Best History Museum in Massachusetts

"Toss your own bag or tea overboard as you learn about the famous protest that helped change the course of American history. Start at the Meeting House where you can grab a protest handbill from one of the “colonists “and hear the story of the fateful night of December 16, 1773. You’ll be given a “Mohawk” disguise and join the Sons of Liberty marching to Griffin’s Wharf to board a ship and dump tea beside the patriots, protesting the unfair British tax on tea for the colonies."

"A completely new type of museum, this is where the family can view not only artifacts of historical importance but also enjoy a multi sensory experience. This floating museum is made up of high tech interactive exhibits, restored tea ships, absorbing documentaries all about this famous event and knowledgeable actors bringing you a sense of how it all happened, with a perfect sense of flair and drama!. There is also the opportunity of throwing the tea overboard."

"Highlights include John Hancock’s lavish red velvet coat, arms and ammunition from Revolutionary War battles, and tea salvaged from the Boston Tea Party. Getting In:Old State House tickets are included on the Go Boston Card."

"The nation’s oldest commissioned naval ship is still operated by the U.S. Navy and is open to visitors daily; it’s also a stop on the Boston Freedom Trail. Don’t miss the museum located across the pier for more history and information about the legendary vessel, which has served the country since 1797."

"Winner of all 40 sea battles in which she fought, “Old Ironsides” is one of the six original frigates that made up the United States Navy."

"Impressively the oldest surviving public building in the whole of Boston, the Old State House lies right in the historic heart of the city. Built all the way back in 1713, it now serves as a museum and is one of the most popular places to stop off at along the fantastic Freedom Trail. Once the seat of the Massachusetts Assembly, the beautiful red brick building is best known for its balcony from which the Declaration of Independence was first read out to the townspeople in 1776."

"The Old State House, built in 1713 on the site of the first Town House, is the oldest surviving public building in Boston. The building served as a meeting place for the exchange of economic and local news and was said to be the center of politics in the colonies. The Declaration of Independence was read from the balcony on the east side of the building, and just below it is the spot where the Boston Massacre took place."

"This brick Georgian building from colonial times (1713) is located at 206 Washington St., Boston and is the site where the infamous Boston Massacre occurred. It is also the place where the Declaration of Independence was first read. Despite being surrounded and somewhat dwarfed by financial buildings, this little piece of history stands out with its brick facade and clock tower."

"Dedicated to the tragically brief life of John F. Kennedy, this museum and library depicts the famous man’s leadership and legacy, while at the same time illustrating the nature of a President’s office. The beautiful building was constructed to overlook the President’s beloved Boston, offering a wonderful view of the city skyline as well as an outdoor walkway along the Dorchester Bay. The museum is full of fascinating artifacts, photos and videos which also include interesting items such as a number of his spouse Jackie’s dresses."

"The John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated "to all those who through the art of politics seek a new and better world." Highlighting the presidential endeavors of John F Kennedy, a Boston area native who had aspirations for the White House and succeeded in creating a family legacy of greatness that followed his children through their lives. The looming white structure, designed by I.M. Pei, overlooks Dorchester Bay and is set on 10 acres."

"Situated in Boston’s Dorchester neighbourhood, the JFK Public Library was built on a landfill and is a concrete triangular tower which is 125 feet tall. Rising along with the main structure, is a cube of glass and steel. It is a simple geometric structure with a grey-glass pavilion that connects it to a circular section housing two theatres."

"Located in downtown Boston, The Paul Revere House is an absolute must-visit, making it one of the best museums in Boston. The museum is actually the home that Paul Revere lived in back in the 17th century and has since been turned into a historical site filled with artifacts. Inside The Paul Revere House, you can visit rooms set up precisely the way they were a few hundred years ago, along with tons of historical artifacts."

"The King’s Chapel is my favorite church in Boston to go inside–not because it is ornate, but because it is so unique among US churches. Built originally as an Anglican Church in the 18th century, the church has enclosed “boxes” instead of rows of pews. Originally, prominent families who were members of the church would have a box of their own that they would sit in each Sunday."

"Visit a historic fort, (Fort Independenceat Castle Island) or Fort Warren on Georges Island. Castle Island is accessible by car, and features a beautiful walkway (a 2.16 mile loop), big grassy areas for running and playing, a playground, BBQ pits,lots of parking, and a small beach area. Carson Beach is just down the road offering more space to stretch out on."

"Boston National Historical Park is a unique collaboration of federally, municipally, and privately owned and operated historic sites associated with the colonial struggle for independence and the birth and growth of the nation. This 43-acre historic park encompasses portions of Downtown Boston, Charlestown, and South Boston."

"Highlights include John Hancock’s lavish red velvet coat, arms and ammunition from Revolutionary War battles, and tea salvaged from the Boston Tea Party. Getting In:Old State House tickets are included on the Go Boston Card."

"The Leventhal Map Center located in the Boston Public Library's McKim Building in Copley Square is a place to explore history, geography and world events through their collection of maps dating from the 15th century to the present. Visit their gallery and learning center FREE to view exhibitions, and Kids Map Club with puzzles, books, globes, memory games and map related activities. Visit their website at https://www.leventhalmap.org/."

"Another of the city’s many monuments is the moving New England Holocaust Memorial which can be found right in front of Boston City Hall. Erected in 1995, its six glass towers make for a striking sight with each symbolizing a different major extermination camp. While the exteriors are engraved with numbers that represent the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, the inside of the towers feature quotes from the survivors of the camps."

"The Holocaust Memorial is an outdoor space, open and accessible to the public at all times. It is located in Carmen Park near Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, on Boston’s historic Freedom Trail."

"Stop by the New England Holocaust Memorial. Right in between the Boston Public Market/Haymarket area and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace sits the sobering New England Holocaust Memorial."

"Address: 43 Monument Square, Charlestown, MassachusettsWebsite: www.nps.gov/bost/learn/historyculture/bhmuseum.htm. The Bunker Hill Museum is dedicated to the American Revolution and the founding of Charlestown, Massachusetts. The museum features exhibits that tell the story of the Battle of Bunker Hill and discuss how it was later commemorated."

"Located along the Freedom Trail just across the street from the monument. It has some great exhibits on the battle, the monument, and the history of Charleston. The museum is always free and is open daily 10 am to 6 pm."

"For all who love to get their funny bone tickled, Improv Asylum has got you!. One of the most popular shows in the city, it’s located only 10 minutes’ walk from the subway. At Improv Asylum, you will get to enjoy funny performances by local talented young comedians."

"Your 3 days in Boston have come to an end – but don’t be sad, because it’s time to laugh the night away at Improv Asylum. I’ve always had a good night when attending the shows put on by Improv Asylum."

"Lechmere Canal was built in 1895 as an active seaport serving the Boston Harbor. When the Charles River Dam Bridge was built in 1910, the canal was no longer needed, and it fell into disrepair. The city began revitalization efforts in 1978, creating a 7.5 acre park that wraps around the canal and connects to the Charles River walkway."

"In November 1775, George Washington ordered the soldiers of the Continental Army to build the “three half-moon batteries” along the banks of the Charles River. In 1867, officials of the City and State helped create a park around the historical structure which is now known today as Fort Washington Park. If you’re thinking about things to do in Cambridge that involves visiting a place with a rich historical stature, Fort Washington is the place for you."

"Franklin Park is Boston's largest open space, located south of Downtown Boston within the Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, Roslindale, and Dorchester neighborhoods. Another of Frederick Law Olmstead's green masterpieces, this 485-acre park was designed in the 1890s. Franklin Park's most popular tourist attraction is the Franklin Park Zoo, a 72-acre facility that opened in 1912."

"Come for the natural beauty of this 485-acre Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park, stay for a plethora of playground options sure to please any crowd, even during the colder months. Older kids should head to El Parquecito de Hermandad for rock climbing and a zip line, while younger kids will like the Tiffany Moore playground area."

"The 527-acre Franklin Park is both Boston’s largest park and the home of the Franklin Park Zoo. Spanning Boston’s Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, and Dorchester neighborhoods, this park draws visitors from around the city to its sprawling green spaces. Find Franklin Park at 1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston, MA 02121."

"Boston’s largest neighborhood, Dorchester, has a diverse and distinctive dining scene. This classic café in Adams Village is a true taste of the Emerald Isle: from the treacle, brown, and soda breads, nubby scones, and rustic pies, to the brogues oft’ heard around the counter. 780 Adams St., Dorchester, 617-825-8187, greenhillsirishbakery.com."