The Printing Office of Edes & Gill
The Printing Office of Edes & Gill
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Printing Office of Edes & Gill, Boston’s only colonial era printing experience, We are open daily and located along the Freedom Trail at Old North Church, Clough House. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage living historians working their printers trade in pre-revolutionary Boston. We offer unique personal encounters with history and colonial printing. As Boston’s only colonial trade experience and only colonial living history interpretive experience, our historic equipment, live demonstrations, interpreters and historic settings enable new levels of understanding how colonial printing affected communities and sparked a revolution in America. We seek to recreate this experience for visitors and school groups to Boston’s Freedom Trail and to rekindle the spirit of Samuel Adams who urged fellow citizens to join this “animating contest of Liberty!”
Duration: < 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience The Printing Office of Edes & Gill and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Downtown
The largest area of the city, Downtown is rich with historical and iconic sites in Boston. Stroll through one of Boston’s most famous green spaces, the Boston Public Gardens, check out and make way for duckling statues, picnic under a beautiful tree overlooking the pond, and walk over the iconic footbridge where, during summer time, you will catch a swan boat toting children and eager tourists through the pond. Have your camera ready to capture its peaceful beauty in the middle of a bustling city. Continue on through the Gardens and take in some open green space at the Boston Common, where you can spend time throwing a frisbee, sitting on a park bench, or, in the winter time, skating on the frog pond. Head north from the end of the Common to see the golden dome of the State House, and travel through government center to Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall, both a historic and popular destination worth a quick visit for a first time to Boston. Head to Long Wharf to visit the Aquarium, or catch a boat to Charlestown or even Cape Cod.
How to get there
- Haymarket • 7 min walk
- North Station • 9 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,539 within 3 miles
Attractions
937 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
381 reviews
Excellent
291
Very good
77
Average
11
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Kierstin S
49 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Very interesting and informative visit. We learned that with a good team they could print a page every 15 seconds! Wow! We also learned how long it takes to typeset a document, and print a picture. Our 9 year old even enjoyed it.
Written June 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew F
Commerce City, CO349 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
First of all we visited the printing office 4 years ago and our family loved it and looked forward to going back. The location had moved and it now resides in Faneuil Hall. It is not as quaint as it was in the old location but places move. Unfortunately the employees must not have moved. They did no demonstration the two employees were on there cell phones the entire time (while dressed in period specific clothing) which looked absurd. I hear a patron ask a question about the printing press and the woman working was sarcastic and rude. We went to purchase something and were ignored because the one employee was reading a play to the other employee and we needed to wait. Thank you for destroying a memory. I fear the reviews on here are from prior to there move.
Written June 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thoughtfulmum
Weatherford36 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
This site is great for stepping back in time but did you know there is also an opportunity to create your own piece of history? During a recent visit, an adult family member purchased a hand printed copy of the Boston Constitution and the printing was actually completed, with supervision, by this family member on an antique printing press. These days there are not very many places where you can experience the "real deal" but at the Edes and Gill printing office history is being made everyday.
Written October 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marisa2014galwaygirl
California1 contribution
Dec 2015 • Friends
From reading all the positive reviews of the Printing Office of Edes & Gill prior to my Boston trip, I knew this was one place I had to stop by on the Freedom Trail. When I arrived at the shop early on a Sunday morning, a man was on his way out of the building when he saw me peeking through the shop windows to get a glimpse of the famous printing materials. Not knowing who he was, I told him this place had such high reviews on TripAdvisor that I just had to see it even though it was closed. It turns out that man was the owner of the shop! And even though he was heading out the door, on his day off, he stopped what he was doing and proceeded to open the shop doors just for me to gave me a thorough, informative, and very detailed private tour of the printing office. I loved seeing such a rare collection of printing materials and learnt so much from the owner whose passion about his shop and the history behind it was infectious. I will never forget the overwhelming kindness and generosity he showed me in going out of his way to open the doors for me and give me a private tour. Thank you so much again, this stop is a MUST SEE on the Freedom Trail!!!
Written January 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clinton M
Thousand Oaks, CA21 contributions
Oct 2015 • Family
This is an amazing hidden gem in Boston and one everyone should see. We visited Boston with our 10 and 13 year old sons for one day. The kids thoroughly enjoyed the Freedom Trail and all the history. We came upon a sign while walking toward the Old North Church that said live printings of the Declaration of Independence and my 13 year old wanted to check it out. We walked into the quaint back door and stepped back in time over 200 years. The two men inside were in colonial attire and printing on a press from the late 1700's. The presentation was very informative. After leaving the print shop and visiting the Old North Church both of my kids wanted to go back to the printing office to see it again. They were getting ready to close but the shop owners did not hesitate to welcome us in. Seeing my kids genuine interest, the shop owners let my kids print their own copy of the Declaration. My kids were beaming with joy and inspired by history as they put on the ink and made their very own historical document (which is now framed on our wall). In a day and age where everything is trying to be high tech, the Printing Office of Edes and Gill was a true breath of fresh air. Seeing my kids show a heartfelt interest in the historical aspects and embraced by the owners to physically take part in the process was amazing. The location is between the statue of Paul Revere and the Old North Church. Take 15 minutes and don't miss it if you truly want a colonial experience.
In addition to the print shop there is a small chocolate shop that shows you how chocolate was made long ago.The lady dressed in period attire did a great job of explaining and demonstrating how it was done.
Thank you to both of these locations for keeping out American heritage alive an sharing it with others.
In addition to the print shop there is a small chocolate shop that shows you how chocolate was made long ago.The lady dressed in period attire did a great job of explaining and demonstrating how it was done.
Thank you to both of these locations for keeping out American heritage alive an sharing it with others.
Written October 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LeeGleiser
Dallas, TX21 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
Stop by the Printing office at 21 Unity Street, Boston near the Old North Church and learn about how printing was done including seeing original prints of founding father documents. See a real GUTENBERG Printing Press..the press that started it all! Learn from wonderfully hospitable guides who have done their research and can answer all your questions. So fun for the kids and adults alike! Guides are in costume and it is all FREE! Wonderful surprise and so worth your time!
Check out http://bostongazette.org/
for more information!
Check out http://bostongazette.org/
for more information!
Written January 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BamaRedRaider
Huntsville, AL152 contributions
Jul 2013 • Couples
Because it's not specifically listed as a stop on Boston's Freedom Trail, many visitors overlook the Printing Office of Edes & Gill. This is unfortunate because, while many in the area have "commercialized" the American Revolution, it seems that the passion and drive of Master Printer Gary Gregory has helped the Printing Office to avoid that trap.
My wife and I stumbled upon this gem -- housed in the Clouse House and adjacent to the Old North Church -- on July 3rd and to say that Gary was in "top form" would be an understatement. Working on the original printing press used to print the Boston edition of the Declaration of Independence over 230 years ago, Gary helped us to understand -- perhaps better than any tour guide had so far -- what it meant for men to print or sign the Declaration. It was amazing to consider the threat these men were under and the sacrifices they were willing to make to see this new country succeed! (Candidly, this was probably my favorite part of Boston -- I will soon have the very Declaration of Independence that I saw printed on the same press another, original Declaration was printed 238 years ago. A very special record of a very special memory.)
HELPFUL HINTS:
1. This is a quick stop -- 15 minutes tops -- even if you engage the knowledgeable Master Printer in a conversation concerning his work.
2. Gary will sell you the print that he makes as you watch -- you just have to ask. Also, if you'd like to have him sign the back of the Declaration -- a neat tribute to a man who is really passionate about his work -- he'll be glad to... but you'll need to have a pen handy.
3. Next door to the Print Offices is a gift shop where you can pick up other souvenirs and even watch historically-inspired demonstrations, e.g., chocolate making. If your little ones aren't really interested in the history of paper but would be more inclined toward chocolate-making (with an adult from your party supervising), this is a great place to take a short break.
My wife and I stumbled upon this gem -- housed in the Clouse House and adjacent to the Old North Church -- on July 3rd and to say that Gary was in "top form" would be an understatement. Working on the original printing press used to print the Boston edition of the Declaration of Independence over 230 years ago, Gary helped us to understand -- perhaps better than any tour guide had so far -- what it meant for men to print or sign the Declaration. It was amazing to consider the threat these men were under and the sacrifices they were willing to make to see this new country succeed! (Candidly, this was probably my favorite part of Boston -- I will soon have the very Declaration of Independence that I saw printed on the same press another, original Declaration was printed 238 years ago. A very special record of a very special memory.)
HELPFUL HINTS:
1. This is a quick stop -- 15 minutes tops -- even if you engage the knowledgeable Master Printer in a conversation concerning his work.
2. Gary will sell you the print that he makes as you watch -- you just have to ask. Also, if you'd like to have him sign the back of the Declaration -- a neat tribute to a man who is really passionate about his work -- he'll be glad to... but you'll need to have a pen handy.
3. Next door to the Print Offices is a gift shop where you can pick up other souvenirs and even watch historically-inspired demonstrations, e.g., chocolate making. If your little ones aren't really interested in the history of paper but would be more inclined toward chocolate-making (with an adult from your party supervising), this is a great place to take a short break.
Written August 4, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie M
Valatie, NY4 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
By chance we stopped at the Print Shop of Edes and Gill while walking around the North End
of Boston. The printer was making copies of the Declaration of Independence and explained
how it was done in 1776. We got a lot of historical information as well as a great demonstration.
It was unscheduled but turned out to be one of the best spots on our trip. And it was free! They
do sell printed materials.
of Boston. The printer was making copies of the Declaration of Independence and explained
how it was done in 1776. We got a lot of historical information as well as a great demonstration.
It was unscheduled but turned out to be one of the best spots on our trip. And it was free! They
do sell printed materials.
Written August 11, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gablenlombard
Appleton, WI145 contributions
Jul 2021
Alot like the Ben Franklin museum in Philly. Makes you appreciate what these people went through just to have a newspaper! or a book for that matter
Written August 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bLiselotte
Palatine, IL598 contributions
Jun 2019 • Solo
This is on main floor of Faneuil Hall. As I was shopping for some souveniers I was drawn in despite myself. It is a open side of the hall and has guide? performer? that walks through the history of the printing shop and its importance to our American Nation. Fun for Adults and Kids.
Written July 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
According to other info I found online, this is no longer in Clough House effective May 2018. Their website says it's moving. Where did it go? Is it currently closed?
Written June 19, 2018
michealm42
Converse, Indiana
I am developing a program about Colonial Era Printing and am looking for a source for equipment and various related items I was trained as a printer in the late 50s and can use most of the equipment I am a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the program will be presented to schools, civic and patriotic organizations.
Written October 15, 2015
Contact the employee who works at this Printing Office, who is himself a printer by training and well-educated in the history of printing machines. He is an afficionado and would be a good resource.
Written October 16, 2015
What time is Check in and Check out
Written May 29, 2015
Showing results 1-4 of 4
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing