Traditions of the Season
At the Paul Revere House
Saturday, Dec. 4, and Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010
9:30 AM – 4:15 PM
Would it surprise you to learn that New Year’s Day was likely a more important holiday than Christmas in Paul Revere’s home? To find out why visit the Paul Revere House during our annual holiday celebration. Help us make the darkest season of the year brighter by enjoying festive colonial New England traditions like carols, mulled cider, and delectable treats baked with exotic spices!
Costumed interpreters in the Revere House, c. 1680, and neighboring Pierce-Hichborn House, c. 1711, share traditional Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day customs and explain why Christmas was “banned in Boston” during some of the 17th century. Period appropriate displays of colorful tropical fruits, viewed in the warm glow of candlelight as they would have been by friends and family gathered for a seasonal party, reflect how important it was for Colonial Bostonians to enliven their homes with cheerful elements throughout the winter!
Colonial Tarts and Cakes
Warm up with a cup of mulled cider and enjoy delicious sweets baked from early American recipes. Refreshments, free with admission, will be served in the Pierce-Hichborn House.
Concerts of Seasonal Songs
Enjoy overtures, melodies, and Anglican Advent songs, played by R.P. Hale, each afternoon from 12 to 4 PM, on a harpsichord and a hammered dulcimer he has painstakingly reproduced from period originals.
Baskets for Sale!
Shop for the perfect gift (practical AND beautiful!) made by local artisan Fred Lawson on Saturday from 12 to 4 PM. Fred will demonstrate and explain the techniques he uses to weave natural materials into baskets based on period originals. http://wickerdgoodbaskets.com/index.html
Admission during the event: Adults $5, seniors and college students $4.50, children ages 5-17 $1.50. (Regular admission is $3.50, $3.00, and $1.)
Location: The Revere House is on Boston’s Freedom Trail, in the city’s historic North End, three blocks from Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. Within easy walking distance from the Haymarket, Government Center, and Aquarium subway stops.
Winter Hours: Open daily 9:30-4:15, except Mondays in January, February, and March. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
For further information, please call the Revere House at 617-523-2338 or visit the museum’s website, www.paulreverehouse.org.
Remember, admission is free for North End residents!
