Are you interested in exploring historic homes? Here are the must-see historic houses in Boston:
1Paul Revere House
Boston, MAThe 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. 2Boston Tea Party - Ships and Museum
Boston, MAThe 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. 3Bunker Hill Monument
Boston, MAThe 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. 4Old State House Museum
Boston, MAThe 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. 5Old South Meeting House
Boston, MAThe 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. 6John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Boston, MAThe 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. 7Charlestown Navy Yard
Boston, MAAfter 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. 8Warren Anatomical Museum
Boston, MAThe 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. 9Nichols House Museum
Boston, MAThe 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. 10William Hickling Prescott House
Boston, MAThe 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. 11Boston National Historical Park
Boston, MAThe 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. 12The Mary Baker Eddy Library For the Betterment of Humanity
Boston, MAThe 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. 13Museum of African American History
Boston, MAThe 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. 14Harrison Gray Otis House
Boston, MAThe 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. 15African Meeting House
Boston, MAThe 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. 16Roxbury Heritage State Park
Boston, MARoxbury 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. 17Otis House
Boston, MAThe 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. 18Commonwealth Museum
Boston, MAThe 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. 19Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists
Boston, MAAbbotsford, 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. 20The James Blake House
Boston, MAThe 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. 21The Vilna Shul
Boston, MAThe 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. 22Gibson House Museum
Boston, MAThe 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. 23Edward M. Kennedy Institute For the U.S. Senate
Boston, MAThe 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. 24Boston Fire Museum
Boston, MAThe 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. 25The West End Museum
Boston, MAThe 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. 26Loring–greenough House
Boston, MAThe 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.