Family Hours
Educational Fun for All Ages
Inspired by Children's Hours held at Old South Meeting House from the late 19th century through the early 20th century, join Revolutionary Spaces for a modern take on family fun at our historic sites and museums! Visit the Old South Meeting House and the Old State House throughout the year for activities for all ages of history enthusiasts, including themed games, crafts, scavenger hunts, gallery talks, music, and more!
Family Hours activities are included in the price of general admission. See scheduled dates below and plan your visit today!*
Join Revolutionary Spaces for Family Hours at Old South Meeting House during April School Vacation Week from Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 19. To highlight Preservation Month and Earth Day, we will be offering conservation and preservation-themed activities for all ages from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Family Hours are complimentary with general admission tickets. Plus, for this week only, all children ages 12 and under receive FREE admission to both the Old South Meeting House and the Old State House!
Celebrate International Museum Day by learning more about preservation and museum objects! Visit the Old South Meeting House on Saturday, May 18 for crafts and educational fun with our staff. Family Hours activities will be available from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM and are FREE with your general admission tickets.
Join Revolutionary Spaces for Family Hours at Old South Meeting House on Saturday, June 22 from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Theme to be announced shortly!
Celebrate America's independence with Revolutionary Spaces! From Monday, July 1 through Thursday, July 4, our staff will offer Family Hours from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Join us for independence and revolution-themed games, crafts, and other educational fun for all ages. Family Hours activities are FREE with general admission.
Join Revolutionary Spaces for Family Hours at Old South Meeting House on Saturday, August 24 from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Theme to be announced shortly!
The History of Children's Hours at Old South Meeting House
In 1883, Mary Hemenway spearheaded an ambitious educational program as part of the Old South Association’s mission. This program, which included essay contests, holiday ceremonies, child fairs, and musical offerings became known as Children's Hours. Old South Lectures for Young People were also established in the summer of 1883 "as a means of promoting a more serious and intelligent attention to historical studies, especially studies in American history among the young people in Boston.” Today, the Old South Meeting House continues to educate the young people of Boston and remember Mary Hemenway's mission through our Family Hours programming.