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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 4h

Now more than ever, we must fight for uncensored history education.

Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 16/10/2026

This Sunday, we are offering a free Jewish History Walking Tour of the North End! While Boston’s North End is famous for being a hub of Italian culture, thousands of Jewish residents once lived and worked in this historic neighborhood in the late 19th century. www.eventbrite.com/e/jewish-his...

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Jewish History Walking Tour of the North End

Take a free walking tour of the North End exploring the neighborhood’s Jewish history from the Colonial Era up to today.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

Most famous for Boston's "Make Way for Ducklings" sculpture, Nancy Schön continues to create meaningful works of art at 98 years old. We spoke with Nancy about "The Noble Journey," her 2024 sculpture honoring the immigrant experience in the North End.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

More than 1,100 people were laid to rest in the crypt's 37 tombs.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

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.

The crypt of Old North Church in Boston.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

It's beginning to look a lot like Spooky Season at Ye Olde Pepper Candy Pantry! We love having a candy shop on our campus. 🍫😋

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

On this day in 1804, Old North's first 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 than the original. Our second steeple, pictured here, survived until Hurricane Carol blew it over in 1954.

A black and white photo of steeple jacks climbing Old North Church's second steeple.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Founded in 1818 to support Old North Church's Sunday School, the Fragment Society provided clothing to children. This all-female organization elected officers (like Susannah Eaton, pictured here) and wrote a constitution. Members visited kids and collected and sewed clothing.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

At only 19 years old, Mary Ann assumed control of her husband's ship when he fell deathly ill. Contending with both a mutiny and a powerful storm, she faced down the treacherous waters of Drake’s Passage. RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sea-ca...

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The Sea Captain’s Wife: A True Story of Mutiny, Love and Adventure

Join us on Zoom to learn about the harrowing adventure of Old North congregant Mary Ann Patten, the first female captain of a merchant ship.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

This Wednesday! Join us on Zoom for a fascinating talk about Mary Ann Patten, the first female captain of a merchant ship, who navigated the perilous waters of Antarctica in 1856.

Text: The Sea Captain's Wife - A True Story of Mutiny, Love, and Adventure at the Bottom of the World
Image: Mary Ann Patten's face in a nautical spyglass against a background of clouds.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Was this graffiti an assertion that Old North's services were free from any Catholic influences? Or, was it the opposite: a complaint that the service seemed a little too close to Catholic practice? Was it a response to a specific incident? Without context, we cannot know.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

On Old North's balcony, there is a cryptic bit of carved graffiti that reads "No Popery Here." "Popery" is a derogatory term, largely fallen out of use, referring to Roman Catholic beliefs or practices.

Carved graffiti in Old North Church's balcony that reads "No Popery Here."

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

After-Hours Crypt Tours are back at Old North Church! Visit us in October for a 45-minute guided adventure in the historic crypt, where 1,100 people were laid to rest. oldnorth.com/visit/#ticke...

Coffins in the open tomb of Old North Church's crypt.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

What is the purpose of the six-sided dome above Old North’s pulpit? This structure is known as a sounding board. It’s hollow inside and helps to amplify sound, which was a huge help before the advent of the microphone!

The sounding board above Old North Church's pulpit.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Happy 304th Birthday to Samuel Adams! When you visit Old North Church, be sure to stop by Faneuil Hall Plaza to see this striking statue of the Founding Father.

A statue of Samuel Adams in front of Faneuil Hall in Boston.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Some historians draw distinctions between "slave societies" and "societies with slaves." As Jaimie argues in this video, when it comes to New England's ties to slavery, the truth is more complicated.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

#TBT to a beautiful afternoon in 1920 on Hull Street. (📷 via Boston Public Library archives - Photo by Leon Abdalian)

A black-and-white photo of the Old North Church taken from Hull Street in 1920. Children play outside. The Old North Church’s steeple has a clock on it.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Mary Ann took control of her husband's ship in 1856 when he fell deathly ill during a perilous journey through the waters of Antarctica. Tilar J. Mazzeo, author of "The Sea Captain’s Wife," will discuss her fascinating research: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sea-ca...

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The Sea Captain’s Wife: A True Story of Mutiny, Love and Adventure

Join us on Zoom to learn about the harrowing adventure of Old North congregant Mary Ann Patten, the first female captain of a merchant ship.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Join us on Zoom on October 7 to hear the incredible true story of one of Old North's parishioners, Mary Ann Patten — the first woman to captain a merchant ship!

Image: Mary Ann Patten in front of an image of a ship sailing near an iceberg.
Text: The Sea Captain's Wife

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

On this day in 1940, Boston’s iconic Paul Revere statue was unveiled! Around 8,000 people gathered to watch the big reveal, including the statue’s sculptor, 79-year-old Cyrus Dallin. He had waited 55 years since a committee had first selected his design to see the statue displayed.

The North End's statue of Paul Revere with the Old North Church in the background.

Cyrus Dallin working on a model of the Paul Revere statue.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

The Old North team had a wonderful time at the @aaslh.org and @ncph.bsky.social Joint Conference last week! We loved connecting with other public historians and reflecting on how we can work together to continue the important work of revolution. #workofrevolution

Members of the Old North team at the AASLH-NCPH conference. They are wearing shirts that say "Resistance" and "No Kings in America, Est 1776."

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day! Did you know that Old North Church is home to stolen treasure plundered on the high seas? Our wonderful Educator, Meg, tells the tale in this video!

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Good night from our bell chamber!

Nighttime view of the Boston skyline from a window in the bell chamber of the Old North Church.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

In 1768, Paul Revere cast a special silver bowl commissioned by members of the Sons of Liberty. What is the story behind this famous artifact? Meg explains it all in this clip! See the items from the video here: oldnorthgiftshop.online/collections/...

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

At the onset of the American Revolution, the Old North Church was the tallest building in Boston. This made our steeple an ideal spot to shine two lanterns on April 18, 1775. In 1810, Park Street Church surpassed Old North as Boston's tallest building.

Old North Church's steeple peeking out from behind buildings in the North End of Boston.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

The gripping live recitation will be paired with a breathtaking atmospheric score of original music performed by multi-instrumentalists Josiah Reibstein, Joe Kessler, and Tev Stevig. We would love to see you there! RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-legend...

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The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: A Musical Reading at Old North Church (Oct. 9)

Experience a hauntingly beautiful autumn night at the Old North Church on October 9 with a musical reading of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

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.

Text: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, October 9, 2026, Old North Church, 193 Salem St, Boston
Image: The Headless Horseman riding a horse through a graveyard. He is illuminated by light shining from the Old North Church.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Childs successfully “flew” three times in September 1757, and apparently fired two pistols in the air as he made his descent on the third go! Local authorities were not amused by Childs’ antics, and the city of Boston forbade people from flying from the Old North Church steeple.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

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.

Photo of the Old North Church in Boston, MA.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Visitors are welcome to touch the dog tags respectfully, walk behind the memorial on the pathway, and take a moment to reflect and pray on the bench provided. They may notice, if the wind stirs, a light chime as the tags move against one another.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

A table was set up, and approximately 3,500 dog tags were strung with the assistance of visitors recruited as they walked through the courtyard.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

During the weekend prior to Memorial Day 2007, the Old North Church congregation and its neighbors assembled the nation’s first public memorial honoring American lives lost in the conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the greater war on terror.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

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.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Join us on Zoom on 9/16 for a conversation with @juliaangwin.com and @fieldsmeyer.com about their new book “On Courage: How to Be a Dissident in an Age of Fear.” Their talk will explore how dissidents have fought for freedom through courage and community. www.eventbrite.com/e/on-courage...

eventbrite.com

On Courage: How to Be a Dissident in an Age of Fear

Join us on Zoom for a conversation with Julia Angwin and Ami Fields-Meyer about their interviews with over 100 dissidents and activists.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

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?

Statue of Paul Revere with the text "On Courage" below it.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

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. ⛳ 🏌️🏌️‍♀️

An Old North Church Educator and their friend posing with a replica of the Old North Church at Miniature Golf on the Village Green.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

In this video, Allen shares the history of the massacre and this iconic illustration. You can see the items from the video here: oldnorthgiftshop.online/collections/...

Paul Revere's engraving of five coffins in 1770.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

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.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

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.

Aerial view of the city of Boston, with Fenway Park in the foreground.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

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!

A Terminex employee posing with a beagle in one of Old North Church's box pews in 1987.

A beagle and his handler sniffing for pests around Old North Church's altar.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

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.

A photo of coffins in the open tomb in Old North Church's crypt.

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Reposted by Old North

Ami Fields-Meyer @fieldsmeyer.com · 02/09/2026

Can’t wait!

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Julia and Ami conducted over 100 original interviews with dissidents and activists from around the world. Their book offers 16 essential lessons for taking personal risks and defying authoritarianism in our daily lives. www.eventbrite.com/e/on-courage...

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

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."

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

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!

Rada holding up the winning Bingo sheet in front of a moving truck.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

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.

The Old North Church without its steeple after Hurricane Carol in 1954.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Rada, one of our wonderful Educators, captured this beautiful photo in our sanctuary!

A late afternoon photo in Old North Church's sanctuary.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Jerusha died in their home. Was she their friend? Was this Christian charity? Were they compensated for caring for her? We don’t know. But we must wonder if this relationship was forged in Old North’s gallery.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

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.

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Old North @oldnorth1723.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

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!

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