Paul Revere House

[marcusmarcusrc]

Six years ago I was taking a visitor along the Freedom Trail, and we stopped in at the Paul Revere House and found hot mulled cider, tasty baked goods, and a guy playing a hammered dulcimer that he'd built himself to 18th century specifications*. Since then, I have returned for the Revere House christmas party several times, including once the day after a 2 foot snowfall where the North End was blanketed in white and there was nary a car in the road. I plan on going again this Saturday morning, probably around 11ish. But I encourage people to check out the Revere House events in general - for example, I got to see a glass harmonica there one summer, which is just a really fascinating instrument (first designed by Ben Franklin).

*He makes instruments for a living, and told a story that a museum sent him 18th century dulcimer plans and asked him to make a "historically accurate" instrument. He asked if they planned to play it, or just display it, because he couldn't guarantee that the sound would be any good compared to more modern plans. They told him that they cared about accuracy more than sound, so he went ahead and followed the plans to the letter. Apparently, after testing out the dulcimer, he promptly tossed all the modern plans he had because he much preferred the sound of the old design...

Comments

[fanw.livejournal.com]

Sounds very fun, but I don't think I can make it. I do remember the harpsichord guy though. Last time it was quite fun!