All historic houses to visit in Boston

Step into the past at 26 historic houses in Boston. These preserved homes offer a glimpse into the lives of notable figures and everyday people from different eras.

Are you interested in exploring historic homes? Here are the must-see historic houses in Boston:

  1. Paul Revere House1

    Paul Revere House

     Boston, MA
    The Paul Revere House, constructed around 1680, served as the residence of American patriot Paul Revere during the time of the American Revolution. This historic house, located at 19 North Square, Boston, Massachusetts, is the oldest house in downtown Boston. It has been a National Historic Landmark since 1961 and is now operated as a nonprofit museum by the Paul Revere Memorial Association.
  2. Boston Tea Party - Ships and Museum2

    Boston Tea Party - Ships and Museum

     Boston, MA
    The Boston Tea Party was a significant event in American history, marking a turning point in the relationship between the American colonists and the British government. On December 16, 1773, in Boston, the colonists staged a protest against the British government, which is now known as the Boston Tea Party. This event is considered one of the key events in the formation of the United States and played a central role in the American Revolution.
  3. Bunker Hill Monument3

    Bunker Hill Monument

     Boston, MA
    The Bunker Hill Monument is a significant historical site located in Breed's Hill, in the city of Charlestown, which is now a district of Boston, Massachusetts. This 67-meter high obelisk commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill, a pivotal event in the American Revolutionary War. Despite the name, the majority of the battle took place on Breed's Hill, not Bunker Hill.
  4. Old State House Museum4

    Old State House Museum

     Boston, MA
    The Old State House is a significant historic building situated at the intersection of Washington and State streets in Boston, Massachusetts. This location in the northeastern United States is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into the rich history of the region.
  5. Old South Meeting House5

    Old South Meeting House

     Boston, MA
    The Old South Meeting House, a historic Congregational church building, is situated at the intersection of Milk and Washington Streets in the Downtown Crossing area of Boston, Massachusetts. This significant structure was constructed in 1729 and has since been a notable part of Boston's history.
  6. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum6

    John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

     Boston, MA
    The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is a repository of official documents and correspondence of John F. Kennedy, who served as the President of the United States from 1961 to 1963. These documents provide a comprehensive insight into his presidency and the political climate of the time.
  7. Charlestown Navy Yard7

    Charlestown Navy Yard

     Boston, MA
    After its closure, the shipyard was transformed into a park and is now the berth of two historic naval vessels. The 18th-century frigate USS Constitution, also known as 'Old Ironsides', and the World War II destroyer USS Cassin Young are both docked here. Visitors can explore these vessels and learn about their significant roles in American naval history.
  8. Warren Anatomical Museum8

    Warren Anatomical Museum

     Boston, MA
    The Warren Anatomical Museum boasts a collection of 15,000 items. Among these are objects of significant medical history. For instance, the museum houses the inhaler used during the first public demonstration of ether-assisted surgery in 1846. Another notable item is the skull of Phineas Gage, a man who survived a large iron bar being driven through his brain.
  9. Nichols House Museum9

    Nichols House Museum

     Boston, MA
    The Nichols House Museum is situated at 55 Mount Vernon Street on Beacon Hill in Boston, Massachusetts. This location is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into the rich history of the area. The museum is housed in a building that was designed by the architect Charles Bulfinch and built by Jonathan Mason, a politician, in 1804.
  10. William Hickling Prescott House10

    William Hickling Prescott House

     Boston, MA
    The William Hickling Prescott House, also known as the Headquarters House, is a historic house museum located at 55 Beacon Street on Beacon Hill in Boston, Massachusetts. This location is significant as it was the home of one of the nation's first historians, William Hickling Prescott. Today, it serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and times of Prescott.
  11. Boston National Historical Park11

    Boston National Historical Park

     Boston, MA
    The Boston National Historical Park is a collection of sites that highlight Boston's significant role in the American Revolution and other historical events. The park was officially designated as a national park on October 1, 1974.
  12. The Mary Baker Eddy Library For the Betterment of Humanity12

    The Mary Baker Eddy Library For the Betterment of Humanity

     Boston, MA
    The Mary Baker Eddy Library, located on Massachusetts Avenue in Boston, serves as a research library, museum, and repository for the papers of Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science. The library is housed in a portion of an 11-story structure that was originally built for the Christian Science Publishing Society. This location offers a unique blend of historical and architectural interest.
  13. Museum of African American History13

    Museum of African American History

     Boston, MA
    The African Meeting House, which is now the Museum of African American History, is located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. This historic building has been a part of the Beacon Hill Historic District since 1966 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. In 1974, it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The building was constructed entirely by black workers in 1806 and still retains its 19th-century character with its red bricks laid in Flemish bond.
  14. Harrison Gray Otis House14

    Harrison Gray Otis House

     Boston, MA
    The Harrison Gray Otis House in Boston, Massachusetts, is not just one, but three distinct houses. All of these were designed and built by the renowned American architect Charles Bulfinch for the same person, Harrison Gray Otis, a Federalist lawyer and politician. Each house showcases Bulfinch's architectural prowess and provides a glimpse into the life and times of Otis.
  15. African Meeting House15

    African Meeting House

     Boston, MA
    The African Meeting House, also known as First African Baptist Church, First Independent Baptist Church, and Belknap Street Church, is a former church building that now serves as the Museum of African American History. It is located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. This historic building has been a contributing property of the Beacon Hill Historic District since 1966 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. In 1974, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.
  16. Roxbury Heritage State Park16

    Roxbury Heritage State Park

     Boston, MA
    Roxbury Heritage State Park is a historical park located in the oldest part of Roxbury, which was once a separate town before being annexed by Boston, Massachusetts in 1868. The park is a testament to the rich history of the area and offers a unique opportunity to explore the past in a beautiful and serene setting.
  17. Otis House17

    Otis House

     Boston, MA
    The First Harrison Gray Otis House, also known as the Otis House Museum, is a significant historical site in Boston, Massachusetts. Built between 1795 and 1796, it was the first of three residences owned by Harrison Gray Otis. Today, it serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.
  18. Commonwealth Museum18

    Commonwealth Museum

     Boston, MA
    The Massachusetts Archives is home to a vast collection of historical documents and artifacts. These include the state’s own copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, the 1780 Massachusetts Constitution, and the 1629 charter of Massachusetts Bay. The archives also house Revolutionary and Civil War records, documents signed by George Washington, John Adams, and John Hancock, treaties made with Native American tribes, and slave and witchcraft records. This extensive collection provides a comprehensive look into the history of Massachusetts and the United States.
  19. Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists19

    Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists

     Boston, MA
    Abbotsford, which is now the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists, is a historic house located at 300 Walnut Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. This museum is a significant landmark that showcases the rich history and culture of Afro-American artists. It is a place where tourists can explore and appreciate the contributions of these artists to the global art scene.
  20. The James Blake House20

    The James Blake House

     Boston, MA
    The James Blake House, located in Boston, Massachusetts, holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving house in the city. Constructed in 1661, the house stands as a testament to the city's rich history and architectural heritage. It was built by James Blake, an immigrant from England, in a Western English style of post-medieval architecture.
  21. The Vilna Shul21

    The Vilna Shul

     Boston, MA
    The Vilna Shul closed as a synagogue in the 1980s and has since been transformed into The Vilna Shul – Boston’s Center for Jewish Culture. It now serves as a cultural center, community center, and living museum, with a focus on Jewish history.
  22. Gibson House Museum22

    Gibson House Museum

     Boston, MA
    The Gibson House Museum, located at 137 Beacon Street in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, is a historic house museum that preserves a Victorian rowhouse from 1860. This house was occupied by three generations of the Gibson family, providing a unique glimpse into the past.
  23. Edward M. Kennedy Institute For the U.S. Senate23

    Edward M. Kennedy Institute For the U.S. Senate

     Boston, MA
    The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is a significant institution founded by and dedicated to the former U.S. Senator Edward M. (Ted) Kennedy, who was the youngest brother of the former U.S. President John F. Kennedy. This institute is a tribute to the Kennedy family's contribution to American politics and offers a unique insight into the life and work of Edward M. Kennedy.
  24. Boston Fire Museum24

    Boston Fire Museum

     Boston, MA
    The Boston Fire Museum, formerly known as the Congress Street Fire Station, is a historic fire station located at 344 Congress Street in Boston, Massachusetts. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of firefighting in Boston, housed in a building that itself has a rich history.
  25. The West End Museum25

    The West End Museum

     Boston, MA
    The West End Museum is a neighborhood museum located in Boston. It is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of the history and culture of the West End of Boston. The museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the rich history and culture of this part of the city.
  26. Loring–greenough House26

    Loring–greenough House

     Boston, MA
    The Loring–Greenough House, located at 12 South Street on Monument Square at the edge of Sumner Hill, is the last surviving 18th century residence in the historic section of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, a neighborhood of Boston. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique glimpse into the past, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in historical architecture and the history of Boston.