Massachusetts State House, a Freedom Trail Site
add photosState House tours are conducted by the staff of the Tours and Government Education Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Office and by volunteers well-versed in the history and architectural background of the State House. The tours are given weekdays year-round from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and are free of charge. The Massachusetts State House is closed on weekends and holidays.
Tours last approximately 30-45 minutes and include an overview of the history and architecture of the State Capitol. Visitors can see the House and Senate Chambers, learn about the Ladybug (our state insect) and of the "Sacred Cod".
3 Reviews for Massachusetts State House, a Freedom Trail Site
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60 families found this helpful
"Not for the young!"
The Freedom Trail is not for young kids as there is a ton of walking and more 'mature' content. However, you can spin it so that it is interesting for the young. The long walk would be the most challenging. Regardless, the State House is beautiful, both inside and out. You can just stop by, no need to do the whole Freedom Trail!
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1 family found this helpful
"A lot of walking"
I would recommend this for older children who have a grasp on this country's history, it is a learning experience for anyone no matter how much they know about our founding fathers. I walked the trail with a guide, which i highly recommend because of their ability to describe and bring the story to life. I took the trail after taking an American Vision and Values course with told of how our country began and how it has evolved and almost veered away from those original core beliefs. I think everyone should be aware of our beginnings so the same mistakes are not make twice nor are we taken over by the growing government. The recommend bringing your walking shoes, water and snacks. Places visited include parks with statues, cemeteries, and homes of famous political figures.
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"Fun with the Family"
Just up the hill from the Park Street end of the Common is the impressive gold-domed State House, built in 1798 on John Hancock’s pasture. The original part of the builing, which was designed by Charles Bulfinch, is in the neoclassical or Federal style. Along with the legislative chambers, the state capitol holds a collection of flags, costumes, and other remnants of the state’s history.
Don’t forget to ask for the handout and map that explain the function and location of the different rooms in the State House, and for the booklet The Ladybug Story, which clearly explains to children how a bill becomes law by using an example of schoolchildren who wanted the ladybug to be the official bug of Massachusetts.
Walk up the capitol’s front steps to the right or by the statue of General Hooker and turn around to see a terrific view of the Common and the tops of the taller buildings of the Financial District; then, with the building behind you, look over to the right. You’ll see a fine statue of John F. Kennedy, whom the sculptor seems to have captured in midstride as he left Boston for the U.S. Senate, where he served before his presidency. Of the many JFK monuments scattered around Boston, Massachusetts, and New England, this is the most human.
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