History Program Road to Reopening
August 2021 Updates
Each August marks a special period in King’s Chapel’s history - the 1754 anniversary of the chapel's reopening upon completion of the newly-constructed stone chapel. After a period of disruption and modifications to regular building use, the congregation returned to a sense of normalcy when they were once again able to return to their beloved chapel.

The King's Chapel History Program has also been hard at work rebuilding and preparing to reopen for public visitation after its unprecedented closure in March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit Boston. After about sixteen months with our doors closed, this August the History Program is pleased to announce its tentative plans to reintroduce in-person tours this fall.

While plans are still in the works and subject to change, we hope you will continue to follow along as we move towards our target reopening date of Thursday, September 16.

We are not yet taking reservations for individual visitors, but those interested in group tours and programs - including returning school groups and faith communities - are encouraged to contact the History Program Director ([email protected]) for more information about starting the process of scheduling group visits and customized virtual programs.
August 2021 Reopening Statement
Target Reopening Date: Thursday, September 16, 2021
The King’s Chapel History Program is pleased to announce tentative plans to return to in-person tours and visitation this September. At this time, our target reopening date is Thursday, September 16, 2021. 

While we continue to work on reopening plans that ensure the health and safety of both staff and visitors and that will provide both meaningful and unique visitor experiences, please note that opening dates, information, and regulations are subject to change. 

Pre-Booked Timed Ticketing, Thursdays - Saturdays
Upon reopening, all tours will initially be pre-booked online through timed tickets. Gradually, the History Program will offer extended hours and programs, but expects the following modified hours of operations:
Thursdays 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Fridays 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturdays 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Continuation of Virtual Programs and Online Content
Throughout the summer, the History Program will continue to offer a robust schedule of virtual programs and online content. Visitors to the physical location, while unable to enter the building, are encouraged to use the QR codes posted on banners to access content and learn more about the site and its community’s rich history. 

Safety Protocols
Our reopening plans will be in accordance with guidelines from the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and may include further restrictions that we have determined to be in the best interest for our staff and public. 

Upon reopening, visitors are required to comply with the following regulations:
  • Wear a mask or face covering throughout the duration of your visit, regardless of vaccination status
  • Comply with posted signage and additional regulations conveyed by King’s Chapel staff

To learn more about visiting our neighboring historic sites and museums along the Freedom Trail, please visit the Freedom Trail Foundation website.
Thank you in advance for your flexibility and understanding while these measures are in place to keep employees and visitors safe along the Freedom Trail.
Other History Program News
Exclusive Mobile Content Available for Freedom Trail Walkers
Visitors exploring the Freedom Trail will find a banner hanging at the corner of School and Tremont Street at King's Chapel. A QR code on the banner takes visitors to exclusive mobile content, including a brief overview of King's Chapel's history, frequently asked questions, and more!

We also launched our mobile walking tour, available through the QR code or here, which overviews our history by exploring sections of the Burying Ground and the King's Chapel building exterior. You may be surprised how much history you can get by just looking at a historic building's exterior more closely..

We are thrilled to announce that over 3,750 visitors have viewed the content through our QR code to date and invite you to also explore the chapel's exterior while we continue our reopening plans!
Now Available: Revolutionary King's Chapel Online Exhibit
King's Chapel History Program staff have been working hard the past month to debut our new online exhibit "Revolutionary King's Chapel."

This online exhibit explores the American Revolution in Boston through the varied experiences of the King’s Chapel community, inside and outside the walls of the stone chapel. It also considers how these stories reflect ideas of freedom, faith, tolerance, and justice, both in the past and today.

Explore the online exhibit today to dive deeper into this fascinating period in King's Chapel's history!
Dedication Ceremony of Public Marker Honoring African Ancestors of the Middle Passage to be held Sunday August 22, 2021
Martha. Richard. William. Lancashire. Dinah. Mary. Jane. William. Benjamin. Pharaoh. These are the names of just ten people of African descent who appear in King's Chapel's 18th-century church records. The presence of each of these individuals in Boston is a stark reminder of the millions of people forcibly transported into slavery through the Middle Passage.

This Sunday, August 22, the names of these 10 individuals will be read alongside names of enslaved members of Boston’s oldest churches as part of a dedication ceremony for Boston's Middle Passage Port Marker in an event organized by representatives from the National Parks of Boston, the Museum of African American History, community activists, and representatives from Boston's colonial-era churches including King's Chapel, Old South Church, and the Old North Church.