The Old State House was the central point of the city?s civic life during the 18th century as well as the site for some of the most dramatic points that led to the American Revolution. Within the walls of the site, James Otis, Samuel Adams, John Adams, and John Hancock debated on the future of the British colonies.

The building where the Museum is housed also served as the 1st state house for the Commonwealth Massachusetts. It was then used for other purposes in the 19th century such as a city hall, a shopping arcade, post office, offices, and merchants? exchange. The building was restored in 1881 by the Bostonian Society. It started to operate as a Museum, which it still is today.

Visitors to the Museum will discover amazing stories about people and events that helped shape the city?s history, colony, state, and nation.