This year marks the 250th anniversary of the Boston Massacre when, on March 5, 1770, British soldiers, who were harassed by a mob, shot and killed five men. One of the men killed, Samuel Grey, was a Tiverton, RI native.

To help mark this milestone year, the Newport Historical Society has partnered with Revolutionary Spaces, the new organization formed through the merger of The Bostonian Society and the Old State House, to present The Boston Massacre Reenactment and Commemoration. This day of programming features vignettes with over 100 costumed living historians who will shed light on the tensions that were present in 1770 Boston.

The full schedule is outlined below. Admission costs $12 per person which includes entrance to both of Revolutionary Spaces’ historic sites, partaking in the indoor programming at both sites and participation in the walks along Washington Street. Thece outdoor programming at the Irish Famine Memorial, the vignettes outside of the Old State House and the evening reenactment-commemoration ceremony are free, donations welcome.

Life Before the Boston Massacre 1pm-5pm

The Old State House, 206 Washington Street, Boston, MA
Experience a 1770 Council Meeting in the Council Chamber, learn about the women of 1770 Boston.
Outside the Old State House:
• 1pm: Changing of the guard
• 1:15pm: A football match
• 4:30pm: Isabella Montgomery meets with Susannah Cathcart
• 7pm: Boston Massacre Reenactment & Commemoration

Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington Street, Boston, MA
Visit interpretative stations around the meeting house which include the Royal Exchange Tavern, the Almshouse, an elegant tea and the office of rope walk owner John Gray. See trades demonstrations including leatherworking, sewing a sailor’s hammock and recreating a British regimental coat. At 4pm, learn about the uniforms worn by the 29th Regiment of Foot.

Edes & Gill Print Shop, Faneuil Hall, 4 Market Street, Boston, MA
Meet historical interpreters portraying Henry Pelham and Paul Revere on March 30, 1770 as they debate about the Boston Massacre engraving.

Washington and School Streets at The Irish Famine Memorial:
• 1:30pm: Sons of Liberty songs
• 2:15pm: Tensions run high between rope workers and British soldiers
• 3:15pm: Sons of Liberty songs

Along Washington Street:
Join a mini walking tour led by a resident of 1770 Boston. This short walk connects Old South Meeting House (OSMH) and the Old State House (OSH) at designated times.
• 2pm: OSH to OSMH
• 2:30pm: OSMH to OSH
• 3pm: OSH to OSMH
• 3:30pm: OSMH to OSH
• 4pm: OSH to OSMH
• 4:30pm: OSMH to OSH