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Old North
@oldnorth1723.bsky.social
300 Years of History. 2 Lanterns. 1 Revolution. Visit us along Boston's Freedom Trail. oldnorth.com
🎶It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...🎶
December 8, 2025 at 8:54 PM
How did Old North’s early congregants stay warm on cold days like today?

They brought small metal boxes known as “foot warmers” to their pews! A hot brick or coal would be placed inside the foot warmer, and the high walls of the box pew would help trap the heat inside.
December 5, 2025 at 8:26 PM
In April, Ken Burns joined us at the Old North Church to discuss his documentary "The American Revolution." On December 9, we are excited to host a special screening of excerpts from the film at Old North!

The event is free, but space is limited: www.eventbrite.com/e/ken-burns-...
December 3, 2025 at 9:52 PM
For nearly 200 years, seating at Old North Church was “pay to pray” — congregants would buy box pews.

After 1912, Old North ended the practice of selling pews…sort of. It seems that they grandfathered in any former pew owners who wanted to keep purchasing theirs...
December 2, 2025 at 11:08 PM
The days are getting shorter...but we don't mind when the views are this good from our steeple!
December 1, 2025 at 9:38 PM
On Sunday, 11/30, people around the world will celebrate Museum Store Sunday! This holiday encourages shoppers to visit museum gift shops, which help to fund important educational work while supporting local artisans.

We would love to see you at the Old North Gift Shop!
November 29, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Paul Revere on the night after Thanksgiving:

"The leftovers are coming! The leftovers are coming!"
November 28, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Happy Thanksgiving from Old North Church and the North End's resident turkey!

We wish you a day filled with the people and traditions you love.
November 27, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Did you see our box pews on Jeopardy last night?
November 26, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Join us at Old North on 12/9 to watch a special screening of excerpts from Ken Burns' "The American Revolution"!

Following the screening, a panel will discuss the role of religion in the Revolution and the legacy of religious liberty in the U.S. RSVP for free: www.eventbrite.com/e/ken-burns-...
November 25, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Old North’s annual Brass Polishing Party took place this weekend! Parishioners and friends gathered to shine up the church’s chandeliers, sconces, and other brass items to prepare for the Advent season

The chandeliers look so good, you would never know they’re 300+ years old!
November 24, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Happy 281st birthday to Abigail Adams!

Hailed for her now-famous admonition that the Founding Fathers “remember the ladies” in their new laws, Abigail Adams was not only an early advocate for women’s rights, she was a vital confidant and advisor to her husband, President John Adams.
November 22, 2025 at 6:30 PM
What's wrong with this picture?

Hint: something is missing from Old North's sanctuary.
November 20, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Old North’s crypt became so popular that church officials began selling the once-private spaces to members of the public who could afford it.

The barrel-vaulted tombs that filled the crypt could fit anywhere between 10 to 40 coffins, depending on their exact dimensions.
November 19, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Congratulations to our friend Ken Burns on the release of his new documentary! In April, Ken joined us at Old North to talk about his forthcoming film and to accept the Third Lantern Award.

All the episodes of The American Revolution are now streaming: www.pbs.org/show/the-ame...
November 18, 2025 at 10:48 PM
While wealthy white congregants sat in the box pews below, Old North Church's gallery seating was occupied by servants, free and enslaved people of color, indentured people, and children under the age of 12.
November 13, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Old North Church’s pipe organ was commissioned in 1759 and built by Thomas Johnston, a member of the congregation.

It was the first organ constructed of parts totally sourced from the colonies!
November 12, 2025 at 10:29 PM
On Veterans Day, we thank the remarkable people who have served our country for generations. We are so grateful for your tremendous bravery and sacrifice.
November 11, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Yesterday, Old North Church's congregation observed Remembrance Sunday. This holiday commemorates the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts.
November 10, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Today is Rev. William Croswell’s birthday! Old North's rector from 1829 - 1841, Croswell was just 25 years old when he began his tenure.

A lover of music and lyrics, Croswell composed his own hymns for the church and many poems. He met his wife, Amanda, when she became the organist at Old North!
November 7, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Each of Old North Church’s bells has an inscription written in the first person. For example, Bell 8 says, “Abel Rudhall of Gloucester cast us all.”

We particularly like Bell 7’s inscription: “Since generosity has opened our mouths our tongues shall ring aloud its praise.”
November 6, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Join us on Zoom for a conversation with musicologist Laura Zoll about music in colonial Boston! We'll explore questions like:

- What did music sound like during the colonial era?
- Who played it?
- How did music reflect contemporary culture and beliefs?

www.eventbrite.com/e/music-maki...
November 4, 2025 at 10:02 PM
On this day in 1765, the British Parliament enacted the Stamp Act.

This deeply unpopular taxation measure forced American colonists to use special stamped paper for printing things like newspapers, pamphlets, and playing cards.
November 1, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Our team came dressed in their Halloween best!

Visitors loved the unlikely duo of Robert Newman and Prince the Cat! 😂😂
October 31, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Today is the birth anniversary of the English architect Sir Christopher Wren! Old North Church’s architectural design was inspired by Wren’s influential work in London.
October 30, 2025 at 9:38 PM