Visit Boston's famous Freedom Trail sites and step back in time! Beginning with King's Chapel and its burial ground, then Old North Church and Paul Revere House - you're bound for an experience like no other!
Ride aboard the USS Constitution - commonly referred to as Old Ironsides! For any history lover, this ship should not be missed!
Boston
Boston is more than the site of the American Revolution; rather, this dynamic city offers an intriguing combination of past and present. Explore Boston's cultural heritage at any one of its museums, monuments, or parks; sample local cuisine or shop its fashionable boutiques or stores for unique goods!
One of the best ways to gain an insight into a city's culture is to stroll its neighborhoods. Back Bay stands as an intriguing contrast from Boston's flashy CBD; here, sedate brownstone and brick houses recall old Bostonian values while visiting Charles Bulfinch's Nichols House Museum reveals glimpses into life among Boston's upper class residents.
At Boston Harbor's waterfront, HarborWalk provides an attractive stroll that features parks and public art as well as access to cruise boats, ferries and water taxis. To discover its maritime history further, head over to Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina (an historic naval facility that has now been turned into a museum).
If you want to gain more insight into Boston's political history, take a tour of Boston Common and Beacon Hill. Don't forget Old South Meeting House where Patriot leaders' speeches inspired the Boston Tea Party or Old State House where you can see King George III's crown!
The Massachusetts Historical Society houses Presidential papers, diaries and broadsides (one-page notices posted for announcements) from colonial times in its collections. Furthermore, it boasts an impressive library of genealogical resources; patrons may do research here without incurring costs.
Cambridge
Cambridge is a modern town despite its medieval roots, with a vibrant cultural life that attracts both visitors and students from around the globe. Cambridge is also popularly known for its stunning university buildings as well as the scenic River Cam.
As well as cultural events, the city is well known for its abundant green spaces - especially parks like Parker's Piece (25 acres) and Christ's Pieces (1880s). Additionally, there are churches, museums, and historic structures to visit in this vibrant city.
Cambridge is home to over 20,000 students from all around the globe and thus features a vibrant cultural environment shaped by its diversity. Cambridge alumni such as Ian McKellen, Freddie Highmore, Miriam Margolyes, and Michael Redgrave can attest to this vibrant atmosphere.
At Harvard, traditions and myths have long been part of its legacy, passed along from student generations and tour guides alike. Some stories may even be true while others have been embellished over time.
In the 14th century, Cambridge to London was a full day's journey by river. River transport made goods easier and cheaper to move between Cambridge and London than by road; as a result, Cambridge flourished thanks to wine, salt, and fish imports along with rushes for lighting purposes and weaving into reed boats.
Cambridge is home to an extremely diverse community that includes Black residents who settled there post-abolition. Their presence shaped its culture through participation in local institutions and organizations as well as churches, small businesses, fraternal orders, fraternal orders etc. At one point redlining made home purchases difficult for Black families residing here;
Somerville
Somerville lies in the northwest corner of Greater Boston and is bordered by Cambridge, Medford, Everett Arlington, and Charlestown in Boston. Somerville's long history as an industrial hub has left its mark on architecture, culture, and cuisine alike.
Somerville was established as a village in 1630 before splitting off from Charlestown in 1842 to form its own independent town. Home to numerous historic sites as well as local restaurants and shops, Somerville offers plenty of attractions for its visitors.
Somerville has made significant efforts in recent years to become a model city. Mayor Joseph Curtatone has instituted policy reforms designed to increase efficiency and effectiveness within city government, such as creating a 311 call line for constituent services as well as emphasizing performance management and evidence-based decision-making.
Somerville's historic core has an inviting small-town atmosphere, while its neighborhoods reflect this diversity through classic single-family homes, charming duplexes, historical churches, schools, and civic structures.
Prospect Hill in Somerville stands as an important historical landmark, serving as an encampment for George Washington's Continental Army troops during the Siege of Boston. Due to its height and commanding views of its surroundings, it became known as "The Citadel." On January 1, 1776, the Grand Union flag - the precursor of American flags - was first raised there.
Somerville may not boast many iconic "must-see" attractions, but taking time to experience its quirky character is well worth your while. Visitors may enjoy exploring one of the 200 backyard shrines dedicated to Mary at Powder House Park or one of Union Square's quirky benches.
Worcester
Worcester is a bustling metropolis in central England named after one of its cities; boasting vibrant local communities. A major center for arts and culture, Worcester is home to world-renowned museums like 1857 Mechanics Hall, Worcester Art Museum, and EcoTarium; providing ample opportunity for shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation activities.
City Center's central location makes it the ideal spot for day trips to many New England attractions; Boston can be reached in 40 miles west, Providence in 50 miles north and Hartford Connecticut 90 miles northeast in two hours or less. And Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont boast gorgeous mountains and lakes that are just an easy drive away as well!
Worcester City was established in 1640, and its history and heritage can be explored at several museums ranging from medieval armor and Roman mosaics to Impressionist paintings and a reconstructed Georgian mansion. Additionally, The Worcester Historical Society provides an account of its establishment up until today.
Worcester's industrial growth in the 19th century was propelled by its canal and rail infrastructure: Blackstone Canal and rail transport provided access for machinery production as well as textile production and textile dyeing. Due to this industrial growth, immigrants from Lithuania, Poland, Italy, and Greece joined the local workforce. Industrialists sought to foster loyalty by offering housing, social services, and recreation options as means of improving productivity.
After an exciting day of sightseeing, shows, or strenuous outdoor activities in Worcester, visitors can unwind by relaxing with a pint at Wormtown Brewery - an eye-catching brewery situated along its restaurant row that serves creative brews such as blueberry lemon and strawberry rhubarb flavors!
Lowell
Lowell is an energetic cultural city, boasting remnants of its industrial past in the form of cobblestone streets and mill buildings. Today it serves as an example of urban revitalization with museums and galleries, an active arts scene, a a nationally-acclaimed folk festival, great restaurants, lively downtown area, birthplace of Beatnik Jack Kerouac as well as being artist James McNeill Whistler's boyhood home.
Lower Mills Historic District highlights the city's rich textile manufacturing past through self-guided tours that start in an expansive 1920s weave room where 80 power looms weave cloth - it may be best to bring along earplugs or headphones for optimal viewing experience.
Once your tour is over, explore the other exhibits in the museum's other rooms. One of the highlights is the Engineering Innovation Tour that explores canals, turbines, and power systems used to operate mills - making this visit essential if you want to know more about America's first industrial town!
One City, Many Cultures is the museum's primary exhibit that tells the tale of how immigration shaped its heritage and culture in New Orleans. Presented through sights, sounds, touches and smells with numerous languages used to convey this rich diversity, it provides an amazing immersive and interactive way to experience this history-rich city. This interactive experience was developed with help from community members as part of a truly engaging experience about New Orleans history.
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