Old North
@oldnorth1723.bsky.social
300 Years of History. 2 Lanterns. 1 Revolution. Visit us along Boston's Freedom Trail. oldnorth.com
On October 9, we're hosting a musical reading of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at Old North Church!
The brilliant Johnny Kinsman will bring Washington Irving’s classic tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman to life.
The brilliant Johnny Kinsman will bring Washington Irving’s classic tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman to life.
September 14, 2026 at 8:13 PM
On October 9, we're hosting a musical reading of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at Old North Church!
The brilliant Johnny Kinsman will bring Washington Irving’s classic tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman to life.
The brilliant Johnny Kinsman will bring Washington Irving’s classic tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman to life.
On this day in 1757, an Englishman named John Childs flew from the steeple of Old North Church – sort of.
A traveling entertainer, Childs built a makeshift zipline for his stunt. He tied a rope from the steeple to a tree about 700 feet away.
A traveling entertainer, Childs built a makeshift zipline for his stunt. He tied a rope from the steeple to a tree about 700 feet away.
September 13, 2026 at 4:27 PM
On this day in 1757, an Englishman named John Childs flew from the steeple of Old North Church – sort of.
A traveling entertainer, Childs built a makeshift zipline for his stunt. He tied a rope from the steeple to a tree about 700 feet away.
A traveling entertainer, Childs built a makeshift zipline for his stunt. He tied a rope from the steeple to a tree about 700 feet away.
Today, we remember those killed in the tragic events of September 11, 2001. We recognize the courage and compassion shown by Americans in service of one another during the September 11 attacks, and in the weeks and years that followed.
September 11, 2026 at 7:44 PM
Today, we remember those killed in the tragic events of September 11, 2001. We recognize the courage and compassion shown by Americans in service of one another during the September 11 attacks, and in the weeks and years that followed.
Resisting authoritarianism is an American tradition. In April of 1775, Paul Revere and his allies risked everything to warn Patriots that British troops were heading to Concord.
Where did Revere and his friends get the courage to defy authority? What would it take for you to do so?
Where did Revere and his friends get the courage to defy authority? What would it take for you to do so?
September 10, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Resisting authoritarianism is an American tradition. In April of 1775, Paul Revere and his allies risked everything to warn Patriots that British troops were heading to Concord.
Where did Revere and his friends get the courage to defy authority? What would it take for you to do so?
Where did Revere and his friends get the courage to defy authority? What would it take for you to do so?
When one of our Educators went to play a round of mini golf at Miniature Golf on the Village Green, they came across this excellent replica of the Old North Church!
We're impressed with the likeness. ⛳ 🏌️🏌️♀️
We're impressed with the likeness. ⛳ 🏌️🏌️♀️
September 9, 2026 at 9:40 PM
When one of our Educators went to play a round of mini golf at Miniature Golf on the Village Green, they came across this excellent replica of the Old North Church!
We're impressed with the likeness. ⛳ 🏌️🏌️♀️
We're impressed with the likeness. ⛳ 🏌️🏌️♀️
If you have visited Boston, you may have seen this famous image: a row of five coffins with the initials S.G., S.M., J.C., C.A., and P.C.
This colonial-era engraving dates back to the Boston Massacre of 1770.
This colonial-era engraving dates back to the Boston Massacre of 1770.
September 8, 2026 at 9:27 PM
If you have visited Boston, you may have seen this famous image: a row of five coffins with the initials S.G., S.M., J.C., C.A., and P.C.
This colonial-era engraving dates back to the Boston Massacre of 1770.
This colonial-era engraving dates back to the Boston Massacre of 1770.
On this day in 1630, the city of Boston received its name!
Previously, the Puritans had called the settlement “Trimountain” after a large hill with three summits. On September 7, the settlement was renamed “Boston” after the port town in Lincolnshire, where several prominent colonists were from.
Previously, the Puritans had called the settlement “Trimountain” after a large hill with three summits. On September 7, the settlement was renamed “Boston” after the port town in Lincolnshire, where several prominent colonists were from.
September 7, 2026 at 8:01 PM
On this day in 1630, the city of Boston received its name!
Previously, the Puritans had called the settlement “Trimountain” after a large hill with three summits. On September 7, the settlement was renamed “Boston” after the port town in Lincolnshire, where several prominent colonists were from.
Previously, the Puritans had called the settlement “Trimountain” after a large hill with three summits. On September 7, the settlement was renamed “Boston” after the port town in Lincolnshire, where several prominent colonists were from.
Whenever we go through our photo archive, we always end up finding something unusual!
Apparently, in 1987, the church hired a pest-sniffing beagle from Terminex Pest Control. The beagle must have done good work, because the sanctuary remains pest-free!
Apparently, in 1987, the church hired a pest-sniffing beagle from Terminex Pest Control. The beagle must have done good work, because the sanctuary remains pest-free!
September 4, 2026 at 8:49 PM
Whenever we go through our photo archive, we always end up finding something unusual!
Apparently, in 1987, the church hired a pest-sniffing beagle from Terminex Pest Control. The beagle must have done good work, because the sanctuary remains pest-free!
Apparently, in 1987, the church hired a pest-sniffing beagle from Terminex Pest Control. The beagle must have done good work, because the sanctuary remains pest-free!
How much did it cost to be buried in Old North’s crypt? In the early 1800s, adults could be interred in the crypt for $10.
In today’s money, that would be roughly $240. Burials and funeral services were an important source of revenue for the church.
In today’s money, that would be roughly $240. Burials and funeral services were an important source of revenue for the church.
September 3, 2026 at 9:55 PM
How much did it cost to be buried in Old North’s crypt? In the early 1800s, adults could be interred in the crypt for $10.
In today’s money, that would be roughly $240. Burials and funeral services were an important source of revenue for the church.
In today’s money, that would be roughly $240. Burials and funeral services were an important source of revenue for the church.
Reposted by Old North
Can’t wait!
On September 16, authors @juliaangwin.com and @fieldsmeyer.com will join us on Zoom for a fascinating conversation about their new book "On Courage: How to Be a Dissident in an Age of Fear."
September 2, 2026 at 10:11 PM
Can’t wait!
On September 16, authors @juliaangwin.com and @fieldsmeyer.com will join us on Zoom for a fascinating conversation about their new book "On Courage: How to Be a Dissident in an Age of Fear."
September 2, 2026 at 9:14 PM
On September 16, authors @juliaangwin.com and @fieldsmeyer.com will join us on Zoom for a fascinating conversation about their new book "On Courage: How to Be a Dissident in an Age of Fear."
Today is Moving Day in the North End! 70% of leases begin on September 1 in Boston, which creates a massively chaotic day where thousands of young people move at the same time.
To celebrate this insane day, our team played Moving Day Bingo. Congratulations to Rada for winning!
To celebrate this insane day, our team played Moving Day Bingo. Congratulations to Rada for winning!
September 1, 2026 at 10:26 PM
Today is Moving Day in the North End! 70% of leases begin on September 1 in Boston, which creates a massively chaotic day where thousands of young people move at the same time.
To celebrate this insane day, our team played Moving Day Bingo. Congratulations to Rada for winning!
To celebrate this insane day, our team played Moving Day Bingo. Congratulations to Rada for winning!
On this day in 1954, Hurricane Carol ripped off the steeple of the Old North Church!
This was the second time our steeple had been toppled. The original was lost during “The Great Gale of Boston” in 1804. Miraculously, our original weathervane survived both storms.
This was the second time our steeple had been toppled. The original was lost during “The Great Gale of Boston” in 1804. Miraculously, our original weathervane survived both storms.
August 31, 2026 at 6:47 PM
On this day in 1954, Hurricane Carol ripped off the steeple of the Old North Church!
This was the second time our steeple had been toppled. The original was lost during “The Great Gale of Boston” in 1804. Miraculously, our original weathervane survived both storms.
This was the second time our steeple had been toppled. The original was lost during “The Great Gale of Boston” in 1804. Miraculously, our original weathervane survived both storms.
Rada, one of our wonderful Educators, captured this beautiful photo in our sanctuary!
August 27, 2026 at 9:39 PM
Rada, one of our wonderful Educators, captured this beautiful photo in our sanctuary!
John and Elizabeth Humphries were a free Black couple who worshiped at Old North Church in the 1740s.
The Humphries seem to have been kind and charitable people. We know that they took in Jerusha Will, a terminally ill Indigenous woman who was also a member of this church.
The Humphries seem to have been kind and charitable people. We know that they took in Jerusha Will, a terminally ill Indigenous woman who was also a member of this church.
August 26, 2026 at 9:15 PM
John and Elizabeth Humphries were a free Black couple who worshiped at Old North Church in the 1740s.
The Humphries seem to have been kind and charitable people. We know that they took in Jerusha Will, a terminally ill Indigenous woman who was also a member of this church.
The Humphries seem to have been kind and charitable people. We know that they took in Jerusha Will, a terminally ill Indigenous woman who was also a member of this church.
Happy 110th Birthday to the National Park Service! 🎂
Old North Church & Historic Site is a proud partner of the National Park Service and Boston National Historical Park. Here is a photo of our favorite Park Ranger, NPS K9 Jersey!
Old North Church & Historic Site is a proud partner of the National Park Service and Boston National Historical Park. Here is a photo of our favorite Park Ranger, NPS K9 Jersey!
August 25, 2026 at 11:23 PM
Happy 110th Birthday to the National Park Service! 🎂
Old North Church & Historic Site is a proud partner of the National Park Service and Boston National Historical Park. Here is a photo of our favorite Park Ranger, NPS K9 Jersey!
Old North Church & Historic Site is a proud partner of the National Park Service and Boston National Historical Park. Here is a photo of our favorite Park Ranger, NPS K9 Jersey!
Why is there a statue of St. Francis behind Old North's gift shop?
Built in 1918, our gift shop was once the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, which served Italian Protestants living in the North End. Today, the St. Francis Garden behind the shop reminds us of this unique history.
Built in 1918, our gift shop was once the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, which served Italian Protestants living in the North End. Today, the St. Francis Garden behind the shop reminds us of this unique history.
August 25, 2026 at 12:17 AM
Why is there a statue of St. Francis behind Old North's gift shop?
Built in 1918, our gift shop was once the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, which served Italian Protestants living in the North End. Today, the St. Francis Garden behind the shop reminds us of this unique history.
Built in 1918, our gift shop was once the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, which served Italian Protestants living in the North End. Today, the St. Francis Garden behind the shop reminds us of this unique history.
When Paul Revere recounted his ride, he mentioned a gruesome landmark: “where Mark was hung in chains.”
Mark, an enslaved Black man, was hanged for conspiring to kill his enslaver. Then, Mark’s body was left on display in a metal cage — a grisly practice known as gibbetting.
Mark, an enslaved Black man, was hanged for conspiring to kill his enslaver. Then, Mark’s body was left on display in a metal cage — a grisly practice known as gibbetting.
August 20, 2026 at 8:58 PM
When Paul Revere recounted his ride, he mentioned a gruesome landmark: “where Mark was hung in chains.”
Mark, an enslaved Black man, was hanged for conspiring to kill his enslaver. Then, Mark’s body was left on display in a metal cage — a grisly practice known as gibbetting.
Mark, an enslaved Black man, was hanged for conspiring to kill his enslaver. Then, Mark’s body was left on display in a metal cage — a grisly practice known as gibbetting.
Today is Dr. Samuel Prescott’s birthday! He played an important role in Paul Revere’s ride.
This photo shows where Prescott, Revere, and Dawes were intercepted by British troops. Revere was captured, and Dawes fell from his horse, but Prescott escaped — making him the only rider to reach Concord.
This photo shows where Prescott, Revere, and Dawes were intercepted by British troops. Revere was captured, and Dawes fell from his horse, but Prescott escaped — making him the only rider to reach Concord.
August 19, 2026 at 9:03 PM
Today is Dr. Samuel Prescott’s birthday! He played an important role in Paul Revere’s ride.
This photo shows where Prescott, Revere, and Dawes were intercepted by British troops. Revere was captured, and Dawes fell from his horse, but Prescott escaped — making him the only rider to reach Concord.
This photo shows where Prescott, Revere, and Dawes were intercepted by British troops. Revere was captured, and Dawes fell from his horse, but Prescott escaped — making him the only rider to reach Concord.
Have you seen the "Death's Head" symbol during your travels in Boston? What is the significance of this winged skull?
Kaitlin, our resident death rites expert, explains it all in this video! You can check out the items from the video here: oldnorthgiftshop.online/collections/...
Kaitlin, our resident death rites expert, explains it all in this video! You can check out the items from the video here: oldnorthgiftshop.online/collections/...
August 17, 2026 at 10:40 PM
Have you seen the "Death's Head" symbol during your travels in Boston? What is the significance of this winged skull?
Kaitlin, our resident death rites expert, explains it all in this video! You can check out the items from the video here: oldnorthgiftshop.online/collections/...
Kaitlin, our resident death rites expert, explains it all in this video! You can check out the items from the video here: oldnorthgiftshop.online/collections/...
Have you seen the "Death's Head" symbol during your travels in Boston? What is the significance of this winged skull?
Kaitlin, our resident death rites expert, explains it all in this video! You can check out the items from the video here: oldnorthgiftshop.online/collections/...
Kaitlin, our resident death rites expert, explains it all in this video! You can check out the items from the video here: oldnorthgiftshop.online/collections/...
August 17, 2026 at 10:37 PM
Have you seen the "Death's Head" symbol during your travels in Boston? What is the significance of this winged skull?
Kaitlin, our resident death rites expert, explains it all in this video! You can check out the items from the video here: oldnorthgiftshop.online/collections/...
Kaitlin, our resident death rites expert, explains it all in this video! You can check out the items from the video here: oldnorthgiftshop.online/collections/...
On this day in 1740, Shem Drowne was paid for his work constructing Old North Church’s golden weathervane.
Drowne was America’s first documented weathervane maker, and his most famous work is the grasshopper weathervane that rests atop Faneuil Hall.
Drowne was America’s first documented weathervane maker, and his most famous work is the grasshopper weathervane that rests atop Faneuil Hall.
August 15, 2026 at 5:46 PM
On this day in 1740, Shem Drowne was paid for his work constructing Old North Church’s golden weathervane.
Drowne was America’s first documented weathervane maker, and his most famous work is the grasshopper weathervane that rests atop Faneuil Hall.
Drowne was America’s first documented weathervane maker, and his most famous work is the grasshopper weathervane that rests atop Faneuil Hall.
We have been awarded a Historic Markers Community Grant to pursue a special project documenting the North End’s Jewish history!
Thousands of Jewish residents once lived and worked in this historic neighborhood in the late 19th century.
Thousands of Jewish residents once lived and worked in this historic neighborhood in the late 19th century.
August 14, 2026 at 8:21 PM
We have been awarded a Historic Markers Community Grant to pursue a special project documenting the North End’s Jewish history!
Thousands of Jewish residents once lived and worked in this historic neighborhood in the late 19th century.
Thousands of Jewish residents once lived and worked in this historic neighborhood in the late 19th century.
Did you know that one of Old North's congregants was charged with polygamy?
Mehitable Mash (owner of Pew 39) believed that her first husband, Peter, had died after he disappeared in 1838. Mehitable remarried in 1842...and the very next month, Peter returned home!
Mehitable Mash (owner of Pew 39) believed that her first husband, Peter, had died after he disappeared in 1838. Mehitable remarried in 1842...and the very next month, Peter returned home!
August 12, 2026 at 8:43 PM
Did you know that one of Old North's congregants was charged with polygamy?
Mehitable Mash (owner of Pew 39) believed that her first husband, Peter, had died after he disappeared in 1838. Mehitable remarried in 1842...and the very next month, Peter returned home!
Mehitable Mash (owner of Pew 39) believed that her first husband, Peter, had died after he disappeared in 1838. Mehitable remarried in 1842...and the very next month, Peter returned home!
Why does Old North Church have a crypt?
Allen, one of our wonderful Educators, explains the origins of this historic space.
Allen, one of our wonderful Educators, explains the origins of this historic space.
August 11, 2026 at 10:44 PM
Why does Old North Church have a crypt?
Allen, one of our wonderful Educators, explains the origins of this historic space.
Allen, one of our wonderful Educators, explains the origins of this historic space.