Hidden America with Jonah Ray Season 1 Episode 1 BOSTON: WHERE THE PAST IS THE PRESENT

As a city steeped in history, Boston, Massachusetts is a unique and fascinating place to explore. In the premiere episode of Hidden America with Jonah Ray, the comedian and his crew take viewers on a tour of Boston, uncovering its hidden gems and shedding light on the ways in which the city's past still informs its present.

One of the first stops on Ray's tour is the Paul Revere House, the former home of the famous Revolutionary War hero. The house, which dates back to the late 1600s, gives visitors a sense of what life was like in colonial Boston. Ray marvels at the small size of the rooms and the low ceilings, remarking on how different it is from the spacious homes of today.

Moving on from the Revere house, Ray and his crew explore the Old North Church, which played a role in the Revolutionary War as the site of the legendary "one if by land, two if by sea" signal. Ray climbs up to the church's bell tower for a panoramic view of the city, remarking on how it's a great way to get a sense of Boston's layout and history.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Boston's past is its role in the abolitionist movement. Ray visits the African Meeting House, the oldest black church building in the United States. The building served as a community center and hub for anti-slavery activism in the 19th century. Ray speaks with a historian who explains the importance of the Meeting House and how it helped shape Boston's identity as a center of progressive thought.

Moving away from history, Ray visits some of Boston's more modern attractions, such as the famous bar Cheers, which was the inspiration for the television show of the same name. Ray chats with locals and tourists at the bar, asking them about their impressions of Boston and what draws them to the city.

Ray also explores Boston's bustling food scene, visiting a local bakery that specializes in Boston cream pies and trying his hand at making clam chowder at a seafood restaurant. He even visits Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox, to learn more about the city's sporting heritage.

Throughout the episode, Ray emphasizes the way in which Boston's past still informs the city's present. He notes how many of the buildings and landmarks he's visited are still standing, a testament to the city's commitment to preserving its history. He also remarks on the way in which Boston's progressive roots are still evident in the city's politics and culture.

Overall, Hidden America with Jonah Ray's premiere episode offers a fascinating look at Boston and its rich history. Whether you're a native Bostonian or a visitor to the city, this episode will leave you with a newfound appreciation for all that Boston has to offer.