School Trips to Boston for Cross-Curricular Studies

This 2.5 mile walking tour through the compact city of Boston reveals the rich history of America’s Revolution – the events that led up to the historic break from Britain. It starts at Boston Common and takes in 16 historical sites, including King’s Chapel, the Benjamin Franklin statue, The Old State House, the site of the Boston Massacre, and USS Constitution.

Sometimes referred to as ‘the Cradle of Liberty’, Faneuil Hall has been a marketplace and a meeting hall since 1742. It was the site of several speeches by Samuel Adams, James Otis and others, encouraging independence from Great Britain. The third floor contains the museum and armoury of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts.

A major educational resource, this aquarium a must-visit for students interested in marine life hosts more than 1.3m visitors a year. They can observe the behaviour of aquatic animals from green sea turtles to leafy seadragons and bonnethead sharks. Exhibits include the Giant Ocean Tank and the Simons IMAX Theatre – taller than a six-storey building.

This guided walking tour explores the history of Boston’s 19th century African American community. Run by the Museum of African American History, it takes in the African Meeting House, the Abiel Smith School, and various historic homes. Students learn about the days of slavery, and the development of a free black community in Massachusetts. Photo © Paul Downey.

Fenway Park has been the home of Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912 and is the oldest major league baseball stadium in use. Due to its age and location in a dense residential neighbourhood, it has many unique, quirky features such as ‘Pesky’s Pole’ and the famous ‘Green Monster’ wall, which stands 37 feet 2 inches high overlooking leftfield.

Take your group on a visit to this famous Ivy-League university. The tour is student-led and comprises an outdoor walk through Harvard Yard, providing a history of the university, general information, and a unique view on the student’s individual experience. Photo © Jacob Rus.

Tip: As the tour is outdoors please dress appropriately for the weather

Students can see how British treatment of American protestors led to the declaration of independence from the British Empire and the principle of monarchy. The resentments and repressions that led to the roots of modern democratic developments can be traced at the sites of the Boston Massacre in State Street and the Boston Tea Party at the harbour.

Students can learn about the life and times of the famous American patriot Paul Revere at his former home. He is most famous for his ‘Midnight Ride’ from Boston to Lexington, on April 18, 1775, to warn American patriots about advancing British troops. His house, built about 1680, is downtown Boston’s oldest building and is run as a non-profit museum.

Your group travels on a high-speed catamaran to Stellwagen Bank, the East Coast’s most famous whale watching destination. Its heavy concentration of humpback, finback, and minke whales guarantees an adventure filled with chances to view and learn about whales in their natural habitat.

Tip: Whale watching excursions are available from April to September

This museum, just yards from the vessel known as ‘Old Ironsides’, brings its history to life. Interactive galleries show how the ship has remained undefeated since being launched in 1797. Students can learn about her actions during the War of 1812 against Great Britain, and see how sailors ate a diet of hardtack and grog, and climbed masts 200 feet in the air.