Last updated: July 29, 2026
Thing to Do
The Clough House at Old North Church & Historic Site
Old North Illuminated
The 1715 Clough House remains one of the oldest surviving brick residences in Boston. Now located on Old North's campus, the Clough House serves as the home to the exhibit Unearthing Childhood: 300 Years of North End Kids and Ye Olde Pepper Candy Pantry.
Unearthing Childhood Archaeology Exhibit
Unearthing Childhood: 300 Years of North End Kids explores the lives of seven real children of diverse backgrounds who lived in Boston’s North End in the 1700s, 1800s, and early 1900s. This multimedia exhibit includes archaeological artifacts on loan from the City of Boston, videos, and activities for families with children. The exhibit is completely free and can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
The exhibit is presented in partnership with the City of Boston Archaeology Department and was made possible by a grant from Mass Humanities, which provided funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), a grant from the Cabot Family Charitable Trust, and an anonymous donor. A Community Partnership Grant from the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority helps keep this exhibit free for all visitors.
Ye Olde Pepper Candy Pantry
Founded in Salem, MA, in 1806, Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie is the oldest candy company in America. The company’s signature candies, the Salem Gibralter and the Black Jack, are recognized as the first candies ever sold commercially in the United States. Both are still made by hand using their original recipes. Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie has opened a pop-up shop and history experience here at the Clough House.
The pop-up shop carries a full range of Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie’s candies, chocolates, and sweets. Beyond the treats, the space offers a deep dive into American candy history. Visitors will encounter original manufacturing equipment from the late 1800s, historical photographs, artifacts, and a 1913 book written by the uncle of Thomas Spencer, son of company founder Mary Spencer. History cards tracing the stories of the Gibralter and Black Jack accompany purchases, and a QR code gives visitors a live look at candy being made in the company’s Salem kitchen.
The Ye Olde Pepper Candy Pantry pop-up shop will run through October 31.
For more information, please visit Old North Church & Historic Site's website.
Details
Activity
Museum Exhibits
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Admission to The Clough House is free. For visiting Old North Church and Historic Site, please visit Admission & Pricing page on their website.
Location
Old North Church and Historic Site
The Clough House is located on Old North’s campus, behind the church, at 21 Unity St, Boston, MA.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
The exhibit and shop are open from 10am – 5pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
Time of Day
Day
The exhibit and shop are open from 10am – 5pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
Accessibility Information
A stairless entrance is available at the front of the building. However, due to the size of the doorways, not all wheelchairs may be able to navigate the historic building.