This summer at the Paul Revere House you will meet Revolutionary characters in June, hear colonial tunes in July, and learn 18th c. crafts in August. 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.
PAUL REVERE’S BOSTON
Saturday events explore aspects of everyday life in early Boston. Free with museum admission.
JUNE
15 Rachel Revere: A Revolutionary Woman, 1:00, 1:45, & 2:30 Paul has left on his ride, now what? 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.
22 Deborah Sampson: Petticoat Patriot, 1:00, 1:45, & 2:30 A female soldier who served in the American Revolution would like to tell you about her extraordinary adventure! Storyteller Joan Gatturna portrays Sampson.
29 Royal Irish Artillery, 1:00-4:00 Fred Lawson, founder of the reenacting troop brings sample artillery tools copied exactly from period originals. The Royal Artillery fought against Paul Revere at the Siege of Castine in Penobscot Bay.
JULY
6 Fife and Drum Concert by the Boston Alarm Company, 1:00, 1:45, & 2:30 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.
13 Hammered Dulcimer Concert, 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.
20 Glass Harmonica Concert, 1:00-4:00 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!
27 Colonial Dance Tunes and Love Songs, 1:00-4:00. In the guise of itinerant musicians, Al Petty & Deirdre Sweeney perform popular 18th-century tunes such as “Mr. Isaac’s Maggot” and “Jack’s Health” on the penny whistle, flute, fife, & other instruments.
AUGUST
3 Colonial Weaving Demonstration, 1:00-4:00 Talented craftsman Fred Lawson demonstrates the art of creating cloth by hand and simple machines. Practice weaving on the small looms provided.
10 Musik on Harpsichord & Dulcimer, 1:00-4:00 Hear the same lively “musik” enjoyed by Bostonians in Paul Revere’s day. R. P. Hale plays on the reproduction instruments he copied directly from period originals.
17 The Tailor’s Craft, 1:00-4:00 Clothing historian Henry Cooke takes on the role of an early Boston tailor. Watch as he “takes the measure” of visitors, then sits cross-legged, fashioning waistcoats from luxurious fabrics and “slops” from coarse weaves.
24 Quill Pen Writing and Drawing, 1:00-4:00 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.
31 Tinsmithing Demonstration, 1:00-4:00 Who made the ubiquitous lanterns, sconces, and other tin wares of the 18th century? A tinker! Larry Leonard produces and sells examples of his craft while describing the techniques, tools, and materials used since the Reveres’ era.
HARBORFEST EVENTS
From North Square to Old North Church: A Paul Revere Walking Tour
Tuesday, July 2, Wednesday, July 3, & Friday, July 5; 2:00-3:30
The Paul Revere House and the Old North Church are pleased to offer a new guided walking tour of North End sites related to Paul Revere, ending with a visit to the church’s bell-ringing chamber and the story of the Midnight Ride. Participants will gain a hands-on understanding of both Revere’s life in the neighborhood and what actually happened on April 18, 1775. Families with children in grades 5-8 are encouraged to attend. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 617-523-2338. $10 Adults, $6 Children (ages 5-17). A self-guided visit to the Revere House is included in the admission price.
