The Crypt
On a self-guided tour of Old North’s crypt you will learn about the burial practices of early congregants, get introduced to some of the notable crypt “occupants” who have rested in this unique space for hundreds of years, and find out about discoveries from recent archaeological work.
Over 1,100 Bodies Lie Beneath Old North
From 1732 to 1860, the church interred congregants below its very floorboards as a way to meet the burial demands of the congregation, while also taking advantage of all available space that the church possessed.
In the basement, 37 separate brick vaults comprise the tombs. In each tomb, 20 – 24 coffins could be buried. Most of the people buried in the crypt were members of the congregation. Two of the most famous burials at Old North are Capt. Samuel Nicholson, the first captain of USS Constitution, and Maj. John Pitcairn, a British officer killed at the battle of Bunker Hill.
Explore the Secrets of the Crypt on a Self-Guided Tour
Both of our tour options include access to Old North’s historic crypt.
$10 adults; $5 youth (5 & under free)
Self-guided tour
Discovery Pass
The Discovery Pass includes a self-guided tour of Old North Church’s beautiful sanctuary and crypt, an immersive audio guide, and a fun family scavenger hunt.
$10 adults; $5 youth (5 & under free)
Self-guided tour
Discovery Pass
- A self-guided tour of Old North Church’s beautiful sanctuary
- Our award-winning history exhibit
- An immersive audio guide for adults and a special audio adventure for kids
- A fun family scavenger hunt
- A self-guided tour of the crypt where 1,100 people were laid to rest
$15 adults; $10 youth (5 & under free)
Guided tour
Discovery Pass + Bell Chamber Tour
Includes a guided tour of the bell ringing chamber where Paul Revere rang bells as a teenager, and everything in the Discovery Pass.
$15 adults; $10 youth (5 & under free)
Guided tour
Discovery Pass + Bell Chamber Tour
- Includes everything in the Discovery Pass
- Enjoy a 25-minute behind-the-scenes tour of the bell chamber
- See where Paul Revere rang bells
- Learn about “change ringing” and the steeple
- Group sizes range from 1–20 people
- Tour requires climbing two sets of steep stairs
$20 (5 & under free)
Guided tour
After-Hours Crypt Tours
Old North is offering after-hours tours of our historic crypt! These 45-minute guided adventures take you beneath the church’s sanctuary, where 1,100 people were laid to rest.
$20 (5 & under free)
Guided tour
After-Hours Crypt Tours
These 45-minute guided adventures take you beneath the church’s sanctuary, where 1,100 souls were laid to rest in 37 tombs. You’ll learn about the crypt’s notable “occupants,” colonial death practices, and the latest archaeological discoveries.
Tours will run at 6:00 and 6:45pm on Thursday – Saturday nights starting on October 1 (excluding October 3 and 9). Beginning on October 15, tours will run nightly through October 31.
