blue scale photo of a carved cod hanging from a wire, 2 unfocussed portraits hang on the wall behind

Follow the Cod

Boston National Historical Park

Special Event
  • Jan 11, 2023 at 3:00 PM
  • Free

Join Revolutionary Spaces for the 225th anniversary of the transition of Massachusetts government from the Old State House to the current “Bulfinch” State House at 24 Beacon Street.

On January 11, 1798, the Massachusetts Legislature, led by then-Governor Increase Sumner, processed the Sacred Cod from where it hung in Representatives Hall at the Old State House to its new home on Beacon Hill. The Sacred Cod, symbolizing the importance of the codfish industry to Massachusetts in its early years, was commissioned by then-Representative John Rowe (of Rowe’s Wharf fame) and gifted by him to the Legislature. The Sacred Cod now hangs above the Visitors’ Gallery in the House Chamber. Click here to learn more about the unique and fascinating history of the Sacred Cod.

On Wednesday, January 11 at 3:00 PM, guests are invited to watch this community-based reenactment of the procession of the Sacred Cod. Led by a fife-and-drum sextet, honored guests will march from the Old State House at 206 Washington Street to the new State House at 24 Beacon Street. Following the procession, the new State House will be open to the public for tours and will host a reception with food and refreshments.

More information

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

Procession starts at the Old State House and moves to the New State House. full procession route available at the link.

Schedule

Date:

Jan 11, 2023

Time:

3:00 PM

Duration:

1 hour

Event Type

  • Partner Program
Tags: boston national historical park, boston african american national historic site, boston harbor islands national and state park, old state house, massachusetts state house