Old South Meeting House

"These programs fit in very nicely with my 5th grade social studies. They are so wonderfully done, I can't wait to bring my class next year!"

-5th grade teacher, Brookline, MA

"I liked it when the kids played loyalists and patriots and argued about the taxes. I felt like I was a real loyalist fighting for what I believed in."

-4th grade student, Brighton, MA

"We are visiting Boston for one week, our students study American history and this fits in perfectly."

-8th grade teacher, Ontario, Canada

Education Programs for Groups
The Old South Meeting House offers interdisciplinary, hands-on education programs that introduce children and adults to America's past. These programs meet the MA Frameworks for History and Social Science and English/Language Arts. Here, you can reenact the Boston Tea Party meeting, experience the extraordinary life of slave and poet Phillis Wheatley, and debate controversial issues surrounding the First Amendment.

For Students and Teachers

Protest & Revolution

Short Stop on the Freedom Trail
Start your visit to Boston at the Old South Meeting House, where the Boston Tea party began. After a brief introduction by an interpreter, move through the museum at your own pace. Add an exciting scavenger hunt for elementary, middle, or high school students to your visit to guide them through the multimedia exhibition, Voices of Protest. Talks tailored to your group interests available upon request.

Grades: 1st-12th
Time: 20-30 minutes
Fees: $1.00 per student (10-50 students)
$1.50 per student with scavenger hunt (10-50 students)
Larger groups can be accommodated at consecutive times.

The Boston Tea Party

Tea is Brewing
Experience the meeting that sparked a Revolution�the Boston Tea Party. Starting at Faneuil Hall, students are introduced to the history of town meetings. Onward to Old South Meeting House, where students role-play patriots and loyalists and reenact the fiery tea tax debate. Finally, your students will complete a scavenger hunt of the multimedia exhibit, Voices of Protest, to discover the dramatic results of the night of December 16, 1773. Pre-visit materials provided.

Grades: 3rd-12th
Time: 2 hours
Fees: $5.00 per student (10-40 students)

One-hour version available. Debate at Old South only. Pre-visit materials provided Grades: 3rd-12th Time: 1 hour Fees: $4.00 per student (10-40 students)

Larger groups can be accommodated at consecutive times. This program begins on the hour from 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m

Phillis Wheatley

Slave to Poet: Phillis Wheatley
Phillis Wheatley came to Boston as a slave when she was about seven years old, and went on to become one of the first African-Americans to publish a book. The Old South Meeting House is the only surviving historic site associated with Phillis' life. In this interactive program, students work in small groups to trace the path of Phillis' extraordinary life. Students imagine the experience of being on a slave ship, write a colonial-style letter with a quill pen, and write poetry based on Wheatley's own works.

Grades: 4th-8th
Time: 1.5 hours (2 hour program available for students grades 7 and above)
Fees: $4.00 per student (10-25 students)

Free Speech

Speaking Out!
What does the right to free speech mean for students today? Putting the First Amendment into action, students role-play outspoken activists of the 1920's such as Margaret Sanger and Mayor James Michael Curley. Create a free speech policy for the Old South Meeting House. Is there anyone who should not be allowed to speak from the pulpit? What will your class decide? Pre-visit materials provided.

Grades: 7th-12th
Time: 1 hour
Fees: $3.00 per student (15-40 students)

Old South Museum Shop
The Shop offers unique, fun, and educational books, toys, and games for all ages. History resources, including our curriculum packets, are available. All teachers receive a 10% discount with MTA or NEA card. Gift bags, ranging in price from $1 to $5 per student, may be ordered in advance and available the day of your group's visit.

People and Places Programs
This program provides education programs and bus transportation for Boston 3rd-8th grade classes at no cost. Availability is limited. Call for a brochure.

Teacher Workshops
Discover and share ideas with other teachers in the museum's teacher workshops. Lesson plans and activities that teach American history in fun, new ways will be discussed and demonstrated. Please call the Education Department at (617) 482-6439 for available dates.

For College Students, Adults, and Seniors

No Tax on Tea!
This was the decision on December 16, 1773 when 5,000 angry colonists gathered at the Old South Meeting House to protest a tax...and started a revolution with the Boston Tea Party. Take on the roles of Patriots and Loyalists and recreate the fiery tea tax debate. Colonial character cards provided.

Time: 30 minutes
Size: 10-40
Fees: $4.00 per person

The Revolution Starts Here
Experience Old South's historic past, including slave and poet Phillis Wheatley, the Boston Massacre orations, the Boston Tea Party debate, and the saving of Old South from the wrecking ball. Explore the multimedia exhibition, Voices of Protest or listen to the audio exhibit, If These Walls Could Talk, at your own pace.

Time: 30 minutes
Size: 10-50
Fees: $3.00 per adult
$2.50 for college students or seniors

Middays at the Meeting House
A lunchtime series on Thursdays, November through March, from 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. welcomes groups to historical lectures, concerts and theater presentations. Topics vary monthly. Check our online calendar or call 617-482-6439 x 13 for more information and group rates.

Tailored Talks!
Old South is also happy to tailor a talk for your group. Topics include colonial architecture, Puritan religion, the American Revolution, and Phillis Wheatley. Please call the education department at 617-482-6439 for more information. Time: 30 minutes

Planning Your Visit

Reservations
Reservations are required for all groups and must be made at least three weeks in advance. To make reservations, please contact the Education Department at (617) 482-6439, weekdays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Space is limited, reserve early for April, May, and June. Discounted rates offered for programs scheduled in January and February, call for more information.

Chaperones
One (1) adult for every ten (10) students is required for all student groups, and will be admitted free. Additional adults will be charged $3.00. For the Tea is Brewing program, additional adults will be charged $5.00 each. One tour leader per college student, adult or senior group will be admitted free.

Payment

Payment is due the day of the program. Checks, cash, and credit cards are accepted.

Programs for Groups with Special Needs
Our building is fully accessible and the Education staff is trained to work with groups of varying abilities. Assistive Listening Devices are available. Please let us know of your group's needs when scheduling.

Old South Meeting House
310 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108
phone: (617) 482-6439