Massachusetts towns are filled with historic homes and mansions, from custom-built for industry leaders or sea captains to those with long histories attached.
On May 18th, The Trustees of Reservations invite you to explore eight historic houses across Massachusetts at no charge.
The Old South Church
The Old South Church was established in 1670 and located in Boston, Massachusetts. This historic church has played an instrumental role in American history such as hosting important events like the Boston Tea Party and birth of modern medicine. Furthermore, this landmark building is revered for its architecture and is recognized by UNESCO as a National Historic Landmark.
In 1816, Old South Church joined with Park Street Church to form the City Mission Society - a social justice mission serving Boston's urban poor. At that time, during the Unitarian Movement's early 19th-century surge, Old South Church was one of only two Congregational churches that continued with Trinitarianism doctrine while resisting unitarianism movement.
The church is also notable for its abolitionist roots; one of the first places where African-Americans could worship openly in America. Additionally, it is known for being very welcoming to all faiths, welcoming all types of worshipers regardless of religion and beliefs to come worship with us. Furthermore, Boston United Church was very vocal in supporting LGBT community activities; being one of only three Christian Churches to legally officiate same-sex weddings within Boston City limits.
The church is an exquisite building to explore and a wonderful resource for learning American history. Renovated many times over its long history, its exterior comprises of sandstone and Roxbury puddingstone while its interior has been decorated using different types of materials - making it a popular wedding and special event venue in Boston. Furthermore, Paul Revere's grave is located within this church as a must-see sight when visiting Boston.
The Gropius House
Walter Gropius was one of the co-founders of Germany's Bauhaus School of design. Bringing this aesthetic to America when he built this home in Lincoln, Massachusetts in 1938, Gropius combined familiar New England materials such as brick, field stone and clapboards with industrial ones like glass block walls and chrome banisters to achieve his signature style.
At its time, this house was an architectural sensation; today it continues to attract visitors from all over the world. It stands out with its use of white painted tongue and vertical groove siding in striking contrast with traditional clapboard clad walls; its asymmetrical composition makes it stand out among area houses, becoming an icon of modern architecture.
Visitors will discover that the layout is highly practical. The main living area features an inviting fireplace as the centerpiece, as well as glass blocks on its ceiling that let in natural light. Meanwhile, in the bedroom there are beds lining each other so family members may sleep head-to-head or toe-to-toe if desired.
The kitchen and dining spaces are highly functional. Equipped with windows to allow natural light into the space and cabinets offering ample storage, natural lighting fills these areas as natural sunlight enters through doors and windows; cabinets provide plenty of storage. Bathroom amenities are equally luxurious - including double sink, toilet, and shower stall. SPNEA has worked diligently to preserve this masterpiece; take a tour to witness this masterpiece for yourself during its summer opening hours! Historic New England now oversees this property under their care; tours may also be offered during this period.
The McLauthlin Building
Fulton Street in Boston is home to one of the oldest iron cast front buildings in the country, once home to McLauthin Elevator Company but later converted into condominiums and offices. Beautiful repetitive arcades adorn its facade facing brick warehouses and tenements that line Fulton Street; an early example of using cast-iron facades on brick structures as seen first introduced in New York City around 1848; its architect may have been Daniel Badger a local iron manufacturer closely connected with development of cast iron fronts.
North End residents will find The McLauthlin Building an oasis, boasting some of the city's best restaurants and cafes as neighbors, while enjoying quiet privacy just steps from downtown and all it has to offer. These spacious loft-style condos boast exposed brick walls, wood floors and 12 foot ceilings featuring original industrial steel beams - with open floor plans leading effortlessly from living area into dining and kitchen area with Palladium style arched windows overlooking tree-lined Fulton Street.
This building takes its design cues from Gustav Klimt's Tree of Life painting, with its mosaic design. As you ascend higher up the building it gradually lightens until reaching a shade of tan similar to Klimt's painting's bark color - an example of modern architecture taking cues from historical sources and its surroundings.
The Winthrop Building
The Winthrop Center stands as Boston's fourth-tallest building and serves as a stunning focal point in the Financial District. Anchored by two towers on Devonshire and Federal streets, its design draws its inspiration from Devonshire Street townhouses while simultaneously challenging architects to "play with space and volume in new ways" by including features like bay windows reminiscent of Boston's historic architecture.
This building goes far beyond high-end living; it's also a celebration of modern Boston culture and style. Within, residents will discover spaces that redefine urban living, including Michelin-star dining options, junior Olympic pool access, top fitness spaces and much more. Plus, all this environmental consciousness without compromising style or comfort - amazing indeed.
This magnificent Georgian structure stands as an impressive architectural marvel in Boston, even if its scale does not rival that of Washington DC's statehouse. Built for wealthy Boston businessman James Smith Colburn on land once owned by portrait painter John Singleton Copley - its unique rounded bay fronts and gilded statues make it stand out among its brick neighbors - in 1808 for an astounding architectural achievement that still amazes today! Open for tours select Wednesdays and Saturdays during public tours - The Old State House stands as an architectural marvel in itself!
The Old South Church is more than just an historic home; it plays an integral role in its community, providing insight into American history with its stained glass windows. Furthermore, The Church hosts numerous community-building events all year long such as its holiday open houses or its popular Spring into Summer concert series.
The State House
Wentworth Institute of Technology Associate History Professor Ella Howard says she conducts walking tours for her students at WIT and many don't notice it until later - though many consider the State House an icon with strong historical ties, she adds. "The State House stands as an icon representing government power and has connections that go back millennia."
Charles Bulfinch was an American architect whose neoclassical-federal style was heavily influenced by Greek and Roman architecture as well as London civic buildings. With this design he sought to evoke Massachusetts' early years of independence and optimism through this golden cupola. Atop its dome is an ornamental pinecone as a reminder of forests which allowed its early settlers to thrive in Massachusetts.
Visitors to this building will discover an array of architectural marvels within its walls. On the second-floor wall sits Edward Brodney's mural "Columbia Knighting Her World War Disabled", which won national competition sponsored by Works Progress Administration.
On the first floor are two rooms: Governor's office and Council Room - each overlooking the Common. Both feature floor-to-ceiling windows to let light in while Council Room stands out by having dimensions that form an exact cube shape.
There are also paintings on the walls depicting major events from Massachusetts history. One shows James Otis arguing against British officers' permission to search homes and warehouses under Writs of Assistance issued to Massachusetts; another portrays Paul Revere riding into Massachusetts to warn colonists about British intentions.
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