Commonwealth Museum — Attraction in Boston

With a great location opposite the JFK Library and Museum, this is a museum which is part of the Massachusetts archives. The main part is downstairs and covers the history of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the different people that make up its history. This was a great section with clearly laid out areas and some really interesting documents- I loved the section on the mill workers and the rules they had to follow! Alongside this is the Treasures room with a small collection of original documents which are the creme de la creme of historical documents! There is also a video to watch that you can ask to put on as well! Upstairs is a small exhibition on the revolution with a few artefacts and documents but predominantly information boards. This is an area that I think could probably be developed a little bit in its presentation to really bring everything together. As it's part of the archives, it's not a traditional museum with gift shop and cafe, it's much more a space fitting in around the offices and workspaces of the archives. That said, It's definitely worth visiting if you're in the area (it's not open daily so do check opening times) and is also free...

Good place to visit which is underrated probably because it's free and is less well advertised than its neighbour the JFK library and museum which requires payment. I was one of around 6 people I saw during my visit of around 90 minutes. They could definitely do with better PR and be more ready to greet visitors - and having a cafe would definitely help too!

The photo I've uploaded shows a anti slavery medallion "Am I Not a Man And a Brother?" originally designed by Wedgwood, Stoke-on-Trent, UK, and where I come from. Wedgwood anti slavery medallions were sent to Benjamin Franklin 1788 who was then president of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society. Maybe look into the influences the up and coming...

We visited the JFK library and new the Massachusetts Archive was nearby. When we approached it looked closed due to all the construction. We took a chance and went inside. The staff was very excited to see us. (I think the construction has affected visitors) The staff was very welcoming and offered us personal tour of archive. The exhibits are fascinating. The documents in the archives are incredible. They have one of the original copies of the Declaration of Independence. Also, a copper etching of the Boston Massacre by Paul Revere. Ask them how they got it. The story is...