Old North
@oldnorth1723.bsky.social
300 Years of History. 2 Lanterns. 1 Revolution. Visit us along Boston's Freedom Trail. oldnorth.com
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
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.
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!
It was the first organ constructed of parts totally sourced from the colonies!
November 12, 2025 at 10:29 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!
It was the first organ constructed of parts totally sourced from the colonies!
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
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.
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
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.
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!
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
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!
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!
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.”
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
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.”
We particularly like Bell 7’s inscription: “Since generosity has opened our mouths our tongues shall ring aloud its praise.”
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...
- 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
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...
- 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...
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.
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
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.
This deeply unpopular taxation measure forced American colonists to use special stamped paper for printing things like newspapers, pamphlets, and playing cards.
Our team came dressed in their Halloween best!
Visitors loved the unlikely duo of Robert Newman and Prince the Cat! 😂😂
Visitors loved the unlikely duo of Robert Newman and Prince the Cat! 😂😂
October 31, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Our team came dressed in their Halloween best!
Visitors loved the unlikely duo of Robert Newman and Prince the Cat! 😂😂
Visitors loved the unlikely duo of Robert Newman and Prince the Cat! 😂😂
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
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.
On National Cat Day, we’re thinking of Prince, the beloved black cat who was famous for wandering around Old North Church and the North End.
Adventurous and friendly, Prince would greet guests and walk along the church's box pews. We miss him.
Adventurous and friendly, Prince would greet guests and walk along the church's box pews. We miss him.
October 29, 2025 at 7:58 PM
On National Cat Day, we’re thinking of Prince, the beloved black cat who was famous for wandering around Old North Church and the North End.
Adventurous and friendly, Prince would greet guests and walk along the church's box pews. We miss him.
Adventurous and friendly, Prince would greet guests and walk along the church's box pews. We miss him.
What did music sound like in colonial Boston? Who played it? What sort of instruments were played?
Next Wednesday, join musicologist Laura Zoll on Zoom for a fascinating talk about music-making in colonial Boston! www.eventbrite.com/e/music-maki...
Next Wednesday, join musicologist Laura Zoll on Zoom for a fascinating talk about music-making in colonial Boston! www.eventbrite.com/e/music-maki...
October 28, 2025 at 8:14 PM
What did music sound like in colonial Boston? Who played it? What sort of instruments were played?
Next Wednesday, join musicologist Laura Zoll on Zoom for a fascinating talk about music-making in colonial Boston! www.eventbrite.com/e/music-maki...
Next Wednesday, join musicologist Laura Zoll on Zoom for a fascinating talk about music-making in colonial Boston! www.eventbrite.com/e/music-maki...
Today is Theodore Roosevelt's birthday! Roosevelt visited Old North Church in 1912. He was on the campaign trail in Boston, having formed his own Bull Moose Party after losing the Republican nomination to incumbent president William Taft.
October 27, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Today is Theodore Roosevelt's birthday! Roosevelt visited Old North Church in 1912. He was on the campaign trail in Boston, having formed his own Bull Moose Party after losing the Republican nomination to incumbent president William Taft.
On Saturday, two blue lanterns shone from Old North Church's steeple for World Spina Bifida Day. Spina Bifida directly impacts cherished members of the Old North Church community.
We were proud to help raise awareness with the Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.
We were proud to help raise awareness with the Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.
October 26, 2025 at 10:21 PM
On Saturday, two blue lanterns shone from Old North Church's steeple for World Spina Bifida Day. Spina Bifida directly impacts cherished members of the Old North Church community.
We were proud to help raise awareness with the Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.
We were proud to help raise awareness with the Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.
It’s Boston Cream Pie Day! Invented in Boston in the 1800s, this irresistible treat is the official dessert of Massachusetts.
The slice in this photo is from Bova's Bakery, our North End neighbor.
The slice in this photo is from Bova's Bakery, our North End neighbor.
October 23, 2025 at 9:08 PM
It’s Boston Cream Pie Day! Invented in Boston in the 1800s, this irresistible treat is the official dessert of Massachusetts.
The slice in this photo is from Bova's Bakery, our North End neighbor.
The slice in this photo is from Bova's Bakery, our North End neighbor.
Why does Old North Church have a crypt?
For Anglicans, it was very important to be buried in consecrated (blessed) ground. Since Old North didn’t have a churchyard and since the municipal burying grounds were not consecrated, burials under the church made the most sense.
For Anglicans, it was very important to be buried in consecrated (blessed) ground. Since Old North didn’t have a churchyard and since the municipal burying grounds were not consecrated, burials under the church made the most sense.
October 21, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Why does Old North Church have a crypt?
For Anglicans, it was very important to be buried in consecrated (blessed) ground. Since Old North didn’t have a churchyard and since the municipal burying grounds were not consecrated, burials under the church made the most sense.
For Anglicans, it was very important to be buried in consecrated (blessed) ground. Since Old North didn’t have a churchyard and since the municipal burying grounds were not consecrated, burials under the church made the most sense.
On this day in 1878, the iconic plaque commemorating Paul Revere and the signal lanterns was added to Old North Church.
Read this blog to learn the surprisingly contentious history behind the stone tablet:
www.oldnorth.com/blog/set-in-stone-the-making-of-a-memorial/
Read this blog to learn the surprisingly contentious history behind the stone tablet:
www.oldnorth.com/blog/set-in-stone-the-making-of-a-memorial/
October 21, 2025 at 12:31 AM
On this day in 1878, the iconic plaque commemorating Paul Revere and the signal lanterns was added to Old North Church.
Read this blog to learn the surprisingly contentious history behind the stone tablet:
www.oldnorth.com/blog/set-in-stone-the-making-of-a-memorial/
Read this blog to learn the surprisingly contentious history behind the stone tablet:
www.oldnorth.com/blog/set-in-stone-the-making-of-a-memorial/
America250 is working on an incredible storytelling project called "Our American Story." They're traveling the nation and collecting thousands of interviews with Americans.
They recently visited Old North Church to profile our Director of Education, Emily Spence:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGOt...
They recently visited Old North Church to profile our Director of Education, Emily Spence:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGOt...
American Profiles | Emily Spence, Old North Church
YouTube video by America250
www.youtube.com
October 15, 2025 at 9:09 PM
America250 is working on an incredible storytelling project called "Our American Story." They're traveling the nation and collecting thousands of interviews with Americans.
They recently visited Old North Church to profile our Director of Education, Emily Spence:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGOt...
They recently visited Old North Church to profile our Director of Education, Emily Spence:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGOt...
It’s National Dessert Day! 🧁
What’s your favorite spot for something sweet in the North End?
What’s your favorite spot for something sweet in the North End?
October 14, 2025 at 8:19 PM
It’s National Dessert Day! 🧁
What’s your favorite spot for something sweet in the North End?
What’s your favorite spot for something sweet in the North End?
For Indigenous Peoples' Day, we're sharing the story of Elizabeth, an Indigenous woman baptized at Old North in 1733.
What drew her to the church? What would her experience have been like? Dr. Jaimie Crumley considers these questions and more: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ot8...
What drew her to the church? What would her experience have been like? Dr. Jaimie Crumley considers these questions and more: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ot8...
Indigenous Women at Old North During the British Colonial Period
YouTube video by Old North Church & Historic Site
www.youtube.com
October 13, 2025 at 7:12 PM
For Indigenous Peoples' Day, we're sharing the story of Elizabeth, an Indigenous woman baptized at Old North in 1733.
What drew her to the church? What would her experience have been like? Dr. Jaimie Crumley considers these questions and more: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ot8...
What drew her to the church? What would her experience have been like? Dr. Jaimie Crumley considers these questions and more: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ot8...
Happy Anniversary to Paul and Rachel Revere, who wed on this day in 1773. Paul met Rachel soon after the death of his first wife, Sarah, and the two were married for 41 years. Rachel cared for the 6 surviving children from Paul’s first marriage and gave birth to 8 more children.
October 10, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Happy Anniversary to Paul and Rachel Revere, who wed on this day in 1773. Paul met Rachel soon after the death of his first wife, Sarah, and the two were married for 41 years. Rachel cared for the 6 surviving children from Paul’s first marriage and gave birth to 8 more children.
Matt Reed from Boston's Channel 5 News stopped by Old North's crypt to learn the story of the Cursed Brick. We love this video!
October 9, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Matt Reed from Boston's Channel 5 News stopped by Old North's crypt to learn the story of the Cursed Brick. We love this video!
On this day in 1804, our 1st steeple was knocked down in a windstorm known as “The Great Gale of Boston.” Two years later, a new steeple was added — it was 15 feet shorter and included a clock.
Our 2nd steeple, pictured here, survived until Hurricane Carol blew it over in 1954.
Our 2nd steeple, pictured here, survived until Hurricane Carol blew it over in 1954.
October 8, 2025 at 7:40 PM
On this day in 1804, our 1st steeple was knocked down in a windstorm known as “The Great Gale of Boston.” Two years later, a new steeple was added — it was 15 feet shorter and included a clock.
Our 2nd steeple, pictured here, survived until Hurricane Carol blew it over in 1954.
Our 2nd steeple, pictured here, survived until Hurricane Carol blew it over in 1954.
Take a close look at Old North Church’s front wall — doesn’t it look like the bricks are different sizes?
In fact, the bricks are the same size! The smaller appearing bricks are actually inverted beneath the longer appearing bricks.
In fact, the bricks are the same size! The smaller appearing bricks are actually inverted beneath the longer appearing bricks.
October 7, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Take a close look at Old North Church’s front wall — doesn’t it look like the bricks are different sizes?
In fact, the bricks are the same size! The smaller appearing bricks are actually inverted beneath the longer appearing bricks.
In fact, the bricks are the same size! The smaller appearing bricks are actually inverted beneath the longer appearing bricks.
Yesterday's Blessing of the Animals was a delight!
So many furry friends stopped by to receive special blessings from Old North's clergy.
So many furry friends stopped by to receive special blessings from Old North's clergy.
October 6, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Yesterday's Blessing of the Animals was a delight!
So many furry friends stopped by to receive special blessings from Old North's clergy.
So many furry friends stopped by to receive special blessings from Old North's clergy.