Old North Church Lit the Spark of the American Revolution
Old North Church is world-famous for the extraordinary events of April 18, 1775. That night, the church’s sexton, Robert Newman, and a vestryman, Captain John Pulling, Jr., broke Boston’s military curfew and secretly climbed Old North’s steeple to display two lanterns. The lanterns were a coded signal, devised by Paul Revere, that British troops were traveling across the Charles River (“by sea” and not “by land”) to seize military supplies stockpiled by colonists. The signal launched a network of riders who spread the message far and wide.
Explore Our Historic Campus
Our campus is home to historic buildings and spaces that continue to honor the past and create new connections with visitors from around the world.
Meet the People That Shaped Old North
Hear the stories of Old North’s most interesting congregants and visitors.
Hear the Sounds of the Old North
1759 Pipe Organ
Old North Church’s beautiful 1759 pipe organ is a focal point in our sanctuary and a key part of our congregation’s church services. Learn about the organ’s history, how it works, how it is maintained, how it is used during religious services, and how to hear it live.
Change Ringing Bells
Old North Church houses the oldest set of change ringing bells in North America. Our eight change ringing bells were cast by Abell Rudhall in Gloucester, England in 1744.
Dive Further Into Our History
Learn more about the history of Old North Church and the American Revolution.
A Crash Course in the American Revolution
Has it been a while since history class? Refresh your memory of the American Revolution with these resources.
Who Held the Lanterns in the Steeple of Old North?
In this video, Old North Researcher T.J. Todd examines the question of who held Old North’s lanterns in April of 1775.
Who Built Old North?
In this video, Old North Researcher T.J. Todd looks at who built the Old North Church in 1723.
