Paul Revere House

The Paul Revere Memorial Association actively preserves and interprets two of Boston’s oldest homes. 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

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.

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.