Dive Into Our History

Massachusetts Imagine

Take a historic journey through these immersive attractions and experiences, and imagine yourself back in time to experience our nation’s rich history, so much of which began right here in Massachusetts. Explore Plymouth, where the Pilgrims came ashore on the Mayflower in 1620, journey through Central Massachusetts to see what early life was like on New England farms at the start of the Industrial Revolution, and head to Western Massachusetts, the birthplace of women’s suffrage leader Susan B. Anthony. Along the way, you will hear the stories and explore the places that have shaped our American history.

Greater Boston

In Greater Boston, you can walk in the footsteps of American political and cultural heroes, including three of our nation’s presidents. Start your tour walking the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile, red brick path that connects 16 historical, social, and cultural attractions in the city’s downtown, North End, and Charlestown neighborhoods. Enrich your trip by exploring the sites on both the Black Heritage Trail and Women’s Heritage Trail: the Black Heritage Trail winds for 1.6 miles through Beacon Hill, linking 15 pre-Civil War homes, businesses, schools, and churches, while the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail is a series of 20 self-guided walking tours that explore the many different roles women have played throughout Boston history.

Then head south out of the city to the JFK Presidential Library & Museum, which chronicles the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy, and Adams National Historic Park, in Quincy where five generations of the Adams family lived, including President John Adams and his son, President John Quincy Adams.

Attractions

Adams National Historic Park

135 ADAMS STREET, QUINCY, MA 02169

Location Visit

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

306 CONGRESS ST, BOSTON, MA 02210

Climb on board full-scale replicas of 18th century sailing vessels and watch a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party of 1773.

Location Visit

Black Heritage Trail®

46 JOY ST, BOSTON, MA 02114

Tip: From June through August, the National Park Service conducts free two-hour tours that begin at the corner of Beacon and Park Streets.

Location Visit

Museum of African American History

46 JOY ST, BOSTON, MA 02114

With locations in Boston and Nantucket, this is New England’s largest museum dedicated to preserving, conserving, and interpreting the contributions of African Americans.

Location Visit

The Freedom Trail

139 TREMONT ST, BOSTON, MA 02111

Location Visit

Harvard University

1350 MASSACHUSETTS AVE, CAMBRIDGE, MA

There’s much to explore at America’s oldest university, founded in 1636. Walk the hallowed grounds of Harvard Yard, or explore Harvard’s many museums and libraries. The Harvard Science Center’s Collection of Historical and Scientific Instruments is home to many rare treasures, including Galileo Galilei’s military compass, invented in 1597.

Location Visit