Surroundings
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Greater Boston is composed of several different suburbs among them are Brookline, Dorchester, Roxbury, South Boston and Mattapan.
Related Attractions
Martha's Vineyard
The island of Martha's Vineyard lies off the southern tip of Cape Cod. It features a number of beaches and six towns. Car and passenger ferries depart from Woods Hole for Vineyard Haven daily throughout the year.
Edgartown
Edgartown became an important whaling center and was the site of the oldest European settlement on Martha's Vineyard.
Vincent House Museum
Vincent House, built in 1672, is the oldest house on the island and was occupied by the same family for 250 years. The five-room home has been restored and furnished in period to offer a glimpse of life in Martha's Vineyard over the past 400 years.
Boston Surroundings - North
There are numerous towns in the Boston vicinity north of the city.
Peabody Historical Society and Museum, Peabody
The Peabody Historical Society and Museum is located in the General Gideon Foster House. The Peabody Historical Society was founded in April 1896 and it moved to the Gideon Foser residence in 1916. Each room in the house displays items related to Peabody's history and includes furniture, clothing and jewelry from the Victorian era. There are also exhibits on the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and World War I and II. The last stop is reserved for the children's room with hands on exhibits.
George Peabody House Museum
The George Peabody House Museum is a restored house and a Leatherworkers Museum. The collection includes artifacts related to leather making from the leather industry heyday of Peabody as well as the life and times of George Peabody.
Arlington - Old Schwamb Mill
Visitors to this living history museum at Old Schwamb Mill can see craftsmen using 19th century lathes powered by a fast moving brook to fashion wooden, oval picture frames. First built as a grist-mill in 1637, it is reputedly the oldest continuously operating mill site in the Western hemisphere. The Schwamb family altered it and has operated the mill as a woodworking facility since about 1860.
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Saugus
This rural community north of Boston was first settled in 1629 and is the home of the historic Saugus Iron Works (1646), an important industry in Colonial New England. The Saugus River that runs through the town also plays host to the state's largest lobster fishing fleet. The 200-year old town hall and the Iron Works are on the National Historic Register.
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
Founded in 1646, the Saugus Iron Works are said to have launched the beginning of the iron and steel industry in America. The site was restored in 1954 and today, visitors can see a reconstructed blast furnace, the original 550-pound hammer used in the forge and numerous other artifacts uncovered in the excavation. There is a 17th century house on site outside of which sits the furnace, forge, rolling and slitting mill, water wheel and iron bar storage facility.
Stone Zoo, Stoneham
The Stone Zoo is a 26 acre site in Stoneham. Some of the collection here includes colobus monkeys, Canada lynx, snow leopards, Mexican gray wolves, river otters, spider monkeys, birds of prey and more. The Treasures of the Sierra Madre exhibit features jaguars, cougars, coyote, and Gila monsters. In Windows to the Wild are hyacinth macaws, flamingos, meerkats and others.
Acton
Located 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Boston, Acton (pop. 19,000) features numerous examples of historic architecture including well preserved Hosmer, Faulkner and Orchard Houses. In and around Acton are 21 Conservation areas including the Acton Arboretum, Nashoba Brook, Pratt's Brook and Great Hill.
Discovery Museums
The Discovery Museums consist of The Children's Discovery Museum and The Science Discovery Museum. Housed in a early 1900's Victorian house the Children's Discovery museum features hands on exhibits for toddlers and pre-school children. The Science Discovery Museum is aimed at school age children, with educational and entertaining interactive displays.
Arlington
Arlington is located just west of Boston. In the early 1900's a trolley line joined Arlington with Boston and the town became a city suburb. Arlington is home to the only black Freemason Cemetery in the country, the Prince Hall Mystic Cemetery.The Chamber of Commerce is located in the Historic Jefferson Cutter House.
Jason Russell House and Smith Museum
Located on the site of a bloody battle between British troops and American minutemen, the Jason Russell House contains period artifacts and many furnishings that belonged to the Russell family. The oldest part of the house consists of two rooms built in 1740.The Smith Museum was completed in 1980 in memory of George A. Smith and Samuel Abbot Smith. The museum houses historical exhibits relating to Arlington.
Minuteman Bike Trail
The Minuteman Bike Trail was originally the abandoned Boston - Maine Railroad line. It is also used as a cross-country ski trail in the winter that runs for 18 kilometers (11 miles).
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Royall House and Slave Quarters, Medford
The Royall House was built in 1637 and reconstructed about one hundred years later. The home was occupied by the Royall Family from 1737 to 1775. The Royall family was one of the richest families in New England with 27 slaves to serve them - the original slave quarters are of great interest to visitors.
Essex
Essex was one of the original shipbuilding centers of New England. One of the main industries is clamming and the town is well known for the Essex clam. The town is also a popular tourist area with many shops and restaurants.
Essex Ship Building Museum
The Essex Ship Building Museum houses a collection of over 8,000 items including shipbuilding tools, documents and manuscripts, and other material related to the shipbuilding industry. The largest portion of the collection at the Essex Ship Building Museum is 3,000 photographs that portray vessels, landscape, history and architecture. The museum is located in an 1835 school house as well as a shipyard on a section of riverfront property.
River Cruises
Essex River Cruises offer one and a half-hour narrated tours highlighting life along the coast. The cruises allow for passengers to experience the salt marshes, estates, farms and historic ship yards. The landscape features islands, barrier beaches, sand dunes, winding rivers, and abundant wildlife.
Lincoln
Lincoln is a small town located west of Boston. It developed as a small farming community and still maintains a number of large country estates, some of which have been converted into schools, museums and public buildings.
De Cordova Museum and Sculpture Park
The De Cordova Museum is located on the former estate of Julian de Cordova, who donated his estate and art collection to the municipality under the condition that it would become a public museum of art after he died.De Cordova spent much of his life traveling and collecting art from around the world. However, after his death it was determined that his personal collections were not of substantial interest or value and so a museum of regional contemporary art was established on the estate.
Codman House
The Codman House was built in 1735 and was owned by the Codman family for over 200 years. Numerous alterations and additions to the house have occurred at different stages and in different architectural styles.
Gropius House
The Gropius House was built by the Architect Walkter Gropius in 1938. On display in the house are art and furnishings from Germany and the United States.
Lynn
Located northeast of Boston, Lynn is one of the oldest communities in New England, the origins date back to 1629. Hiking, rock climbing, and cross-country skiing are all possible options at the Lynn Woods Reservation.
Lynn Heritage State Park
The Lynn Heritage State Park is a tribute to the industrial and cultural history of the city. The Visitors Center, housed in an early 1900's brick building, allows visitors to learn about the shoe making industry in the 1800's. The Waterfron Park provides a pleasant outdoor space with boardwalks and benches. The boardwalk in Lynn Heritage State Park features a mosaic mural on Lynn's history.
Lynn Museum and Historical Society
The Lynn Museum, housed in an 1900's brick building, highlights Lynn's industrial past as the world's largest producer of shoes as well as fostering an appreciation of Lynn through its textiles, paintings, photographs and historical artifacts. The museum also features changing exhibits, hands-on learning and informative lectures.
Mary Baker Eddy House (closed for restoration)
This is one of the homes of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science. Tours are open to the public during the summer months.
Mary Barker Eddy Historic House, Swampscott
This house was briefly occupied by Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science. The home features period furnishings and some personal effects of Mary Baker Eddy.
Lynnfield
Lynnfield is located in Eastern Massachusetts. The town features a green space in the downtown area which is surrounded by historical structures including the 1714 Lynnfield Meeting House and Lynnfield Public Library.
Waltham
Waltham is located just west of Boston along the banks of the Charles River. The town features several interesting 19th century estates, as well as an industry museum.
Charles River Museum of Industry
The Charles River Museum of Industry features displays on the history of industry and technology, with an emphasis on the American Industrial Revolution. The museum is housed in the historic 1814 Boston Manufacturing Company textile mill.
Rose Art Museum
The Rose Art Museum was founded in 1961 as a museum of modern and contemporary art. The permanent collection features over 8,000 objects with an emphasis on American art of the 1960s and 1970s.
Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History, Weston
The Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History features displays and activities related to postal systems around the world. With over 2,000,000 items in the permanent collection, the Spellman Museum has notable stamp and postal history displays, including a 1800's post office.
Golden Ball Tavern Museum
Golden Ball Tavern Museum building has served as an inn, a residence, a tavern, and a museum since being built in 1768. For over 200 years, the Golden Ball housed six generations of the Jones family while serving as a rest stop on the well traveled Post Road. On display are personal items from the Jones family as well as other artifacts uncovered in archeological excavations.
Armenian Library and Museum of America, Watertown
The Armenian Library and Museum of America pays tribute to Armenian Heritage through a collection of historical objects and artifacts. The collection features religious artifacts, inscribed rugs, folk costumes, metalwork, paintings, currency, illuminated manuscripts, ceramics, home furnishings, photographs, and musical instruments. The exhibits change regularly, with 400 items on display at a time.
Littleton
Littleton is an agricultural community located northwest of Boston. Some of the town area is an Indian preserve, the Nashoba Indian Praying Town.
Children's Hands On Art Museum (closed)
ATTRACTION IS CLOSED.The Children's Hands On Art Museum in Littleton provides elaborate and inspirational settings for children to create art. Supplies for painting, sculpting and all activities are provided.
Boston Surroundings - South
There are numerous towns in the Boston vicinity south of the city.
Dorchester - Franklin Park Zoo
Located within Boston's historic Franklin Park is the 72 acre Franklin Park Zoo. One of the highlights of the zoo is the indoor gorilla exhibit in the "Tropical Forest". This three-acre indoor complex is designed to simulate the habitat of ground dwelling African animals like gorillas and warthogs and others found in the trees.Also of interest are the lions of the Kalahari Kingdom, the tigers in the Tiger Tales exhibit, the Masai giraffe and Grevy's zebra on the Giraffe Savannah.The Bird World contains hundreds of different species of birds from around the world, some of which live within a large, walk-through free-flight aviary. The Australian Outback Trail features wallabies, emus, and kangaroos.
Fred Holland Day Historic House Museum, Norwood
The Fred Holland Day Historic House Museum, part of the Norwood Historical Society, offers guided tours of the house built in 1859. Fred Holland Day was a noted photographer, publisher, historian and philanthropist.The Second Empire style house has eight fireplaces, oak and mahogany paneling and woodwork, fabric wall coverings and Day family belongings.
Fairbanks House, Dedham
The Fairbanks House was built around 1641 for a family of Puritan immigrants. Fairbanks House is believed to be the oldest standing timber framed building in North America and opened as a museum in 1904. On display in the house are furniture and other items of the Fairbanks.
Brown Bag Opera (closed), Newton
ATTRACTION IS CLOSED.The Brown Bag Opera offers condensed operas with violin, cello, piano and voice, and performs mainly for schools. After the performance the musicians interact with the students and demonstrate their instruments. The objective is to inspire students.
Chelsea
Chelsea is a suburb of Boston, located directly across the Mystic River from Boston. The area was first settled in 1624 and became incorporated as a city in 1857. Chelsea is the smallest city in Massachusetts in land area.
Governor Bellingham-Cary House
Governor Bellingham-Cary House is a Georgian home, built in 1659. During the siege of Boston (1775-76), George Washington stayed at the house. Today the Cary House is a museum of early Americana artifacts that date back over 300 years ago.
Historical Society, Cohasset
The Cohasset Historical Society displays a variety of items from the town's history including books, art, theatrical artifacts, and a large collection of women's and girl's clothing from the early 1800's throughout the mid 1900's.
Milton
Located between the Neponset River and the Blue Hills, the Milton area was settled around 1634. The town is located just south of Boston and is home to Milton Academy and Fontbonne Academy.
Blue Hills Reservation
The 7,000 acre Blue Hills area covers, hills, meadows, forests, and wetlands, including approximately 335 kilometers (200 miles) of hiking and horse trails. In the winter cross country and downhill skiing, as well as other winter sports are available in the area.The park features about 50 prehistoric sites and 16 historic structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Captain Forbes House Museum
The Forbes House was built in 1883 in Greek Revival style. The restored house was owned by Captain Robert Bennet Forbes, a China trade merchant, ship owner and designer, and an internationally known philanthropist. The collections include items from China trading, Lincoln items and a log cabin.
Blue Hills Trailside Museum
The Blue Hills Trailside Museum offers information on the Blue Hills, including displays on wildlife, settlers, American Indians, and the natural history of the area.
Milton Art Museum
The Milton Art Museum displays bronze sculpture, prints, Asian artwork and contemporary art.
Needham
Needham was first settled in 1680 and incorporated in 1711. Located west of Boston, along the Charles River, Needham is within easy commuting distance of Boston. The town has numerous parks and Rosemary Pool to enjoy.
Children's Museum (closed)
ATTRACTION IS CLOSED.The museum offers educational interactive displays for children.
Needlham - Longwood Opera
The Longwood Opera uses recent university graduates of performing arts in it's productions, giving "unseasoned" artists an opportunity to gain experience.
Quincy
Quincy is the birthplace of John Quincy Adams and John Hancock, located just south of Boston. Local museums and several historical homes offer a glimpse of the past.
Adams National Historical Park
Adams National Historical Park has 11 historic structures, including the birthplace of John and John Quincy Adams and the old Adams family house, on a landscape totaling almost 14 acres.Preservation, education and participation in the history and development of the United States, the Revolutionary War, and the United States Presidency is available through this site.
US Naval Shipbuilding Museum
The US Naval Shipbuilding Museum is home to USS Salem CA-139, the only preserved heavy cruiser in the world. The museum has a Sailors memorial room, model exhibits, a Navy Seals display room and other nautical related items on the third deck.
Historical Society Museum (Adams Academy Building)
Located in the 1872 Gothic Revival style Adams Academy Building, the Quincy Historical Society Museum houses changing and permanent exhibits.
Josiah Quincy House
Built in 1770, Josiah Quincy House contains furniture and memorabilia from the Quincy family.
Quincy Homestead
This house was home of Dorothy Quincy, the wife of John Hancock. The mansion dates from 1686 and houses a collection of 18th and 19th century furniture.
Braintree
Braintree is located 17 kilometers (10 miles) southeast of Boston. The town features an interesting library and some historical sites.
Braintree Historical Society
The Braintree Historical Society is located in the Gilbert Bean Museum and features displays of artifacts and records relating to the Town of Braintree. Furniture from the 16th to 19th centuries and an exhibit on the Civil War are highligts of the museum.
Dorchester
Dorchester is located south of Boston and is part of the Boston, Massachusetts-New Hampshire metro area.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library and Museum
The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum is dedicated to the memory of the thirty-fifth President of the U.S. It is the official national memorial to JFK, designed by noted architect I.M. Pei and opened in 1979. The facility is operated by the National Archives and Records Administration and it features three theaters, personal memorabilia, photographs and historical exhibits that document the life of JFK and his presidency.
Hull
Hull is located on a peninsula southeast of Boston. The peninsula is bordered on one side by the Atlantic Ocean and the other side by Boston Harbor.
Hull Lifesaving Museum
The building that houses the Hull Lifesaving Museum once served as a Coast Guard Station. The museum offers a glimpse into the history of the lifesaving station during the early 1900's. There are various rooms dedicated to particular topics such as orientation, lighthouse models, and a children's exhibit with hands-on displays and a climb-on sailing ship.
Fort Revere Park and Preservation
Located on a hilltop, the 19th century Fort Revere covers a 15 acre area. Some of the remains of the fort include is a series of concrete disappearing gun emplacements, bunkers, and a concrete watertower with observation deck.
Onset - Porter's Thermometer Museum
Antique to high-tech models of thermometers are featured in the largest (currently numbering over 4,000) collection of thermometers in the world.
Lighthouse, Scituate
It is said that the teenage daughters of the Scituate lighthouse keeper scared off British soldiers during the War of 1812, using fife and drum.
Little Red Schoolhouse
The "Little Red Schoolhouse", as it is referred to, was originally opened in 1893 as a high school. The building has been used as classrooms and offices over the years, and is now home to the Kathleen Laidlaw Historical Center Society Headquarters as well as genealogical and historical library.
Stoughton
Stoughton is located southwest of Boston, within regular commuting distance. The town is named after William Stoughton, a former lieutenant governor.
Mary Baker Eddy Historic House
This 1870 house was the home of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science. On display in the house are period furnishings and old shoe-making shop.
Fisher Richardson House, Mansfield
The Fisher Richardson House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Adams Abigail Birthplace, North Weymouth
This is the birthplace of Abigail Adams, wife of former president John Adams.
Kendall Whaling Museum (closed), Sharon
The Kendall Whaling Museum merged with the New Bedford Whaling Museum in 2001.
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