The Road to Revolution: Massachusetts and the Independence Movement

Explore major Massachusetts events in the first year of the American Revolution at the Old State House, where protest turned into action and the momentum for independence accelerated. Created through a partnership between&nbsp;<a href="https://revolutionaryspaces.org/">Revolutionary Spaces</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.masshist.org/">Massachusetts Historical Society</a>,&nbsp;The Road to Revolution: Massachusetts and the Independence Movement&nbsp;invites visitors to step into 1775 and 1776—a moment defined by uncertainty, debate, and decisions that would reshape the world.

Old State House

Ruckus!

Step inside Boston’s historic Old South Meeting House and experience the Ruckus! that ignited the American Revolution. This 25-minute immersive show drops you right into the heart of the debate and defiance that once filled this iconic space, where ordinary people set extraordinary change in motion. From the floorboards to the balconies, you will be surrounded by dynamic sound, lighting, and projected animations of fiery revolutionaries, determined citizens, and some unlikely troublemakers whose courage shook these walls. For visitors, locals, and adventurers of all ages, Ruckus! is a powerful way to begin exploring Boston’s pivotal role in shaping our nation—a fast-paced and unforgettable reminder that a little Ruckus! can change everything. Tickets also get you general admission to the Old State House and Old South Meeting House, including access to all exhibits, gallery talks, and tours.  Ruckus! is suitable for general audiences, with parental discretion is advised for younger children. The show includes loud sound effects (including gunfire), dynamic lighting, and moments that may feel intense for some visitors, particularly young children or those sensitive to loud noises or bright lights. Check our website for the most up to date ticket times.  Ruckus! is made possible through the generous support of a local private foundation, with major support from The Lynch Foundation, The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation, Massachusetts Office of Travel &amp; Tourism, Massachusetts 250, Meet Boston, and many generous individual supporters.

Old South Meeting House

October Hands-On History

It’s spooky season and with it comes the ghosts and ghouls that (allegedly) haunt the buildings of Boston! Join us at the Old State House to learn more about how 18th century Bostonians dealt with all things spooky, from witches and spiders to ghosts and spirits! Do some coloring, make a historical costume, and learn more about Boston’s famous burying grounds at Revolutionary Space’s Historical Halloween Party! Inspired by Children's Hours held at Old South Meeting House from the late 19th century through the early 20th century, Hands on History is a modern take on family fun at our historic sites and museums! Activities are included in the price of general admission and all children &amp; teens, ages 17 and under get into both the Old State House and Old South Meeting House for FREE!

Adams Speaker Series: John and Abigail Adams

Join Revolutionary Spaces, the <a href="https://theadamspresidentialcenter.org/">Adams Presidential Center</a>, and <a href="https://www.wgbh.org/forum-network">GBH Forum Network</a> on Thursday, October 29 at for an engaging conversation exploring the remarkable leadership and enduring contributions of John and Abigail Adams and their relevance to America today. Renowned historians and civic education leaders Dr. Colleen Shogan and Dr. Kurt Graham will come together at the Old South Meeting House for an insightful discussion of the Adams family’s leadership, civic values, and lasting impact on our constitutional democracy. This program is free and open to the public thanks to the generous support of the <a href="https://lowellinstitute.org/">Lowell Institute</a>. Doors will open at 6:00 PM and the program will begin at 6:30 PM. The program is also available virtually and priority registration is available to Revolutionary Spaces <a href="https://revolutionaryspaces.org/support/membership/">members</a>.&nbsp; Following the program, a recording will be available on <a href="https://www.wgbh.org/forum-network/partners/revolutionary-spaces">Revolutionary Spaces’ GBH Forum Network</a> page.

Sensory-Friendly Morning

Revolutionary Spaces is pleased to offer Sensory-Friendly Mornings at the Old State House—special early open hours designed for visitors of all ages who benefit from a quieter, more supportive museum experience. With adjustments to lighting and sound, limited attendance, and hands-on activities, these mornings are ideal for people with sensory needs or those managing autoimmune or chronic illnesses, offering a welcoming way to explore Boston’s revolutionary past! Admission is FREE for all visitors ages 18 and under and Revolutionary Spaces members. Adults tickets are $5. Members must present their digital membership cards upon arrival. Space is limited to 20 guests so reserve your spot today!

September Hands-On History

It wasn’t just adults participating in the Revolution, kids played a role as well!&nbsp; Come learn all about the lives of children in colonial Boston and see how the fight for Independence affected their lives. While you’re at it, you can dress and play some real 18th century games!&nbsp; Inspired by Children's Hours held at Old South Meeting House from the late 19th century through the early 20th century, Hands on History is a modern take on family fun at our historic sites and museums! Activities are included in the price of general admission and all children ages 17 and under get into both the Old State House and Old South Meeting House for FREE!

The Old State House

August Sensory Friendly Morning

August Hands-On History Day

Have you ever heard of a tree that turned ordinary people into heroes? Maybe that sounds a bit far-fetched but it's true! As part of our Hands on History series, come visit Revolutionary Spaces and learn all about the brave people who answered the call of the Liberty Tree.  Inspired by Children's Hours held at Old South Meeting House from the late 19th century through the early 20th century, Hands on History is a modern take on family fun at our historic sites and museums! Activities are included in the price of general admission and all children ages 17 and under get into both the Old State House and Old South Meeting House for FREE! Photo credit Revolutionary Spaces, Inc

July Sensory-Friendly Morning

Revolutionary Spaces is pleased to offer Sensory-Friendly Mornings at the Old State House—special early open hours designed for visitors of all ages who benefit from a quieter, more supportive museum experience. With adjustments to lighting and sound, limited attendance, and hands-on activities, these mornings are ideal for people with sensory needs or those managing autoimmune or chronic illnesses, offering a welcoming way to explore Boston’s revolutionary past!

July Hands-On History Day

Argh, me hearties, and listen well, as we tell you the story of William Fly, the pirate whose arrest led to the end of the Golden age of piracy. As part of our Hands on History series, Revolutionary Spaces is commemorating the 300th anniversary of his trial, which took place in our very own city of Boston. Inspired by Children's Hours held at Old South Meeting House from the late 19th century through the early 20th century, Hands on History is a modern take on family fun at our historic sites and museums! Join us at the Old State House where the government that sentenced Fly once met, and participate in some pirate themed crafts and activities. Hands-On History Day activities are included in the price of general admission. Plus, ages 17 and under get into both the Old State House and Old South Meeting House for FREE all day long!

Ruckus! First Look:The Encore

Join Revolutionary Spaces on Thursday, July 2, for the Ruckus! First Look Encore. Be among the first to see <a href="https://revolutionaryspaces.org/explore/exhibits/ruckus/">Ruckus!</a>, a bold new 25-minute immersive show at the Old South Meeting House that drops you into the heart of Revolutionary Boston. Watch the debates and defiance that once filled this iconic space come to life using dynamic sound, dramatic lighting, and projected animations of fiery revolutionaries, determined citizens, and a few unlikely troublemakers whose courage shook these walls. Celebrate America's 250th in the very place where ordinary people set extraordinary change in motion. Enjoy lively music, snack on summer-inspired fare and tasty drinks, and connect with fellow Boston locals. Doors open at 7:00 PM and the show begins at 8:00 PM. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before showtime to reserve your seat. To preserve the integrity of the experience, late entry will not be permitted once Ruckus! has started. Guests arriving after 8:00 PM will be admitted following the conclusion of the show. Ruckus! is made possible through the generous support of a local private foundation, with major support from <a href="https://thelynchfoundation.com/">The Lynch Foundation</a>, <a href="https://www.thehamiltoncompany.com/">The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation</a>, <a href="https://massachusetts250.org/">Massachusetts Office of Travel &amp; Tourism</a>, <a href="https://massachusetts250.org/">Massachusetts 250</a>, <a href="https://www.meetboston.com/">Meet Boston</a>, and many generous individual supporters.

The People's House Party

This July, Revolutionary Spaces invites you to Old South Meeting House for The People’s House Party — a joyful civic celebration bringing our community together on the eve of the 250th anniversary. This year’s gala marks the start of something new. Guests will enjoy <a href="https://revolutionaryspaces.org/explore/program-calendar/ruckus-first-look/">The Exclusive First Look at Ruckus!</a>, a bold new immersive show that invites visitors inside the events and voices of the American Revolution. Expect a warm, nostalgic atmosphere with thoughtful food, vibrant storytelling, and the unmistakable magic of a Boston summer evening in a space where history was made. Let’s celebrate the spaces that bring us together, and the stories that still shape us!

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything to do around Boston.

Things to do in Boston and beyond

Things to do in Boston

New at Museum of Science, Boston 💫 

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

revolutionaryspaces

Experiences

The Road to Revolution: Massachusetts and the Independence Movement

Ruckus!

October Hands-On History

Adams Speaker Series: John and Abigail Adams

Sensory-Friendly Morning

Sensory-Friendly Morning

Sensory-Friendly Morning

Sensory-Friendly Morning

September Hands-On History

August Sensory Friendly Morning

August Hands-On History Day

July Sensory-Friendly Morning

July Hands-On History Day

Ruckus! First Look:The Encore

The People's House Party