Hal Marzell stands in front of the Boston National Historic Landmark known as the Old State House on the spot where the Boston Massacre occurred in 1770. Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell

I’m sure many teachers would agree that one of the best methods of experiential learning is travel. And one of the most rewarding destinations for travel is Boston, Massachusetts. My husband, Hal, and I just returned from a history-packed visit to this beautiful city, which preserves many landmarks that date back to our nation’s earliest beginnings. There are many worthwhile museums and historical sites to visit in the city, and one of the most interesting of these is the Old State House.

An administrative building has stood on the site of the Old State House since 1657. The current incarnation originally served as the seat of British rule in the colony. One of the most notable features of the building is the pair of seven-foot tall wooden figures depicting the lion and the unicorn, traditional symbols of the British monarchy. Students of history will recall that here, on the night of March 5, 1770, a squadron of British soldiers opened fire in the square in front of the royal building, killing five Colonials and wounding many others. By the next morning, Bostonian leaders were calling the incident a “bloody massacre.” Six years later, on July 18, 1776, Bostonians gathered under the balcony of the Old State House to hear the Declaration of Independence read aloud for the first time. The Declaration signaled the beginning of the Revolutionary War, and the eventual emergence of the American colonies as a new nation.

Author Terry Lee Marzell explores the American Revolutionary War exhibits housed at the Old State House located on the Freedom Trail in Boston. Photo credit: Hal Marzell

Today, the Old State House, recognized as a Revolutionary Space and designated as a National Historic Landmark, is administered by the National Park Service. The structure can be found on a self-conducted tour of the Freedom Trail. The structure and museum inside, located at 206 Washington St., is open to the public for self-tours every day (except some holidays) from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is a small entrance fee.

Students and teachers who are unable to travel to Boston could learn more about this important historical place by examining the website at the Old State House. Here is a link to a 9-minute virtual tour of the building. For more information about the Freedom Trail, click on this link to Freedom Trail.

Whether you visit Boston’s Old State House in person or online, I bid you happy learning!