Massachusetts Historical Society — Attraction in Boston

This is one of the places I've been meaning to visit and finally made it to! It is primarily a research center (they have some fantastic documents and also have a lot online too so well worth a browse) rather than the museum style set up you may have visited at other Historical Societies.

Entry is free but they do ask you to leave larger bags in the lockers in the cloakroom. Restrooms are available and there's also a small bookcase of the Society's publications such as the John Adams letters.

The main exhibition is on the upper floor and covers several rooms so make sure not to miss them. The exhibitions rotate so at the moment it's on Arthur A Shurcliff and his views of Boston. The pictures themselves are brilliant and have been blown up so you can see a lot of detail- the Franklin Park ones are great- and also planning documents too down to tree planting and shade predictions. The only thing I would say about the exhibition is it felt a little underdeveloped compared to a full museum exhibition and definitely leaves you wanting more!

On the lower level, there's a small corridor gallery to look at as well. It's worth peeking in the rooms you can (don't go opening locked doors!) as they do tend to have display cases too to look at! The building itself is stunning, absolutely beautiful, so have a look at the details such as columns, sconces,...

Working with the Massachusetts Historical Society has been an absolutely rewarding experience. The Society’s vast and meticulously preserved archives offer a treasure trove of historical documents, manuscripts, and artifacts that bring the rich history of Massachusetts—and beyond—to life.

The staff are incredibly knowledgeable, welcoming, and supportive, making it easy to navigate the collections and find exactly what you need. Their dedication to preserving history and making it accessible is clear in every aspect of the work environment. They helped me find the resources I need to conduct my research and publish a paper within the following year.

Doing archive work here is both challenging and deeply satisfying. Handling original documents and uncovering stories from the past gives a real sense of connection to history. Whether you’re a professional researcher or a passionate amateur, the Massachusetts Historical Society is a fantastic place to dive deep into archival work and expand your understanding of American history.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in historical research or...

The Massachusetts Historical Society in Boston is a not for profit organization that offers frequent lectures, receptions, history paper readings, and special exhibits. There was a cool exhibition of the furniture that was made for Lafayette when he came to Boston in his later years. MHS has priceless paintings that are comparable to the ones at the MFA. It's like a library, it's like a museum. It was established in 1791. John Adams and John Quincy Adams were members. Several of their living descendants are members as well. I used to walk by this place for years and then one day went in for a lecture, and have been hooked ever since.

Edited June 21, 2023...