Free Programs for Boston Public Schools

Since 1984, Old South Meeting House has provided educational programs to the Boston Public Schools through People and Places, a collaborative educational effort of the historic sites on Boston’s Freedom Trail and the Black Heritage Trail. People & Places offers education experiences that introduce Boston Public School students to their city’s unique and colorful history. Through pre-visit activities and interactive programs, students see the past through the eyes of people from all walks of life and visit places in which memorable events occurred.

Old South Meeting House offers three unique programs through People and Places, described below. Thanks to the generosity of several funders, these programs, and bus transportation, are available free to Boston elementary and middle school students.

All People and Places programs are designed to complement Boston’s curriculum frameworks in social studies and language arts. Please see the program descriptions to find out which field trips are appropriate for the grade you teach.

Availability is very limited. For more information or to reserve a program for your class, please contact our Education Department or call (617) 482-6439.

Programs Available Through People and Places

A minimum of ten (10) students is required for all programs.

Tea is Brewing (One Hour Program)
Experience the meeting that protested a tax… and sparked a Revolution with the Boston Tea Party! Students bring this pivotal moment in history to life by taking on the role of Patriots and Loyalists and reenacting the fiery tea tax debate of December 16, 1773, in the very hall where it took place. Pre-visit materials provided.

Grades:3rd and 5th
Time: 1 Hour
Limit: Up to 40 students
Chaperones: One (1) required per every ten (10) students

Phillis Wheatley
Kidnapped from Africa and sold into slavery in Boston, Phillis Wheatley went on to become the first African American to publish a book. Old South Meeting House is the only surviving site associated with her life. In this interactive program, students examine objects and primary source documents from Phillis Wheatley’s remarkable life, and explore what it was like to be a slave in colonial Boston. Students learn how colonial children were taught to write and try their hand at writing with a quill pen as Phillis Wheatley did.

Grades: 5th through 8th
Time: 1.5 Hours
Limit: Up to 25 students
Chaperones: One (1) required per every ten (10) students

From Meeting Place to Resting Place
If Bostonians from the 18th century were to visit the city today they would see many changes. However, both the Old South Meeting House and the Granary Burying Ground still play an important part in our modern community. At the Old South Meeting House students hunt for clues about the role of a meetinghouse in Boston and the many interesting people and events associated with the building. On their visit to the Granary Burying Ground, students examine and interpret gravestone symbols and see the final resting place of many famous Bostonians.

Grades: 3rd and 5th
Time: 1.5 Hours
Limit: Up to 25 students
Chaperones: Two (2) required for every ten (10) students

AMENITIES FOR YOUR GROUP VISIT:

• Looking for Great Souvenirs? The Old South Meeting House Museum Shop is chock full of wonderful educational resources, unique souvenirs, candies, and, of course, teas! Exclusive items include Boston Tea Party merchandise and the historic Old South leaflets.

• Handicap accessible

• Restrooms are available

• Comfortably climate controlled with central air and heating