The Boston National Historical Park helps visitors discover how one city could be the Cradle of Liberty, site of the first major battle of the American Revolution, and home to many who espoused that freedom can be extended to all.
Many of the historic sites that make up the park can be found along the Freedom Trail. In downtown Boston, Old South Meeting House, the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House and Old North Church bring to life the American ideals of freedom of speech, religion, government, and self-determination.
In Charlestown, visit the Bunker Hill Monument, the site of the first major battle of the American Revolution. Nearby is the Charlestown Navy Yard, one of the nation's first naval shipyards and home to USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world.
Located in South Boston and separate from the Freedom Trail, Dorchester Heights is significant for its role in the evacuation of the British from Boston during the Revolutionary War.
Visiting the Park
Visitor centers and sites are open year-round. Downtown visitor center (15 State Street), open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Charlestown Navy Yard visitor center open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. July-August, open 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Faneuil Hall open daily 9 a.m to 5 p.m. except during city sponsored events.
The Bunker Hill Monument open daily from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.; last climb starts at 4:30. July-August, 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m; last climb at 5:30. U.S.S. Cassin Young open daily during the winter from noon to 3 p.m., weather permitting. Below deck tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. July-August, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. U.S.S. Constitution open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m in the summer, and Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the winter.
Most other historic sites are open 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. peak season and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. off season. All park sites and both visitor centers are closed Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1.
On Sunday, April 18, 2010, the park will host the Tenth Annual Paul Revere Row Reenactment. This event features historian Charles Bahne speaking on “Paul Revere’s Ride,” dramatic and musical performances, and a recreation of how patriots rowed midnight rider Paul Revere across the harbor from Boston to Charlestown to begin his famous ride towards Lexington and Concord. It is free and open to the public. The evening begins at 7:00 pm at the Charlestown Navy Yard Visitor Center. Here are directions.