Are you interested in military history? These are the must-visit war museums in Massachusetts:
1Bunker 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. 2New England Holocaust Memorial
Boston, MAThe New England Holocaust Memorial, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is a poignant tribute to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust perpetrated by Nazi Germany. Founded by Stephan Ross, a Holocaust survivor, the memorial was erected in 1995 and serves as a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed during this dark period in history. 3USS Constitution
Boston, MASince 1997, the USS Constitution has been moored in the harbor of Boston, specifically in the Charlestown district. This historic ship is open to visitors all year round, offering a unique opportunity to explore a piece of American naval history. The ship is maintained by 60 officers and sailors, all of whom are in active service with the United States Navy. They provide tours, maintain the ship, give lectures for students, and participate in official ceremonies. 4Charlestown 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. 5Battleship Cove
Fall River, MABattleship Cove is a non-profit maritime museum and war memorial situated in Fall River, Massachusetts, USA. It is a significant historical site that offers a unique insight into naval warfare and maritime history. Visitors can explore the world's largest collection of World War II naval vessels, including the highly decorated USS Massachusetts (BB-59). 6Armory Museum of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company
Boston, MAThe Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts holds a significant place in history as the oldest military organization in North America and the nineteenth oldest in the world. This makes it a unique destination for those interested in military history and the early history of the United States. 7Boston 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. 8USS Constitution Museum
Charlestown, MAThe USS Constitution Museum is situated in the Charlestown Navy Yard, which is a part of the Boston National Historical Park in Boston, Massachusetts. This location is not only historically significant but also offers a unique setting for the museum. The museum is easily accessible and provides a great opportunity for tourists to learn about the history of the USS Constitution and the people who were involved in its design, construction, and sailing. 9USS Cassin Young
Boston, MAThe USS Cassin Young (DD-793) is a historical naval vessel that served the United States Navy during World War II. Named after Capt. Cassin Young, this Fletcher-class destroyer was commissioned in 1943 and played an active role in numerous operations throughout the war. Visitors to the USS Cassin Young can learn about its rich history and the significant role it played during this pivotal time in history. 10American Heritage Museum
Hudson, MAThe American Heritage Museum is a military history museum situated in Stow, Massachusetts. It is located on the grounds of the Collings Foundation, approximately 21 miles west of Boston. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing military artifacts and vehicles, providing an educational and historical experience for visitors. 11United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum
Quincy, MAThe United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum, located in Quincy, Massachusetts, is a private non-profit institution. The museum's main feature is the USS Salem (CA-139), a heavy cruiser that is docked at the former Fore River Shipyard, the very place where it was constructed in 1945. 12Jason Russell House
Arlington, MAThe Jason Russell House, located in Arlington, Massachusetts, is a significant historical site that has transitioned from a residential building to a museum. It played a crucial role during the American Revolutionary War, making it a place of interest for those keen on understanding the history of the United States. 13Commonwealth 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. 14Royall House and Slave Quarters
Medford, MAThe Isaac Royall House and Slave Quarters is a historic landmark located in Medford, Massachusetts, near Tufts University. This National Historic Landmark is operated as a non-profit museum and is open to the public for visits from June 1 to the last weekend in October. The estate was founded by Isaac Royall, a native of the Bay Colony, and is recognized for its significant role in the history of slavery in Massachusetts. 15The Porter-Phelps-Huntington House Museum
Hadley, MAThe Porter–Phelps–Huntington House, historically known as Forty Acres, is a historic house museum situated at 130 River Drive in Hadley, Massachusetts. This house museum is a testament to the history of one extended family, with objects dating from the seventeenth to twentieth centuries. The house was occupied from its construction in 1752 until the 1940s, when it was converted into a museum by a member of the eighth generation of the family. 16Fort Taber Park
New Bedford, MAFort Taber District, also known as the Fort at Clark's Point, is a historic military fort from the American Civil War era. It is located on Wharf Road within the former Fort Rodman Military Reservation in New Bedford, Massachusetts. This fort holds significant historical value and offers a glimpse into the past, making it an interesting site for tourists interested in history and military architecture. 17General Artemas Ward Museum
Shrewsbury, MAThe General Artemas Ward House, located at 786 Main Street in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, is a historic site with a rich history. It was the lifelong home of Artemas Ward, an American Major General in the American Revolutionary War and a Congressman from Massachusetts. The house is a testament to the life and times of Artemas Ward and offers a glimpse into the past. 18Fort Taber Fort Rodman Military Museum
New Bedford, MAFort Taber District, also known as the Fort at Clark's Point, is a historic military fort from the American Civil War era. It is located on Wharf Road within the former Fort Rodman Military Reservation in New Bedford, Massachusetts. This fort holds significant historical value and offers a glimpse into the past, making it an interesting destination for history enthusiasts. 19Abbot Hall
Marblehead, MAAbbot Hall, located at 188 Washington Street, Marblehead, Massachusetts, serves dual roles as a town hall and a historical museum. It is open to visitors throughout the year, although the operating hours are limited during the colder months. 20Faulkner Homestead
Acton, MAThe Faulkner House holds the distinction of being the oldest colonial-era structure still standing in Acton, Massachusetts. This historic building offers a glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience a piece of American history. 21Lafayette–Durfee House
Fall River, MAThe Lafayette–Durfee House is a historic house situated at 94 Cherry Street in Fall River, Massachusetts. This house holds a significant place in history and is a must-visit for those interested in the American Revolution. The house was originally located at the site of the old Fall River Superior Courthouse, now the Fall River Children's Museum on 441 North Main Street, and was owned by Judge Thomas Durfee. 22Edmund Fowle House
Watertown Town, MAThe Edmund Fowle House, located at 28 Marshall Street in Watertown, Massachusetts, serves as a local history museum. This historic house offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing the rich history of the area. It is an important site for those interested in American history, particularly the Revolutionary War period. 23Gen. Gideon Foster House
Peabody, MAThe Gen. Gideon Foster House is a historic site located in Peabody, Massachusetts. This two-story Federal style wood-frame house was constructed in the early 1800s and has since been a significant part of the town's history. It offers a glimpse into the architectural style of the period and the life of its notable inhabitants. 24Memorial Hall - Milford Historical Commission
Milford, MAMemorial Hall is a historic site situated at 30 School Street in Milford, Massachusetts. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique insight into the past. The hall was built as a tribute to the Civil War and is a testament to the architectural prowess of the time. 25Springfield Armory Museum
Springfield, MAThe Springfield Armory and Arsenal, officially known as the National Armory, Springfield, played a significant role in the manufacture and development of handheld firearms in the United States. This role spanned from 1777 to 1968, marking a significant period in the history of American weaponry. 26Jackson Homestead and Museum
Newton, MAThe Jackson Homestead, situated at 527 Washington Street in Newton, Massachusetts, holds a significant place in history as it served as a station on the Underground Railroad prior to the Civil War. This historic house offers a glimpse into a pivotal time in American history, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the Underground Railroad and its role in the abolitionist movement.- 27
Munroe Tavern — Lexington Historical Society
Lexington, MAMunroe Tavern is a significant site from the American Revolutionary War. It is situated at 1332 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, Massachusetts. This location played a crucial role in the Battle of Lexington and Concord, making it a place of historical importance. 28Chatham Marconi Maritime Center
Chatham, MAThe Chatham Marconi Maritime Center (CMMC) is a unique museum in the United States that pays tribute to the Italian radio pioneer, Guglielmo Marconi. In 1914, Marconi established a significant radio station at this location for his American Marconi Wireless Corporation, which later became the Marconi-RCA Wireless Receiving Station. This historical connection adds a layer of significance to the museum, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in the history of radio technology. 29Josiah Quincy House
Quincy, MAThe Josiah Quincy House, situated at 20 Muirhead Street in the Wollaston neighborhood of Quincy, Massachusetts, served as the country residence of Colonel Josiah Quincy I, a soldier in the Revolutionary War. This historical site offers visitors a glimpse into the life of a significant figure in American history, providing a unique perspective on the Revolutionary War era. 30Buckman Tavern
Lexington, MABuckman Tavern is a significant site in American history, being associated with the very first battle of the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775. This makes it a place of interest for those keen on understanding the roots of American independence. 31Grand Army of the Republic Museum
Marblehead, MAThe Grand Army of the Republic Hall, also known as the General Frederick W. Lander Post No. 5, is a historic building situated at 58 Andrew Street in Lynn, Massachusetts. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore a significant part of American history.