the gift shop, a free tote with any purchase. They must have sensed I am a sucker for a tote bag, so I bought a coaster and collected my bag. read more

The Old State House - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The site of so much important history for the US. Boston's Old State House was both the office of the British governor for the Massachusetts Colony as well as for a while the office of the American governor for the State of Massachusetts. It is an important part of Boston's freedom trail (which is marked throughout Boston with a red line. I took a picture for reference) as it is the site of the Boston Massacre. This is certainly an important place to visit for any student of history and certainly all Americans should as well as this one was one the watershed events that led to the creation of our republic. Architecturally and aesthetically speaking, it is a beautiful old brick building, and I certainly enjoyed viewing it in my tour of Boston. I enjoy how on one side they symbols of the British Monarch (The lion and the unicorn) contrast with the symbol of America (The eagle). I also love the contrast of this old building set against the backdrop of modern Boston. Personally I loved and laughed when I saw the unicorn as a friend of mine at the time, who will remain unnamed was texting about her obsession with Unicorns (cough cough Marilu cough cough). Another great stop on my vacation! read more

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This was a really good surprise. The guide tour is very good. You can feel that these people are pationate. And cherry on top of the cake it is free for veterans read more

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If you're a history buff, I'm sure you have visited. It's the first place the constitution was read in Boston, but it really had all of Boston's history. As 70 percent of Boston is buying on land fill- how creepy is it to know it was all built on a land fill. The entrance is on the side and it's $10 to get in. They also made it pretty interactive with some of the displays. Also, they have a speaker every 20 mins or so that covers one of the topics in the main room upstairs. Very informative and cool! read more

The Old State House is the photo spot that represents the Boston skyline. It is also the photo spot that represents where the old meets the new or you could say where modernism meets historical. At the corner of State and Washington Streets and along the Boston Freedom Trail, the oldest surviving building in Boston is drafted by the modern high rises of the Financial District. It is a photo spot where you are enveloped in the past and the future. The Old State House has a rich past that dates back to 1713. In its early years it served as the house of Colonial British Government up to 1776. After the birth of the United States of America the Old State House would serve as the house of Massachusetts government, City of Boston Government, a produce market, merchants exchange, Masonic Lodge, and after 1881 as a history museum operated by the Boston Society and a downtown subway station. To add icing on top of the rich cake that is filled with history, the Old State House was the site of the Boston Massacre. Before stepping foot on Boston soil, I was determined to spend time in the shadow of the Old State House. Because it was on the cover of a travel book I didn't search hard to find it. Likewise when I vacationed in Boston I didn't search hard to find it from the Beacon Hill Wyndham. When I walked from the Beacon Hill Wyndham toward the Government Center and downtown, the leading footage of the walk was along the transition zone of Cambridge Street. As soon as the wide arterial made the curve toward State Street, the road narrowed to a pedestrian scale with the architecture drastically turning interesting along the Freedom Trail corridor. There were a few times that when we did this walk that we would stop to take in the historical architecture of the Old State House. The architecture just makes a Boston adventurer stop, corroborate, and listen. The brick building topped by the Colonial style tower brings my mind to 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was read from the East facing balcony in 1776. Admiring the British unicorn and lion the royal symbol of Britain on the east facing brick facade brought my mind to the 1700s when Britain ruled the law of the land. When I stood at the west facing side, it brought my mind to the patriotic spirit of Boston when I took in the the gold sculpture of the eagle. When I stood by the south facing brick wall I was reminded of the Boston Massacre when I read the plaque. When I returned to the east facing side I would officially step on the site of the Boston Massacre. The site is notated with a circle of cobblestones. Inside the Old State House is a museum that tells the story of the National Historic site. The Old State House is a major stop on the Boston Freedom Trail. As a matter of fact following the Boston Freedom Trail a few stops Southwest leads by the new Massachusetts State House. From State Street the thoroughfare that ends up at the Waterfront, there were a few times that we hooked up to the Boston Freedom Trail by means of the Old State House. It is one of the jewels along the necklace of the long and windy brick walkway that is the Boston Freedom Trail. It is ridiculously close to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, the Old Meeting House and a short walk to the North End and Boston Commons. The Old State House was also a coffee and breakfast stop for us when we sat in Pret A Manger looking out the window toward the south facing brick wall. The Old State House is a National Historic landmark that never gets old. It just ages gracefully. .............................................................................. useful ( ) funny ( ) cool ( ) educational (1) read more

Wanted to mix some history with our trip to Boston and was pleasantly surprised with the old state house. Not only is it by the site if the Boston Massacre but inside it details all of the events leading up to the American Revolution. Like all museums you need hours worth of time to fully appreciate the cool history that went down there. My wife enjoyed the puzzle read more

The Old State House - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This is a small but mighty museum. You will learn so much about the Revolutionary War through the microcosm of this site. This was the first legislature building of Massachusetts, originally a colony and then a state (JK...commonwealth). The top floor, where the tour takes place, was initially split into different rooms, one for each branch. However, the tour guide does a good job explaining how it would have been separated and arranged, so you hardly miss out on information. Our tour guide was not exuberant, but she was quietly passionate and dedicated. As such, I found her engaging and informative! The front desk gives you a name card with a colonial person's identity, and while it's used at one point, I wish it was either committed to more or scrapped, because it didn't seem to fit in well if it was just used for a one-off mention. This is a small museum, but it frames the history of America's independence very well. You learn important narratives from this period, but you also learn fun facts that will surprise you and stay in your brain for quite some time. Also...the Boston Massacre happened RIGHT outside the building, with a plaque to mark the occasion. And the Declaration of Independence was read for the first time in Boston off of this building's balcony. If that isn't cool, I don't know what is! read more

I went to The Old State House on a whim with a group of colleagues. I did not know what to expect (as I'm not a history buff), but I was pleasantly surprised. Although small, the building is filled with historical information and interesting things to see. Additionally, there is a subway underneath the building, which I think is pretty cool. I would also like to highlight Megan, the docent working on the main floor during my visit. She is extremely passionate about the subjects showcased in The Old State House, and I learned a lot from listening to what she had to say. I always like seeing people who genuinely care about the work they do, and Megan made my visit memorable. read more

I always love visiting the old state house. It's amazing how it's still standing to this day amongst the huge buildings that now dot Boston's skyline. Everyone I take to the city with me is always amazed by it, and it's worth going inside. read more

A landmark stop on Boston's famous Freedom Trail, the Old State House sits amidst downtown office towers like a gateway to the past. Dating back to 1712, it the home of the Massachusetts colonial government until American independence, and the state capitol until 1798. Today, after extensive renovation work chronicled within, it stands as a museum of Boston's Revolutionary past -- filled with fascinating exhibits, artifacts, and a recreated Council Chamber. A visit won't take more than an hour or so, but before you leave, be sure to visit the memorial to the Boston Massacre, on the sidewalk under the building's rear balcony. The tragic events that occurred on this spot, on the snowy night of March 5, 1770, would ultimately set in motion the march toward American Independence. Take a few moments to stand here and absorb the importance of this spot in the course of human history -- it's what makes the Old State House one of the most memorable sites in Boston. read more

The Old State House - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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A great piece of revolutionary history here. The museum is fantastic and a must see. There are always reinactors there as well. A ton of artifacts on display and a very well preserved piece of essential history. read more

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This was a beautiful historic building. It did not take a long time to walk through. Admission price was $12. They have a scavenger hunt for kids as they walk through the museum. read more

The theatrical presentation - Cato and Dolly is a super cool way to present history and life in the Revolutionary Era. Well done and very entertaining. read more

The Old State House - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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The State House a gateway to the past amidst downtown office towers. Walking the same steps that so many who built the American independence into what it is today it is truly great to see Boston's Revolutionary past. A visit won't take more than an hour or so The entrance is on the side and it's Adults $12.00, Seniors (62+) $10.00 Students $10.00 Youth (6-18) FREE to get in. They also made it pretty interactive with some of the displays. Also, they have a speaker every 20 mins or so that covers one of the topics in the main room upstairs. Very informative and cool! Before you leave or go inside, be sure to visit the memorial to the Boston Massacre, on the sidewalk under the building's rear balcony. The tragic events that occurred on this spot, on the snowy night of March 5, 1770, would ultimately set in motion the march toward American Independence. Take a few moments to stand here and absorb the importance of this spot in the course of human history -- it's what makes the Old State House one of the most memorable sites in Boston This is a must stop along the Freedom Trail located in the heart of Boston. read more

Take time to go on one of the tours. We listened to what went on on the top floor for our tour, and it was very interesting. For all those history buffs, this place is a must visit. Did this on the Boston Go Card, highly recommend. read more

The Old State House - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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We took the tour today with Tomas, who said that he hasn't been doing it long (although we couldn't tell). As it turns out, my family of 3 were the only ones on the tour. Tomas was an excellent guide. He was very knowledgeable and informative and shared lots of details along the tour. He even spent time at the end looking over the old map of the town and telling us about how Boston Common came to be. We learned a lot and were very pleased with the tour. read more

Inexpensive, self guided tour in The Old State House building. You walk room to room, read the information, some interactive pieces, some art pieces, lots of history and of course a gift shop. I think the stair case was my favorite part, beautiful. Just a quick little piece of history. Of course I would say check it out. read more

The Old State House - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Loved it!!! I learned so much and the docent was very engaging and kept the whole group interested. It's a must see when in Boston! read more

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The old state house is a very significant figure in American history. This gorgeous site can be found along the freedom trail and is nestled amidst the modern and historical architecture in downtown Boston. This place is a must see when visiting Boston and if walking the freedom trail. read more

The Old State House - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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There is a surprising lack of large history museums in Boston. Several smaller locations including The Old State House attempt to piece together the rich history of the area by showcasing some of the artifacts and recreating the history and events leading to the American Revolution along the Freedom Trail in central Boston. You should pay to visit this museum and others. Visiting the interior and experiencing the exhibits really adds depth to an otherwise easy walk along the trail. This museum has a large display about the events leading to the Boston Massacre and the harsh treatment of Boston by Great Britain leading to the Revolution. There are also recreations of how the interior looked during that time and its place in history. There are several discount passes available which are worth the price. Once you see one of these small museums, you will want to see more for a richer experience. read more

The Old State House - Building Exterior - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I'm surprised there aren't more reviews of this place. I stayed in the Ames which was right next to the Old State house and I passed by it for four days without even bothering to look inside but just to go into the subway station or check out the store. On my last day I had some free time and I was able to go check it out. The historical significance of this place is MUCH greater than the 10 reviews it has garnered. The museum part is small but it is on the path of the freedom trail (which is a 2 hour walking tour!!! wow ...). They have many originals from the 1700 period when the first colonists came into Boston as well as extensive historical documentation of the significance of the house. This was the first reading of the declaration of independence. This was one of the first battles of the US against "her majesty" in England. It it is the quintessential representation of why we are all here today. Some powerful stuff, highly recommended. read more

So much history here. One of the upstairs rooms was closed but is opening a new exhibit July 1st. The staff was so helpful and knowledgeable. I left feeling really impressed! read more