Central Massachusetts has a wonderful variety of fine museums & galleries.

Clara Barton Birthplace Museum

68 Clara Barton Road North Oxford, MA 01537 Phone: 508-987-5375

Open: June 1-Columbus Day weekend, Wednesday – Sunday, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.. Call ahead for seasonal changes

The first home of one of America's most famous women and the founder of the American Red Cross. Exhibits feature Barton's career and history, in addition to family memorabilia. Admission charge.

Fitchburg Art Museum

25 Merriam Parkway Fitchburg, MA 01420 Phone: 978-345-4207 Fax: 978-345-2319

Fitchburg Art Museum, is one of New England's oldest and most treasured cultural institutions. This world-class family-friendly museum has a permanent collection spanning 5,000 years. Visitors can experience a wealth of masterpieces in 12 galleries that feature American, European, Greek, Roman, Asian, and Pre-Colombian art. Also, visit their newly renovated and interactive Egyptian gallery. The museum's educational programs inspire all to learn about the importance of world cultures, art history, and contemporary life. Additionally, the museum's historic and contemporary facility is an architectural jewel and a perfect venue for private functions and events. Don't miss this truly extraordinary museum in the beautiful hills of North Central Massachusetts.

Museum Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 12-4pm, Saturday and Sunday, 11 –5. Open the following bank holiday Mondays – Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Patriot’s Day and Columbus Day. The Museum is open late and free the first Thursday of every month. For more information, follow our link above.

Fruitlands Museums

102 Prospect Hill Road Harvard, MA 01451 Phone: 508-456-3924

Open: May 13 through October 31, weekdays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; weekends and holidays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Set on the site of an 1843 social experiment by A.B. Alcott. Fruitlands was conceived as a 19th century utopia, but is now home to a museum exhibits focusing on the Shaker society, the region's native American population, in addition to Fruitlands itself. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.


National Plastics Center and Museum

210 Lancaster Street Leominster, MA 01453 Phone: 508-537-9529

Open: Wednesday- Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call for seasonal changes.

Discover the science, history, and many uses of plastic. Included is the Plastics Hall of Fame Exhibit. There is an admission fee.


Old Sturbridge Village

1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Off Rte 20 Sturbridge, MA 01566 Phone: 508-347-3362 Toll-Free: 800-SEE-1830

Old Sturbridge Village: The Story of a New Nation

Step out of your world and into ours. Explore early New England in the company of farmers, craftsmen, and fascinating characters. Celebrate yesterday's proud traditions on your remarkable journey into America's past. Old Sturbridge Village offers a variety of ways to experience the artifacts, activities, and seasonal celebrations of rural New England during the first 50 years following the American Revolution (1790-1840). The centerpiece of the museum is a recreated rural New England town of the 1830s encompassing a center village, mills area, and countryside. Period handcrafts, heirloom gardens, and heritage breeds of farm animals are part of every village visit. Hands-on opportunities abound. The Visitor Center is home to our new History Gateway, including Kidstory an early learning gallery and Icons of New England exhibit, focusing on the history of what makes New England unique. Open year-round, daily except Mondays. Call ahead for holiday schedules.

Willard House and Clock Museum

11 Willard Street Grafton, MA 01536 Phone: 508-839-3500

Open: April – December, Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; closed Monday and major holidays; January-March, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; closed Easter Sunday.

Over 90 Willard clocks displayed in 1718 Willard homestead and 1766 clock shop; 18th century pewter and furniture; 19th century Oriental rugs and children's toys; Willard family furnishings and portraits; 18th and 19th century firearms; Nipmuc Indian artifacts; and horological research library. Reservations requested for groups of eight and larger. Admission fee.

Worcester Historical Museum & Salisbury Mansion

30 Elm Street Worcester, MA 01609 Phone: 508-753-8278

Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

This museum focuses on the history of the city of Worcester. A library also is on the site. There is an admission fee.