Revere House Radio

When Paul, Sarah, Rachel, or any Revere found a tear in their clothing, what did they do next? Today’s guest, Emily Whitted, is examining early American textile repair for her dissertation. Her research touches on cultural, economic, and military history and has brought her into the collections of a wide range of museums. To finish out Season 5 of Revere House Radio, interpreters Derek and Greg discuss some of the details that help them and our visitors see Paul Revere as a real person. Some information on our Facebook page about the sampler made by Revere’s great-granddaughter Book: The Needle’s Eye: Women and Work in the Age of Revolution, by Marla Miller (2006) Explore the University of Rhode Island’s textile collection online A brief summary of different ways the Revere House has been used over the yearshttps://www.paulreverehouse.org/

“He was a fan!” today’s guest says about Paul Revere’s relationship to Freemasonry. Hilary Anderson Stelling is the Director of Collections and Exhibitions at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library in Lexington, MA. We discuss Freemasonry in Revere’s life and in the Revolution, silver and paper objects Revere made for a number of lodges, and how Revere shows up in all kinds of other objects. Additionally, interpreters Derek and Kathryn talk about the novel Johnny Tremain, which was written by a biographer of Paul Revere and was the inspiration for a Disney movie and part of the inspiration for Liberty Square in the Disney parks. Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library An example of the jewels we discuss A second example The Masonic summons we discuss The can of tomatoes The matchbox There are a number of editions of Johnny Tremain and Forbes’s biography of Revere on the Internet Archive, and we also sell them in our gift shop.https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

The North End is geographically one of the smallest neighborhoods in Boston, but it has a big personality. Dr. Jessica Dello Russo is a native North Ender and therefore a neighbor of the Paul Revere House. In today’s episode, she discusses her experiences seeing the neighborhood change over the decades, her background as an archaeologist, and history shared by the North End Historical Society. To close out the show, high school interns Erin and Elena talk about the perspectives they gained by spending a week learning about the Paul Revere House. The North End neighborhood on Google maps St. Leonard’s Church virtual tour. Created by the church, this tour has information about the religious meaning of visual elements in the space, but it is also a good visual resource for people who have not been inside a church like this one. North End Historical Society Streaming film “Boston’s North End: An Italian American Story” Mr. Revere and I by Robert Lawson on The Internet Archive https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

Genna Kane, a former Paul Revere House interpreter, shares stories and analysis from her dissertation research on the history of Boston’s waterfront. We are only a few blocks from the harbor at the Paul Revere House, and many people describe the North End and Waterfront neighborhoods as one. In the interview, we get into changing commercial and industrial functions, sea level rise, the creation of waterfront parks, and more. At the close of the show, high school interns Keyana and Maddie share a bit about their internship project and what they learned about museums.Map of Boston in 1722 by John Bonner in the Massachusetts Historical SocietyBoston Green Ribbon Commission North End / Waterfront Climate Alliance 1876 lithograph of a ship leaving Cunard Wharf in 1844 using the canal cut in the ice. India Wharf Bulfinch warehouse as photographed in 1903 c. 1927 photo of bathers at North End Beach Virtual exhibit created by our 2025 high school interns https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

Happy 251st anniversary of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride! Massachusetts Poet Laureate Regie Gibson is the guest in this episode, and we talk about the role of poetry in society and about Paul Revere's life. He shares his poem “Dear Paul Revere, or Forge, Shape, Shine” and we discuss his process for creating this piece that explores what Revere’s legacy means today. To round out the show, high school interns Arabella and Veronica share a bit about what they learned about history.Regie's websitePhillis Wheatley postage stamp Just the recording and text of "Dear Paul Revere" by Regie Gibson Text of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “Paul Revere’s Ride”  A digitized recording of “Paul Revere (Won’t You Ride for Us Again)” Regie’s recommendations:Walt Whitman – Link to online edition of Leaves of Grass       Doris Kearns Goodwin David McCullough  What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism by Dan Rather and Elliot Kirschner      https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

We're starting season five with an interview with R.P. Hale, an educator, craftsman and musician who has worked with the Revere House on special events for several decades. We'll talk instrument making, paper marbling, and printing, and how these and other crafts were interwoven with daily life in the 18th century. In our interpreter segment, Derek and Natalie talk about international trade and religious perspectives in Boston.Paul Revere’s engraving showing the obelisk for the Stamp Act repeal celebration Internet Archive copy of Paul Revere’s Engravings by Clarence BrighamVideo presentation commemorating Paul Revere’s Massacre memorial illuminations https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

We're releasing a new season of Revere House Radio starting in mid-April. Season Five will include six interviews with historians, colleagues from related museums, and more, with discussions ranging from Masonry to Boston's waterfront, textile repair, to harpsichords.https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

For the last episode of Season Four, recent Paul Revere House Research Fellow Ryan Bachman discusses his research into Black residents in the North End, in the decade that legal slavery ended in Massachusetts and the decades that followed. He highlights some of his favorite stories and discusses the challenges and opportunities of tracing people’s lives through government documents such as census data and tax records. In Our Favorite Questions, interpreters Derek and Colton talk about the power of physical places and objects in connecting with history. We’ll be back with more Revere House Radio next spring!The map, presented on our blogShort biography of Salem Poor from American Battlefield TrustBook: Black Boston: African American Life and Culture in Urban America, 1750-1860 by George LevesqueBook: Black Bostonians: Family Life and Community Struggle in the Antebellum North, by James Oliver Horton and Lois E. HortonArticle: The Forgotten Legacy of Boston’s Historic Black Graveyard by Dart AdamsBook: Disowning Slavery: Gradual Emancipation and "Race" in New England, 1780–1860 by Joanne Pope MelishBook: Memoir of Mrs. Chloe Spear, a native of Africa, who was enslaved in childhood, and died in Boston, January 3, 1815https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

In this episode we welcome Sarah McDonough of the Lexington History Museums. We discuss what happened when Paul Revere reached Lexington, some individuals’ stories from that revolutionary moment and that era, and the magic that happens in both costumed interpretation and large reenactments like the ones coming up. In the Our Favorite Questions segment, Revere House interpreter Jay shares some details of 18th-century daily life.Please note that the episode includes discussion of some of the violent realities of both war and slavery. Lexington History Museums1825 book that includes William Munroe’s accountA History of the Fight at Concord, by Ezra Ripley (Google Books link)Dolly Hancock’s account“Mark Hung in Chains:” Slavery & Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride” from our Revere Express blogLiberty and Servitude at the Hancock-Clarke HousePatriots’ Day events in LexingtonApril 18th events in Boston and Charlestownhttps://www.paulreverehouse.org/

This episode’s guest is Nikki Stewart, Executive Director of Old North Illuminated. She says that Old North Church is famous for just one minute, when Paul Revere’s signal lanterns shone, but there’s a lot more to the church’s long history. Nikki shares information that research has uncovered in the past five years and how it has reshaped their interpretation of the historic site. In the Our Favorite Things segment, interpreters Corbin and Derek talk about historical legends and how people in different eras could have markedly different ways of viewing the world. Old North IlluminatedHub history podcastPlay: Revolution’s EdgeLanterns and Luminaries event honoring Ken Burns250th events at Old North and beyondUpcoming events at the Paul Revere House, including April 18 eventsDr. Jaimie Crumley on Beulah Speen: “The Social Construction of Race in Early Massachusetts History”Dr. Jaimie Crumley’s PRMA lecture "Old England in New England: Contradictions in the History of Boston's Old North Church"https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

In the kickoff to season 4, we are re-airing excerpts from a five-part series that previous host Robert released in 2020, all about the Midnight Ride. The 250th anniversary of the Midnight Ride is this April 18, so more Ride content is coming soon! In addition, Paul Revere House interpreters Derek and Hann kick off this season’s Our Favorite Questions segment, discussing disease and death in the colonial era, Rachel Revere, and more.Revere Express blog post, “Paul Revere’s ‘Other Rides’”Midnight Ride information on our new website for students and teachers, including primary sourcesRevere’s report to Jeremy BelknapUpcoming events at the Paul Revere HouseBook: Spies, Soldiers, and Saboteurs: Women of the American Revolution, by K.M. Waldvogelhttps://www.paulreverehouse.org/

3.6: If not “The Black Paul Revere,” Who was Wentworth Cheswill?: interview with John HermanNH patriot Wentworth Cheswill is sometimes termed “The Black Paul Revere,” but he’s a fascinating historical figure in his own right. John Herman is an English teacher who got hooked on researching and sharing Cheswill’s story. To wrap up season 3, former podcast co-host Robert is the guest on the segment Our Favorite Questions.Book: Wentworth Cheswill’s Ride: Chasing a Would-Be American Folk Hero by John HermanJohn’s websiteThe Lakewood (Ohio) Historical Societyhttps://www.paulreverehouse.org/

In 1954, during a legal battle over her right to perform in Boston, actress and singer Christine Jorgensen visited the Paul Revere House. This episode’s guest, Mehitabel Glenhaber, wrote a Revere House Gazette article about these events. Interpreter Cal shares how her training as a historical archaeologist informs how she answers her favorite visitor questions.Photo: Christine Jorgenson walking into Paul Revere's homePhoto: Christine Jorgenson outside Boston Information centerPhoto: Christine Jorgenson inside Paul Revere's house, kneeling beside a rocking cradleBook: Christine Jorgensen, a Personal Autobiography by Christine JorgensenInformation on Paul Revere House membership and Gazette subscriptionInformation on archeological work done at the Paul Revere House, 1980s-2010sBook: Purchasing Identity in the Atlantic World: Massachusetts Merchants, 1670-1780 by Phyllis Whitman Hunterhttps://www.paulreverehouse.org/

On select Saturdays, visitors get to interact with Paul Revere himself, as portrayed by Mike LePage. In this episode, Mike shares his experiences in the world of historical reenacting. Interpreter Adam is the guest on Our Favorite Questions.Upcoming Paul Revere House events, including visits with Paul Revere Book: Paul Revere's Ride by David Hackett FischerBook: A True Republican: The Life of Paul Revere by Jayne E. TriberBook: Johnny Tremain: a story of Boston in Revolt by Esther ForbesWinslow House MuseumAdams National Historic ParkBook: Midnight Ride, Industrial Dawn: Paul Revere and the Growth of American Enterprise by Robert Martellohttps://www.paulreverehouse.org/

On September 16, 1774, Paul Revere delivered the Suffolk Resolves to the delegates at the First Continental Congress, held at Carpenters’ Hall in Philadelphia. This episode’s guest is Michael Norris, Executive Director of Carpenters’ Hall, which is now a historic site. We’ll also hear a second excerpt from the Suffolk Resolves and hear from interpreter Cadee in Our Favorite Questions.Carpenters’ HallThe Suffolk Resolves full text, from the Massachusetts Historical SocietyJohn Adams’s “Sinful Feast” journal entry (about ⅓ down the page, Septr. 8.)https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

On September 11, 1774, Paul Revere set out from Milton, MA to Philadelphia with a document that left the royal government “thunderstruck,” the Suffolk Resolves. In this episode, Diann Ralph will describe the impact this now-obscure document had on the Revolution. We’ll also hear an excerpt from the opening of the document, and Tegan will introduce Derek, who will be hosting the segment Our Favorite Questions.Milton Historical Society (Suffolk Resolves House)The Suffolk Resolves full text, from the Massachusetts Historical SocietyBook: 1774: The Long Year of Revolution by Mary Beth NortonBook: ​​King and Congress: The Transfer of Political Legitimacy, 1774-1776 by Jerrilyn Greene Marston Pamphlet: The Story of the Suffolk ResolvesBook: Life and Times of Joseph Warren by Richard FrothinghamInformation on Paul Revere House membership and Gazette subscriptionhttps://www.paulreverehouse.org/

Revere House Radio is back! In this episode, podcast founder Adrienne introduces the new host, Tegan, and we talk about the podcast and Adrienne’s favorite questions from visitors. Book: A Midwife’s Tale by Laurel Thatcher UlrichOur new education website "Paul Revere's Life: Learning Resources"https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

What was the weather like in the Colonial period? This episode outlines a handful of extreme weather events Revere experienced, as well as what the weather was like on the day of recording! Read Jeremiah Newland's poem about the Cape Ann Earthquake herehttps://www.paulreverehouse.org/

This week, we explore what Paul Revere was doing during and just after the Siege of Boston, which took place between April 1775 and March 1776. Where was Paul Revere Jr. during the Siege of Boston?Boston1775's various blog posts about the Siege of BostonMassachusetts Historical Society online resources about the Siege of Bostonhttps://www.paulreverehouse.org/

This week, we're talking privies, drains, and sewers! We're discussing various digs done our site in recent years, and what archeology can teach us about the past, and help us preserve it for the future.Massachusett websiteInteractive map to learn more about the first nations in your areaNina Rodwin's blog post about Paul Revere and the board of healthJoe Bagley showcasing some finds from the dig done at the Pierce-Hichborn HouseWebsite for the Boston Archeology Departmenthttps://www.paulreverehouse.org/

This week, we're taking listener and visitor questions all about Paul Revere's Midnight Ride in 1775. We talk horse names, mystery trunks, and family drama in this episode. Did we miss something you're curious about? Shoot us an email at [email protected] and maybe we'll answer it on a future episode! Some links to things mentioned in the show:What was Paul Revere Jr. the oldest boy in the family, doing during the Siege of Boston? Listen to this episode from October 2020 to find out more. What did Boston look like in 1775? Check it out!https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

How do we know what Paul and Rachel looked like, and how has the Midnight Ride been depicted over the years? Tune in to find out!Copley's Paul Revere: https://collections.mfa.org/objects/32401Dunkerley's Rachel Revere: https://collections.mfa.org/objects/32537Saint-Mémin's Paul Revere: https://collections.mfa.org/objects/252379Stuart's Paul Revere: https://collections.mfa.org/objects/32402Stuart's Rachel Revere: https://www.masshist.org/database/3448?ft=Revolutionary-Era%20Art%20and%20Artifacts&from=/features/revolutionary-era/people&noalt=1&pid=38Wyeth's Paul Revere: http://collections.brandywine.org/objects/11327/paul-revere;jsessionid=122A13BFC2579556F33FE085400F72FA?ctx=13dd7013-5742-445b-9419-cd3300d28041&idx=7Wood's Paul Revere: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/488577An Example of Ripley's Set: https://www.paulreverehouse.org/reveres-own-words/The Dallin Museum: https://dallin.org/about/https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

In this episode we explore what pregnancy and birth may have looked like for Paul's two wives, Sarah Orne and Rachel Walker. While we don't sources directly from them describing their experiences, Laurel Thatcher Ulrich's book A Midwife's Tale is an immensely helpful resource, along with other articles. For more information about the sixteen children, see our Revere Express post written by Rachel Mead https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

Paul Revere's Illuminations on March 5, 1771 did not occur in a vacuum. What was going on in Boston and with the Revere family at the time, and what impact might they have had on the Sons of Liberty? Listen in to this episode, which comes as part of our 250th anniversary remembrances of Revere's actions, to find out! https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

This episode contains a description of death of a child. On February 22, 1770, an 11 year old boy was shot and killed in the North End of Boston. What was the source of this violence, and what were its consequences? And, one year later, how did Paul Revere deploy imagery of this boy to further a political cause? Listen to find out more. This episode relied heavily on two sources, the Adams Papers at the Massachusetts Historical Society, and J.L. Bell's blog, Boston1775This episode is part of a larger effort to elucidate the context and ramifications of Paul Revere's illuminated display at his house in 1771. Check out our website and social media for more content!https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

In the spring of 2019, the Paul Revere House received a unique collections item - a Revere family bible. In this bible Paul wrote his birthday, confirming a date that we had suspected but not confirmed for decades. Resource explaining Julian vs Gregorian calendars:  https://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/hg/colonialresearch/calendarLearn more about Membership, and read recent Gazettes:https://www.paulreverehouse.org/membership/* Clarification in the episode: Joseph Warren Revere was Paul Revere's 4th son born, the third to survive to adulthood, but the second son who fathered children.https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

The Revere family may have observed a few holidays around this time of year in December, but perhaps not in the way you might think. Listen in to discover what they may have been gathering for, and how their celebrations differed from many of ours today!https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

It is taken for granted today that we should preserve and protect the Paul Revere House, but it hasn't always been this way! What motivated the restoration and preservation of the house? What was the neighborhood like when the museum opened in 1908? This episode explores a little bit of the context surrounding the house, its restoration, and the intent behind early preservationists. Early images of the house post-restoration, showing the DAR plaqueMember of the Paul Revere Pottery at workA piece of Sara Galner's work at the MetRevere Express post about Pauline Revere Thayerhttps://www.paulreverehouse.org/

What about that brick building you see looming over the Revere House courtyard? That's the Pierce/Hichborn House, built in 1711. Listen to learn more about is architectural and peopled history, starting with window making, bookies, and Paul Revere's cousins. The construction of this building took place over many decades and multiple centuries, so can be hard to visualize. I strongly recommend checking out the drawings of the building located on our website here The Boston Archeology Lab website is full of fascinating articles and videos of archeology done in Boston. See more about the dig at Pierce-Hichborn House hereThanks for listening!https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

While our primary interpretive focus at the PRMA is on the Revere family and the Revere House, we have two other great historic structures that we maintain and use. Listen in to learn about the history of Lathrop Place, the 1835 building that now serves as our Education and Visitor Center- it has a rich legacy of use for boarders, families, and for the North End at large!Lathrop Place: https://www.paulreverehouse.org/lathrop-place/The Nazzaro Center: https://nazzarocenter.org/https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

Did you know the last name 'Revere' was an altered name that Paul Revere's father created after immigrating to America? Learn more about his experience as an immigrant in 18th century Boston, and how Paul Revere himself kept in contact with his Rivoire relations throughout his life in this new episode!https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

Paul Revere's 15 year old son was asked to stay behind in Boston while his family evacuated to Watertown from 1775-March of 1776, while the town was under a siege. We don't know a lot about Paul's life during this time, but there are a few tantalizing documents that make us wonder what the teenager's life was like. This episode describes what Paul Jr. could have experienced while living in a town under siege. Learn more about the siege of Boston here.Read more about the other Revere children here.Sign up for our mailing list.https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

While Paul Revere's name is known nationally today, Dr. Joseph Warren's name is generally left out of historical narratives of the American Revolution. What was the connection between these two central figures to the early stages of revolution in Boston, and how did they come to know each other? Listen in to find out!https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

What are the intersections between Judith Sargent Murray's writings, Deborah Sampson's Revolutionary service, and Paul Revere? Listen in to find out!Show Notes:More about Judith Sargent MurraySargent House MuseumReference information about the Massachusetts MagazineVisual and searchable scan of Massachusetts MagazineLetter from Paul Revere to William Eustis regarding Deborah Sampson Gannett's pensionView our online lecture on September 15th herehttps://www.paulreverehouse.org/

What was Paul Revere's education, and how did he become a silversmith? Listen in to learn about his journey through his apprenticeship, and how he carried on the tradition of this educational model!https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

Things did not go smoothly for Paul Revere in the American Revolution after his famous Midnight Ride. In fact, his time during the war ended with a court-martial, but the reason for it might not be what you think. Listen in to this episode to learn about Paul Revere's involvement in the 1779 Penobscot Expedition!https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

Paul Revere was a life-long resident of Boston's North End, and some of his most prominent haunts are still scattered around the neighborhood today. Learn about Revere's hotspots and the changes that occurred in the neighborhood during his life and after!https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

Rachel Revere ran the Revere household for four decades, displaying a wide range of skills and talents in the process. Learn about the work that Rachel, and women like her in Boston, needed to undertake to run ever-expansive homes in the colonial era!https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

This episode provides an introductory history for the Paul Revere House itself! The house is the oldest one in downtown Boston today, and has provided a home for all sorts of people since 1680. Learn about its early years, the different businesses that came out of the house in the 19th century, and when and how the house became a museum. https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

Paul Revere's long life allowed him to witness great changes in global politics. As he transitioned from a British subject to an American citizen, he participated in politics at both local and national levels to varying degrees of success. This episode reveals his party affiliations and his major contributions to Boston and the early United States.https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

Paul Revere's last business venture was also his most successful, both for his personal gain and in his national contributions. Revere took on an ambitious project of opening the United States' first copper rolling mill in 1800, and his work proved to be of lasting significance to his legacy and his nation. https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

While Paul Revere is most known for his famous midnight ride, he also made numerous contributions to the United States in other formats. Revere's silver is highly regarded throughout the country, and this episode explores his origins as a silversmith, what he made, who he sold to, and how his work fit into the American Revolution.https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

Did you now that Paul Revere worked as a dentist in colonial Boston? Learn about the often grisly process of dentistry in his time and how he managed to pull off such an unusual job from Adrienne Turnbull-Reilly!https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

In this episode of Revere House Radio, we explore the question of how involved Paul Revere was with the 1773 Boston Tea Party, and if he was there on the night of December 16. https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

This episode details Paul Revere's connections to the Boston Massacre, both in the moment and its aftermath. The Massacre proved to be a turning point for the American Revolution, and it was also a major event for Paul Revere's career. https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

Paul Revere was much more than a midnight rider or a silversmith- learn about his various career and occupations, ranging from the mundane to the bizarre, in this episode!Erratum:Note that silversmiths usually called themselves “goldsmiths” in the 18th century because most silversmiths worked in both silver and gold. The episode states that Revere used metal wire to “bind teeth together for dentures” – 18th century dentists often used wire to affix dentures to neighboring teeth. The episode states that Paul Revere was “Boston’s fire ward for a time” – he was at the time actually one of several fire wards. https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

In our final Revisit the Ride week episode we explore how significant Paul Revere's actions actually were. We know that there were other riders with various missions on April 18-19, 1775, so just how important was Revere's role? Listen in to find out!https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

In today's episode in our Revisit the Ride week, we explore the question of other riders on the night of April 18/19 1775. Was Paul Revere a lone rider, or were there others with the same mission that night? Listen in to find out!https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

To continue our Revisit the Ride week, today we explore the question of what actually happened on the Midnight Ride. Paul Revere's actions on April 18-19, 1775, have become a mix of fact and lore, so listen in to sift through legend and reality!Erratum:  This episode states that Paul Revere received Deacon John Larkin’s horse from Richard Devens. All we can say definitively is that Paul Revere received Deacon Larkin’s horse.   The episode makes reference to Paul Revere making a few attempts to escape capture by British soldiers in Concord. In Revere’s three accounts of the ride, he only lists one. https://www.paulreverehouse.org/

In continuing our week of returning to the Midnight Ride, today we explore what Paul Revere actually say on April 18-19, 1775. He is most connected to the phrase 'The British are coming!', but does it have historical legs? Listen and find out!https://www.paulreverehouse.org/