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Adventures

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Though well south of downtown a visit to this museum is worth the trip. Designed by I.M. Pei and located right on the waterfront the building is striking and vibrant. The grounds are well-landscaped (worthy of a picnic) and during the summer JFK’s favorite boat, the Victura is displayed on the lawn. Though much of the building is for researchers only the museum is thorough as it chronicles the life of JFK: from childhood, his service years, and his political career up to his assassination. Hint: If you don’t want to drive, take the Red Line to the JFK/UMASS station. From the station take the free shuttle, Bus #2 to the museum.

Phone: (617) 514-1600
Address: Columbia Point, Boston MA 02125

Boston Common Visitor Information Center

We started our tour at the beginning of the red brick line in Boston Common. The city’s Visitor Center sell tours but we opted to go at our own pace. Pick up an information booklet before you tackle the trail. If you were to fully explore each of the 16 “official” sites of the Freedom Trail it would take more than one day. We did not enter many of the sites but viewed them from the outside as we read about their historical importance. Wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers and take along a snack and drink. For lunch stop at the Quincy Market, the diverse array of options should satisfy everyone. Hint: Go to the Boston National Historical Park first, since rangers offer free guided tours of the Trail throughout the day. We used our AAA Boston guide book which had excellent information about the various Trail locations.

(On the Freedom Trail.)

Address: 148 Tremont St, Boston MA 02111

Old North Church

The lantern signal given from the steeple of this old church was a back-up measure to send the message of the British soldiers impending march to Lexington, in case Paul Revere or William Dawes were apprehended by the British. It is still an operating church but the doors are usually open for the curious public.

(On the Freedom Trail.)

Phone: (617) 523-6676
Address: 193 Salem Street, Boston MA 02113

Granary Burying Ground

Paul Revere, Sam Adams, Robert Treat Paine, and John Hancock are all buried here as are the five victims of the “Boston Massacre”. The shady cemetery also harbors some very unique headstones.

(On the Freedom Trail.)

Phone: (617) 635-4505
Address: Tremont St

Faneuil Hall

This rebuilt brick building is dwarfed by the modern day skyscrapers that surround it. Yet it is far more important than its new neighbors since it serves as a monument to the importance of the freedom of assembly and the freedom of speech.

(On the Freedom Trail.)

Phone: (617) 242-5642
Address: 3 Faneuil Hall Market Pl, Boston MA 02109

Paul Revere House

Built in 1680 and purchased by Paul Revere in 1770 this old wooden house is where Paul lived when he made his famous ride in 1775. It is amazing that the house survived Boston’s tumultuous years. Open for tours.

(On the Freedom Trail.)

Phone: (617) 523-2338
Address: 19 North Square, Boston MA 02113

Boston National Historical Park

The Park Service manages the Bunker Hill Monument, Dorchester Heights, Faneuil Hall and the Charlestown Navy Yard in the Boston area. They offer guided tours, ranger talks and demonstrations at many of Boston’s historic sites. Check out the free slide show of the Freedom Trail. Hint: Stop here before tackling the Freedom Trail and pick up a good booklet about the Trail. Arrive early in the day to get free tickets for a guided tour of the Trail.

(On the Freedom Trail.)

Phone: (617) 242-5642
Address: Downtown Visitor Center, Boston MA 02109
15 State St