The Paul Revere House

Exhibits

Changing Exhibitions in the Revere House

Themes relating to the interpretation of the house are explored in two second-floor display cases. Exhibits change annually. Free with admission. Currently on view:

Saving 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, remembering the public-spirited individuals involved in this significant project, beginning with the purchase of the home by Revere descendant John Phillips Reynolds, Jr. in 1902. Revere artifacts and silver are included.

Restoring the Paul Revere House 1907-1908
The restoration of the Paul Revere House by Joseph Everett Chandler is examined, illustrated by early interior postcards of the resulting museum from 1908-1909. Includes Revere artifacts, and the earliest known depiction of the home, painted in 1845.

Special Events and Programs

January

No special events at this time.

February

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20; 10:30-12:00
The Revere Family at Play
Did Paul Revere, his wife and sixteen children work from sunrise to sunset? The answer is a resounding NO! People of all ages in colonial Boston enjoyed a wide variety of entertainments. In fact, we know for certain that Paul Revere played cards, because a neighbor described him doing so in a letter that has been preserved. Revere seemed to take the game of whist (similar to bridge) rather seriously and sometimes was annoyed when he lost! During a tour of the Revere House, children search for beans, a thimble, straw, pieces of cloth and other household items the Reveres may have incorporated into games, as well as a deck of cards. Then, participants try their hands at Snail, Jackstraws and Beast-Fish-Fowl. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (617) 523-2338. $4.50 for children ages 6-11, $4.50 for accompanying adults. Limited to 20.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22; 10:30-12:00
The Revere Family at Play
Did Paul Revere, his wife and sixteen children work from sunrise to sunset? The answer is a resounding NO! People of all ages in colonial Boston enjoyed a wide variety of entertainments. In fact, we know for certain that Paul Revere played cards, because a neighbor described him doing so in a letter that has been preserved. Revere seemed to take the game of whist (similar to bridge) rather seriously and sometimes was annoyed when he lost! During a tour of the Revere House, children search for beans, a thimble, straw, pieces of cloth and other household items the Reveres may have incorporated into games, as well as a deck of cards. Then, participants try their hands at Snail, Jackstraws and Beast-Fish-Fowl. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (617) 523-2338. $4.50 for children ages 6-11, $4.50 for accompanying adults. Limited to 20.

March

No special events at this time.

April

FRIDAY, APRIL 18
100th Anniversary Celebration of the Revere House as a Museum
The Revere House celebrates its 100th Anniversary as a museum! For one day only, visitors will pay the original admission fee of only 25¢ per person. Treat yourself to a bite of Revere House birthday cake. Enjoy festive music, meet the Revere descendants (as portrayed by local actors) who saved the house from destruction, and tour the house from which Paul Revere departed on his midnight ride.

A complete schedule of activities as available in PDF format.

SATURDAY APRIL 19; 1:00-4:00
A Visit with Paul Revere
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 20; 1:00-4:00
The Boston Massacre Printing Demonstration
Discover the techniques Paul Revere used to engrave and print incendiary broadsides, political cartoons and currency to pay soldiers, as Gary Gregory produces copies of Revere's famous Massacre engraving.

Monday, April 21; 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.

TUESDAY, APRIL 22; 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.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23; 1:00, 1:45, 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.

THURSDAY, APRIL 24; 1:00-4:00
A Visit with Paul Revere
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.

FRIDAY, APRIL 25; 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.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26; 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.

SUNDAY, APRIL 27; 1:00, 1:45, 2:30
Rescuing the Revere House
Revere descendants as portrayed by Joan Gatturna and Michael Lepage recall their valiant (and successful) efforts in the early 1900s to save the Revere House and transform it into a museum.

May

SATURDAY, MAY 3; 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.

SATURDAY MAY 10; 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.

SATURDAY, MAY 17; 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.

SATURDAY, MAY 24; 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.

SATURDAY, MAY 31; 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.

June

SATURDAY, JUNE 7; 1:00, 1:45, 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. Free with museum admission.

SATURDAY, JUNE 14; 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. Free with museum admission.

SATURDAY, JUNE 21; 1:00, 1:45, 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. Free with museum admission.

SATURDAY, JUNE 28; 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. Free with museum admission.

July

TUESDAY, JULY 1; 2:30 - 3:30 PM
Paul Revere's North End Walking Tour
An experienced guide leads you through the twisting streets and alleyways of Boston's North End to sites often overlooked by casual visitors. Explore old North Square and the locations of Paul Revere's silversmith shop and foundry. See Old North Church's steeple, where signal lanterns were shown on the night of Revere's midnight ride and the point from which Revere embarked in a rowboat to begin his expedition. Find out about the neighborhood's 19th-century history when thousands of Irish, Jewish and Italian immigrants settled there. Your tour concludes with a visit to the site of Boston's famous molasses flood, which crushed buildings and drowned bystanders in its path. Adults $5, seniors and college students $4.50, children ages 5-17 $1.50. Fee includes admission to the Revere House.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 2; 2:30 - 3:30 PM
Paul Revere's North End Walking Tour
An experienced guide leads you through the twisting streets and alleyways of Boston's North End to sites often overlooked by casual visitors. Explore old North Square and the locations of Paul Revere's silversmith shop and foundry. See Old North Church's steeple, where signal lanterns were shown on the night of Revere's midnight ride and the point from which Revere embarked in a rowboat to begin his expedition. Find out about the neighborhood's 19th-century history when thousands of Irish, Jewish and Italian immigrants settled there. Your tour concludes with a visit to the site of Boston's famous molasses flood, which crushed buildings and drowned bystanders in its path. Adults $5, seniors and college students $4.50, children ages 5-17 $1.50. Fee includes admission to the Revere House.

THURSDAY, JULY 3; 2:30 - 3:30 PM
Paul Revere's North End Walking Tour
An experienced guide leads you through the twisting streets and alleyways of Boston's North End to sites often overlooked by casual visitors. Explore old North Square and the locations of Paul Revere's silversmith shop and foundry. See Old North Church's steeple, where signal lanterns were shown on the night of Revere's midnight ride and the point from which Revere embarked in a rowboat to begin his expedition. Find out about the neighborhood's 19th-century history when thousands of Irish, Jewish and Italian immigrants settled there. Your tour concludes with a visit to the site of Boston's famous molasses flood, which crushed buildings and drowned bystanders in its path. Adults $5, seniors and college students $4.50, children ages 5-17 $1.50. Fee includes admission to the Revere House.

SATURDAY, JULY 5; 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Concert by Poor Richard's Penny
Attending a concert by Poor Richard's Penny is guaranteed to induce merriment and purge melancholy! Visitors of all ages will enjoy Kevin Skorupa and Lawrence Young's performance of comical tavern songs, lively dance tunes and colonial ballads that were popular in Paul Revere's era. Dressed in colonial costume, the duo plays period instruments, from whistles, to citterns, fiddles and a mandolin. Skorupa and Young have been entertaining listeners with delightful instrumentals and rousing sing-alongs for more than twenty years. Don't miss your chance to hear them play! Free with admission to the Revere House.

THURSDAY, JULY 10; 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. Free with admission to the Revere House.

SATURDAY, JULY 12; 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. Free with admission to the Revere House.

THURSDAY, JULY 17; 1:00-4:00
A Visit with Paul Revere

SATURDAY, JULY 19; 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. Free with admission to the Revere House.

SATURDAY, JULY 26; 1:00-4:00
Glass Harmonic 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. Free with admission to the Revere House.

August

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2; 1:00-4:00

Award-winning musician Dave Neiman plays jigs, reels, and Baroque and Renaissance tunes that Paul Revere and his family may have enjoyed. Free with museum admission.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7; 1:00-4:00
A Visit with Paul Revere

SATURDAY, AUGUST 9; 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. Free with museum admission.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16; 1:00-4:00
Silhouette Cutting

For a $25 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, AUGUST 23; 1:00-4:00
Boston Massacre: Copper Plate Printing Demonstration

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 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 Rachel's struggle to hold home and family together in a time of war, blockades and shortages. Free with museum admission.

September

Fall Lecture Series
Historic Preservation During the Colonial Era
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Revere House as a museum, the Paul Revere Memorial Association, in cooperation with Old South Meeting House, presents a series of lectures examining significant historic preservation projects and personalities at the turn of the twentieth century.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Patrick M. Leehey, "The Business of Preservation: John Phillips Reynolds, Jr. and the Restoration of the Paul Revere House"

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Timothy Orwig, "Architect Joseph Chandler and the Restoration of the Paul Revere House: New Research and Perspectives"

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBR 17
Thomas A. Denenberg, "Wallace Nutting and the Invention of Old America"

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Anita D. Blackaby, "Caroline Emmerton and The House of the Seven Gables: Historic Preservation with a Civic Mission"

All lectures presented from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St., Boston

Funded by the Lowell Institute

For further information, contact the Paul Revere House at 617-523-2338

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 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. Free with museum admission.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 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. Free with museum admission.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1:00-4:00
Captain Amasa Soper’s Company

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. Free with museum admission.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1:00-3:00
Rescuing the Revere House

Revere descendants, as portrayed by Joan Gatturna and Michael Lepage, recall their valiant (and successful) efforts in the early 1900s to save the Revere House from destruction and transform it into a museum. Free with museum admission.

October

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 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, OCTOBER 11, 1:00-3:00
Rescuing the Revere House

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 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.

Please note: No program on October 25

November

No special events at this time.

December

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, AND SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 9:30 - 4:15

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, Christmas and the New Year? If so, how? If not, why not? Come to the Paul Revere House, home of Boston's favorite patriot, to find out!

Costumed interpreters acquaint visitors with days of thanksgiving, which the governor might declare at any time of year to express gratitude for good fortune. Find out about colonial controversies surrounding the observance of Christmas. Offended by rowdy celebrations of Christmas popular in England (and by the observance of any anniversary day not specified in the Bible), Boston Puritans outlawed the celebration of Christmas at times during the 1600s. By the Reveres' era, however, even Puritans sometimes treated themselves to delectable thanksgiving feasts scheduled suspiciously close to December 25! New Year's Day was an occasion for exchanging small gifts, and for the needy to demand favors from the rich.

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.