Old State House

Also known as Boston's "Towne House", the Old State House dates back to 1713. It was the center of all political life and debate in colonial Boston. On July 18, 1776, citizens gathered in the street to hear the Declaration of Independence read from the building's balcony, the first public reading in Massachusetts. The Royal Governor presided here until the new State House was built on Beacon Hill in 1798. Today, the building is run by The Bostonian Society as a Boston history museum.

Location: Corner of State and Washington Streets.
Hours of Operation: Open daily 9:30am - 5:00pm.
Nominal admission fee. Massachusetts school children, children under six, and Boston Senior Citizens and members are free. Group rates are available.

Content provided by The Freedom Trail Foundation