The Boston Freedom Trail free essay sample

Hence, this paper will explore how Boston’s historical freedom trail and its assets preserve and integrate Boston and America’s humble beginning, and how some of its assets lack thorough materials and commodification that are necessary to meet the demands of visitors who does not have knowledge about American history. On the positive side, several assets of the freedom trail incorporate modern commodification to bring back memories from the past in a very creative way that even foreign visitors and the younger generation will appreciate. This paper will also mention the other neighboring assets like Quincy market and Haymarket that somehow intensify the goal of the freedom trail, which is to promote and preserve Boston and New England’s cultural history. Beginning the Trail For an international student who has a limited knowledge about the history of Boston, visiting the freedom trail was difficult. Though, for a person who believes that traveling can turn an ignorant into a wise man, nothing seems impossible. The first stop, which is Boston Common, is also the most accessible since it is located just across the Boylston subway station. Although according to some brochures, several guided tours start at the Cambridge side where the USS constitution is located. If a tourist decides to take the tour wherein a guide will thoroughly explain what is behind the freedom trail—it can cost between: $12 to $19. Though having a tour guide sounds handy, for an adventurous traveler, relying on a map and brochure might sound more interesting. Some might think that Friday afternoon would be the best time to visit the freedom trail—lesser tourists and less busy streets. Though it seemed like an ordinary day at the park, what showed up last Friday September 30, 2011 at the Boston common are scattered crowds of local Bostonian workers who were protesting for their labor rights. As a result, tourists who intend to visit the Boston common gazebo ended up being dispersed by the chaotic sound and situation all over the area. The Boston common, which some suggest is the best place to start the freedom trail, is also where the tourist information center is located. The tourist center is a building where visitors can ask for free freedom trail maps and booklets that contain a brief description of each asset. Unfortunately, the tourist center is closed due to renovation, nonetheless tourists can ask for maps and brochures from small merchants around the area. The fact that red bricks connect the freedom trail, one can do the trail even without a map. However, in reality Boston is an old city that has millions of red bricks on the field, hence it would be helpful to the tourists if the local tourism department will provide more visible signs that will point the tourist onto the next asset. The Granary Burying Ground The Granary Burying Ground is one of the most interesting yet confusing assets of the freedom trail a foreign tourist may encounter. Certainly, the main reason why it becomes part of the trail is because people with great contributions in the country like Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and the parents of Benjamin Franklin, are buried in that cemetery. But for people who never encountered the name Samuel Adams or Paul Revere, this place is just plots with dead bodies. Brief histories of famous personalities buried are displayed near the cemetery’s entrance; however, they are very nominal and someone who does not have background in American history would not understand. A Japanese tourist mentioned that perhaps they should also deliver these descriptions in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese, which will be appropriate for the diverse races of international students and visitors in Boston. Nevertheless, the style and architecture of the granaries, in general, can also be considered as an American vintage. Thus, tourists who are not aware about the people buried in the cemetery might just settle taking pictures with the fascinating gravestones as their background. The Old South Meeting House The Old South Meeting House is definitely one of the few assets wherein one can feel a different perspective. Entering the meetinghouse expose visitors to the highly refurbished establishment that features a written history and old artifacts of the famous tea party and some of Boston’s history. Any visitor with no acquired knowledge about the history of New England, just by reading and observing the artifacts, can already gather ideas on how Americans adapted the custom of tea drinking from the colonials. Upon leaving the Old South Meeting House, visitors will pass through the small souvenir shop that offers products, like tea pots and Boston baked bean pot, that symbolize the culture, cuisine, and history of New England. Though the products are quite expensive—it gives visitors a perspective about what New England tea custom, commensality, and cuisine is all about. The Old State House For foreign tourists, the Old State House could definitely be the best asset of the freedom trail. Being an old building surrounded by contemporary shops and restaurants, no one would imagine that the place could bring you to back to history. The second floor features interactive shows, structures, and illustrations that will give tourists an introduction about the history of Boston and the freedom trail it self. The interactive map of the Boston and the freedom trail is a sure hit to anyone who wishes to discover both the old and contemporary Boston. While the interactive presentation about the Boston massacre, although very brief, will surely give the viewer an idea on how the Americans struggled against the colonizers, and how the country achieved indepedence. Some artifacts like Chinese porcelains are also on display—these items would surely give tourist from Asia a sense of connection to the development of American culture, and how the orient influences Americans with the use of porcelains as dining ware. While the dress of John Hancook, which is displayed also at the second floor, gives the visitors an idea about how sophisticated and detailed lothing could be during the old times. The experience of ‘participation’, like hearing the first independence speech, is also very interesting. Hence, the Old State House showcases memories of the past through a very contemporary way. This fun and entertaining concept of going back to history will surely entice most tourists, including the young ones. Paul Revereâ⠂¬â„¢s House Situated in North End, Paul Revere’s House is one of the smallest asset of the freedom trail that is also difficult to find once you got out of the red line. For an international tourist, who does not know who Paul Revere is, the visit on the house could still be worthwhile as it gives the visitor and idea on how a vintage a New England house looks like. On the entrance, my Japanese friend Sarah noticed that they do have signs that are translated into different foreign languages, which is really helpful for foreigners who does not practice english as their second language. Paul Revere’s house is not that big, however it is amazing how they were able to maintain the quality and authenticity of the area despite several commodification. Although visitors are not allowed to touch some of the furniture, visitors will surely have a feel of history once inside the house. This asset could be enhanced if they could build stories around the asset so visitors would know how Paul Revere lived his life in that house. Yes, it is Paul Revere’s, however, did he spent seven days a week in that house, who prepares the tea and how, does he engage his self in gardening—perhaps considering these questions will make the experience more triumphant, and it can also add value to Paul Revere’s house as a cultural heritage product. The Neighboring Assets After a long walk in the freedom trail and learning the New England’s humble beginning, culture, and a glimpse of its cuisine. Tourists and visitors would usually go straight to the neighboring Quincy Market and Haymarket. Quincy Market, a hall that features an array of New England delicacies, is a sure hit to every discriminating palate. Here visitors can find the classic New England dishes like Boston cream pie, Clam chowder, Indian pudding, Lobster roll, and an array of beverages like Boston hot chocolate and Tea. The essence of Quincy market is not just to feed visitors ith delicious meals, but also to promote the meaning of New England cuisine, which is completely intertwined with the past and present culture of the area. On the other hand, the Union Oyster House, which is located at Haymarket, and also considered as America’s oldest restaurant, showcases the emergence of seafood (particularly oysters) and commensality to New England’s culture. Hence, these secondary assets can be considered as ‘Pull destinations’ since they have the ability to attract and let the visitors feel that freedom trail is not complete without trying local Boston or New England cuisine. The continuous patronage of local and foreign tourists to these secondary assets also provides the local government additional income, which they should use to enhance public facilities like public toilets that are very minimal in the area. Final Remarks In general, the freedom trail is a success as it features Boston’s history in just a series of trails (assets), and at same time promotes contemporary Boston setting. However, to fully appreciate the tour a visitor has to have a basic understanding about Boston’s history to know the specific events that occurred in that particular asset rather than just appreciating the concrete structure. The Paul Revere house for example is fascinating as it gives a visitor an idea on how an old house in Boston looks like, but people do not go there just to witness the house—they want to know who lived in that house, and why that house is so important that is has become part of the freedom trail. Thus, perhaps the local tourism department should provide complimentary freedom trail booklets that contain a brief yet clear history and description of each asset —it would also better if they could produce it in different languages, which will benefit visitors who does not practice english as their second language. Although some assets have booklets available, most of them are for sale at $7 per booklet, which is quite expensive especially for students. Thus, if the freedom trail’s main goal is really to promote Boston’s cultural heritage, these information materials should be distributed for free. Not only that It will provide tourist with additional information, moreover it can function as a marketing material that will promote the freedom trail. Like as mentioned in the Old State House, commodification has been incorporated in most of the assets to meet the demand of contemporary tourists. However, t is noticeable that the freedom trail lacks tourism personnel who can inform the tourists about what are going on. There are also insufficient signs, directions, and visitors facilities that are available to meet the tourist’s needs—public toilets for example are very hard to find in the area. It is also noticeable that there are almost no traffic enforcers and securit ies around the areas where most tourists are. Although most of the freedom trail’s cultural assets are free to the public, this should not be a reason for the local tourism department to limit the benefits of the tourists doing the freedom trail. A portion of the tourists who visit the freedom trail dine in local restaurants, avail other local tourism spots, and avail hotel accommodation—thus, the government generates income from most of their activities. Both local and international tourists want to feel secured, un-lost, and motivated in every destination intend to visit. Although the Boston’s freedom trail is a must experience tourism destination, I believe that there are still a lot of improvements needed not only in terms of asset commodification, but also on how they deliver essential information to all types of tourist.