Foundations of America: A 3-Day Boston History Itinerary for High School Students

Day 1: Colonial and Revolutionary Boston

Morning: Freedom Trail Tour

9:00am – 12:00pm

Start your day by exploring the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile-long brick path through downtown Boston that passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States. We recommend joining a guided tour to get the most out of the experience. Tour guides will provide historical insights and lesser-known stories that are sure to keep students captivated. You can also download the Freedom Trail app for more information. Highlights include the Massachusetts State House, Granary Burying Ground (where many famous historical figures are buried) and the restored home of Paul Revere.

Lunch: Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall Marketplace

12:15pm – 1:30pm

Head to Quincy Market for lunch. This historic site was opened to the public in 1826 and today is still a bustling hub that’s popular among visitors and locals alike. Inside the market hall you’ll find grab-and-go options from nearly 30 locations – from pizza and seafood to sandwiches and sushi. This is a great option that offers something for everyone. There is plentiful seating in the upstairs rotunda as well as outside in Faneuil Hall.

Afternoon: Further Exploration of Key Freedom Trail Sites

1:45pm – 4:15pm

Head back out to explore even more of the Freedom Trail, finishing up where you left off. Most guided student tours will conclude around Faneuil Hall or in the North End, so consider venturing on further, as the end of the route holds some of the most captivating attractions. Be sure to visit the Charlestown Navy Yard and USS Constitution Museum as well as Bunker Hill Monument and the accompanying Bunker Hill Museum. A climb to the top of the obelisk promises a thrilling view over all of Boston.

Evening: Harbor Cruise with Dinner

5:00pm – 9:00pm

Make this evening one to remember as your group takes in the sights of downtown Boston and the harbor along with many of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Student-friendly menu options, entertainment and all-inclusive packages can be customized to fit your budget. Show your students a new side of the city with incredible views of the Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, the Seaport District, the historic USS Constitution and more from the Harbor! Customize your event with City Experiences.

Day 1: Distance and Travel Time Chart

Morning and afternoon activities take place along the historic 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, which is marked by a brick path throughout the city. Conclude the afternoon activities at Bunker Hill or the USS Constitution and head to the cruise departure point in the evening:

• Distance: 1.5 miles
• Walking: 35 minutes
• Public Transit: Charlestown Ferry from Navy Yard Ferry Terminal to Long Wharf
• Car: 12 minutes

Day 2: American Political History

Morning: Commonwealth Museum

9:00am – 12:00pm

Massachusetts has always been a leader in the quest for equal rights and opportunities. The Commonwealth Museum brings the story to life with state-of-the-art interactive exhibits and the dramatic “treasures gallery”, which holds important historic documents. In a guided tour, students explore Massachusetts history and learn about the state’s role in developing rights for all Americans, with programs tailored to each grade level.

Lunch: JFK Café

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Located just next door and inside the following stop on your tour, the library’s cafe is the perfect place for group dining with views of the Boston city skyline. Sandwiches, soups, salads, beverages and snacks are available. Bag and box lunches can also be made available to school groups by calling the office at 617.514.1586 for more information and menus.

Afternoon: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

1:00pm – 4:00pm

Located on a ten-acre park overlooking the sea, the JFK Library is dedicated to the memory of our nation’s thirty-fifth president and to all those who through the art of politics seek a new and better world. On weekday mornings during the school year, the Library’s Department of Education and Public Programs offers a variety of structured programs for high school classes visiting the museum. Self-guided visits for grades 6-12 are also welcome, and note that all museum visits by school groups must be scheduled in advance.

Evening: Dinner & Ghosts and Gravestones Tour

5:00pm – 9:00pm

Start off the evening with dinner at Union Oyster House, Boston’s oldest and most famous restaurant. Students will be treated to a memorable dining experience that is quintessential New England. Each floor of the restaurant offers a unique design and has its own story to tell.

Then head over to catch a Ghosts and Gravestones Tour, where students will learn about a totally different (and darker) side of Boston’s history. Explore some of Boston’s most ‘haunted’ sites, walk among 400-year-old burying grounds, see Boston’s most haunted hotel and listen to tales of times gone by.

Day 2: Distance and Travel Time Chart

Commonwealth Museum to John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

• Distance: 0.2 miles
• Walking: 4 minutes

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum to Union Oyster House

• Distance: 4.2 miles
• Walking: I hour 35 minutes
• Public Transit: Bus 8 or 16 to the JFK/UMass stop. Transfer to Red line toward Alewife and get off at Downtown Crossing
• Car: 18-25 minutes

Day 3: Changing the Course of History

Morning: Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

10:00am – 11:30am

Start your day with a truly unique Boston experience, where students can explore the events leading up to the Boston Tea Party through interactive exhibits, live reenactments and a tour of authentically restored tea ships. One of the most popular parts of the tour involves throwing tea overboard into the harbor (unlike the original event, the current tea crates are empty and tied to ropes for easy retrieval). This museum is the perfect blend of fun and educational, and is sure to help students develop a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in American history.

Lunch: High Street Place Food Hall

11:45pm – 12:45pm

On your way to the next stop take a break at High Street Place Food Hall, a vibrant collection of nearly 20 eateries that is sure to have something for everyone. Pasta, pizza, tacos, seafood, sushi, sandwiches and more are all available from celebrated local establishments and there is plenty of space for groups.

Afternoon: Boston African American National Historic Site

1:00pm – 4:00pm

Arrive in Boston’s historic and charming Beacon Hill neighborhood and see where the African American community of 1800s Boston led the city and the nation in the fight against slavery and injustice. Take a guided tour of the Black Heritage Trail to learn more about the remarkable men and women who were leaders in the Abolition Movement, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War and the early struggle for equal rights and education. Be sure to spend time at the Museum of African American History exploring exhibits that chronicle the history and contributions of African Americans in Boston.

Evening: Departure

Day 3: Distance and Travel Time Chart

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum to the Museum of African American History

• Distance: 1.1 miles
• Walking: 26 minutes
• Public Transit: Red line from South Station to Park Street
• Car: 15 minutes