If the annual arrival of Spring makes you feel like making art, writing poetry, listening to music, or commemorating the anniversary of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride we encourage you to attend one or more of our April Vacation week programs!
If the preservation of colonial crafts is important to you, please consider one of our Paul Revere’s Boston events in May. Unless otherwise noted, events are free with museum admission: adults $3.50, seniors and college students $3.00, children ages 5–17 $1. Members and North End residents admitted free at all times. Through April 14 the Revere House is open 9:30–4:15. Beginning April 15, the site is open daily 9:30-5:15. Closed on Mondays in January, February, and March.
PATRIOTS DAY AND SPRING SCHOOL VACATION PROGRAMS
Events commemorate the 238th anniversary of Paul Revere’s midnight ride and the preservation of his story through poetry.
Paul Revere Pottery Hands on Activity Saturday, April 13, 1:00-3:00 In the early 1900s, immigrant girls decorated tiles, plates, and bowls in a pottery named for Paul Revere. Clay artist Anne Bowen, who reproduces these pieces, invites visitors of all ages to try their hands at copying some Spring and Revere inspired motifs. Many of the items produced by the pottery were intended for use by children and 21st century kids still delight in coloring whimsical designs to take home.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Sunday, April 14; 1:00-4:00 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow helped revive the legacy of “the midnight ride of Paul Revere” through poetry in the 19th century. In this drop-in poetry workshop, Longfellow himself (portrayed by literary historian Rob Velella) helps visitors young and old learn how to read and understand poetry better. At 1:00 and 3:30, he will present “Paul Revere’s Ride” and explain his reasons for writing it.
From North Square to Old North Church: A Paul Revere Walking Tour Tuesday, April 16 & Thursday, April 18; 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.
Midnight Ride Storytelling Program Wednesday, April 17: 2:00-3:30 & Friday, April 19: 10:30–12:00 Find out what really happened on Paul Revere’s ride! Separate 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. Particularly appropriate for kids in grades K-4. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 617-523-2338. $4.50 for each adult and child age 5 and up.
Patriot Fife and Drum Saturday, April 20; 1:00-3:00 Enjoy a lively concert of music that accompanied colonists as they marched, danced, wooed their beloveds, and waged war. David Vose and Sue Walko provide fascinating insight into each selection they perform.
MAY PAUL REVERE’S BOSTON EVENTS
Special events on Saturday afternoons explore everyday life in early Boston. This year our May events again honor Boston’s participation in National Historic Preservation Month.
The Art of Spinning Saturday, May 4; 1:00-4:00 The art of spinning is best learned by the young, and Zoe Lawson has been practicing the craft of spinning by drop spindle and on a wheel since childhood. She shares her techniques while in 18th century garb, accompanied by her fellow fiber artist and father, Fred Lawson.
Gilding Demonstration Saturday, May 11; 1:00–4:00 Watch professional gilder Nancy Dick Atkinson apply gossamer thin sheets of gold leaf to wooden ornaments just as craftsmen did in Revere’s era.
Colonial Basket Weaving Saturday, May 18; 1:00-4:00 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.
Revolutionary War Medicine Saturday, May 25; 1:00–4:00 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.
THE REVERE HOUSE AT A GLANCE: On the Freedom Trail in Boston’s historic North End, the Revere House was home to patriot and silversmith Paul Revere from 1770 to 1800. Revere left from the house on April 18, 1775, to begin the mission that Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalized in the poem “Paul Revere’s Ride.” Built around 1680, the Revere House is the oldest building in downtown Boston. As visitors tour the house at their own pace, museum staff provide fascinating insight into the intriguing furnishings and personal artifacts on display. For more information about the Revere House, visit www.paulreverehouse.org.
MUSEUM HOURS: Through April 14, the Revere House is open 9:30–4:15. From April 15 through October 31, the house is open daily 9:30–5:15. Closed on Mondays, January–March.
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DEFEND BOSTON!