4.5Harvard University(3.164 reviews) - Love it Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Universities & Schools
Founded in 1636, Harvard is America's oldest institute of higher learning and one of the country's most prestigious universities. Among the illustrious alumni are civil rights leader W.E.B. Du Bois, philosopher Henry David Thoreau, writer Gertrude Stein, composer Leonard Bernstein, cellist Yo Yo Ma and seven U.S. presidents.See more..
Built in 1723, Old North Church is Boston’s oldest surviving church building and an icon of the American Revolution. Old North is famous for the events of April 18, 1775, when allies of Paul Revere secretly climbed the steeple and held high two lanterns as a signal that British forces were marching to Lexington and Concord by sea across the Charles River and not by land. This daring act ignited the Revolution. $5 admission includes a self-guided tour through the church, with staff available to answer questions. Visitors can also take add-on tours of the church's crypt, gallery, and bell ringing chamber for $5 each. Old North's beautiful campus is also home to two gift shops and the Printing Office of Edes & Gill, which offers free colonial printing demonstrations.See more..
4.5The House of the Seven Gables(3.066 reviews) - Beautiful grounds and History Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
The House of the Seven Gables is open February through December, please visit 7gables.org for opening hours and days as they vary seasonally. Visitors will have the option to enjoy a grounds pass or a guided tour[link to: https://7gables.org/tickets]. Advance reservations are required for both of these experiences. PLEASE NOTE: The grounds pass does not include access to the interior of Turner-Ingersoll Mansion a.k.a The House of the Seven Gables. The only way to access the interior of the mansion is with a guided tour. Notes for your visit: Tickets are available on a rolling basis. We do not have release dates in advance. All purchases are non-refundable. Face masks are required for all visitors ONLY in the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, regardless of vaccination status. Visitors are required to comply with all site rules or will be asked to leave without a refund. The Museum Store will be open during operating days and hours.See more..
3.5Plymouth Rock(2.367 reviews) - REVISIT TO THE FAMOUS SITE Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
This American icon is encased in a Greek-inspired granite canopy and housed within the Pilgrim Memorial State Park. Many travelers make the journey from Boston to see this famous rock, which remains as a tribute to the Mayflower passengers who first step foot into the country. Free to visit year-round, the park also offers picturesque views of Plymouth Harbor and Mayflower II, a full-scale replica of the ship. While you’re in Plymouth, don’t miss the Pilgrim Hall Museum and Plimoth Plantation—a fascinating recreation of the original Plymouth Colony established in the 17th century. You can even embark on a historical tour which brings you to all the top sights. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5Bunker Hill Monument(1.900 reviews) - Terrific Monument and Museum Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues
This 220-foot granite tower commemorates the Patriots' undaunted bravery in defeat at the 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill.See more..
The burial ground for famous American patriots like Paul Revere, John Hancock and Sam Adams, is also the final resting place for Mother Goose.See more..
4.5Old State House(1.397 reviews) - Beautiful historic house among high rises Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums • Government Buildings
Relive the drama and excitement of the American Revolution with fun and engaging programs and tours, interactive exhibits, beautifully restored period rooms and unsurpassed 18th century treasures. Celebrating 300 years as America's oldest and most historic colonial building, the Old State House is now Boston's Revolutionary Museum. Visit us at the heart of the Freedom Trail and only steps away from Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market and the New England Aquarium.See more..
5.0Lizzie Borden House(1.341 reviews) - Great stay! Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
Come visit the location of one of America's most chilling unsolved murders. House tours are conducted every day of the week beginning at 10:30 am, with the last tour going in at 3:30 pm. For our more brave guests, we also rent rooms to stay overnight! Spend the night in America's most haunted B&B if you dare!See more..
4.0Mayflower II(1.289 reviews)from $32.00 - Great Piece of History Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums
Climb aboard the Mayflower II to share the experience of the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620 when the Pilgrims crossed from England to America. A gift from the U.K. to the U.S. in 1957 for their friendship during the Second World War, this boat is a full-scale reproduction of the real Mayflower that sailed the Atlantic Ocean for 66 days. Here, you can enjoy the captain’s quarters, gallery and even below deck, lead by the boat’s handy guides. Entrance to the boat can be bought alongside other local attractions like the Plimoth Grist Mill. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home(1.013 reviews) - Wonderful visit to learn about this interesting author. Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home is an historic house museum and vibrant cultural center located in the heart of the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. Take a tour of the mansion Edith Wharton designed and where she wrote The House of Mirth and Ethan Frome. Book online at EdithWharton.org.See more..
4.5Minute Man National Historical Park(874 reviews) - Terrific Program about the Concord to Boston opening of the American Revolution Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • National Parks • Battlefields
The more than 900 acres of this national park run along the route of the battle of Lexington and Concord.See more..
4.5Hancock Shaker Village(788 reviews) - A Must See! Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Farms • History Museums
Hancock Shaker Village is a living history museum committed to bringing the Shaker story to life and preserving it for future generations. Called the "City of Peace" by the Shakers who lived here for 179 years until 1960, this community was the third of 19 major Shaker Villages located in New York, New England, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. There are 20 historic buildings on this site. The values that the Shakers embraced -- equality, pacifism, community, sustainability, responsible land stewardship, innovation, simplicity and quality in work -- still resonate here. The working farm is the oldest in the Berkshires. Visit the gardens and animals, meet the interpreters, see demonstrations, hike the trails, immerse yourself in unique art exhibitions, and explore. A farm-to-table cafe is on site.See more..
4.5The Old North Bridge(738 reviews) - Where It All Started Historic Sites • Bridges
The "shot heard round the world," which signaled the start of the Revolutionary War, was fired from this spot.See more..
4.5Walden Pond State Reservation(684 reviews) - Historically Significant Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • State Parks • Bodies of Water
In order to preserve the natural environment, visitors are limited at this site, where Thoreau wrote his famous essays.See more..
4.5Adams National Historical Park(656 reviews) - John Adams and John Quincy Adams Birthplaces Quincy MA Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 30, 2023 Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • National Parks
From the sweet little farm at the foot of Penn's Hill to the gentleman's country estate at Peace field, Adams National Historical Park is the story of "heroes, statesman, philosophers ... and learned women" whose ideas and actions helped to transform thirteen disparate colonies into one united nation. Please note: Adams National Historical Park is open for tours from April 19 through November 10 every year. The first tour leaves the Visitor Center at 9:15 a.m. and the final tour leaves the Visitor Center at 3:15 p.m. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis.See more..
4.5National Monument to the Forefathers(618 reviews) - Magnificent! Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • State Parks • Monuments & Statues
Thought to be the largest solid granite monument in the United States, this 81-foot-tall granite statue was built to honor the passengers of the Mayflower. Boston sculptor Hammatt Billings designed the monument which features allegorical figures depicting the virtues of Faith, Morality, Education, Law, and Liberty. A dedication on the monument reads, “National Monument to the Forefathers. Erected by a grateful people in remembrance of their labors, sacrifices and sufferings for the cause of civil and religious liberty.” The original design called for the monument to be nearly twice as tall at 150 feet (just under the Statue of Liberty’s height of 151 feet). The monument is free to visit and open to the public year-round. Its site is managed and maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and their furry companions (on a leash) to enjoy the monument's lawn.See more..
4.5Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House(556 reviews) - A thrill for the Little Women fan Monday: 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums
Immortalized by Louisa May Alcott in the beloved classic, Little Women, Orchard House (c. 1670) is best known for being where the groundbreaking novel was written and set in 1868. One of the oldest, most authentically-preserved historic sites in the country, Orchard House has, for over a century, provided inspirational accounts of the Alcott family’s contributions to the fields of literature, education, philosophy, the arts, and social justice through award-winning guided tours, unique educational programs for students of all ages, and lively living history events . The Concord School of Philosophy and a Museum Store are also on the premises.See more..
4.5Aquinnah Cliffs(536 reviews) - Beautiful Cliffs on Martha’s Vineyard Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations
Martha’s Vineyard’s westernmost tip features multicolored clay cliffs and the two-century-old Gay Head Light. Park at the overlook and take in the commanding views of the clay bluffs and the surroundings, then visit the historic lighthouse nearby. Browse the gift shops to bring a few souvenirs home. Afterward, you can hike through the green shrubs to Moshup Beach, where clothing is optional. Just make sure you keep your shoes on, as the shore is quite rocky. Swing by in the morning—it’s easier to find parking. Fog sometimes rolls in later in the day, obstructing the views. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5Lexington Green(385 reviews) - Start of the Revolution Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Battlefields
Site of the first battle between the Minutemen and the Redcoats during the Revolutionary War.See more..
Salem Maritime, the National Park in Salem, is a nine-acre historic site located on Salem’s waterfront that tells the history of Salem’s international trade and the sailors and merchants who built the economy of the young United States. National Park Rangers present guided tours of historic buildings and replica tall ship Friendship, and are ready help you navigate Salem at the Visitor Center, conveniently located on New Liberty Street across from the city parking garage.See more..
The Armory, which manufactured and tested firearms for the U.S. military from 1794 to 1968, houses the country's largest collection of US military small weapons. The displays include rare weapons and the largest collection of confederate weapons anywhere. When it started, the Armory was the first high tech manufacturing to occur in the country, and the advancements in mass production and the ability to create interchangeable parts that started at the Armory, initiated the development of the countries first high tech manufacturing corridor.See more..
4.5Castle Hill on the Crane Estate(299 reviews) - a taste of gracious living from the past Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites
Experience the grandeur of a seaside estate and its marvelously landscaped grounds, notable for a broad, undulating lawn running down to the shore.See more..
4.5Emily Dickinson Museum(295 reviews) - Awesome place to visit Monday: Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
The Emily Dickinson Museum comprises two historic houses in the center of Amherst, Massachusetts associated with the poet Emily Dickinson and members of her family during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The Homestead was the birthplace and home of the poet Emily Dickinson. The Evergreens, next door, was home to her brother Austin, his wife Susan, and their three children. It is the Museum’s mission to spark the imagination by amplifying Emily Dickinson’s revolutionary poetic voice from the place she called home. Admission to the Museum is by guided tour and timed tickets must be purchased in advance. For the most up-to-date information about scheduling your visit and purchasing your tickets, please visit the link below.See more..
4.5Historic Deerfield(295 reviews) - Very charming Historic Sites • History Museums
This New England museum of history and art is presented as a preserved 330-year-old western Massachusetts village, which features a collection of 18th- and 19th-century houses.See more..
This Historic Tavern is one of the few colonial era buildings still standing around the Battle Green and was used by the Lexington Militia on April 19th, 1775 as a gathering place. It is now a Museum with self-guided audio tours. *Due to COVID-19 concerns, Buckman Tavern is closed until March 30th*See more..
4.5Chesterwood Museum(226 reviews) - All things French Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Art Museums
Summer home, studio and gardens of America's foremost sculptor, Daniel Chester French (1850-1931), creator of the "Minuteman" (Concord, MA) and the Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial (Washington DC). Explore the historic artist's studio and gardens, and stroll through the woodland walks and annual contemporary sculpture show. Open May through October, Thursday - Monday, 10am to 5pm. Check website for details on guided tours and special events.See more..
5.0Atwood Museum(213 reviews) - So hospitable and welcoming. Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Art Museums • History Museums
Exhibit hours and days vary throughout the year. For details please visit our website. **Advance reservations are required during the pandemic.** Most, but not all exhibits may be open at this time. ** New exhibits this year include: - An outdoor Wetu (Wampanoag dwelling), - The Turning Point - Mayflower Exhibit, - WWII Commemoration, and - Honoring the Suffrage Movement. Explore Cape Cod of centuries past with 12 galleries in 14 exhibits, starting with a tour of a historical dwelling built circa 1752. Discover Cape Cod's captivating history, art, and culture at the Chatham Historical Society's Atwood House Museum. In addition to the 18th century Atwood House, Museum highlights include: a Mural Barn with works by Alice Stallknecht, the Nickerson North Beach Camp, a fishing gallery, Double Take Then and Now photo exhibit, Main Street Cape Cod, stories of the Pendleton and other shipwrecks, several rotating exhibits, a research facility, a popular gift shop and more.See more..
4.5Hancock-Clarke House(209 reviews) - Bringing History to Life Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
The home of Lexington's first two ministers and the location where John Hancock and Sam Adams were staying on April 18, 1775. Paul Revere stopped here on his famous "Midnight Ride" to warn Hancock and Adams that British troops had left Boston.See more..
New Bedford was the mid 19th century's preeminent whaling port and for a time the richest city in the world. Whaling, a leading 19th century enterprise, contributed to America's economic and political vitality. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park helps to preserve, protect, and interpret certain districts, structures, and artifacts that are associated with the history of whaling and related social, economic, and environmental themes for the benefit and inspiration of this and future generations. The park encompasses 34 acres spread over 13 city blocks and includes the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the Seamen's Bethel, the schooner Ernestina, and the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum. These efforts will be undertaken in partnership with the city of New Bedford, local and regional institutions, and the Inupiat Heritage Center in Barrow, Alaska. Address is for the National Park Visitor Center.See more..
4.5Herman Melville's Arrowhead(180 reviews) - What a wonderful tour experience! Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Hiking Trails • History Museums
Visit the home where Herman Melville and his family lived from 1850-1863. Melville wrote "Moby-Dick" here as well as many other notable novels and short stories. Main season is from May-October with daily tours, programs, hiking trails, and museum shop. See website for hours, prices, and details.See more..
This U.S. Custom House is a historic building within Salem Maritime National Historic Site, the National Park in Salem. The building is open by tour only.See more..
Longfellow House - Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site preserves the home of Henry W. Longfellow, one of the world's foremost 19th century poets. The house also served as headquarters for General George Washington during the Siege of Boston, July 1775 - April 1776. In addition to its rich history, the site offers unique opportunities to explore 19th century literature and arts. The site is now closed for the season. We will reopen in May 2019! See the website for more information on programs and scheduling group tours.See more..
4.5Seamen's Bethel(164 reviews) - Quiet moment with history Monday: Historic Sites • Religious Sites
In the 1600's, on the banks of the Saugus River, something extraordinary happened. Explore the place where European iron makers brought their special skills to a young Massachusetts colony. This nine-acre National Park includes working waterwheels, hot forges, mills, an historic 17th century home and a lush river basin.See more..
4.5Trinity Park Tabernacle(147 reviews) - Tabernacle - Historic building Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
If you're inclined to attend a religious service Sunday mornings, preachers come from all over the country and from many different religious groups. On Wednesday evenings at 730 pm you can join an olfashioned sing a long. The third Wednesday in August the Tabernacle is filled (over 1500 people) to start the Illumination of the Campground. A ery unique part of American historySee more..
5.0Phillips House(143 reviews) - Step inside and set back the clock a hundred years! Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • History Museums
Phillips House is the only home on historic Chestnut Street open to the public, and it provides a glimpse into the private world of the Phillips family during the early decades of the twentieth century. The kitchen, pantry, and a domestic staff bedroom, present a rarely seen picture of how the great houses functioned as new technologies were being introduced.See more..
4.5The Old Manse(137 reviews) - Original and insightful Monday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
The first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired nearby – and, less than a century later, Emerson, Hawthorne, and Thoreau spawned a revolution in American philosophy from here.See more..
A highlight of Salem - the Ropes Mansion is a beautifully preserved 18th century home with a rich history. It is owned by the Peabody Essex Museum and is perhaps best known for its role in Hocus Pocus. The tour is free and at your own pace - when we were there they were open on weekends only. You can also tour the garden. This is one of the few of Salem's many historic homes that you can actually see inside!See more..
5.0Old Burial Hill(115 reviews) - Historic graveyard with a lovely view Historic Sites • Cemeteries
One of New England's most scenic graveyards, it affords a view of Old Marblehead, the harbor, and the sea. It was established in 1638 at the site of Marblehead’s first meeting house and is the burial site of some 600 Revolutionary soldiers, most in unmarked graves.See more..
Historic Northampton focuses on local history and the local community. The museum features exhibits, concerts, guided tours, and programs for all ages, We preserve objects and documents that illuminate the lives of past residents while creating structures through which contemporary residents can preserve and celebrate their own histories in ways that honor both tradition and change. Through our programs, exhibits and public projects, Historic Northampton encourages ongoing conversations between past and present. Because civic identity grows out of the way we interpret and articulate our community's past, Historic Northampton is a critical institution in the city. While legally organized as a private non-profit corporation, we are deeply rooted in the community, charged with safeguarding,See more..
4.5Lexington Visitors Center(112 reviews) - Good Info Monday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers • Historic Sites
The new Lexington Visitors Center is now open. This is a one-stop-shop for information about the town and its colonial history. Check out our new Revolutionary History Room, U.S.S. Lexington exhibit, and retail shop. The Visitors Center is located on 1875 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02420.See more..
4.5Borderland State Park(100 reviews) - Spring tranquility Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Parks
The 3-story home built by artist and suffragist Blanche Ames and her botanist husband Oakes, is the centerpiece of this park. Visitors can also walk and horseback ride, fish, canoe, ice-skate and sled.See more..
4.5Munroe Tavern(98 reviews) - British point of view Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
Munroe Tavern was built in 1735 and temporarily served as a field hospital for the British Army on their retreat back to Boston from Concord on April 19, 1775. Later in 1789, George Washington paid a visit to the Tavern and dined in one of the rooms.See more..
The house was closed to the public due to covid, but you are able to look at the house And admire the grounds from behind the white picket fence. We wish we could have gone in but from the outside , the house is your typical looking Colonial house. There is nothing fancy about it. It was just cool to see the homestead of such an influential writer.See more..
4.5Wauwinet(85 reviews) - Wonderful, peaceful place to relax & chill-out Historic Sites
Hotel sitting area has a nice fireplace. They offer complementary wine and cheese daily at 4 pm, though we missed out on this. Staff members are extremely friendly, professional, attentive and helpful. They gave us an umbrella when we departed as it was raining out. They have free shuttles to ferry, and they have hourly shuttles into town so you can walk around and shop if you want. There are lots of cute bunnies hopping around this relatively quiet and elegant property. Recommend accommodations at cottage 408. Not all cottage rooms have private yards.See more..
Decided to check out the tower early morning after work. Tower’s located at the top of a hill with a pretty nice view. Unless you’re a jogger, there really isn’t much else there. It was nice seeing it in person. View of the city of Worcester looking south is nice, too.See more..
The Oldest House on Sunset Hill, also known as the Jethro Coffin House, was built in 1686 and is believed to be the oldest residence on Nantucket still on its original site. The island’s English population at the time totaled several hundred, and the native Wampanoag outnumbered them by at least three to one. Built as a wedding gift for Jethro Coffin (1663–1727) and Mary Gardner (1670–1767), the house represents the unity of two of the island’s oldest families. Jethro was the grandson of one of the island’s original proprietors, Tristram Coffin, and Mary was the daughter of John Gardner, one of the leaders of the so-called Half-Share Revolt, in which the island’s tradesmen rallied against the wealthier full-share proprietors. Although the relationship between Gardner and Coffin was never amicable, the marriage of Mary and Jethro helped unite the families and soothe old wounds. Built on Gardner land using Coffin lumber, the house is a physical manifestation of this unity.See more..
