Paul Revere House

The Paul Revere Memorial Association actively preserves downtown Boston’s oldest home. Built in 1680, the Paul Revere House has witnessed over 300 years of North End history, and been home to hundreds of people, including Puritan shipping merchant Robert Howard, the legendary patriot Paul Revere and his family, and many sailors and recent immigrants to Boston throughout the 1800s. We provide our increasingly diverse audience with remarkable educational experiences based on historical issues and social history themes relevant to our site, our neighborhood, and Boston from the 17th through the early 20th century.

Site Program Offerings

The Paul Revere House offers free admission to BPS school groups, and discounted admission for Title I schools. We also have funding available to provide free bus transportation for BPS groups attending 90-minute educational programs at the museum. We participate in the Boston Family Days program, so students can bring up to two guests for free on the first and second Sundays of each month. BPS teachers and MTA members can always visit the Paul Revere House for free!

Man Behind the Myth

During a short slide presentation, children find out what really happened on Revere’s midnight ride. In small groups, students examine letters, advertisements, and reproduction artifacts, looking for clues about the man behind the myth. Intriguing details emerge about Revere’s personality, contributions to the Revolution, large family, and many business ventures. An interactive tour of Revere’s house completes the program.

Midnight Ride: a Storytelling Program

Find out what really happened during Paul Revere’s midnight ride. Separate the facts from the myths surrounding the ride, then retrace Revere’s route from his home in North Square toward the Charles River. Children don hats and carry props as they go, taking on the roles of Paul and Rachel Revere, their children, British soldiers, rowers, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and others.

Walking Tour: Paul Revere’s Boston

Explore Paul Revere’s home and neighborhood. This tour includes stops at the locations of Revere’s silversmith shop and foundry, Boston’s waterfront, and outside the Old North Church. As they explore the North End, students gather details about Revere’s life by inspecting prints and reproduction artifacts, and discover how Revere used Boston’s geography to his advantage.

The Revere Children and the Siege of Boston

After his Midnight Ride, Paul Revere couldn’t return to Boston. What became of his family as Patriot forces besieged the city, trying to expel the British troops? Children find out as they take on the roles of Sarah, helping her mother pack to flee the city, and Paul Jr., left behind to guard the house against marauding soldiers.

Immigration in the North End

Paul Revere’s North End changed dramatically in the 1800s as Irish, Eastern European, and Italian immigrants settled in the colonial dwellings in large numbers. During this program, students will discover why as well as what it was like to live in one of the most densely populated communities on earth. Students tour the Paul Revere House discussing immigrants in each room – from the Puritans and enslaved Africans through to the last Italians to roll cigars upstairs. The program continues with a walking tour through the North End’s twisting streets and alleyways. Students hear accounts of children who grew up in the nearby tenements, discovering how they helped support their families by working as “newsies,” trooped to the local bath house with little brothers or sisters in tow, played stickball, and helped tend rooftop gardens.

Read more about the Paul Revere House’s full set of field trip offerings and make reservations here.