Boston and Cambridge welcome guests to Freedom Trail, Old Ironsides and more

Massachusetts > Boston > Indoor Activities > Historic Homes and Sites

The historic homes and sites of Boston are legendary: just look at the stops of the Freedom Trail if you have any doubt: ranging from the Old North Church to the Paul Revere House to the USS Constitution. It is no surprise that this Colonial-era architecture and sense of time pervade the neighborhoods and streets where visitors find accommodations. Think about staying at a historic hotel on your next trip to this most American of cities, where the country’s birth story is always on display.

Follow these links for : Museums & Galleries - Boston Area Sightseeing - Family Activities

Discover Quincy

City of Quincy Welcome Center - 1259 Hancock Street Quincy, MA, 02169 Phone: 617-471-1700

Quincy offers a variety of ways to learn about, and celebrate, the nation’s history

Quincy bows to no one when it comes to cities that honor their history. Visit Adams National Historical Park to see the Old House at Peace Field, the Adams family residence from 1788 to 1927, featuring a vast collection of original artifacts. The Stone Library, America’s first presidential library, includes, among its 12,000 books, the Mendi Bible given to John Quincy Adams by the Amistad enslaved people. The park also contains birthplaces of both John and John Quincy Adams. You can also visit the “Church of the Presidents,” where the family worshiped and where their tombs now lie. Take the Presidents Trail, which goes past Adams, Quincy and Hancock homes and ultimately to the Abigail Adams Cairn, where she and John Quincy saw smoke from the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Concord Museum

35 Cambridge Turnpike at Lexington Road Concord, MA, 01742 Phone: 978-369-9763

Objects from the Revolutionary War era among extensive collections at Concord Museum

Home of Thoreau, Emerson and Alcott, and birthplace of the American Revolution, Concord, MA is steeped in history, and that is reflected in the vast collections of the Concord Museum. Items from the Revolutionary War era, like powder horns and muskets, as well as the famous “one if by land/two if by sea” lantern used by Paul Revere, are on display in the April 19, 1775 gallery. Other highlights from the collections include Henry Thoreau’s desk, flute and walking stick; Louisa May Alcott’s kettle used when she was a Union Army nurse in the Civil War; and a variety of intricately-decorated fireplace bellows made by the Ebenezer Davis Bellows Factory in Acton, MA, where numerous Black and women workers were employed in the 1840s. The museum includes several interactive stations.

USS Constitution Museum

24 Fifth Street at the Charlestown Navy Yard Charlestown, MA, 02129 Phone: 617-426-1812

The USS Constitution Museum serves as the memory and educational voice of USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides," the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat. The museum houses the ship's logs, weapons, charts, journals, arts, and more. Visitors fire a cannon, swing in a hammock, or command the USS Constitution in battle using a computer.
Hours: Museum is open daily 10am - 5pm except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. The Ship is open for tours Tuesday to Sunday, 10am - 6pm, and is closed Mondays, MLK Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.
Museum Admission (suggested): Adults $10-15, Children $5-10. Thank you for supporting us.

The Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile walking trail through Boston that connects 16 of the country's most important historical sites linked to the American Revolution. Lively and informative costumed characters travel the Trail during the summer. These characters are fun and engaging for children of all ages (from 5 to 75!) and act as ambassadors to the era of America's founding and the birth of our country's freedom.
Freedom Trail visitor information centers are located at Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, and the Charlestown Navy Yard. - Directions and Parking
Tours and Admission: While the Trail itself does not have any admission, tour times & fees vary depending on the location that you're visiting. Please check the website for specific tour dates, times and fees. Some locations may be closed to visitors.

Sunset Cruise & Harbor Views! - See Plymouth, MA!

Mount Auburn Cemetery

580 Mount Auburn Street Cambridge, MA, 02138 Phone: 617-547-7105

In this cemetery are the graves of architect Charles Bulfinch, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Winslow Homer, and Oliver Wendell Holmes, in a tranquil arboretum and garden-like setting. A National Historic landmark.
Hours: Grounds are open 8am - 7pm. Washington Tower is open until 6pm.

John F. Kennedy Birthplace

83 Beals Street Brookline, MA Phone: 617-566-7937

Guided tours are available at the site, covering the house and neighborhood, where President John F. Kennedy was born in 1917. In 2017, during the centennial of the late president's birth, the site is featuring a new exhibit on JFK’s political legacy. "John Fitzgerald Kennedy: The First One Hundred Years." Also debuting in May 2017 is a new orientation film to celebrate the site’s 50th anniversary year.
Hours: Grounds are accessible year-round, the house is open May through October. daily, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Because of the size of the house, tours are limited to nine visitors; larger groups will be divided into tours of nine. Please allow for a one-hour visit.

Old State House (Museum of Boston History)

Corner of State Street and Washington streets Boston, MA Phone: 617-720-1713

Visit Boston’s oldest public building, the seat of Royal authority, where the American Revolution was fomented by Sam Adams, James Otis, John Adams, and John Hancock. See tea from the Boston Tea Party; objects from the Boston Massacre, Battle of Bunker Hill; Paul Revere’s handiwork; John Hancock’s red velvet coat.
Hours: Open Daily, 10am - 5pm. - Admission: Members Free, Adults $15; Seniors 65+ and Students $14, 12 and Under $8. Group Tours & Rates available - please contact us.

Otis House Museum

141 Cambridge Street Boston, MA, 02114 Phone: 617-277-3956

In 1796, Harrison Gray Otis, a congressman and real estate entrepreneur, and his wife, Sally, lived and entertained lavishly in this elegant home, designed by Charles Bulfinch. Today the house portrays both high-style living in the Federal era and the cycles of change in a dynamic urban neighborhood. Museum shop.
Hours: Open June-October, Fri/Sat/Sun 11am - 4pm. Tours every hour.
Admission: Adults $15; Seniors & Students $13; Children $7.

Harborwalk

Walk starts at Old State House, 206 Washington Street Boston, MA Phone: 617-482-1722

A self-guided walk that traces the history of the Boston waterfront. The tour begins at the Old State House, brochures are available at the National Park Service Visitor's Center on State Street. The HarborWalk also connects to inland trails, including the Emerald Necklace system, the Charles River Esplanade, and the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

Faneuil Hall and Faneuil Hall Marketplace

1 South Market Street Boston, MA, 02109 Phone: 617-523-1300

Built in 1742, this marketplace and meeting area became a focal point of discussion and protest against the British government during the colonial era. Historical talks are held daily in what has become known as the "Cradle of Liberty." Faneuil Hall Marketplace is next to Faneuil Hall. The Marketplace is a treasure trove for shopping and dining in the Greek Revival-style Quincy Market filled with 45 international eateries and the flanking North and South Market buildings with 80 specialty shops.

Copp's Hill Burial Ground

45 Hull Street Boston, MA, 02113 Phone: 617-635-7361

Originally called the North Burial Ground, pre-revolutionary graves can be found here, including those of Cotton Mather and Edward Hart, builder of the USS Constitution. Many African Americans who lived in the New Guinea community are buried on the Snowhill Street side. Open daily 9am - 4pm.

Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum

306 Congress Street Boston, MA, 02210 Phone: 617-338-1773 Toll-Free: 855-832-1773

You Are There!

This historic site transports you back to one of those moments in time that changed America and set its course for independence in 1776. This new floating museum experience offers a multi-sensory adventure with live actors, high-tech, interactive exhibits, authentically restored tea ships and the stirring documentary Let it Begin Here. During a one hour tour, you’ll meet colonists, explore the ships and dump tea overboard just as the Sons of Liberty did on December 16, 1773. There’s a gift shop and Abigail’s Tea Room for some mementos and a spot of the beverage that launched a revolution. Your one hour tour is educational and highly entertaining and will make history come alive as you step right into the scene from that fateful night. Don’t miss it!

Massachusetts State House

Beacon Street at Park Street Boston, MA Phone: 617-727-3676

Built in 1798, the State House is across from the Boston Common at the summit of Beacon Hill. Charles Bullfinch, a leading architect of the time, designed the building. The dome is sheathed in copper and covered by gold. In the House of Representatives chambers hangs a wooden codfish -- Sacred Cod -- representing the importance of the fishing industry. At the top of the dome sits a wooden pine cone, a symbol of the logging industry in the 18th century.
Tours: Must be scheduled in advance. Please call to arrange.

Boston Common

Bounded by Tremont, Beacon, Charles, Park and Boylston streets Boston, MA, 02116 Phone:

The starting point of the Freedom Trail, the large Boston Common is a beloved and legendary park, and the anchor for the Emerald Necklace, a system of connected parks through many Boston neighborhoods. Until 1830, cattle grazed the Common. British troops camped on Boston Common prior to the Revolution and left from here to face Colonial resistance at Lexington and Concord in April, 1775. Lots of public space and public events take place here.

Black Heritage Trail

46 Joy Street Boston, MA, 02114 Phone: 617-742-5415

Beginning at the African Meeting House on Smith Court, this walking tour follows the history of the African-American community in 19th century Boston. Many of the sites are open to the public and are listed separately here. The the walk includes the following: The African Meeting House (1806), Smith Court, the Abiel Smith School (1834), the George Middleton House (1797), 54th Regiment Memorial on Boston Common, Phillips School, the John J. Smith House, the Lewis and Harriet Hayden House, and Coburn's Gaming House (1844).

Park Street Church

1 Park Street Boston, MA, 02108 Phone: 617-523-3383

Founded in 1804, the church is one of the stops on the Freedom Trail. Abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison gave his first speech against slavery here in 1829. Services are still held here each Sunday.

Jackson Homestead

527 Washington Street Newton, MA, 02458 Phone: 617-796-1450

The Jackson Homestead, a 1809 Federal-style farmhouse, is a nationally accredited museum and home to Newton's Historical Society. The exhibits and programs concentrate on topics of New England history, including the home as a site on the Underground Railroad. Collections include paintings, costumes, photographs, manuscripts, maps, and historical artifacts.
Hours: Wednesdays & Fridays 11am - 5pm and Weekends 10am - 5pm. Also open by appointment.
Admission: Adults $6; Seniors, Students and Newton Residents $5. EBT reduced admission available. Children 5 & under Free. No admission charged on the first weekend of each month.

Abiel Smith School (1834)

46 Joy Street Boston, MA, 02114 Phone: 617-720-0753

Constructed in 1834, the Abiel Smith School is the first building in the United States built for the sole purpose of serving as a public school for black children. This historic site has been transformed into exhibit galleries and a museum store open to the public. This is the home of the Museum of African-American History and part of Boston's Black Heritage Trail.
Hours: Currently closed to the public. Online exhibits and events available.

Old North Church & Historic Site

193 Salem Street Boston, MA, 02113 Phone: 617-523-6676

Still in use today, the oldest church in Boston was built in 1723. The building played a truly renowned role during the Revolution as the spot where lanterns were hung -- "one if by land, two if by sea" -- to warn about the approach of British troops.
Hours: Open for touring Tues–Sat 10am – 5pm and Sunday 12:30-5pm. Closed to visitors on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

New England Holocaust Memorial

98 Union Street Boston, MA, 02129 Phone: 617-457-8755

Commemorates the millions of lives lost in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Tours offered; consult website for details. Open to the public.

Longfellow National Historic Site

105 Brattle Street Cambridge, MA, 02138 Phone: 617-876-4491

A historic double whammy, this site was headquarters for George Washington in 1775 and 1776. It was author Longfellow's home in 1837-38.
Hours: Guided tours are available from late May to the end of October by reservation only. The grounds and garden are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Admission is free.

King's Chapel

58 Tremont Street Boston, MA, 02108 Phone: 617-523-1749

Founded as the first Anglican Church in America in 1754, this became the site of the country's first Unitarian church soon after the Revolution.
Hours & Admission: Wednesdays thru Saturdays, 10am - 5pm. $5 per person. Guided tour tickets available for $10.

Granary Burying Ground

Tremont Street between Park and School Streets Boston, MA, 02116 Phone:

America's most historic cemetery features the graves of John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and those killed in the Boston Massacre.
Hours: Open daily, 9am - 4pm.

Adams National Historical Park - Quincy, MA

Adams National Historic Park

Newport Avenue & Adams Street Quincy, MA, 02169 Phone: 617-773-1177

Adams National Historical Park was the home of American presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams and their descendants from 1720 to 1927. The family's experience represented and shaped important events in United States history. The park preserves the properties of four generations of the Adams family to educate and inspire current and future generations.
Hours: Grounds are open daily from May thru October, sunrise to sunset. The historic homes and the park's Visitor Center (at 1250 Hancock Street) are available Wednesday thru Sunday, 9am - 5pm.
Admission: Basic passes are $15 per person, valid for seven days. Credit or debit cards only (no cash accepted). Children under 16 Free. Special passes for seniors, active military, veterans and Gold Star families available on the website.

Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House - Concord, MA

Orchard House - Home of Louisa May Alcott

399 Lexington Road Concord, MA, 01742 Phone: 978-369-4118

Amos Bronson Alcott purchased two houses on 12 acres on the Lexington Road in 1857. He moved joined the smaller tenant farmhouse to the rear of the larger manor house. The grounds included an apple orchard. The house is noted as the place where Bronson's daughter, Louisa May Alcott, wrote and set her classic, "Little Women," in 1868 at a shelf desk her father built especially for her.
Hours: A reservation is currently required. Please reserve your tickets on the website.
Admission: Adults $12; Seniors 62+ & College Students with ID $10, Ages 6-17 $5. Family and Military rates available.

Bunker Hill Monument

Monument Square at Boston National Historical Park Charlestown, MA, 02129 Phone: 617-242-5641

Monument marks the site of the Bunker Hill skirmish, one of the first battles of the Revolutionary War, which took place on June 17, 1775. The monument is currently closed for historical restoration. Please check the website for additional information.

Old Burial Ground

Corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Garden Street Cambridge, MA, 02140 Phone:

This cemetery contains the graves of Myles Standish, John Alden, Priscilla Alden, their son and other pilgrims.

Christ Church

Garden Street Cambridge, MA, 02138 Phone: 617-876-0200

Used as a barracks during the Revolutionary War, this 1761 church is the oldest surviving church building in the country.

Trinity Church (MA)

206 Clarendon Street Boston, MA, 02116 Phone: 617-536-0944

Recognized as one of the most significant buildings in America, Trinity Church took shape on marshland in Boston's Back Bay in the 1870s. Built in 1877, the church was designed by H. H. Richardson, and is a prime example of the Romanesque architectural style. Tours are mostly available Tuesday to Saturday; Please check the website's calendar for specific tour times and other events including regular services.

Paul Revere House

19 North Square Boston, MA, 02113 Phone: 617-523-2338

The oldest building in downtown Boston, built in 1680, was also home to Paul Revere; whose patriotic ride is one of the most famous events of the Revolutionary War. The average visit is 30-45 minutes depending on the time of year. There are no public restrooms or telephones on the site.
Hours: Open daily 10am - 5:15pm - Admission: Adults $6, Seniors & College Students $5.50, Ages 5-17 $1

African Meeting House in Boston (1806)

Smith Court at Joy Street Boston, MA, 02114 Phone: 617-742-5415

The African Meeting House on Beacon Hill was built in 1806 in what was the heart of Boston's 19th century African American community. It is today a showcase of black community organization in the formative years of the new republic. The Meeting House was the host to giants in the Abolitionist Movement who were responsible for monumental historical events. The African Meeting House is the oldest black church edifice still standing in the United States. It is part of Boston's Black Heritage Trail.
Hours: Open year-round Tuesday thru Sunday, 10am - 4pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Tickets available on the website.

Old South Meeting House

310 Washington Street Boston, MA, 02108 Phone: 617-482-6439

Built in 1729, the Old South Meeting House was the largest building in colonial Boston. The building hosted historic gatherings such as the protests over the Boston Massacre to the infamous meeting where Samuel Adams launched the Boston Tea Party. The exhibition "Voices of Protest" and innovative, hands-free audio program "If These Walls Could Speak" tell the story of figures from Old South's history and reveal the controversial history of free speech that continues to this day.
Hours: Open Daily, 10am - 5pm
Admission: Adults $15; Seniors 65+ & Students $14, Children 12 & under $8.

Harvard University

50 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA, 02138 Phone: 617-495-1000

America's oldest university and one of the world's most revered learning institutions, Harvard has given degrees to some of the nation's most important historical figures. Free campus tours led by students are available regularly - visit the website to register.

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