Once again our summer events showcase the talents of incredible musicians, artisans, artists, and performers. We encourage you to stop by on a Saturday afternoon this summer to immerse yourself in aspects of daily 18th century life, or make Boston a destination during our annual Harborfest celebration around the 4th of July.
All events are included the price of admission: adults $5, seniors & college students $4.50, children 5-17 $1. Members and North End residents admitted free at all times. In summer, the Revere House is open daily, 9:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Author Talk: Join us on Tuesday, June 18th as author Cristian di Spigna will share his findings on Dr. Joseph Warren from his new release Founding Martyr: The Life and Death of Dr. Joseph Warren, the American Revolution’s Lost Hero. Drop in on his talks at 1, 1:30, 2, and 2:30 p.m. and learn about Paul Revere’s close friend and famous Bostonian who became a symbol for the cause of national independence!
June
15 Colonial Basket Weaving 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Rather than in plastic bags or cardboard boxes, colonists stored cheese, chickens, and candles in specially designed baskets. Fred Lawson and Karen Ziino weave and sell reproductions copied from period originals.
22 A Loyalist Perspective on the Revolution 1:00, 1:45, 2:30 Hear a first-hand account of the abuses loyalists suffered at the hands of emboldened “patriots.” Michael Lepage takes on the role of Chief Justice Peter Oliver, brother of Andrew Oliver, a stamp collector.
29 Colonial Dance Tunes and Love Songs 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 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.
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 p.m. – 3 p.m. Award-winning musician Dave Neiman plays jigs, reels, and Baroque and Renaissance tunes that Paul Revere and his family may have enjoyed.
20 A Revolution of Her Own! 1:00, 1:45, & 2:30 The captivating story of the first woman to fight in the American Military: in 1782, Deborah bound her chest, tied back her hair, and enlisted in the Continental Army. Experience her arduous upbringing, active combat, and success as the first female professional soldier (in part, due to the assistance of Paul Revere). Deborah’s passion takes you back in time! Length: 30 min.
27 Glass Harmonica Concert 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 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!
August
3 18th Century Watercolor Artist 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Audrey Jones Childs will demonstrate 18th century watercolor painting using period appropriate watercolor paints and brushes. Come watch her paint and learn how the brushes and paints were made.
10 Colonial Herbalist 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Learn about the healing benefits of common and uncommon plants from a true expert. Judy Grillo portrays a colonial herbalist demonstrating techniques and wisdom passed on by generations of women who cared for their families with plants grown primarily in their kitchen gardens.
17 The Art of Spinning 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 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.
24 The Tailor’s Craft 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 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.
31 Rendezvous with Rachel Revere 1:00, 1:45, & 2:30
It is May 2, 1775 and Rachel Revere has only heard from her beloved husband Paul once since his legendary midnight ride on the 18th of April. Still isolated from one another due to the Siege of Boston, Rachel desperately tries to create a plan which shall safely take her children: six step-children from Paul’s first marriage and a newborn baby of their own, from the reach of the British Regular Army in Boston. In this program, you will help Rachel, as she carefully considers the dangers and demands of each plan. Find out if Rachel is successful in her perilous mission to unite her family, amidst the wake of an American Revolution.
Rendezvous with Rachel Revere is brought to the PRH by History At Play. Founded in 2010, History At Play travels nationwide to chronicle the stories of influential and often forgotten women through immersive theatrical performances. www.HistoryAtPlay.com
Boston Harborfest Events
Monday, July 1st Patriot Fife and Drum, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 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.
Wednesday, July 3rd Hammered Dulcimer Concert, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Award-winning musician Dave Neiman plays jigs, reels, and Baroque and Renaissance tunes that Paul Revere and his family may have enjoyed.
Friday, July 5th Colonial Dance Tunes and Love Songs, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 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.
