Road Scholar : Home
Boston: Birthplace of American Liberty

Program Number: 5717RJ
Start and End Dates:
5/20/2012 - 5/25/2012; 6/2/2013 - 6/7/2013; 6/23/2013 - 6/28/2013; 8/25/2013 - 8/30/2013; 9/8/2013 - 9/13/2013; 9/15/2013 - 9/20/2013; 10/13/2013 - 10/18/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Price starting at: $930.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: History & Culture; National Parks
Meals: 10; 5 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Discover one of America’s most historic cities by retracing the steps of Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere. Learn how American independence was born in Massachusetts. Explore the city and its historic sites, led by expert instructors, then ride out along the Battle Road to Lexington and Concord, location of first battles of the American Revolution.




Highlights

• Explore with experts the Boston Massacre site, the Granary Burying Ground, the Old South Meeting House, and the Bunker Hill battleground.
• Visit Paul Revere’s home, in Boston’s historic North End neighborhood, and climb the bell tower at the Old North Church.
• U.S. Navy personnel welcome you aboard “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution — launched in 1797, it’s the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to 2.5 miles per day; some cobblestones and hills.



Public transportation and ferries used.




Date Specific Information

6-2-2013, 9-8-2013, 10-13-2013

Modest Hotel in historic Charlestown Navy Yard with ferry to downtown Boston.



6-23-2013, 9-15-2013

Full service downtown hotel near Boston Common.



8-25-2013

Downtown hotel near Boston Common.



Coordinated by Road Scholar.




Boston

Home to many of America’s “firsts” — subway, park, public library — Boston is the oldest American metropolis with a dazzling array of historical lessons at every turn. From harbor to hillside, street to storefront, Boston offers history at its finest.
Accommodations
Accommodations vary by date and include a modest hotel in historic Charlestown Navy Yard with ferry access to Boston, or a full-service hotel downtown near the Boston Common. See date-specific information.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Charles Bahne
Charles Bahne is a Boston historian, excursion leader, and author of "The Complete Guide to Boston's Freedom Trail." He graduated from MIT with a major in urban studies and planning, focusing on urban history. He has worked in some of the city's historic sites and museums as a seasonal Park Ranger with Boston National Historical Park, and since 1997, has taught many Road Scholar programs about Boston and its role in the American Revolution.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   The Constitution Inn
  Charlestown, MA 5 nights
 The Constitution Inn
Type: Hotel
  Description: Located in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard, 3 blocks from USS Constitution and Boston National Historical Park. The Navy Yard was closed as an active naval installation in 1974. Since then it has undergone major renovations. New buildings built along the waterfront are upscale condominiums. Many of the Navy building were repurposed as office and research and design space. The Massachusetts General Hospital is the largest tenant here. The Navy Yard is also the site of the Boston National Historic Park, part of the National Parks System. Charlestown Ferry and Partners' buses connect the Inn with downtown Boston and the city's subway system. (No shuttle service on weekend evenings.) If you arrive early and want to visit downtown Boston, we recommend taking the MBTA’s Charlestown Ferry. The ferry leaves from the end of Pier 3 (ask the Front Desk: it’s a 5 minute walk) and takes just 10 minutes to travel to Long Wharf in downtown. (The New England Aquarium is located right at Long Wharf, as is Legal Sea Foods restaurant, and Faneuil Hall is just across the “Greenway.”) The ferry costs $1.70 each way (.85 cents for seniors) and you can pay cash. The ferry runs every fifteen minutes during commuter hours and every half hour at other times. The last trip back to the Navy Yard is at 6 on weekend nights, and 8 on weekday nights. You can also ride the free, and open to all, Partners’ Healthcare Shuttle which makes regular trips between the Navy Yard and Massachusetts General Hospital. The Partners’ Shuttle will take you to North Station (Green Line and Orange Line) and Charles/MGH Station (Red Line). Ask at the Front Desk for details about riding the Partners’ Shuttle.
  Contact info: 150 Third Avenue.
Charlestown, MA 02129 USA
phone: 617-241-8400
web: www.constitutioninn.org/
  Room amenities: Road Scholar rooms are on the third floor (the same floor as the conference room where our classes are held). Rooms have two double beds, cable TV with remote, refrigerator, microwave oven, iron, ironing board, and hair dryer.
  Facility amenities: The Inn is part of the Boston YMCA. 149 Eat Street Café in adjacent office building serves breakfast & lunch on weekdays; other restaurants are nearby. The Inn has complimentary wireless Internet on every floor. A coin-operated laundry is located on the ground level. On the second floor there is a lounge area with vending machines and an ice machine. The Inn is fully air-conditioned. There is an Olympic-sized indoor swimming pool on the ground level and a fitness center on the street level. Workout facilities are free of charge to all guests. Ask at the Front Desk for details. The gym and pool are open Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 9:45 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 5:45 PM. Tedeschi’s Market is a nearby well-stocked convenience store that also sells beer and wine. Tedeschi’s is open daily from 6 am to midnight. It is located on First Avenue, between Seventh Street and Sixth Street. (Turning right coming out of the Inn’s front door, it’s in the second building along First Avenue.) ATM are located next door to the Inn, at Building 149, just inside the Ninth Street entrance, and just outside Tedeschi’s, on First Avenue.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Varies Call the Inn to reserve additional nights at 800-495-9622. A special rate may be available: mention that you are a Road Scholar participant.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Varies Call the Inn to reserve additional nights at 800-495-9622. A special rate may be available: mention that you are a Road Scholar participant.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Registration begins at 3:00 PM in hotel lobby. You will be staying at The Constitution Inn that night.
  End of Program:
Hotel Lobby. Activities are programmed until 10:45 AM. You will be staying at The Constitution Inn the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Parking in nearby garage costs. $6 per day with validation at hotel desk. On-street parking is not recommended. Garage does not accommodate RVs: call the Inn for directions to RV parking.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Charlestown, MA
  Nearest city or town:  Boston, MA
  Nearest highway: I-93.
  Nearest airport:  Boston, Logan International Airport.
  From End of Program
  Location: Charlestown, MA
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Logan Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$25--$30
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15 to 30 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

2 miles
   

Licensed Taxis are waiting at the curb outside every terminal at the airport. Colored signs are posted on columns designating taxi pickup (as opposed to bus and shuttle pickups). A Massport agent should be nearby to assist you.
 

South Station, Boston

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
MBTA Red Line

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$2.00 (Charlie Ticket)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes approx. 
 

Distance:

 

3 miles
   

Follow the signs inside South Station for the MBTA Red Line. You'll go down an escalator from the main station floor. Take the Red Line train labeled ALEWIFE. Get off at DOWNTOWN CROSSING; connect to the Orange Line train labeled OAK GROVE. Depart the Orange Line at NORTH STATION. Exit up the escalator to Causeway Street (in front of the TD Garden). You can catch the free Partners Shuttle to the Constitution Inn at the corner of Canal Street, right across the street from the Garden.
 
Driving Directions
  From Logan Airport via Sumner Tunnel Do not take the Ted Williams Tunnel (I-90). Follow signs to Sumner Tunnel. In the tunnel, stay in the left lane. At the end of the tunnel, you will come to three quick forks in a row. At the first fork, take the left fork toward “I-93 North/Government Center.” At the next fork, take the left fork toward “Government Center.” At the next fork, take the right fork toward “North End/North Station.” At the stop sign, turn right for a short distance, then left onto North Washington Street. Follow North Washington Street for about 3 blocks until you cross the Charlestown Bridge. Take the first right after the bridge onto Chelsea Street, marked “To Constitution Road.” Go straight on Chelsea Street (do not turn onto Constitution Road). Turn right at the third stoplight onto 5th Street, at “Gate 4.” Go one block to the end of 5th Street and turn left at the stop sign onto 1st Avenue. Go one very short block and take the first left onto 6th Street. 6th Street will turn right and become 3rd Avenue. The Inn is the third building on the right (150 3rd Avenue).
  From North of Boston via I-93 From Interstate 93, take Exit 28, Sullivan Square, Charlestown. (Note: there is no Exit 29; Exit 28 comes right after Exit 30.) On the exit ramp, stay left; follow signs for Boston via Sullivan Square—Charlestown. Eventually another road will merge into the exit ramp traffic, from the right. At this point, move to the right, into the center lane. (The left lane will become left turn only.) At the traffic signal, follow the main flow of traffic, going straight through the intersection, then bear slightly to the right (after you pass the red brick First Brazilian Baptist Church building). This will put you on Rutherford Avenue. Move to the left lane and follow Rutherford Ave. straight about 1.1 miles. After you go through a short underpass, take the next left turn (at the second stoplight) onto Chelsea Street, which is marked “To Constitution Road.” Do NOT turn onto Constitution Road — keep going straight on Chelsea Street. Turn right at the third stoplight onto 5th Street, at “Gate 4.” Go one block to the end of 5th Street and turn left at the stop sign onto 1st Avenue. Go one very short block and take the first left onto 6th Street. 6th Street will turn right and become 3rd Avenue. The Inn is the third building on the right (150 3rd Avenue).
  From North of Boston via I-95 About 12 miles north of Boston, take Exit 46, US Route 1 South—Boston. (Note: US Route 1 is much more direct than I-93. We strongly recommend US Route 1 instead of I-93.) Stay in the middle or left lane on Route 1; there are some places where the right lane must exit. You will cross the Tobin Bridge just before you enter Boston. This is a toll bridge. Stay in the right lane on the bridge and follow signs for Charlestown. Do NOT take I-93. At the end of the exit ramp, turn right at the stoplight, onto Rutherford Avenue. Turn left at the next stoplight onto Chelsea Street, which is marked “To Constitution Road.” Do not turn onto Constitution Road — keep going straight on Chelsea Street. Turn right at the third stoplight onto 5th Street, at “Gate 4.” Go one block to the end of 5th Street and turn left at the stop sign onto 1st Avenue. Go one very short block and take the first left onto 6th Street. 6th Street will turn right and become 3rd Avenue. The Inn is the third building on the right (150 3rd Avenue).
  From South of Boston via I-93 As I-93 approaches downtown Boston, it enters a tunnel. Stay in the right lane in the tunnel. Take the 1st exit inside the tunnel, Exit 23 (Government Center). Stay in the right lane on the exit ramp; take the right fork at the end of the ramp, towards “North End/North Station.” Stay in the right lane and go straight. After a short distance, you will be on Cross Street, with some stores on the right. Go about 3 blocks on Cross Street; keep to the right and go straight. Follow signs to Charlestown. At the traffic signal, bear right onto North Washington Street. Stay to the right on North Washington Street for about 3 blocks until you cross the Charlestown Bridge. Take the first right after the bridge onto Chelsea Street, marked “To Constitution Road.” Go straight on Chelsea Street (do not turn onto Constitution Road). Turn right at the third stoplight onto 5th Street, at “Gate 4.” Go one block to the end of 5th Street and turn left at the stop sign onto 1st Avenue. Go one very short block and take the first left onto 6th Street. 6th Street will turn right and become 3rd Avenue. The Inn is the third building on the right (150 3rd Avenue).
  From The Constitution Inn to Parking Garage Go to the end of 3rd Avenue. Turn left at the stop sign onto 9th Street. After a short distance, 9th Street will turn right and become 4th Avenue. Follow 4th Avenue until you come to a stop sign at 13th Street. The parking garage will be just in front of you, on the opposite side of 13th Street. To get to the entrance, turn left on 13th Street, then right on 5th Avenue, then right into the garage.
  From West of Boston via I-90 (Mass. Turnpike) After you pass the Copley Square exit (Exit 22), move to the middle lane. Follow signs for Exit 24B, I-93 North, which is a left exit. (The middle lane is best.) You will enter a tunnel. Stay in the right lane in the tunnel. Take the 1st exit inside the tunnel, Exit 23 (Government Center). Stay in the right lane on the exit ramp; take the right fork at the end of the ramp, towards “North End/North Station.” Stay in the right lane and go straight. After a short distance, you will be on Cross Street, with some stores on the right. Go about 3 blocks on Cross Street; keep to the right and go straight. Follow signs to Charlestown. At the stop sign, bear right. You will now be on North Washington Street. Stay to the right on North Washington Street for about 3 blocks until you cross the Charlestown Bridge. Take the first right after the bridge onto Chelsea Street, marked “To Constitution Road.” Go straight on Chelsea Street (do not turn onto Constitution Road). Turn right at the third stoplight onto 5th Street, at “Gate 4.” Go one block to the end of 5th Street and turn left at the stop sign onto 1st Avenue. Go one very short block and take the first left onto 6th Street. 6th Street will turn right and become 3rd Avenue. The Inn is the third building on the right (150 3rd Avenue).
  Parking Park at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) garage right around the corner from the Inn. You can park briefly in the loading zone at the Inn’s front door to unload your luggage. (Do not leave your luggage or valuables in a parked car.) Remember to register your vehicle with the Front Desk to get the discounted parking fee ($6 per day). We DO NOT advise on-street parking.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Afternoon Arrival/Orientation
(Sunday, May 20)
   
 Afternoon: Hotel check-in begins at 3 PM. Free luggage storage is available at the Inn's front desk for persons who arrive before the 3 PM check-in time. Once you have checked in and picked up your room key, stop in at the Colerico Room (3rd floor, across from the elevators) anytime between 2:30 and 4:45 to meet your Group Leaders and collect your program materials.
 Dinner: We'll have dinner at 5 PM at the Navy Yard Bistro, next door to The Constitution Inn.
 Evening: After dinner, regroup in the Colerico Room about 7:15 for group introductions and orientation.
   
Accommodations: The Constitution Inn
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Introduction/Freedom Trail
(Monday, May 21)
   
 Breakfast: Meet your Group Leaders in the lobby at 7 AM. They will escort you next door to breakfast at 149 Eat Street Café. (Or make your way over on your own later if you like.)
 Morning: At 8:30, meet your program instructor, Charlie Bahne, in the Colerico Room, for his lecture, "Roots of the American Revolution." Afterwards, board a chartered bus for an introductory tour of the city.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own in Copley Square.
 Afternoon: After lunch, Charlie leads us on the Freedom Trail from Boston Common to the Old Granary Burying Ground. We stop in at the Old South Meeting House, and the Old State House Museum and end at Faneuil Hall.
 Dinner: Afterwards enjoy a classic New England dinner in nearby Quincy Market. Return to The Constitution Inn on the Charlestown Ferry.
   
Accommodations: The Constitution Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Paul Revere/Old North Church
(Tuesday, May 22)
   
 Breakfast: Have breakfast at 149 Eat Street Café from 7 AM to 8 PM.
 Morning: Meet your Group Leaders in the lobby and head over to the ferry. Disembark at Long Wharf and walk from the waterfront to North Square, where Paul Revere's house has stood since 1680. Right next door, at the Mariner's House, an historian from the Revere House will give an illustrated talk. Then we will visit the Revere House.
 Lunch: Have lunch at the Mariner's House in the North End.
 Afternoon: After lunch we will take a narrated walking tour of the North End neighborhood. We will have a "Behind the Scenes" tour of the Old North Church. Captain Mike Cicalese will talk to us about the history of the Mariner's House and the Mariner's Association.
 Dinner: Have dinner at a local restaurant on your own. Return to the Inn on the Charlestown Ferry.
   
Accommodations: The Constitution Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Bunker Hill/Free Time
(Wednesday, May 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast this morning from 7 to 8 AM at 149 Eat Street Café.
 Morning: Hear Charlie Bahne's lecture, "The War Begins," in the Colerico Room at 8:30 AM. Afterwards we'll have a guided walk to Breed's Hill, site of the Battle of Bunker Hill. Visit the Bunker Hill Museum.
 Lunch: Lunch is on your own.
 Afternoon: Wednesday afternoon is free for your own exploration. Many people choose this time to visit the Adams Historical site in nearby Quincy or the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library just south of downtown.
 Dinner: Dinner is on your own.
 Evening: Wednesday evening is free for Participants to explore the city's cultural attractions on their own.
   
Accommodations: The Constitution Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5: Lexington/Concord/Farewell Reception
(Thursday, May 24)
   
 Breakfast: Have breakfast at 149 Eat Street Café from 7 to 8 AM.
 Morning: Thursday's lecture is called "The Siege of Boston." Afterwards we head out for the day on our chartered bus. Charlie will narrate as we travel out of Charlestown, through Somerville and Cambridge en route to Lexington's Battle Green. We will stop at the Battle Green, where the first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired.
 Lunch: Lunch is on your own in Lexington Center.
 Afternoon: After lunch we will head to Minute Man National Park in Concord for a multi-media presentation. Next we will drive through the Concord countryside, past the houses of Hawthorne, Emerson, and the Alcotts, ending at the North Bridge.
 Dinner: We will have dinner at the Navy Yard Bistro.
 Evening: Afterwards, in the Colerico Room, meet Deborah Sampson, colonial soldier, as portrayed by actress Joan Gatturna.
   
Accommodations: The Constitution Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: USS Constitution/Departure
(Friday, May 25)
   
 Breakfast: Have breakfast at 149 Eat Street Café.
 Morning: We will have a special guided tour of USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides," led by US Navy personnel; then return to the Inn. Program ends at about 10:45 AM. Free luggage storage is available at the Inn for persons staying after the 11 AM checkout time.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Charlestown, MA Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau
Explore Boston's historic sites, art museums, and unique neighborhoods during your Road Scholar stay. Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2 Copley Place, Suite 105, Boston, MA 02116-6501 1-888-SEE BOSTON, fax: 617-424-7664 For additional information, visit www.bostonusa.com
  Adams National Historical Park
Contains three historic homes, which were the residences and birthplaces of President John Adams and of his son, President John Quincy Adams. For additional information, visit www.nps.gov/adam
  Beacon Hill neighborhood
Boston's finest neighborhood, built in the early 1800s. Includes fine examples of architectural design plus many antique stores on Charles Street. Also the site of the Black Heritage Trail. For additional information, visit www.beaconhillonline.com
  Black Heritage Trail
Walking trail featuring the first church built by black Americans, plus many sites associated with the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad. Self-guided tour or escorted tour by National Park Rangers. Located in historic Beacon Hill neighborhood. For additional information, visit www.nps.gov/boaf
  Boston Harbor Cruises
The largest operator of harbor cruises in Boston. Choose from whale watch tours, harbor island tours, Provincetown cruises, or 45-minute sightseeing cruises. For additional information, visit www.bostonharborcruises.com
  Boston National Historical Park and the Freedom Trail
National Park includes walking trail of 16 historic sites associated with the beginning of the American Revolution and the early years of the republic. For additional information, visit www.nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm
  Boston Symphony Orchestra / Boston Pops Orchestra
One of the world's great symphony orchestras, October through April. Boston Pops performs lighter fare, May through mid July. For additional information, visit www.bso.org
  Charlestown Navy Yard
Historic military facility, now a national park, includes 2 historic navy ships which can be boarded: USS Constitution and USS Cassin Young, plus the USS Constitution Museum. Portions of the Navy Yard have been redeveloped into private offices and residences. For additional information, visit www.nps.gov/bost/historyculture/cny.htm
  Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Historic market buildings have been remodeled into hundreds of fascinating stores, restaurants, pushcarts, and fast-food emporia. Located adjacent to Faneuil Hall, Boston's town meeting hall and the "Cradle of Liberty." For additional information, visit www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com
  Harvard University
Oldest college in English America, founded in 1636. Campus includes many historic buildings plus art museums. For additional information, visit www.harvard.edu
  Harvard University, Ware Collection of Glass Flowers.
Unique collection of more than 3,000 models of flowers and plants, crafted by hand out of molten glass by Leopold and Rudolph Blaschka. Located in the Harvard Museum of Natural History. For additional information, visit www.hmnh.harvard.edu/exhibitions/glassflowers.html
  Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The incredible art collection of one woman, Isabella Stewart Gardner, assembled in the late 1800s and early 1900s. More than 2,500 art masterpieces are displayed in a 15th-century Venetian palace. For additional information, visit www.gardnermuseum.org
  John F. Kennedy Library and Museum
Step back to the world of the 1960s in this national memorial to our 35th President. For additional information, visit www.jfklibrary.org
  Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
One of the world's great art museums. Features an outstanding permanent collection, plus exciting special exhibits. For additional information, visit www.mfa.org
  New England Aquarium
Enter an underwater world! The 4-story Giant Ocean Tank is home to sharks, turtles, and moray eels. For additional information, visit www.neaq.org
  Old North Church
Oldest church in Boston, built 1723; from its steeple were displayed the signal lanterns of Paul Revere on the night of April 18, 1775. For additional information, visit www.oldnorth.com
  Paul Revere House
Oldest house in Boston, built circa 1680; home of the famous patriot Paul Revere, from which he departed for his midnight ride on April 18, 1775. For additional information, visit www.paulreverehouse.org
  Trinity Church
Historic church, built in 1877; the masterpiece of architect Henry Hobson Richardson and one of the nation's greatest architectural treasures; renowned for its interior murals and stained glass. For additional information, visit www.trinityboston.org
  USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides")
Oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world; a symbol of our nation's pride. Operated by the US Navy. For additional information, visit www.ussconstitution.navy.mil
  USS Constitution Museum
Privately operated museum devoted to the history and heritage of "Old Ironsides." For additional information, visit www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


1776


Author: David McCullough


Description: The story of one momentous year, from the evacuation of Boston through the disastrous New York campaign. The illustrated edition includes reproductions of significant historical documents.



A New Age Now Begins: A People’s History of the American Revolution


Author: Page Smith


Description: The best detailed history of the American Revolution; part of the author’s eight-volume history of the United States.



As If an Enemy’s Country: The British Occupation of Boston and the Origins of Revolution


Author: Richard Archer


Description: Describes events that led up to the Boston Massacre, and the Massacre itself.



Decisive Day: The Battle for Bunker Hill


Author: Richard M. Ketchum


Description: A readable narrative of the first major battle of the American Revolution.



Defiance of the Patriots: The Boston Tea Party & the Making of America


Author: Benjamin L. Carp


Description: A good discussion of the issues and events that culminated in the destruction of the tea in 1773.



Founding Myths: Stories That Hide Our Patriotic Past


Author: Ray Raphael


Description: Examines some “legends” of the American Revolution that have become “accepted fact” in our history books, and digs out the story of what really happened.



Lexington and Concord: The Beginning of the War of the American Revolution


Author: Arthur Bernon Tourtellot


Description: A detailed yet readable history of the events of April 19, 1775.



Masquerade: The Life and Times of Deborah Sampson


Author: Alfred F. Young


Description: True story of a young woman who enlisted and served in the Continental Army.



Paul Revere and the World He Lived In


Author: Esther Forbes


Description: Although it was published 70 years ago, this outstanding book is still the best available overview of what happened in Boston in the 1760s and 1770s. Not just a biography of Paul Revere, it describes life and politics during this tumultuous period. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize.



Paul Revere’s Ride


Author: David Hackett Fischer


Description: A modern history of events that led up to the famous ride, and of the fighting that occurred later that day.



The First American Revolution: Before Lexington and Concord


Author: Ray Raphael


Description: Tells the little-known story of how residents of rural Massachusetts effectively overthrew the royal government, without force, seven months before the first shots were fired.



The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution, 1763–1789


Author: Robert Middlekauff


Description: From "The Oxford History of the United States" series, a good one-volume study of the Revolution from both a political and military perspective.



The Minutemen and their World


Author: Robert A. Gross


Description: A fascinating study of the farmers and townsmen of Concord in the years before they gathered at North Bridge.



The Muse of the Revolution: The Secret Pen of Mercy Otis Warren and the Founding of a Nation


Author: Nancy Rubin Stuart


Description: The story of a remarkable woman — sister of one leading patriot and wife of another — who played a surprising role in shaping political thinking during the Revolution, then wrote an early history of those events.





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