The 9 Best Historical Societies in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is nothing if not replete with history. After all, the American Revolution was fought on its shores. These 9 historical societies have captured state history from different eras, and preserved it for future generations to learn from and enjoy.

Beverly Historical Society, Beverly, MA

Featuring school programs, several events each year and revolving exhibits, the Beverly Historical Society is a wealth of resources. They even sponsor a local trail and a brochure for an historical walking tour.

Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston, MA

The Massachusetts Historical Society is noted for its 225 years of preserving not only state history, but that of the country as well. Exhibits, collections, lectures and special events captivate history buffs of all ages.

Peabody Historical Society & Museum, Peabody, MA

Featuring its own museum, the Peabody Historical Society touts the rich cultural feel of its city by sharing a diverse program on the immigrants who settled there. Founded in the late 1800s, the society is the center of preservation of Peabody’s heritage.

Winchester Historical Society, Winchester, MA

Housed in Winchester’s Sanborn House, the Winchester Historical Society is staffed by more than 300 volunteers’ intent upon keeping people apprised—and interested in—the city’s rich history. Private parties may rent rooms in the Sanborn House for special events.

Cambridge Historical Society, Cambridge, MA

Located in the Hooper-Lee-Nichols House since the late 1950s, the Cambridge Historical Society is right at home in the structure that was built in the late 17th century. There is an on-site museum open for visitors, with exhibits that change on a regular basis.

Westport Historical Society, Westport, MA

Focused on fueling an enthusiasm for the continuation of preserving the past, the Westport Historical Society inspires visitors with a wealth of educational programs. Check out their collections of artifacts and exhibits, as well as their vast array of historical records.

Nahant Historical Society, Nahant, MA

If you’d like to know what a Lowland Buddha is, then a visit to the Nahant Historical Society is a must for you. The society’s annual pictorial calendar is a work of art, and a favorite of those in Nahant and several surrounding communities.

Danvers Historical Society, Danvers, MA

Housed in a collection of historical buildings in Danvers, the Danvers Historical Society has done well by its city’s rich history. Their “Come Grow With Us” program serves students and young adults with several educational programs.

Hudson Historical Society, Hudson, MA

Hosting a walking tour and featuring both an online and brick and mortar museum, the Hudson Historical Society serves to perpetuate an active interest in its region’s history. They continue to seek out and preserve both objects and information to add to the tale of Hudson’s history.

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Find Historical Societies, Sites & Museums Near You
Find Historical Societies, Sites & Museums Near You
547 Washington Street, Holliston, MA
The Holliston Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping Holliston's historical character intact. As stated in its bylaws... Read More
123 Union Avenue, Framingham, MA
Mission StatementThe Danforth Museum and School of Art actively engages its communities within an intimate environment to experience, create, and c... Read More
P.O. Box 2032, Framingham, MA
What We DoHistory Programs: Enjoy a rich selection of living history programs, exhibitions, tours, lectures and community meetings throughout the ... Read More
12 Hopedale Street, Hopedale, MA
About Us:The mission of the Little Red Shop Museum is to preserve and communicate the story of Hopedale through the artifacts of the town's history... Read More
3 Common Street, Bellingham, MA
The Bellingham Historical Museum is a repository for artifacts, documents, photographs and personal collections that help others to envision and un... Read More
11 Willard Street, North Grafton, MA
Benjamin Willard began making clocks in his small, rural Massachusetts workshop in 1766. His three younger brothers, Simon, Ephraim and Aaron, quic... Read More
58 Eliot Street, Natick, MA
The Natick Historical Society, founded in 1870, is the place to find out about all things Natick--landmarks and landscapes, personalities and pecul... Read More
106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA
History:The Davis Museum and Cultural Center traces its origins to the October 23, 1889 dedication of the Farnsworth Art Building on the Wellesley ... Read More
15 Depot Street, Uxbridge, MA
A portion of the Uxbridge Public School's community enrichment program was housed at the Bernat Mill and was displaced due to fire in July 2007.&nb... Read More
80 Brigham Hill Road, Grafton, MA
Mission: The mission of the Hassanamisco Indian Museum is to perpetuate the arts, crafts, and way of life of New England's Indigenous Peoples; pres... Read More
241 Wellesley Street, Weston, MA
Mission:The Spellman Museum is a center of learning and activities for people of all ages. It will preserve, enhance and expand its collections, li... Read More
P.O. Box 223, Weston, MA
History: This is probably the most unusual and without question the most evocative house museum in New England...The Golden Ball is not your stand... Read More
177 Main Street(Route 27), Acton, MA
Mission and Vision: The Discovery Museums inspire enduring curiosity and love of learning through interactive discovery, hands-on inquiry and scie... Read More
203 Union Street, Clinton, MA
Museum Vision statement:  The Museum of Russian Icons enhances relations between Russia and the United States through the medium of art, espe... Read More
7 Central Street, Boylston, MA
About Since 1971, the Boylston Historical Society has endeavored to live up to its motto, "Preserve the Past for the Future". Such a commitment i... Read More
51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln, MA
deCordova's mission is to inspire, educate, and delight with contemporary art from New England and beyond through outdoor sculptures in the landsca... Read More
415 South Street, Waltham, MA
Mission : The Rose Art Museum at Brandeis University is among the nation’s premier university museums dedicated to 20th and 21st century art... Read More
53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA
About Us: The Concord Museum is the one place where all of Concord’s remarkable past is brought to life through an inspiring collection of h... Read More
399 Lexington Road, Concord, MA
Orchard House - Home of the Alcotts is a historic house museum owned and operated by the Louisa May Alcott Memorial Association. The Louisa May Alc... Read More
93 Day Street, Norwood, MA
About Built in 1859, the house was the home of Fred Holland Day, the only son of Lewis and Anna Smith Day. The Smith and Day families were both pr... Read More
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