Reviews of Old State House (Museum)

Bruce Arcurio

Quite crowded on a Friday afternoon, but an interesting spot.

James Perkins

very informative especially the talk about the massacre.

Robert Yawn

Did not sell me enough to buy the tickets for a tour at the last minute. Might be important but missing it.

Feng Yang

Awesome looking building. Smaller than I thought in person but runs deep in history.

James Strong

Nice museum in a great historic building

William Moore

Great information and really worth the time.

Jacquelyn Manson

I had a wonderful time visiting this landmark. It is well worth the small entry fee. Kids will like this stop on the #FeedomTrail.

t g

This was a cool stop. Better than i expected. Love the feel of the place and the winding staircase. Lots of history here. Very affordable to visit, even with kids. I think kids were free to get in here. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Nice gift shop. Worth a stop to check this place out.

Alexandra Chang

A large but physically small piece of Boston history. Character cards are given upon arrival and they are useful during the guided tours. You may also tour the building on your own although it adds a bit more excitment if you follow a guide. There are only stairs, no elevators so it might not be the best for people who may have difficulties taking the stairs. However, there is still a nice room with lots of history in it on the main floor.

Dave Jansen

The original building where they read The Declaration of Independence to the people of Boston. It took 6 days to get a copy of it from Philidephia.

Jonathan Sevoich

Great building that represents Strength and wealth.

Darin Iwanicha

Great tour we had.

Danielle Hayman

Have your family rent or watch the HBO mini series: John Adams. This movie produced by Tom Hanks and based on the historical biography written by David McCullough, winner of the Pulitzer Prize is outstanding and will prepare your family for the sites along the Freedom Trail. Here, on the Fourth of July, the Declaration of Independence is read each year to the public, just as it was spoken in 1776. The movie begins in front of this Old State House, the site of the Boston Massacre. So much history happened right here!

Geoffrey Kromer

The annual 4th of July reading of the Declaration of Independence by the Captain Commanding of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts should be seen by everyone at least once!

Dave Ekrem

The Old State House is a key stop on the Freedom Trail. It's well curated, the docents are knowledgeable, and it's just amazing that this building still is standing.

Trina Bennett

The Old State House was am interesting stop along the Freedom trail. It's full of information about the beginnings of U.S. government. It's definitely more geared toward teens and adults but it was nice that they included some hands on exhibits for the little ones, such as a brick laying exhibit with sponge blocks to play with. I was surprised that kids under 18 are admitted for free!

Patrick Killian

Amazing! Must See at 4th of july

John Otterson

The Cato and Dolly story is a must-see.

Bradly Widener

What an interesting place. Our tour guide was very engaging and knowledgeable. I wish the tour was bigger but I understand the physical constraints of the space. Overall, if you’re going to see one historic place along the freedom trail, I’d say this is your best bet.

lesley stones

What makes this place interesting are the entertaining guides. You could look round it in 10 minutes by yourself, but the 25 minute talks really bring the history and characters to life. The Boston Massacre talk was fascinating, and they’re included in the ticket price.

J Mu

It is definitely worth walking by and seeing where the Boston Massacre occurred (actually happened in the middle of the busy intersection, so the city of Boston made a semi-plaque on the side walk to keep tourists safe). The museum is extremely small and lacking in so many ways, especially in a city filled with awesome sites. I got in for free and still don't think it was worth it (stayed 12 minutes)

Alex Schoedel

Great historical place. There is a admission fee, but that would be covered if you get the Go City Card Boston, including the bus tour. They are also providing guided tours, talking about self-government and the Boston Massacre.

Caleb Smith

Great iconic historical location. Well worth a visit while in Boston.

Michael Hall

It was rich with histroy and a wonder to experience! I recommend stopping by. If you do the Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, you obtain free admission.

Melissa Heppler

Awesome museum about our forefathers and the beginnings of our country. I liked the sections for kids and where you could smell historical smells

Kathy Lavoie

Great tour. The guides were informative. The historical past came alive with the ma y displays and interactive guides who encouraged questions and were good at getting all ages involved i. the discussion

Eric Powers

Had a great time visiting here. Lots of exhibits about the history of Boston and the state house itself. I never knew about all the transitions this building went through. Tour guides we're great and the short play about Hancock and his wife was fantastic.

Aida Danbrook

extraordinary museum !!! Old State House has great things to look at and very historical decorations.

Jim Cowan

This museum was worth the stop and is included in the price of a Trolly Tour. Some very interesting information, but beware a little bit of revisionist history from some of the tour guides. Didn't find any issues in the displays, just some PC from one of the guides.

Joshua Baron

I went here late in the day and wish I had more time. Cheesy as it sounds, I found my excitement palpable as I went through the exhibits knowing I was so close (at least in proximity) to so many monumental events in this amazing country's history. I sometimes find that I build these types of places up so much in my mind that reality can't keep pace. Even though the architecture surrounding dwarfed it by size, the importance of this place echos through time.

Mario_Zombie Videos

Worth a visit, vastly changed throughout history, needs floor restoration.

Happily Retired

Enjoyed the presentation provided to the public by an actor playing the part of an important historical figure. No reservations required!

Neta Buczkowski

Very cool history museum. Their gift shop is so cute. I love the historical books and the 1700s vibes.

Ian Miller

Really nice presentation of Boston history. We really enjoyed the live actor who shared what life was like in the 1760's

Matt Porter

Packed with our nations history. Well worth the time to visit!

Theresa Harris

Great place. Alot of history. People were very nice

drwaqar anwer

Boston’s Old State House is one of the oldest surviving public buildings in Boston. Dating back more than 400 years, the building (Boston’s Towne House)– is now run as a Boston history museum by the Bostonian Society. The Old State House is among the landmarks on Boston’s Freedom Trail and visiting is a must for anyone who wants to learn more about the colonial history of the United States. Most interestingly, The Declaration of Independence was made from the balcony of Boston’s Old State House.

Shane Yurt

Really awesome place to visit and walk in some of greatest forefathers footsteps

Amy Heisner

Loved the history!

Asia Koter

The Old State House was interesting, but not overly interesting. The exhibition space is rather small - and that is fine, but the astounding $10 for a student ticket is an overkill for what the House has to show on the inside. I understand that it is a historical house and a lot of funds are needed for its preservation. However, the exhibition was not that fascinating. A highlight of my visit was the free, 30-minute long performance of some historical meetings that took place in the House and in Philadelphia, that were significant in the American Revolution. I also enjoyed the interactive part of the kids-focused exhibition, where you could experience some of the different smells that were inspired by certain places and times in Boston.

Brian Perry

Great learning about Boston's history.

Nalda Parker

Got to witness the reading of the Declaration of Independence this morning. Moving piece of literature and thoughtful piece progressing the original values of the nation.

Megan Gargiulo

This museum provided a nice review of the steps leading to American independence and was family friendly, with interactive displays for kidd. I wish they had had more artefacts out though. Also, there did not appear to be any accommodations for wheelchair users whatsoever. All info is in English, though you can request a brief info sheet in a handful of other languages.

rapid films

It was cool walking around reading about America's history, and what we did

A. Oren

This is a well preserved historical building. It has really good exhibits as well as a nice gift shop. It did not appear to be very accessible if someone has physical disabilities which is understandable given its age. It could be that we just did not explore that option enough but if you have someone in your party who needs accessibility you may want to check that out before you come.

mandy bognar

Interesting american history

Gabi Lang

A true and important American landmark. But with this said, of limited touristic attraction. There's rather little that a visit to the site will add to one's experience or knowledge.

Theresa

The Freedom Trail was our favorite thing in Boston! It was just so full of history and so interesting. The Old State House had a 2 person play and there were many inter-active activities in several areas. The freedom trail took us all day but could be done if half of a day. Some of the buildings charge entrance fees including the Old State House but it was worth it.

Alex

Great and inexpensive place to visit and learn more about the Boston Massacre And Declaration of Independence. Really beautiful inside and outside and won’t take long to walk through exhibits and the gift shop.

Alexander Jake Moreno

Stop 5 of the Old Town Trolley Tours, the Old State House Museum was free with our ticket! While the exhibition space is small and limited, the area was packed with so much knowledge! They also offer a small talk over and outside where the Boston Massacre occurred. The 6-minute multimedia show upstairs also has an audio re-enactment of the event itself.

john logan

Historic site. Nice museum if you're into history.

i. tully

Not a review of the museum itself, simply of the visual attraction from the outside. No where else in the US have I been where such a monumental piece of history stands surrounded by such modern architecture and busy culture. If you miss this landmark when visiting Boston, then have you really even been to Boston?

Andri Kyrychok

One of the best pre colonial structures to tour. Had a great time with many interesting exhibits to be seen.

Heather Boldman

A delight to history lovers both young and old!

jessica delgado

Great visit for my honeymoon

Kimberly Morvig

Very neat place and one of the few places that had about 3 rooms or so for as my kids put it."We can touch things" Our kids are 8 and 10 and by the 7th day were upset that so many places they could just look and were not allowed to touch. The old State House had about 3 interactive rooms for the kids and so we could actually enjoy a bit more instead of the usual "I am board"

Jason Lambert

Great history lessons. Military/veterans get free access.

Yuen Ying Au Yeung

A wonderful museum worth visiting and the staff are very passionate about the history behind it! Don't miss the tour! Highly recommended

Jimes Childress

If you like history, don't miss it.

Cathy Brown

Beautiful architecture n art...free tour was very informative

Larry Bounds

Quick stop. The kids (8-10) got board pretty quick but I liked it. They do some live ‘council meetings’ that I found fun.

Chase

Neat place to visit and learn about more of Boston’s rich history. Enjoyed the live play, “The Petition” and it was definitely worth the few dollars to go in and explore. Check Groupon for extra savings!

Megan McBride

Afordable with a groupon, tour included

Christina Valliere

The first one notices is the size of this cute little building beleaguered by the towering modern ones. I just had to go inside. The antique architecture is the most enjoyable part, but if you love learning the history of our nation, then you, too, will find something to love about this spot. Also, the gift shop was great as I ended up buying nine small books each holding an important document of our nation.

Mike Baird

Great history lesson!

Ian Cameron

A lot of history in one well run site

Archana Rao

Great coffee shop!

Richard Robertson

It is good to see where history was made, but the content inside is much too basic. I was hoping to see some things O didn't already know.

Teresa Hayman

It's anazing how well maintained this is. So much to see. When you learn about historical events that occurred just in the area, it's absolutely remarkable.

Sanjay Gupta

one of the oldest public buildings in the United States... One of the landmarks on Boston's Freedom Trail, it is the oldest surviving public building in Boston, and now serves as a history museum operated by the Bostonian Society. Small, and cramped, but I guess that's what it used to be like, so I can’t really blame the structure since it was made years back by ancestors. Lots of history and its part of the freedom trail which is good. The building has been nicely restored and inside it's furnished in the way it would have looked in the early days of Boston. The museum exhibits were well-organized and there were many interesting historical artifacts on display. The short-guided tour was educational and worth the time. You don't need to spend a lot of time at the Old State House, 20 or 30 minutes is more than enough time, so stop by and take in some history. The Boston Massacre spot is just near to it, was an incident in which British Army soldiers shot and killed five people while under attack by a mob. Heard every 4th of July they read the declaration of independence here.

Donald weed

Awsome piece of history! A definite go see

James Dunn

I've been here on many occasions and it really impresses me every time. What is truly outstanding are the on-site staff. They answered each and every question with kindness and a vast understanding of the building and its importance. The exhibits are also incredibly interesting, as you experience them in chronological order. Lots of interactivity for kids, but plenty of things for adults as well!

Shawn Bisgrove

Not really a NPS site. Privately run.

Troy Lawson

Historical, but if you don't use the correct entrance, you get lost.

Tony C

Great peice of history ...

laney a

Loved the play there, Cato and Dolly!! It is a must see.

Garrison Moratto

In my opinion it is the finest example of colonial architecture in all of Boston; this historic site is arguably one of the three best stops on the famous Freedom Trail (the other two being Bunker Hill and Old North Church). A must see for tourists, history buffs, and admirers of fine architecture. The location, situated amongst towering glass skyscrapers seems to enhance the surprise and joy one feels upon seeing such a unique building still in tact. It appears to be transported through time into the modern day. Well worth the stop.

Danago

If you happen to be around Quincy Market then the Old State House is just around a 10 minute walk. You absolutely have to check out the beautiful architecture of one of the oldest surviving public building in the U.S. The historic building is surrounded by tall, modern, steel and glass buildings which totally contrast and sets it apart from the rest of the scenery.

peter russell

Very interesting place, great staff worth a visit.

Adrien de Sentenac

The museum is very nice, and its talks and the play (the petition) make it a must see!

BradJill Travels

The Old State House (US$10 per adult) is one of the important stops on the Freedom Trail in Boston. Here you will find a very good American Revolutionary Museum which spells on in good detail the events leaving up to the American Revolution, including the infamous Boston Massacre which happened just outside this building. Opening Hours are 9-5pm daily. The Old State House was built in 1713, making it one of the oldest standing and functioning buildings in the United States. This was original seat of power colony of New England's, a national landmark and another nice example of Georgian period architecture that you can see in this area of Boston. Within the Old State House, you will find a gift shop with a large collection of Freedom Trail souvenirs, similar to what you will see at the Faneuil Market. You then visit the rooms which house the American Revolutionary Museum collection. The museum collection is a comprehensive set of displays which detail events as they occurred and led to the American Revolution from the British Crown. There are historical items, paintings and furniture on show as well, helping bring the information to life. You can browse the displays that are of interest and see all in 20-30 minutes or give more attention to them and easily find yourself here for an hour or more. We found the upstairs rooms, decorated with period furnishings to be particularly interesting. There are a couple of rooms with interactive and hands-on experiences which children will enjoy more than the traditional museum inclusions at the Old State House. Note: There are free tours of this historic building every 30 minutes starting on the ground floor. Attending one of these might be a good way to experience the Old State House if you don't fancy an independent visit as much. In the end, we felt the $10 entry fee was steep for this attraction but having saved a bit by purchasing the Freedom Trail combo ticket (see below), we didn't mind. The museum collection helps visitors build up an understanding of New England during the American Revolutionary period, something that is important when it comes to getting the most of your visit to the Freedom Trail attractions. Note: At the Old State House, you can buy a combo ticket ($16 per adult) that includes entrance into the Old South Meeting Hall and the Paul Revere House, giving you a $3 savings compared to buying each ticket individually.

Khaled B

Very intresting but the tour lady is a bit crazy and she screams. The historical value is better than the exibits as it is small.

Joshua Elder

An amazing piece of American history. A very important stop on the Boston Freedom Trail. Don't let the price of the tour deter you from this very necessary history lesson. The staff do a wonderful job at telling the story. Restored twice since it's call to be demoloshied in 1881 it is well worth the visit.

Raj Vinjamuri

It perches right in the middle of modern high rises, which is a fascinating juxtaposition of history.

John Baker

Great place to understand some of Boston's history.

Marshal Laycock

I’ve visited multiple times over the last few years and always enjoy the Old State House. The artifacts are neat, including a bottle of tea leaves from the Boston Tea Party and many of the exhibits are interactive. The talk on the Boston Massacre was well done and you could even get your thumb branded at the end, which was a very memorable touch. This was the first time I got to see Dolly and Cato, the short production about John Hancock’s wife and slave. The actors were phenomenal and it led to a really good discussion about those who have been forgotten in our history books. You can easily spend 1-2 hours here if you take advantage of all they have to offer. A must on the Freedom Trail

Rachelle Henley

Very interesting slice of history. An excellent tour which is recommended although the space enables self education as you wander.

Krista Romero

Fantastic! The building is amazibg and the tour person was great.

Tom Paint

$10 to get in, ask for student/military discount for more off. For $10, just to see the museum isn't worth it but with the tours as part of the admission fee, it is. The tours help you understand the history of this area. There is even informative signage in the bathroom!

Gallick Cee

If you're interested in colonial history, this museum is for you. Although a small space, many of the exhibits are interactive. The staff is energetic & knowledgeable. A pretty good bargain for just $10.

Amalia Jording

Very cool place to visit!

Carmen Bleach

Loved watching the Dec of Independence reading! Singer was amazing! Great 4th of July!!

Enrico Mango

From the site of the Boston Massacre to the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Boston on July18th,1776 what more needs to be said about one of the American Revolution's most sacred Boston visitor attraction sites.

FF G

Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. A lot of history is there. Suggest one look into some of the tours available and schedule accordingly. Also, look into the renovation history, for you might be disappointed otherwise.

Petre Ene

Lovely building. The museum is not that great but the guides are offering beautiful history lessons. If you are a US citizen I think you should put away any other activity and come here for a lesson on history. After all is your country.

Jennifer Abrell

One of the best tours we took because guides are so friendly and knowledgeable. They also were great with our 13 year old who always peppers tour guides with tons of questions! Highly recommend.

Greg Casey

Lots of history - well worth a visit.

Tanya MacCallum

Beautiful old building... great history

Shelby Chapa

This was a neat historical location in Boston. The history behind the building was so cool. The preservation of the building was also incredible

Leon Sniegowski

So much history in this one location! Great place to learn about the early colony and the build up to the revolution.

takashiv12

I didn't pay for the enterence as I am not American, not really looking for all those history.

El Magnifico

Very educational...great historical artifacts...

Jeff Orgon

History unlike any other.

wiikends

Has souvenir store & subway (which you see lots of strange people)

Allen Todd

The Old State House was built in 1713, and is over 300 years old. It sits in the middle of Boston. Old State House was built on the site of the Boston's first Town House which burned in 1711. Originally it was the government office for the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Later it became the meeting place of the Massachusetts Assembly. On March 5, 1770 a large crowd gathered at the Old State House and began to harass a British sentry, soon another 8 soldiers arrived to support. Tensions rose, snowballs, rocks and clubs were used on the sentries. The soldiers fired into the crowd, killing five Bostonians and wound others. This incident would become known as “The Boston Massacre.” Right in front of the Old State House there is a commemoration of the Boston Massacre. We visited the Old State House in Boston on the 4th of July, On July 18, 1776 was read from the balcony of the Old State House. This reading is a tradition that has been held nearly every year since. Unfortunately the crowds were too large to get into the Old State House. However we were able to see the Boston Massacre commemoration. If you are in Boston on the 4th of July make the effort to go and listen to the reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Seth Adam Smith

This place is AMAZING! I came here to do research for a novel I’m writing. Not only is the Old State House a wonderfully preserved historical building, but it also houses an incredible museum and tour. The tour was fantastic, packed with lots of great stories and details about early American History. I highly recommend it!

e harmon

Site has free guides inside that explain the building's history

Gunnar O'Connor

Stopped by here and ended up talking to the printer for quite a while. He was very knowledgeable, we learned a lot!

Michael Fink

Enjoyed the tour by the colonial dressed tour guides. The tour presentations takes place in several areas of the state house. The kids enjoyed this type of history.

Diana Bailey-Kent

I stayed to hear the story about the Boston Massacre thrice and the history of the state house twice. The guides are very animated and knowledgeable. It was disheartening to learn the fate of the John Hancock house. Preserve history!

Kimberly Schmit

Excellent! A MUST see if you are ever in Boston. The history that tool place here, it's worth your time. Take the trolley your, and make sure you get off at this stop.

Marcos Rollan

It's good if you have any projects on the American Revolution

Melissa Mason

Full of history and such a cool building.

Casey Seeley

Super A+ fun time

Chuck Edgington

This was one of my favorite places on the Freedom Trail. So much history and they have done a great job of laying it in an easy to read/follow format.

EB Christen

Cool historical building with a subway entrance underneath that we almost couldn't find. Worth a visit.

Penelope Kegan

its a pretty impressive piece of history. Beautiful in architecture, but pretty small though. yet its a great landmark for our city

Sarah Coleman

Excellent displays on the start of the fight for liberty. Highlights have to be the talks that occur every 30 minutes during the day. If you use the Old Town Trolley tour, you get free entry to this site too. Highly recommended.

J S

Even though I was here on a hot Summer day, the crowd was manageable. The museum gives talks that come with the price of entry and the talks are very educational as well as entertaining.

Craig Crandall

Boston does not disappoint. So much history here. A must place to visit for American history. Freedom tour a must.

MakeNoiseifPossible

Really cool, museum is a bit small

David Flaherty

A cool piece of history.

Jesse Horne

Cool historical spot

Chunchun Fang

A small but lovely museum focus on the revolution of Boston, specifically about the Boston Massacre. They have lots of talks and shows and scheduled every half an hour so a great place to spend some time to learn about the history of Boston.

Karolane Bouchard-Mercier

amazing staff really! we had such a great time visiting this place and listening to the guide of the tours. They know there stuff and they are passionate about it. For someone who love history it was perfect!

Liana Orsolini

Really authentic colonial architecture and nice small well displayed museum. Military ID let's you in free. Large gift store with fun items. Do go into restrooms on basement level to see more museum displays on hygiene and at the base of the spiral staircase a real honest criticism of early restoration science.

Ryan Saucier

Small museum with lots of exhibits. They had a table discussion about the massacre and a dressed character from that period

Robert Fogel

An historical gem. Please keep it safe and protected.

Colton Langford

This is the oldest surviving State House in the US, now a museum. This is the site of the Boston Massacre as well as the building where the Declaration of Independence was first declared from. 7th stop on the Freedom Trail.

Richard Christian

Walk the freedom trail, be inspired.

Jenn Orrell-Santoro

The history is amazing! The architecture is beautiful! A must for anyone who likes to know how we came to be the United States of America...instead of the American Colonies under England's thumb! Or the history of Boston itself... A must for anyone who is interested in American History, anyone visiting Boston to learn the city's history, and for anyone need that was born and/or raised/transplanted to this area/state...so in other words EVERYONE!! (And FYI...I'm born and raised lol) I'm playing tourist in my home state's capital! You should try it...you see things & places through a new, fresh set of eyes!

Tommy Duque

This is a really nice museum and it is th real building that was home to the old government of Boston! It’s a lot of words and is more for content then the building itself. The Boston massacre spot is right in front of it and is very cool to check out.

Brent Rud

Museum was ok - the building itself is magnificent located in the midst of all of the tall glass covered buildings. By preserving places like this, new generations of Americans are able to visit these sites and really learn what the history of our Country is. It brings the history lessons to life to be standing there and hearing the same stories that you heard in elementary school of the Revolution and the Boston Massacre.

Melanie Gaddy

Hearing the Declaration of Independence read here on 4 July was an incredible experience.

Pesach Kahana

Staff very knowledgeable and made visit interesting

Celeste sauce Williams cheek

If you love The history of Boston Massachusetts. Very the old state house great tours of Boston.

Francisco Alcaraz

Nice place to see some history!! It costs 12 dollars per person for adults and for that you get to see a pretty nice antique building with lots of information on the history of Boston and the significance of the site, the place where the Boston Massacre took place. There are restrooms on the bottom floor and there's a nice gift shop.

Joanne Paul

Customer service on point. You have to pay to visit but is worth it

Jane Pioli

Great little museum upstairs and it's a T stop!

Bret Van Leeuwen

At the very roots of our heritage, the Old State House is a superb place to visit the past.

Katey Durbin

I have not paid for a tour but I love looking at this building. Even if you don't do the tour, definitely come see the building and read about its history. The balcony and lion/unicorn are very cool to see.

Richard Narjes

this is part of the freedom trail. the state house served as a government building during Massachusetts colonial era. tour guides gave interesting history lessons.

Vincent Rudolph

Wonderful place to visit and learn Boston's history. Very informative and overall cool to look at, highly recommend 10/10

Harriet Stifter

It's the beginning of our country.

Alexis Smith

12$ gets you a wealth of knowledge. Both guides we had that day were out of the world. It was really cool to see how the legislative system was ran back in the colonial age. The lady who gave the Boston massacre tour was so lively. She really made you feel like you were there that night it happened. Do yourself a solid and go visit if you are in town.

E.M Hernandez

Historic place.... But late under the building was made the station of the subway. The building was moved just for the works

John Kent

One of the more important sites on the freedom trail. Exhibits, including interactive and artifacts. The educational presentation of the Boston massacre was lively and informative-- must see.

Guy Lasky

Three stars to temper hopes. Don't expect anything elaborate from any of Boston's historic sites. Just enjoy the fact that you stand where Adams, Franklin, Revere, etc. made history.