SIGHTSEEING > MASSACHUSETTS

ACTON ù SCIENCE DISCOVERY MUSEUM
177 Main St, Acton, MA (map)
978.264.4200
http://www.discoverymuseums.org

Both this museum and the adjacent ChildrenÆs Discovery Museum offer hands-on exhibits, live experiments, and lectures about all aspects of science. Beginning June 19, both the Science Discovery Museum, geared to children six and older, and the Children's Discovery Museum, designed for children six and under, are open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Admission to both museums is $13, $9 for a single museum, free for children under one.

AMHERST ù EMILY DICKINSON HOMESTEAD
280 Main St, Amherst, MA (map)
413.542.8161
http://www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org

Emily was born here and spent all but 15 years of her hermetic, brilliant life in this house, from 1830 through her death, in 1886: ôAfter the pain, a formal feeling comes.ö She hopes you will come, too, to see where she lived and wrote. Open Wed through Sat from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, and on Sun from 12:30 to 5:30 pm. Tours depart on the hour Wed through Sat from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Sun from 1 to 4 pm. Reservations advised. The Museum offers two tours, "Emily Dickinson's World" and "This Was a Poet." "Emily Dickinson's World" leaves daily on the hour from 1 to 4 pm. Admission $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and college students, $5 for high-school students, and $5 for children ages six through 12. "This Was a Poet" is offered on Wed and Sat afternoons at $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and college students, $3 for students ages six to 17.

BOSTON ù BLACK HERITAGE TRAIL
Boston, MA (map)
617.742.5415
boas_mail@nps.gov
http://www.nps.gov/boaf

A self-guided tour of 14 sites commemorating the 19th-century African-American community on Beacon Hill. The trail is approximately 1.6 miles long. Brochures are available through the National Park Service. Tours begin at the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial, at the corner of Park and Beacon Streets, across from the State House, and last approximately one hour and 45 minutes. Guided tours given Mon through Sun at 10 am, noon, and 2 pm, through Labor Day. Large groups encouraged to call for reservations. Free.

BOSTON ù THE BOSTON ATHENAEUM
10-1/2 Beacon St, Boston, MA (map)
617.227.0270
http://www.bostonathenaeum.org/

A research library founded in 1807 by the Anthology Society. The building dates from 1849 and houses collections of rare books, historical artifacts, and artwork. Open on Mon from 9 am to 8 pm, Tues through Fri from 9 am to 5:30 pm, and on Sat from 9 am to 4 pm. Closed most holidays. Guided art and architecture tours on Tues and Thurs at 3 pm. Reservations required for tours. Use of the library and facilities requires membership or special arrangement.

BOSTON ù BOSTON BEER MUSEUM AND VISITORS CENTER
30 Germania St, Jamaica Plain, MA (map)
617.522.9080
View two centuries of beer memorabilia and learn about the brewing process. Tours every half-hour Tues through Thurs from noon to 3 pm, on Fri from noon to 5:30 pm, and on Sat from 11 am to 3 pm. Samples are available for guests over 21 with proper ID. Requested $2 donation.

BOSTON ù BOSTON BY FOOT
77 North Washington St, Boston, MA (map)
617.367.2345 or 617.367.3766 for a recorded tour listing
http://www.bostonbyfoot.com

These 90-minute walking tours depart from the Samuel Adams statue on Congress Street, near Faneuil Hall, except as noted. Tours held rain or shine. Tickets $12, $8 for children six to 12, except as noted. Reservations not required.
ù The Heart of the Freedom Trail tour meets daily at 10 am.
ù Beacon Hill tour meets at the foot of the State House steps Mon through Fri at 5:30 pm, on Sat at 10 am, and on Sun at 2 pm.
ù Boston by Little Feet, an hour-long childrenÆs tour, is given on Sat and Mon at 10 am, and on Sun at 2 pm. Tickets $8 for all.
ù Boston Underfoot tour (covering the subway system, the Big Dig, and other subterranean aspects of the city) is given on Sun at 2 pm. Tickets $14.
ù North End tour given on Fri and Sat at 2 pm.
ù Victorian Back Bay tour meets on the steps of Trinity Church facing Copley Square on Fri and Sun at 10 am, and on Mon at 5:30 pm.
ù Literary Landmarks tour meets at the corner of School and Washington Sts on Sat at 2 pm. Check the Web site for additional information.

BOSTON ù BOSTON DUCK TOURS
Prudential Center (Boylston Street side), Boston, MA (map)
617.723.3825
http://www.bostonducktours.com

Eighty-minute tours are given aboard re-purposed World War II amphibious-landing vehicles. The "Ducks" depart from the Museum of Science or the Prudential Center on Boylston St and travel to the State House, Old North Church, Newbury Street, Quincy Market, and the Boston Common. Then they plop into the Charles River for views of the skyline. Tours depart daily, rain or shine, every 30 to 60 minutes from 9 am to one hour before sunset. Tickets are sold inside the Prudential Center and the Museum of Science beginning at 8:30 am. Also available for purchase online or at Faneuil Hall. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the tour or up to five days in advance. On weekends during the summer, tickets can sell out early. No telephone reservations, except for groups of 20 or more. Tickets $27, $24 for students, seniors, and military personnel, $17 for children three to 11, $5 for children under three, $12 for those with special needs. Group rates available.

BOSTON ù BOSTON WOMEN'S HERITAGE TRAIL
22 Holbrook St, Boston, MA (map)
617.522.2872
mcdowellsa@earthlink.net
http://www.bwht.org

Celebrating four centuries of women's contributions to the history and culture of Boston. The trail encompasses nine self-guided walks to noteworthy sites through BostonÆs downtown, Beacon Hill, North End, Chinatown, Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, Charlestown, South End, and Back Bay areas. A guidebook (available for $12.95 at local bookstores or directly from the organization) includes maps of these walks, descriptions of each site and its significance, and historical photos.

BOSTON ù CHEERS BEACON HILL
84 Beacon St, across from the Public Garden, Boston, MA (map)
617.227.9605
http://www.cheersboston.com

Known as the model for the bar on the late sitcom Cheers, the bar formerly known as the Bull & Finch has become one of BostonÆs top-10 tourist attractions. Approximately one million people passed by the pub for a look last year. DonÆt go in expecting quiet and solitude ù or anyone who knows your name ù unless youÆre a Red Sox pitcher who gives up monstrous and memorable home runs to the enemy. Open daily from 11 am to 2 am. No admission fee, but no bar tabs either (even if your name is Norm).

BOSTON ù CHEERS FANEUIL HALL
Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Southwest Cafe, Boston, MA (map)
617.227.0150
http://www.cheersboston.com

The authentic replica of the famous Hollywood set of the late sitcom Cheers. Unlike at the bar on the TV show, outside seating is available when weather permits. Also provides 23 televisions for your Red Sox-viewing pleasure. Live entertainment Thurs through Sun nights. Open Mon through Thurs from noon to 2 am, and on Fri, Sat, and Sun from 11 am to 2 am.

BOSTON ù CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
300 Congress St, near South Station, Boston, MA (map)
617.426.8855
info@bostonkids.org
http://bostonkids.org

A four-floor museum with interactive exhibits geared toward the younger set. This summer the musuem presents "Katrina's Kids Project," an exhibition of art by evacuee children. The Science Playground allows mad scientists of all ages to experiment with ôbubbles, tops, and tools,ö and "Airplay" lets kids play PVC instruments from Blue Man Group. ThereÆs also a full-size Japanese home, an art studio, a workbench, and a rock-climbing area. The exhibit ôConstruction Zone!ö is inspired by the Big Dig. Open Sat through Thurs from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Fri from 10 am to 9 pm. Admission $10, $8 for seniors and children two through 15, $2 for one-year-olds. On Fri after 5 pm, admission is $1 for all.

BOSTON ù CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CENTER
175 Huntington Ave (at Mass Ave), Boston, MA (map)
617.450.3793
http://www.tfccs.com

The Mapparium, an antique stained-glass globe, is one of the main attractions at the Mary Baker Eddy Library. Open Tues through Sun from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission $6, $4 for children six through 17, seniors, and students with ID, free for children six and under. Group rates available. Sunday worship services at 10 am, noon, and 7 pm, except evenings in July and Aug..

BOSTON ù COMMONWEALTH MUSEUM OF MASSACHUSETTS HISTORY
220 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA (map)
617.727.9268
commonwealthmuseum@sec.state.ma.us
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mus/museum/index.htm

The museum features artifacts from the state's archives and displays relating to Massachusetts history. Open Mon through Fri from 9 am to 5 pm, and on the second and fourth Sat of the month from 9 am to 3 pm. Admission is free.

BOSTON ù FANEUIL HALL
Congress St, across from Government Center, Boston, MA, (map)
617.523.1300
faneuilhallmarketplace@therousecompany.com
http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/

Donated to the city by Peter Faneuil in 1742 and enlarged in 1806, this is the ôCradle of Libertyö made famous by the many politicians of old who duked it out over ù what else? ù taxes. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, by far the biggest tourist attraction in the city and the original downtown urban-revitalization project, is open all summer long. The Quincy Market Colonnade is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm. The North and South Market retail stores are open Mon through Sat from 10 am to 9 pm. Everything is open on Sun from noon to 6 pm, and restaurants and bars are (obviously) open late.

BOSTON ù FENWAY PARK
24 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA (map)
617.236.6666
tours@redsox.com
http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/tour.jsp

Take a tour of America's oldest and allegedly most beloved (and certainly most expanded) ballpark. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the press box and broadcast booths, the new Red Sox Hall of Fame Club, the Dugout Seats, and Pesky's Pole. Fans may get an up-close view of the fabled Green Monster when the field is available. Tours are given daily from 9 am to 4 pm (or until three hours before game time). Reservations required for group tours. Admission $12, $11 for seniors, $10 for military, active reserve (with ID), and children under 15.

BOSTON ù FRANKLIN PARK ZOO
One Franklin Park Rd, Boston, MA (map)
617.541.5466
http://www.franklinparkzoo.org

A 72-acre site nestled in BostonÆs historic Franklin Park. It's home to more than 220 species of animals, including giraffes, lions, and zebras. There are separate exhibits on the Australian outback, butterflies, and tropical forests. Open Mon through Fri from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sat, Sun, and holidays until 6 pm. Admission $11, $9.50 for seniors, $6 for children two through 15, and half price the first Sat of each month from 10 am to noon.

BOSTON ù FREEDOM TRAIL
National Historical Park VisitorsÆ Center, 15 State St, Boston, MA (map)
617.357.8300
http://www.thefreedomtrail.org

A self-guided 2.5-mile trail covering 16 nationally significant historic sites. Free maps available at the visitorsÆ center. Public walking tours every day at 11 am, noon, and 1 pm from the Visitor Information Center, Boston Common, and at 10:30 and 11:30 am from the Bostix Booth at Faneuil Hall. Guided walking tours $12, $10 for seniors, $6 for children. Audio tours also available at $15 for rental. Audio players can be picked up at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center.

BOSTON ù GRANARY BURYING GROUND
Tremont St (north of Park St), Boston, MA (map)
617.635.7389
http://www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/parkstreet.asp

Adjacent to Park Street Church is the Granary Burying Ground, where many notable Americans are interred, including Declaration of Independence signers John Hancock, Robert Treat Paine, and Samuel Adams. Also buried here are Mother Goose (reputedly) and the victims of the Boston Massacre. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. In July and Aug, the Park Street Church is open Tues through Sat from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. Free.

BOSTON ù GRAY LINE TOURS
14 S. Charles St, Park Sq, Boston, MA (map)
617.720.6342
info@brushhilltours.com
http://www.grayline.com

Tours leave the Gray Line ticket office at 9:30 am (unless otherwise noted) and range from two hours to an entire day. Tours run daily, except as noted. Pickup service from about 40 hotels is available but must be reserved, and it may cost extra.
ù The Beantown Trolley and Harbor Cruise sticks to Boston proper. Sights include the Freedom Trail, Beacon Hill, and Quincy Market. All-day tour. Tickets $29, $27 for seniors, and $12 for children.
ù The Total Experience covers Boston, Cambridge, Lexington, and Concord. Sights include Harvard Yard, Old North Bridge, Lexington Green, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston Tea Party Ship, and the USS Constitution. Seven-hour tour. Departs daily. Tickets $55, $30 for children.
ù The Plimoth Plantation Tour takes you through a replica 17th-century town and along the Plymouth waterfront. Six-hour tour. Offered on Mon, Wed, and Fri.. Tickets $55, $30 for children.
ù The Witch City Tour goes to Salem. Sights include Abbott Hall (and the painting The Spirit of Æ76), the Salem Witch Museum, and Pickering Wharf. Takes about six hours. Offered on Tues, Thurs, and Sat.. Tickets $35, $20 for children.
ù The Pilgrim's Path tour lets you see the historic sites of Plymouth. Admission to exhibits not included. Six-hour tour. Offered on Mon, Wed, and Fri.. Tickets $35, $20 for children.
ù The Cape Cod Excursion includes a cruise around Hyannis Harbor and opportunities for seaside shopping. Nine-hour tour. Offered on Sun, Tues, Thurs, and Sat.. Tickets $50, $30 for children.
ù "Fabulous Newport: The Gilded Ageö goes to Rhode IslandÆs ritziest resort town. Sights include Marble House (admission included), "The Breakers" (admission included), and Ten Mile Ocean Drive. Eight-hour tour. Offered on Sun. Tickets $55, $35 for children.
ù New England Seacoast tour includes stops at Hampton Beach, Nubble Lighthouse, and Kennebunkport. All-day tour. Departs on Mon, Wed, and Sat at 9:30 am. Tickets $50, $30 for children.
ù Wrentham Village Premium Outlets features New England's largest collection of designer outlets. Five-hour tour. Departs daily at 10 am. Tickets $36, $20 for children. Fare includes a discount coupon book.

BOSTON ù HARRISON GRAY OTIS HOUSE
141 Cambridge St, near Government Center, Boston, MA (map)
617.227.3956
http://www.historicnewengland.org

Built in 1796, the first of three houses designed by Charles Bulfinch for Harrison Gray Otis (BostonÆs third mayor), this landmark is now the headquarters for Historic New England. Otis, who made a fortune developing nearby Beacon Hill, was noted for his frequent entertaining. The restored interior has six Federal-period rooms, featuring brilliantly colored wallpaper and high-style furnishings. Guided tours, every half-hour. Open Wed through Sun from 11 am to 4:30 pm. Admission $8 for adults. Other rates may vary. Free for Boston residents and Historic New England members. Historic walking tours of Beacon Hill every Sat at 11 am. Tickets $12.

BOSTON ù INNOVATION ODYSSEY
28 State Street, Boston, MA (map)
617.350.0358
dave@bostondiscoveries.com
http://www.bostoninnovation.org/bostoninnovation/tour.htm

This summer, the Boston History and Innovation Collaborative offers ôInnovation Odyssey,ö a live performance that takes visitors to historical sites of discovery with actors playing figures from 400 years of innovation. The tour leaves the second Sat of each month through Nov at 2 pm from 28 State Street, next to the Old State House. Check the website for ticket information.

BOSTON ù JOHN F. KENNEDY LIBRARY
Columbia Point on Dorchester Bay, Boston, MA (map)
866.JFK.1960
kennedy.library@nara.gov
http://www.jfklibrary.org

Take the Red Line to JFK/UMass. Free shuttle buses leave every 20 minutes. The national memorial designed by I.M. Pei features 25 multimedia exhibits on the life and legacy of John F. Kennedy. First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy and younger brother Robert F. Kennedy are also honored here. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission $10, $8 for students and seniors, $7 for children 13 through 17, free for children 12 and under. The museum is fully handicapped-accessible, and pretty damn sad despite their best efforts to accentuate the positive.

BOSTON ù KING'S CHAPEL
School and Tremont Sts, Boston, MA (map)
617.227.2155
kchapel@kings-chapel.org
http://www.kings-chapel.org

Construction on this house of worship lasted from 1688 to 1754. The building later became the first Unitarian church in America. A historic burying ground adjoins the church. Services are held on Sun at 11 am, and on Wed at 12:15 pm. The chapel offers music recitals on Tues at 12:15 pm and concerts on Sun at 5 pm. Suggested donation $3 for recitals, $12 for concerts. Building open to the public for self-guided tours daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

BOSTON ù MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
Bulfinch Building, near Charles/MGH Station, Boston, MA (map)
617.726.2862.
http://www.massgeneral.org

The Ether Dome, the operating room where the first surgery using anesthesia was performed, on October 16, 1846, is open to visitors in the historic Bulfinch Building. The foyer exhibits photographs, surgical instruments, and a mummy. Open from 9 am to 5 pm when no meetings are being held. Admission is free. Check out the "Milestones" section of the Mass General Web site.

BOSTON ù MASSACHUSETTS STATE HOUSE
Beacon and Park Sts, Boston, MA (map)
617.727.3676
http://www.state.ma.us/sec/trs

Magnificent architecture includes BulfinchÆs beautiful central dome (no climbing). Statues, historical art, and war relics are on display inside. Free 45-minute guided tours are given Mon through Fri from 10 am to 4 pm. Tour includes visits to the House and Senate chambers. Open to the public Mon through Fri from 10 am to 4 pm. Visitors in wheelchairs should call in advance. Reservations recommended for groups. Free.

BOSTON ù MUSEUM OF AFRO-AMERICAN HISTORY
46 Joy St, Boston, MA (map)
617.725.0022
history@afroammuseum.org
http://www.afroammuseum.org

The museum is housed in the Abiel Smith School, built in 1835, originally an all-black grammar school and later headquarters for an organization of black Civil War veterans. Built in 1806, the African Meeting House (next door at 8 Smith Court) is the oldest standing black church in the nation. It became a center of African-American political activity and was dubbed the ôBlack Faneuil Hall.ö Frederick Douglass was a speaker here, and William Lloyd Garrison issued the New England Anti-Slavery SocietyÆs Declaration of Sentiments from the meeting-house pulpit. Permanent exhibits include ôSeparate Schools, Unequal Education,ö ôThe Times We Hadö (an exhibit on Boston's 19th-century community of free blacks and the abolitionist movement), and a collection of artworks and historical artifacts. The museum, meeting house, and Abiel Smith School are open Mon through Sat from 10 am to 4 pm. Tours are available on a walk-in basis and are also a part of the Black Heritage Trail tour. Suggested donation $5.

BOSTON ù MUSEUM OF SCIENCE
Science Park, Boston, MA (map)
617.723.2500
information@mos.org
http://www.mos.org

Enjoy more than 600 interactive exhibits on such topics as computers, the nature of light, the human body, Mount Everest, and electricity. New exhibits this summer include "Discovering Chimpanzees: The Remarkable World of Jane Goodall." Exhibit halls open Sat through Thurs from 9 am to 5 pm, and on Fri until 9 pm. After July 4, exhibit halls open from 9 am to 7 pm, and on Fri from 9 am to 9 pm. Admission $16, $14 for seniors, $13 for children three through 11. Combination tickets to the museum, planetarium, and Omni Theatre are available.

BOSTON ù NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM
Central Wharf, Boston, MA (map)
617.973.5200
http://www.neaq.org

Sharks, eels, and manifold species of fish swim to live and live to swim in a 187,000-gallon saltwater tank ù a re-creation of a Caribbean coral reef. Whale-watching trips embark daily from the aquarium. A six-story IMAX screen runs shows daily. Call for shows and times. Wheelchair-accessible. Through June, open Mon through Fri from 9 am to 5 pm, and on Sat, Sun, and holidays until 6 pm. From July through Labor Day, open on Mon through Fri from 9 am to 6 pm. Admission $17.95 (you could take out a loan), $9.95 for children three through 11. IMAX tickets $9.50, $7.50 for children. Combo tickets available. Call for all reservations (except individual aquarium tickets), 617.973.5206. Group rates available for 10 or more.

BOSTON ù OLD NORTH CHURCH
193 Salem St, North End, Boston, MA (map)
617.523.6676
church@oldnorth.com
http://www.oldnorth.com

Built in 1723, this is the oldest church in Boston and the one from which Paul Revere was launched on his famous sprint. A behind-the-scenes tour includes a slide show and a visit to the bell tower. This July through Oct the Old North Church presents Paul Revere Tonight!, a live performance on the life and times of Paul Revere. Shows are Fri at 5 pm. Tickets $12 adults, $9 for children under 16. There's a gift shop next door. Church tour begins on the hour daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Mid-June, daily tours from 9 am to 6 pm. Guides available during public hours, except during services (Sun at 9 and 11 am). Guided-tour tickets $8, $5 for children.

BOSTON ù OLD SOUTH MEETING HOUSE
310 Washington St, Boston, MA (map)
617.482.6439
http://www.oldsouthmeetinghouse.org

A museum and historic site built in 1729 as a Puritan house of worship, the Meeting House served as the location for meetings of Colonial revolutionaries leading up to the War for Independence. "Voices of Protest" is a permanent interactive exhibit. "If These Walls Could Speak . . ." is a state-of-the-art audio exhibit that takes you back in time to historic events such as the Boston Tea Party planning sessions and the saving of Old South from the wrecking ball. Open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Admission $5, $4 for students and seniors, $1 for children six through 18.

BOSTON ù OLD STATE HOUSE/THE BOSTONIAN SOCIETY
State and Washington Sts, Boston, MA (map)
617.720.1713
oldstatehouse@bostonhistory.org
http://www.bostonhistory.org

The oldest surviving public building in Boston, built in 1713, and the site of the Boston Massacre. The Bostonian SocietyÆs research library is open to the public on Tues, Wed, and Thurs from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Call 617.720.1713, ext. 12, for an appointment. Daily use fee $10, $5 for students. The Old State House also houses the Museum of Boston History, which documents Boston's social, political, and economic history during the 18th and 19th centuries. Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm through Labor Day. Admission $5, $4 for seniors and students, $1 for children six through 18.

BOSTON ù PARK STREET CHURCH
One Park St, Boston, MA (map)
617.523.3383
http://www.parkstreet.org

Gunpowder for the USS Constitution was stored in the crypt here during the War of 1812, and William Lloyd Garrison gave his first public address against slavery here, in 1829. Adjacent to the church is the historic Granary Burying Ground. Services held Sun at 8:30 and 11 am, and at 4 and 6 pm. The church is open for tours during July and Aug from 9 am to 3 pm. Admission free, but donations gratefully appreciated.

BOSTON ù PAUL REVERE HOUSE
19 North Sq, North End, Boston, MA (map)
617.523.2338
staff@paulreverehouse.org
http://www.paulreverehouse.org

The oldest surviving house in Boston, built about 1680. In the early 1990s, preservationists tore apart the third floor in a search for architectural clues about its 17th-century origins. The subsequent restoration, while impressive, means that although this house now looks as it did when it was first built, it doesnÆt look as it did when the famous lantern-flashing patriot and silversmith lived here between 1770 and 1800. Open daily from 9:30 am to 5:15 pm through Oct 31. Admission $3, $2.50 for students and seniors, $1 for children five through 17.

BOSTON ù SPORTS MUSEUM OF NEW ENGLAND
FleetCenter, Boston, MA (map)
617.624.1234
sportsmuseum@fleetcenter.com
http://www.sportsmuseum.org/

Exhibits on the Boston Garden, Bruins, and Celtics, in addition to exhibits on the Patriots' freshly minted dynasty, the Red Sox's championship run, the Boston Braves, local Olympic athletes, New England collegiate basketball, and more. Open daily from 11 am to 5 pm. Admission on the hour until 2 pm, followed by a final offering at 5 pm. Admission $6, $4 for children six through 17 and seniors, free for children under six.

BOSTON ù TRINITY CHURCH
Copley Square, Boston, MA (map)
617.536.0944
http://www.trinitychurchboston.org

Designed by H.H. Richardson and decorated with interior murals by John LaFarge, this 19th-century relic is the centerpiece of Copley Square. Organ concerts on Fri at 12:15 pm, through mid June. Services are on Sun at 7:45, 9, and 11:15 am, and 6 pm. Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. Those visiting the church as an architectural landmark are asked to pay $5. Guided tours offered Sun immediately following the 11:15 am service, Mon through Sat from 9 am to 4 pm, and on Sun from 1 to 4 pm. Self-guided tours offered Mon through Sat from 9 am to 5:30 pm, and on Sun from 1 to 5 pm. Tickets $5, free for children under 12. Schedule subject to change. Call for updates.

BREWSTER ù CAPE COD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
869 Main St, Rte 6A, Brewster, MA (map)
508.896.3867
info@ccmnh.org
http://www.ccmnh.org

Founded in 1954 and situated on more than 350 acres of conservation land on Cape Cod Bay. The museum contains two floors of exhibits devoted to the flora and fauna of Cape Cod, including exhibits on whales, indigenous birds, and coastal change. Outside, three trails pass through woodland, salt marsh, and coastal habitats. Open daily from 9:30 am to 4 pm. Admission $8, $7 for seniors, $3.50 for children three to 12.

BREWSTER ù NEW ENGLAND FIRE & HISTORY MUSEUM
1439 Main St, Rte 6A, Brewster, MA (map)
508.896.5711
A complex of six buildings with 35 historic fire engines surrounds a replica of a New England gas-lighted common. Exhibits include the first fire engine shipped over by King George III to Boston in 1767. The museum also has an antique Schmidt apothecary restoration, a blacksmith shop, formal herb gardens, and a ôcontemplation garden.ö On display is the only existing 1929 Mercedes-Benz fire truck in the world, and the Freedom Foundation Medal awardûwinning animated diorama of the burning of Chicago in 1871. Also on view are 14 life-size mannequins of firefighters dating back to 226 BC. Picnic areas include a playground with a toy fireboat and hoses. There is also a gift shop, free parking, and, yes, the "Fun Alarm." Open through Labor Day on Mon through Sat from 10 am to 4 pm and on Sun from noon to 4 pm. Admission $7, $6 for seniors, $3 for children five through 12, $1 for children under five.

BROOKLINE ù JOHN F. KENNEDY NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
83 Beals St, Brookline, MA (map)
617.566.7937
http://www.nps.gov/jofi/index.htm

Birthplace and boyhood home of JFK. Maps available for self-guided tours of the neighborhood, in case you'd like to buy some great bagels. Guided tour of the birthplace offered Wed through Sun every half-hour from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Open Wed through Sun from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Admission $3, free for children under 16.

BROOKLINE ù LONGYEAR MUSEUM
1125 Boylston St (Rte 9) and Dunster Rd, Chestnut Hill, MA (map)
617.278.9000 or 800.277.8943
letters@longyear.org
http://www.longyear.org

This museum focuses on the life of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science. Permanent exhibits include artifacts from Eddy's life. Open Wed through Sat and on Mon from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Sun from 1 to 4 pm. Free.

BROOKLINE ù MUSEUM OF TRANSPORTATION
Larz Anderson Park, 15 Newton St, Brookline, MA (map)
617.522.6547
http://www.mot.org

An 1889 carriage house with antique autos, a restored tack room, childrenÆs climb-on vehicles, and picnic areas. Exhibit this summer is "L'automobile -- A Century of Innovation and Style celebrating the French Automobile Industry." The museum hosts lawn events on most Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. Admission $7, $5 for children. Fee includes admission to all museum exhibits. For more information call Elln Hagney at 617.522.6547, ext 14. The museum is open Tues through Sun from 10 am to 5 pm, and occasionally on Mon, call ahead. Admission $5, $3 for students, seniors, and children six to 18, free for children under six.

CAMBRIDGE ù CAMBRIDGE VISITOR INFORMATION
Outside main subway entrance, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA (map)
617.441.2884
http://www.cambridge-usa.org

Maps and guidebooks are available. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Unto itself, not much of a sight.

CAMBRIDGE ù CHRIST CHURCH
Zero Garden St, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA (map)
617.876.0200
http://www.cccambridge.org

The oldest extant church building in Cambridge, designed in 1759 by Peter Harrison and opened in 1761. Used as a military barracks in 1774 by Connecticut troops, who melted the organ down to make bullets. George and Martha Washington prayed here (with no musical accompaniment) on New YearÆs Eve 1775. Open Mon through Fri from 8 am to 6 pm, and on Sat until 3 pm. Sun services are at 7:45 and 10:15 am, and 5 pm for the Harvard Chaplaincy Service. Wed service is at 12:10 pm.

CAMBRIDGE ù FIRST CHURCH, CONGREGATIONAL
Mason and Garden Sts, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA (map)
617.547.2724
http://www.firstchurchcambridge.org

Built in 1870 for one of the oldest congregations in the city. The tower is topped by a gilded weathercock made by Shem Drowne, who also designed the grasshopper atop Faneuil Hall. Jazz service on Sun at 5:30 pm. Regular service on Sun at 10 am in July and Aug, and at 11 am during the rest of the year. Church office open Mon through Thurs from 9 am to 5 pm. Call for information about cultural events and programs, or rental space.

CAMBRIDGE ù HARVARD LAMPOON CASTLE
57 Mt Auburn St, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA (map)
http://www.harvardlampoon.com/history/castle

This vaguely triangular building defies most rules of architecture ù and good taste ù with its round brick turret and a front door painted red, yellow, and purple. It's now occupied by HarvardÆs humor magazine, the Lampoon. Several years ago, former Cambridge mayor Al Vellucci had the city plant a large tree in front of the castle to hide it from public view. Lampoon staffers subjected the tree to a steady program of burning, chopping, and acid (the non-hallucinogenic type) until it finally expired. No public admission. Free (for viewing of the exterior only).

CAMBRIDGE ù HARVARD UNIVERSITY NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUMS
26 Oxford St, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA (map)
617.495.3045
hmnh@oeb.harvard.edu
http://www.hmnh.harvard.edu

The Botanical Museum features Harvard's famous glass flowers ("Don't lean on the glass cases!"), which used as teaching aids for budding botanists pretty much since botanists were invented. The Mineralogical and Geological Museum has exhibits of minerals, gems, ores, and meteorites. The Museum of Comparative Zoology houses fantastic fossils and taxidermic exhibits, complemented by the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. Them bones! Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission $9, $7 for students and seniors, $6 for children three through 18. Harvard-ID holders and one guest are admitted free. Free to the public on Sun from 9 am to noon. Public entrances are located at 26 Oxford St and 11 Divinity Ave..

CAMBRIDGE ù LONGFELLOW NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
105 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA (map)
617.876.4491
http://www.nps.gov/long/

See the study where Henry Wadsworth Longfellow penned "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" and his collection of 18th- and 19th-century artifacts and manuscripts. The property is now a museum of Longfellow's life and belongings, much of which has remained intact and preserved because he was the last person to live there. Open Wed through Sun from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Guided tours are offered at 10:30 and 11:30 am, and every hour on the hour from 1 to 4 pm. Special events and exhibits will take place throughout the summer. Call for details. Admission $3, free for children under 15.

CAMBRIDGE ù MIT MUSEUM
265 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA (map)
617.253.4444
http://web.mit.edu/museum

Three buildings offer exhibits on photography, holography, robotics, stroboscopy, architecture, engineering, and computing. Other galleries are listed below. Main exhibition center open Mon through Fri from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sat and Sun from noon to 5 pm. Admission $5, $2 for students, seniors, and children five through 18. Free for children under five, MIT-ID holders, and Massachusetts Teachers Association members. Also free on third Sun of each month. Ongoing exhibits include "Mind and Hand: The Making of MIT Scientists and Engineers," "Robots and Beyond: Exploring Artificial Intelligence @ MIT," "Holography: The Light Fantastic," "Gestural Engineering: The Sculpture of Arthur Ganson," and "Flashes of Inspiration: The Work of Harold Edgerton."
ù Hart Nautical Galleries, 55 Mass Ave, Building 5. Exhibits on ship models and ocean engineering. Open daily from 9 am to 8 pm. Free.
ù Compton Gallery, 77 Mass Ave, building 10, room 150. Changing exhibits. Through June 30, "Pia Lindman: Embodiments." Open Mon through Fri from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Free.

CAMBRIDGE ù MOUNT AUBURN CEMETERY
580 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA (map)
617.547.7105
http://www.mountauburn.org/

By MBTA, take the Red Line to Harvard Station, then take the No. 71, 72, or 73 bus. Friends of Mount Auburn maintain nearly 300 species of trees and 130 species of ground flora on 174 acres. See the Egyptian Revival entrance gate designed by Dr. Jacob Bigelow, the Gothic Revival Bigelow Chapel, the 62-foot-tall Washington Tower (from which much of Boston is visible), and the graves of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Bernard Malamud, Charles Sumner, Eleanor Murphy, and many other Bay State figures. The main gate is open daily from 8 am to 7 pm through Sept.. Audio tours available daily from 8:30 am to 2 pm. Rental fee ($7) with deposit is $15. Check the Web site for upcoming programs and guided tours including bird walks, horticulture walks, and historical walks. No picnicking, dogs, rollerblading, or bicycling. Be respectful, but don't worry -- the dead love company, and at this bone-yard, designed as one of the first park-like ceneteries in America, they're well used to it.

CAMBRIDGE ù PEABODY MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND ETHNOLOGY
Harvard University, 11 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA (map)
617.496.1027
http://www.peabody.harvard.edu

The museumÆs collection includes North American Indian artifacts, pre-Columbian stuff from Middle America, ancient pottery from North and South America, and objects representing the Paleolithic and Iron Age cultures of Europe. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission $9, $7 for seniors and students, $6 for children three through 18. Free for students with a Harvard ID and one guest.

CAMBRIDGE ù SEMITIC MUSEUM
Harvard University, 6 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA (map)
617.495.4631
davis4@fas.harvard.edu
http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~semitic

This summer, the museum features three exhibits: "The Sphinx and the Pyramids: 100 Years of American Archaeology at Giza," ôNuzi and the Hurrians: Fragments from a Forgotten Past,ö and ôAncient Cyprus: The Cesnola Collection at the Semitic Museum.ö The museum also has a shop with jewelry, books, and other gifts with an ancient Near Eastern flair. Open Mon through Fri from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Sun from 1 to 4 pm. Free.

CHARLESTOWN ù BUNKER HILL MONUMENT
Monument Square, Charlestown, MA (map)
617.242.5641
http://www.nps.gov/bost

This 294-step obelisk was dedicated in 1843 by orator Daniel Webster and President Tyler; it commemorates the first major battle of the Revolutionary War. Park rangers describe the British advance up the hill in battle talks on the hour, except 1 pm. Part of the Boston National Historical Park. Recently cleaned up and re-opened to the public. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, last climb (no elevators) at 4:40 pm.

CHARLESTOWN ù BUNKER HILL PAVILION
Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, MA (map)
617.241.7575
ôThe Whites of Their Eyes,ö a 20-minute audio-visual re-creation of the Battle of Bunker Hill, is shown daily on the half-hour, with the first show at 9:30 am and the last show at 4:30 pm. Admission $4, $3 for students and seniors, $2 for children six through 17. Group rates available.

CHARLESTOWN ù CHARLESTOWN NAVY YARD
Charlestown, MA (map)
617.242.5601
http://www.nps.gov/bost/Navy_Yard.htm

Once one of the busiest Naval shipyards in the country, Charlestown was shut down by President Richard M. Nixon in 1974 (not long after Massachusetts gained glory by being the only state that voted against his re-election). Now itÆs part of the Boston National Historical Park and includes the following attractions. Call for hours and tour schedules. Free.
ù USS Cassin Young. A Fletcher-class World War II destroyer, built in 1943 and since restored. Self-guided tours daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Forty-five-minute guided tours by ranger offered daily at 11 am, and 2 and 3 pm.
ù USS Constitution, Charlestown Navy Yard, 617.242.5670. The oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world, Old Ironsides is 300 feet long and has 44 guns. It got its nickname in a battle during the War of 1812, when cannonballs bounced off its hull (made of oak). Tours every 30 minutes, Tues through Sun from 10 am to 3:50 pm. Last tour leaves at 3:30 pm. Museum open Tues through Sun from 10 am to 5 pm.

CONCORD ù CONCORD MUSEUM
200 Lexington Rd, Concord, MA (map)
978.369.9763
cm1@concordmuseum.org
http://www.concordmuseum.org

Concord's past is brought to life inside this museum, current home of the lantern that hung in the Old North Church on the night of Paul Revere's famous ride, EmersonÆs study, and the desk upon which Thoreau wrote Walden and "Civil Disobedience." The "Why Concord" galleries examine ConcordÆs remarkable history from Native American settlement through the 20th century. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and on Sun in Sept from noon to 5 pm. Admission $10, $8 for seniors and students, $5 for children. AAA discount available.

CONCORD ù MINUTE MAN NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK
174 Liberty St, Concord, MA (map)
978.369.6993
mima_info@nps.gov
http://www.nps.gov/mima

The visitorsÆ center offers multimedia presentations, maps, and interpretive talks. The park includes the Old North Bridge, Fisk Hill, and five miles of Battle Road, running through Concord, Lexington, and Lincoln. The Wayside (home to several Concord authors) and the Hartwell Tavern are along the way. Park open daily from sunrise to sunset. Visitor Center open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Parking lot closes at sunset. The Minute Man Visitor Center is located off exit 30B, off Rte 128 in Lexington. Call 781.674.1920. Hartwell Tavern is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Call 978.318.7826 to reserve a tour of the Wayside for $5. North Bridge Visitor Center open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

CONCORD ù THE OLD MANSE
269 Monument St, Concord, MA (map)
978.369.3909
oldmanse@ttor.org
http://www.thetrustees.org

Both Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne lived here. Built in 1770, and the inspiration for HawthorneÆs Mosses from an Old Manse, the Old Manse is furnished with period pieces. Grounds open daily from sunrise to sunset. House open Mon through Sat from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sun from noon to 5 pm. Last tour departs at 4:30 pm. Tours $8, $7 for students and seniors, $5 for children six to 12, free for members.

CONCORD ù ORCHARD HOUSE
399 Lexington Rd, Concord, MA (map)
978.369.4118
http://www.louisamayalcott.org

The Alcott-family home from 1858 to 1877, where Louisa May penned Little Women. Nearly all furnishings are original and belonged to the family. On the grounds is Bronson Alcott's utopian Concord School of Philosophy, the first adult summer school in the East. The house is shown by guided tour only (reservations are required for groups of 10 or more). Tours last 30 minutes and are given every half-hour Mon through Sat from 10 am to 4:30 pm, and on Sun from 1 to 4:30 pm. Admission $8, $7 for students and seniors, $5 for children six through 17, $20 for family pass.

CONCORD ù RALPH WALDO EMERSON HOUSE
28 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA (map)
978.369.2236
http://www.rwe.org/emersonhouse/

The authorÆs home from 1835 to 1882, with original furnishings. Nearby is the Concord Museum. Guided tours given on Thurs, Fri, and Sat from 10 am to 4:30 pm, and on Sun from 1 to 4:30 pm. Admission $7, $5 for seniors and for children under 17. Call to arrange group tours.

CONCORD ù THE WAYSIDE
455 Lexington Rd, Concord, MA (map)
978.318.7825
http://www.nps.gov/mima/rngrpro.html

Begun as a four-room Colonial farmhouse sometime before 1717, and eventually expanded to 12 rooms. During the 19th century, the Wayside was home to several well-known authors, including Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Margaret Sidney. Guided tours are on Fri, Sat, and Sun at 11 am and at 1, 3, and 4:30 pm. Admission $5, free for children under 16.

DANVERS ù REBECCA NURSE HOMESTEAD
149 Pine St, Danvers, MA (map)
978.774.8799
http://www.rebeccanurse.org

Rebecca Nurse was executed in 1692 for being a witch, which she probably wasn't. Built circa 1678, this saltbox-style house contains three period rooms with 17th- and 18th-century furnishings and exhibit areas. Sound-and-slide show offered. Set on 27 acres of fields, pasture, and woods. Open from June 15 to Labor Day, Wed through Sunday from 11 am to 4:30 pm. In Sept and Oct, open on Sat and Sun from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Admission $5, $3 for children under 16, free for members. Group rates available.

DEERFIELD ù HISTORIC DEERFIELD
Old Main St (off Rtes 5 and 10), Deerfield, MA (map)
413.774.5581
http://www.historic-deerfield.org

Tours of 12 period houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Flynt Center of Early New England Life houses a collection of American decorative arts. The museum's permanent exhibit, "The MuseumÆs Attic: Three Thousand of Historic DeerfieldÆs Choicest Antiques," features furniture, ceramics, glass, silver, and paintings. Open-hearth cooking demonstrations on most Sats. Most museum houses shown by 30-minute guided tours, excepting the Sheldon and Stebbins houses, in which self-guided tours are available. All sites open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Library open 9 am to 5 pm. Admission (good for all sites) $14, $5 for children six through 21.

DEERFIELD ù MEMORIAL HALL MUSEUM
Memorial St (off Rtes 5 and 10), Deerfield, MA (map)
413.774.3768
info@old-deerfield.org
http://www.deerfield-ma.org

Opened in 1880, the museum has 19 exhibition rooms featuring collections of 18th-century British pewter, American Indian artifacts, a re-creation of a Victorian bedroom, the Old Indian House Door (covered with gashes made by French and Indian attackers in 1704), and Bangwell Putt, the oldest rag doll in America (and a great name for a rock band). Open daily from 11 am to 5 pm. Admission $6, $3 for children and students, free for children under six.

ESSEX ù COGSWELL'S GRANT
Spring St, Essex, MA (map)
978.768.3632
http://www.spnea.org/visit/homes/cogswell.htm

CogswellÆs Grant is a farmhouse overlooking the Essex River. It was built in 1730 and later restored by collectors Bertram K. and Nina Fletcher Little. ItÆs filled with ôcountry artö such as redware (pottery made from iron-rich clay), painted furniture, Shaker boxes, and weathervanes. A Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities property. Through Oct 15, open Wed through Sun.. Tours on the hour from 11 am to 4 pm. Admission $10, free for SPNEA members and Essex residents.

FALL RIVER ù BATTLESHIP COVE
Exit 5 off I-195, Fall River, MA (map)
508.678.1100
battleship@battleshipcove.org
http://www.battleshipcove.org

The worldÆs largest display of historic Naval ships. Six exhibits include the World War II battleship Massachusetts, the destroyer Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., the submarine Lionfish, an LCM (stands for Landing Craft, Mechanized), a UH-1M ôHueyö helicopter, the Russian missile-corvette Hiddensee, and two World War IIûera patrol-torpedo boats, PT-796 and a PT-617. Battleship Cove serves as the Bay State's official memorial to World War II, the Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf wars and (for reasons unclear) the September 11, 2001, "Attack on America." Open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm. Admission $14, $12 for seniors and AAA members, $8 for children six to 14, free for children five and under. Reservations must be made a week in advance for large-group discount rates.

FALL RIVER ù FALL RIVER CAROUSEL
One Central St, Battleship Cove, Fall River, MA (map)
508.678.1100
http://www.battleshipcove.org/carousel.htm

A fully restored 1920s carousel, distinguished by masterful carvings, housed in an elegant Victorian-style pavillion. Rides cost $1, or 7 for $5. Through June 26, open on Sat and Sun from 11 am to 6 pm. From June 29 through Sept 5, open daily from 11 am to 6 pm. Call for information about booking birthday parties or special events.

FALL RIVER ù FALL RIVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY
451 Rock St, Fall River, MA (map)
508.679.1071
http://www.lizzieborden.org

A Victorian mansion that includes an exhibit on the infamous Lizzie Borden murder case. You can see the actual now-handleless hatchet with which she reputedly gave her parents 40 whacks, the bloodstained bedspread, and photographs of the victimsÆ skulls. Bring the kids. Among less gruesome offerings, there are collections of quilts, needlepoints, glassware, jewelry, fans, and steamship memorabilia. The mansion also boasts elaborately gilded polychrome ceilings from the 1870s. An extensive library of genealogical materials, photographs, and manuscripts is available by appointment to researchers and scholars. Open Tues through Fri from 9 am to 4:30 pm (tours on the hour from 9 am to 3 pm, excepting noon), and on Sat and Sun from 1 to 5 pm (tours on the hour from 1 to 4 pm).

GLOUCESTER ù BEAUPORT
75 Eastern Point Blvd, East Gloucester, MA (map)
978.283.0800
http://www.spnea.org/visit/homes/beauport.htm

A 40-room ôcottageÆÆ overlooking Gloucester Harbor, with 24 rooms open to the public. Built between 1907 and 1934 by interior designer Henry Davis Sleeper, the mansion contains his formidable collection of pine furniture and folk art. A SPNEA house. Through Oct 15, open Tues through Sat.. Tours given on the hour from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission $10, free for SPNEA members and Gloucester residents.

GLOUCESTER ù CAPE ANN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
27 Pleasant St, Gloucester, MA (map)
978.283.0455
http://www.capeannhistoricalmuseum.org

The AssociationÆs museum houses permanent exhibits of works by Fitz Hugh Lane, the Folly Cove Designers, Walker Hancock, Maurice Prendergast, Winslow Homer, and John Sloan. Other galleries salute the fishing and granite-quarrying industries. Attached is the Federal-style Elias Davis House, built circa 1804, which contains early-American furnishings and decorative arts. Special Summer exhibit, "Fitz Hugh Lane and Mary Blood Mellen: Old Mysteries and New Discoveries," opens July 7. Open Tues through Sat from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sun from 1 to 4 pm. Admission $6.50, $6 for seniors, $4.50 for students, free for children under six and members.

GRAFTON ù WILLARD HOUSE AND CLOCK MUSEUM
11 Willard St (off Rte 30), North Grafton, MA (map)
508.839.3500
info@willardhouse.org
http://www.willardhouse.org

The oldest house in Grafton, built in 1718, showcases a collection of clocks made principally by the Willard family between 1766 and 1870. Open Tues through Sat from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Sun from 1 to 4 pm. Tours last approximately one hour, so plan to arrive no later than 3 pm. Admission $7, $6 for seniors, $3 for children six to 12, and free for members and children under six.

HADLEY ù PORTER-PHELPS-HUNTINGTON MUSEUM
130 River Dr, Hadley, MA (map)
413.584.4699
http://www.pphmuseum.org/

The museum contains the belongings of six generations of one family (they didnÆt get out much), spanning the 18th through the 20th centuries. Through Oct 15, guided tours Sat through Wed, from 1 to 4:30 pm. Admission $4, $1 for children under 12. Folk concerts on Wed at 7 pm in June and July. In July and Aug, live music and tea on Sat at 2:30 and 3:30 pm. Picnickers welcome on the museum grounds from 5 to 7 pm prior to concerts. Call for details.

HARVARD ù FRUITLANDS MUSEUMS
102 Prospect Hill (two miles south of Rte 2), Harvard, MA (map)
978.456.3924
info@fruitlands.org
http://www.fruitlands.org

Visit the farmhouse where Louisa May Alcott spent six months of her childhood participating in the doomed utopian experiment headed by her father, Bronson Alcott. ItÆs now a 200-acre estate with a museum that traces the Transcendentalist movement through the memorabilia of Thoreau, Emerson, and others. Other attractions include an American Indian museum, a Shaker museum, and a gallery of 19th-century American art. Also at the farms are an interpreted archeological sight at Willard Farm and a Native American hunting and gathering area. The Tea Room restaurant, available for private functions, is open Mon through Sat from 11 am to 3 pm, and on Sun from 10 am to 2 pm. Museums open Mon through Fri from 11 am to 4 pm, and on Sat and Sun until 5 pm. Admission $10, $8 for seniors and students, $5 for children four through 17, free for members. Group rates available with advanced reservations. Guided tours by reservation. Picnic area available for museum-ticket holders.

HULL ù CAROUSEL STATION
205 Nantasket Ave, Hull, MA (map)
781.925.0472
info@paragoncarousel.com
http://www.paragoncarousel.com

The museum features a 1928 carousel from the late, lamented Paragon Park. There are also vintage pictures of once-local steamboats, hotels, and trains, plus a gift shop and an ice-cream parlor. Memorial Day through Labor Day, open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. Admission $1.75.

HULL ù HULL LIFESAVING MUSEUM
1117 Nantasket Ave, Hull, MA (map)
781.925.5433
lifesavingmuseum@comcast.net
http://www.lifesavingmuseum.org

A lifesaving station built in 1889 houses the Museum of Boston Harbor Shipwrecks. An observation tower provides harbor views. Open Wed through Sun from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission $5, $3 for seniors, free for children 18 and under. Adult rowing group meets on Tues and Thurs at 6:30 pm, and on Sat mornings at 7:30 am. "First Thursday Lecture Series" meets at 7 pm on the first Thurs (duh) of each month. There is also a gift shop.

HYANNIS ù JOHN F. KENNEDY MUSEUM
Old Town Hall, 397 Main St, Hyannis, MA (map)
508.790.3077
http://www.hyannis.com/JFKMuseum.asp

A retrospective of JFK's days on the Cape, featuring videos, photographs, and recordings. Open Mon through Sat from 9 am to 5 pm, and on Sun and holidays from noon to 5 pm. Admission $5, $2.50 for seniors and children 10 through 17, free for children under 10.

IPSWICH ù CRANE ESTATE
Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA (map)
978.356.4351
castlehill@ttor.org
http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/287_castle_hill.cfm

Estate includes Castle Hill, Crane Beach, and the Crane Wildlife Refuge. The 59-room English Stuart mansion was built in 1927, with gardens designed by the Olmsted brothers and Arthur Shurtleff. It was the residence of Chicago industrialist Richard T. Crane (as in Crane Plumbing Supplies). The grounds feature four miles of white-sand beach. $8 per car on weekends and on Mon holidays, $5 per car all other times. $2 per bicycle, $4 per motorcycle. Grounds open daily from 8 am to sunset.

IPSWICH ù CASTLE HILL HOUSE TOURS
290 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA (map)
978.356.4351
events@ttor.org
http://craneestate.org

This 59-room English-style mansion was once the summer home of industrialist Richard T. Crane. Tours offered every 30 minutes on Wed and Thurs from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Fri from 9 am to noon, through Oct 28. Admission $10, $8 for seniors and children. Free for trustees members.

LENOX ù BERKSHIRE SCENIC RAILWAY MUSEUM
Willow Creek Rd (off Rtes 7 and 20), Lenox, MA (map)
413.637.2210
http://www.berkshirescenicrailroad.org/

The museum, a restored 1902 train station, has exhibits on local railroading history and the Gilded Age in Lenox, plus a gift shop. Twenty-mile train rides between Lenox and Stockbridge depart at 10:10 am and 2:20 pm during museum hours. If you take the 10:10 am train, you'll arrive at Stockbridge at 10:51 am, where you'll be able to take a trolley to the Norman Rockwell Museum. Round-trip train tickets $15, $14 for seniors, $8 for children four to 14.

LENOX ù THE MOUNT
Plunkett St (off Rte 7), Lenox, MA (map)
413.637.1899
admin@edithwharton.org
http://www.edithwharton.org

Tour the home and gardens of Edith Wharton, the first woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. The Mount hosts a women's lecture series that continues throughout the summer on Mon at 4 pm. Call for speaker schedule, times, and locations. Guided tours of the grounds and home are available. Call for details. Admission $16, $9 for students with ID, free for children under 12. Group rates available.

LEOMINSTER ù NATIONAL PLASTICS CENTER AND MUSEUM
210 Lancaster St, Leominster, MA (map)
978.537.9529
info@plasticsmuseum.com
http://www.plasticsmuseum.org/

Exhibits include the National Plastics Hall of Fame, children's play area, "Plastics in Medicine," and a machine that molds pellets into keychains. Leominster is the proud birthplace of the pink-flamingo lawn ornament. Open Wed through Fri from 11 am to 4 pm. Admission $5, $3 for seniors 65 and older and children four through 11, free for children three and under, NPCM members, and ASTC. Group rates available. Hands-on programming with advance reservations.

LINCOLN ù GROPIUS HOUSE
68 Baker Bridge Rd (off Rte 126), Lincoln, MA (map)
781.259.8098
http://www.spnea.org/visit/homes/gropius.htm

Former home of Walter Gropius, founder of the Bauhaus school of architecture. The 1938 house and furnishings reflect the Bauhaus principles of simplicity and economy, considered revolutionary at the time. The strip windows and many interior fixtures had been seen only in industrial settings before they were domesticated by Gropius. The house combines traditional elements of New England architecture with such things as chrome banisters and glass blocks. Through Oct 15, open Wed through Sun. Tours on the hour from 11 am to 4 pm. Admission $10, free for SPNEA members and Lincoln residents. Group tours welcome with advance reservations.

LOWELL ù AMERICAN TEXTILE HISTORY MUSEUM
491 Dutton St, Lowell, MA (map)
978.441.0400
http://www.athm.org

The museum is home to an unparalleled collection of textiles and decorative arts, tools, machinery, and workplace artifacts relating to American textile history. YouÆll also find a working water wheel, a handweaverÆs log-cabin workshop, and a factory weave room (sans sweatshop employees). Open on Thurs and Fri from 9 am to 4 pm, and on Sat and Sun from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission $8; $6 for children six to 16, seniors, and students with ID, free for children under six and museum members. Group rates available. Additional fees may apply to special programs and exhibits.

LOWELL ù LOWELL NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
67 Kirk St, Lowell, MA (map)
978.970.5000
http://www.nps.gov/lowe

An urban national park commemorating LowellÆs role in the Industrial Revolution. Sites include canal systems, ethnic neighborhoods, turn-of-the-century trolleys, and restored 19th-century textile mills. Boat rides through the five miles of historic canals operate daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The park also hosts the annual Lowell Folk Festival, one of the regionÆs most popular events for music and dance. The National Park Visitor Center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Hours extended in the summer. Call ahead for specific exhibit hours. Free.
ù Boott Cotton Mills Museum. Open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Admission $6, $4 for seniors and students with ID, $3 for students and children six through 16, free for children under five.
ù "Mill Girls and Immigrants Exhibit." A history of the ômill girlsö living in an 1840s boardinghouse. Open daily from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. Free.

LOWELL ù NEW ENGLAND QUILT MUSEUM
18 Shattuck St, Lowell, MA (map)
978.452.4207
http://www.nequiltmuseum.org

The museum exhibits examples of both contemporary and traditional quilts. Open Tues through Sat from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Sun from noon to 4 pm. Closed July 4. Admission $5, $4 for students and seniors, free for museum members. Tour packages available.

LYNN ù LYNN MUSEUM AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY
590 Washington St, Lynn, MA (map)
781.592.2465 or 781.598.1974
http://www.lynnmuseum.org

The Lynn Heritage State Park Visitor's Center hosts the exhibit "Sea, Shore, and Land: The Lynn Beach Painters at Home and Abroad." Open daily from noon to 4 pm. Admission free to members and Lynn schoolchildren, $5 for non-members.

NANTUCKET ù NANTUCKET WHALING MUSEUM
Nantucket, MA (map)
508.228.1894
cbj@nha.org
http://www.nha.org

The museum is dedicated to the island's rich nautical history, exhibiting a fully rigged whaleboat, articulated whale skeletons, and other whaling paraphenalia that transports visitors back to the 18th century. Open Sun through Sat, from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Thurs from 10 am to 8 pm, through Oct 15. Tickets $15, $12 for seniors, $8 for children six through 17. Group rates available.

NANTUCKET ù NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
15 Broad St, Nantucket, MA (map)
508.228.1894
nhainfo@nha.org
http://www.nha.org

The association maintains several historic sites on the island, including the Whaling Museum, the Peter Foulger Gallery, the Hadwen House, the Oldest House, and a working windmill. All-inclusive ticket, which covers admission to all the properties and a guided walking tour, is $18, $15 for seniors, $9 for youth ages six to 17. Admission for historic sites only is $6 for adults and $3 for children. Walking tours is $10 for adults and $4 for children.

NEW BEDFORD ù NEW BEDFORD WHALING MUSEUM
18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA (map)
508.997.0046
http://www.whalingmuseum.org

Devoted to the history of American whaling, this museum contains ship-model galleries, whaling tools and gear, scrimshaw, a fully equipped half-scale model of the whaling bark Lagoda, and a 98-foot mural of sperm whales. Exhibits of photography, glass, and textiles, as well as paintings by Bierstadt, Bradford, and other well-known artists. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and until 9 pm on Thurs.. Admission $10, $9 for seniors and students, $6 for children six through 14. Free admission from 5 to 9 pm on the second Thurs of each month.

NEW BEDFORD ù SEAMEN'S BETHEL
15 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA (map)
508.992.3295
http://www.rixsan.com/nbvisit/attract/bethel1.htm

Built between 1831 and 1832, this is the church made famous in MelvilleÆs Moby-Dick. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and by appointment. Donations appreciated.

NEWBURY ù COFFIN HOUSE
14 High Rd (Rte 1A), Newbury, MA (map)
978.462.2634
http://www.historicnewengland.org/visit/homes/coffin.htm

Built circa 1678, this Historic New England-owned house has furnishings and architectural alterations spanning three centuries. Visitors can trace changes in food preparation and storage, plus technological improvements in heating. Open on the first and third Sat of each month, June through Oct 15. Tours offered hourly from 11 am. Last tour leaves at 4 pm. Special tours upon request. Admission $5, free for Historic New England members and Newbury residents.

NEWBURYPORT ù CUSHING HOUSE MUSEUM
98 High St, Newburyport, MA (map)
978.462.2681
hson@greennet.net
http://www.newburyhist.com/

A Federalist mansion built in 1808, now serving as the headquarters of the Historical Society of Old Newbury. Fourteen period rooms showcase silver, toys, glass, paperweights, china, portraits, a collection of needlework samplers, and furnishings from Pilgrim times through the Victorian era. Open Tues through Fri from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Sat from noon to 4 pm. Tours depart hourly. Last tour is one hour before close. Admission $5, $2 for students and children under 12, free for members.

NEWBURYPORT ù CUSTOM HOUSE MARITIME MUSEUM
25 Water St, Newburyport, MA (map)
978.462.8681
http://www.themaritimesociety.org

View portraits of 19th-century sea captains, plus items brought back from their trading expeditions. You can also find models and paintings of ships. Group tours available by appointment. Open Thurs through Sun from noon to 4 pm. Combo passes available with Lowell's Boat Shop.

NORTH ADAMS ù WESTERN GATEWAY HERITAGE STATE PARK
115 State St, Building 4, Rte 8, North Adams, MA (map)
413.663.6312
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/wghp.htm

Housed in a historic freight depot, this park commemorates the Hoosac Tunnel, whose construction claimed 200 lives. The 20-year project was a landmark event in hard-rock engineering whose history included the first-ever use of pneumatic drilling equipment and nitroglycerine. The Hoosac was once the longest railway tunnel in the world. Visitors' center open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Donations appreciated.

PITTSFIELD ù ARR0WHEAD
780 Holmes Rd, Pittsfield, MA (map)
413.442.1793
info@mobydick.org
http://www.mobydick.org

Call him Herman Melville. This is where he lived from 1850 to 1863, and where he wrote Moby Dick and several other great works. Tours leave on the hour from 11 am to 3 pm. Open daily, except Thurs, from 10:30 am to 4 pm. Admission $12, $5 for students, $3 for children six through 14, free for children five and under.

PITTSFIELD ù BERKSHIRE ATHENAEUM
One Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, MA (map)
413.499.9488
pittsref@cwmar.org
http://www.berkshire.net/PittsfieldLibrary

Library includes the Herman Melville room (with the authorÆs desk), a scrimshaw collection, and antique furniture. Open Sept through June, Mon through Thurs from 9 am to 9 pm, on Fri until 5 pm, and on Sat from 10 am to 5 pm. Open in July and Aug on Mon, Wed, and Fri from 9 am to 5 pm, on Tues and Thurs until 9 pm, and on Sat from 10 am to 5 pm.

PITTSFIELD ù HANCOCK SHAKER VILLAGE
Rte 20, Pittsfield, MA (map)
413.443.0188 or 800.817.1137
info@hancockshakervillage.org
http://www.hancockshakervillage.org

Experience the ShakersÆ ôCity of Peaceö and discover the way of life of AmericaÆs most successful communitarian society. The village has been turned into an outdoor history museum with 20 restored Shaker buildings and a historical working farm on 1200 scenic acres. From ice cutting to antiques, sheep shearing to blacksmithing, a full calendar of special events is offered. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission $15, $5 for youth ages 13 to 17, free for children under 13.

PLYMOUTH ù PLIMOTH PLANTATION
Off Rte 3 (take Plimoth Plantation Hwy exit), Plymouth, MA (map)
508.746.1622
http://www.plimoth.org

A living-history Pilgrim village where everything, including the dress and speech of the inhabitants, is in the style of 1627. Good luck asking for directions to the restrooms or they have wifi. Plantation also includes a re-creation of the Wampanoag Indian HobbamockÆs home site, a crafts center, and ôThanksgiving: Memory, Myth, and Meaning," an interactive exhibit in the Visitor Center Gallery. The Nye Exhibition Barn has rare-breed livestock and photographs on the history of livestock. A buffet restaurant offers 17th-century cuisine. Most attractions open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Visitor Center open until 5:30 pm. Combination ticket $25, $22 for seniors, $15 for children six through 12. Plantation only $21, $19 for seniors, $12 for children six through 12.
ùThe Mayflower II, a full-scale re-creation of the Mayflower that landed on these shores in 1620, is docked at State Pier (Plymouth waterfront), about 2.5 miles from Plimoth Plantation. On board, crew and passengers tell of the voyage from England and subsequent landing on Cape Cod. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission $8, $7 for seniors, $6 for children six through 12.

PLYMOUTH ù PILGRIM HALL MUSEUM
75 Court St (Rte 3A), Plymouth, MA (map)
508.746.1620
http://www.pilgrimhall.org

A collection of furniture, books, armor, and household goods used by the Pilgrims tells the story of the country's founding and traditions. There are also the remains of a 17th-century ship. This is supposedly the countryÆs oldest historical museum. Open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Admission $6, $5 for seniors and AAA members, $3 for children five through 17, $16 for families.

PLYMOUTH ù PLYMOUTH NATIONAL WAX MUSEUM
16 Carver St (on ColeÆs Hill), Plymouth, MA (map)
508.746.6468
http://www.falmouthvisitor.com/plymouth_national_wax_museum.htm

The museum has more than 180 figures in 28 scenes that portray the PilgrimsÆ story, starting with their departure from England. Open daily from 9 am to 7 pm in June, and until 9 pm in July and Aug.. Admission $6, $2.75 for children five through 12. Group rates available.

PROVINCETOWN ù PILGRIM MONUMENT AND PROVINCETOWN MUSEUM
High Pole Hill Rd, Provincetown, MA (map)
508.487.1310 or 800.247.1620
http://www.pilgrim-monument.org

The monument is the tallest granite structure in the US and offers a panoramic view of Cape Cod Bay, Provincetown Harbor, and the sand dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Highlights include exhibits on Provincetown and Lower Cape history, maritime history, and the early days of modern American theater (specifically, Eugene OÆNeill and the Provincetown Players). Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Last admission at 4:15 pm. In July and Aug, open daily from 9 am to 7 pm. Admission $7, $5 for seniors and students with ID, $3.50 for children four through 12. Free on Sun from 9 am to noon. Walking tours of Provincetown offered every Tues in July and Aug.. Tickets $7, $5 for members.

QUINCY ù ADAMS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
1250 Hancock St, Quincy, MA (map)
617.770.1175
ADAM_Visitor_Center@nps.gov
http://www.nps.gov/adam

The grounds, inside the Adams National Park, include three houses. The Old House is a mansion lived in by four generations of Adamses, with a formal garden and library (including 14,000 volumes belonging to the Adams family). The John Adams and John Quincy Adams birthplaces are not far away. Also nearby is the United First Parish Church, where both presidents and their first ladies are entombed. The church offers additional tours. Trolley service to all sites is available from the visitorsÆ center, which includes a parking garage. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Full two-hour tours are offered every half-hour from 9:15 am to 3:15 pm. Admission $5, free for children under 16.

QUINCY ù JOSIAH QUINCY HOUSE
20 Muirhead St, Quincy, MA (map)
617.227.3957 ext 256
http://www.spnea.org/visit/homes/quincy.htm

A country house built in 1770 by Revolutionary War leader Josiah Quincy. It has Georgian paneling and fireplaces, English and American furniture from QuincyÆs time, and objects from later generations. A SPNEA house. Private heritage tours available with advance reservations. Specially open to the public June 9 and Aug 18 from 1 to 4 pm. Tours will run at 1, 2, and 3 pm. Admission $4 for adults. Free for members of Historic New England and Quincy residents.

ROCKPORT ù THE PAPER HOUSE
52 Pigeon Hill St, Pigeon Cove, Rockport, MA (map)
978.546.2629
http://www.essexheritage.org/sites/paper_house.shtml

Behold a house constructed entirely of newspapers (except for the roof), layered 215 thick. Sparky the Fire Dog says, ôLeave your matches at home.ö Furnishings include bookshelves made of foreign papers, magazine-cover curtains, a writing desk made from announcements of LindberghÆs transatlantic flight, a grandfather clock with an exterior of newspapers from the lower-48 state capitals, and even a paper fireplace mantle. Built by Mr. Elis F. Stenman, a mechanical engineer, as a hobby over 20 years, starting in 1922. Through Oct 31, open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Donations welcome. Support the eccentric!

SALEM ù THE HOUSE OF THE SEVEN GABLES
54 Turner St, near Derby Wharf, Salem, MA (map)
978.744.0991
info@7gables.org
http://www.7gables.org

This circa-1668 mansion recently celebrated the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Nathaniel Hawthorne novel it inspired. The mansion is complete with secret stairways, a garden, a coffee shop, and a gift shop. Hour-long tours begin with a video presentation and proceed to HawthorneÆs birthplace. Through June, open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. July through Sept, open daily from 10 am to 7 pm. Last tour begins at closing. Admission $12, $11 for seniors, $7.25 for children five to 12. Group rates available. Ticket prices for special events may vary.

SALEM ù NEW ENGLAND PIRATE MUSEUM
274 Derby St, Salem, MA (map)
978.741.2800
KTNAN@aol.com
http://www.piratemuseum.com/pirate.html

The museum features a man-made cave and a dockside village (including a tavern, a ôhanging scene,ö and a 40-foot ship). Roam the "Artifacts Room" of real treasures and meet the residents of Old Salem's Dockside Village. Explore below decks and wind through the 80-foot cave, where treasures are buried and cave-creatures dwell. The 60 mannequins in pirate garb include Blackbeard and Captain Kidd. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission $7, $6 for seniors, $5 for children under 14. Group rates available. Combo ticket available with the Witch Dungeon Museum, Witch History Museum, and New England Pirate Museum.

SALEM ù PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM
East India Square, Salem, MA (map)
978.745.9500 or 866.745.1876
pem@pem.org
http://www.pem.org

A reminder of the days when Salem was one of AmericaÆs busiest ports. Exhibits include Asian, African, and Pacific art, plus maritime artifacts. The Phillips Library houses the original court documents from the infamous Salem witch trials. Call museum for additional exhibit information. Guided tours available. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission $13, $11 for seniors, $9 for students, free for children 16 and under and Salem residents. Admission to "Yin Yu Tang: A Chinese House" is $4 (plus museum admission fee).

SALEM ù SALEM MARITIME NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Derby St, Salem, MA (map)
978.740.1660
http://www.nps.gov/sama

An 27-minute film on Essex County history plays every half-hour, and the Where Past Is Present, a replica of a 1797 East India vessel, is docked at Central Wharf. There are restored buildings and original wharfs along the Salem waterfront, including the West India goods store, an 18th-century garden with period plants and herbs, Derby House, and the Custom house where Nathaniel Hawthorne once worked. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Guided tours daily at 11 am and 1 and 2:30 pm. Tours $5.

SALEM ù SALEM WITCH MUSEUM
19-1/2 Washington Square North, Salem, MA (map)
978.744.1692
facts@salemwitchmuseum.com
http://www.salemwitchmuseum.com

A multimedia re-creation of the 1692 witchcraft hysteria, using life-size figures with a soundtrack and lighting. Presentations begin every half-hour, with translations available. ôWitches: Evolving Perceptionsö is an exhibit that examines the stereotypical witch and explores aspects of witchcraft in the 17th century, as well as modern witchcraft. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and until 7 pm in July and Aug.. Admission $7.50, $6.50 for seniors, $5 for children six through 14.

SALEM ù WITCH HOUSE
310 Essex St (at intersection with Rte 114), Salem, MA (map)
978.744.8815
witchhouse1642@yahoo.com
http://www.salemweb.com/witchhouse

The onetime home of magistrate Jonathan Corwin was built in 1642 and remains a remarkable example of 17th-century architecture and furnishings. During the infamous Salem Witch Hunts, retrial examinations of accused witchcraft practitioners were held here. The building was restored and opened to the public in 1945. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission $8, $6 for seniors, $4 for children six through 14, and free for children under six. Tours available on the half-hour at $10, $8 for seniors, and $6 for children six through 14.

SANDWICH ù HERITAGE PLANTATION OF SANDWICH
Grove and Pine Sts, Sandwich, MA (map)
508.888.3300
info@heritagemuseumsandgardens.org
http://www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.org

Three exhibition buildings -- an antique-automobile museum, an art museum, and an American-history museum. Museum store, garden shop, and carousel cafe on grounds. Permanent exhibitions include military miniatures and a restored 1912 working carousel. There are 76 acres of rhododendron gardens, plus trails featuring more than 1000 varieties of trees, shrubs, and flowers. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission $12, $10 for seniors, $6 for children six through 16.

SANDWICH ù SANDWICH GLASS MUSEUM
109 Main St, Sandwich, MA (map)
508.888.0251
glass@sandwichglassmuseum.org
http://www.sandwichglassmuseum.org

Fourteen galleries of artifacts from the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, one of the Industrial Revolution era's greatest glass factories, which was in operation from 1825 through 1888. Open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Glass-blowing from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Admission $4.75, $1 for children six through 12. Special rates for bus tours.

SANDWICH ù THORNTON W. BURGESS MUSEUM
4 Water St (Rte 130), Sandwich, MA (map)
508.888.4668
tburgess@capecod.net
http://www.thorntonburgess.org/Museum.htm

Books and memorabilia from the life and works of Thornton Burgess, renowned naturalist and author of the Peter Cottontail stories. In his 91-year life, Burgess wrote 170 books and 15,000 stories. Open Mon through Sat from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Sun from 1 to 4 pm. Suggested donation $2, $1 for children.

SHEFFIELD ù Housatonic River Tour
Trustees of the Reservations (map)
413.229.8600
http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/1474_natural_history_tours.cfm

A three-hour Natural History Tour of the Housatonic River in Bartholomew's Cobble, Sheffield, departs from Bartholomew's Cobble Visitor Center on Sun at 8:30 am. Tickets $20, $10 for children under 13. For non-members, $30; $15 for children under 13. Reservations required.

SOUTH HADLEY ù NASH DINOSAUR TRACKS
Amherst Rd (Rte 116), South Hadley, MA (map)
413.467.9566
Site has a quarry where dinosaur tracks are mined, plus a museum and gift shop that displays and sells fossils, minerals, and jewelry. A far cry from your typical commercial tourist trap. Open Mon through Sat from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Sun from noon to 4 pm. Admission $3, $2 for children.

SPRINGFIELD ù CONNECTICUT VALLEY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
220 State St, Springfield, MA (map)
413.263.6800
info@spfldlibmus.org
http://www.quadrangle.org

Decorative objects and domestic artifacts highlight the history of the Connecticut River Valley since 1636. Open Tues through Sun from 11 am to 4 pm. The Genealogy and Local History Library is open Wed through Sat from noon to 4 pm. The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm. Admission $10, $7 for seniors and college students, $5 for children six through 17. Free for children under three, museum members, and Springfield students with a library card. Free admission on Fri for Springfield residents with their Springfield Library card. The admission fee provides entry to all four museums at the Springfield Quadrangle. Special exhibition and planetarium fees may apply. Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden is free. Group rates available.

SPRINGFIELD ù DR. SEUSS NATIONAL MEMORIAL
220 State St, Springfield, MA (map)
413.263.6800
info@catinthehat.org
http://www.catinthehat.org

Sculpture garden celebrating the life of children's-book author Theodor Seuss Geisel, "Dr. Seuss." Open daily from 9 am to 8 pm. Free.

SPRINGFIELD ù INDIAN MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM
33 Hendee St, Springfield, MA (map)
413.737.2624
http://www.wimausa.org/WMA_Indian.html

Memorabilia and cycles made by the Indian Motorcycle Co., which closed in 1953. Open for daily tours from 10 am to 4 pm. Call to confirm. Tours take one hour. Admission $3, $1 for children under 12.

SPRINGFIELD ù NAISMITH MEMORIAL BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME
1150 West Columbus Ave, Springfield, MA (map)
413.781.6500
mburns@hoophall.com
http://www.hoophall.com

Films, library, memorabilia, and an honors court of basketball greats. A virtual-reality exhibit lets you play one-on-one against Bill Walton (from his UCLA days). Another exhibit lets you compare hand sizes to world-class athletes, test your hang time, and clock your running speed. Open weekdays from 10 am to 4 pm, and weekends until 5 pm. Admission $16.99, $13.99 for seniors and military personnel, $11.99 for children five to 15, free for children under five and active military members. AAA discounts and group rates available.

SPRINGFIELD ù SPRINGFIELD ARMORY MUSEUM
One Armory Square, Springfield, MA (map)
413.734.8551
http://www.nps.gov/spar

Springfield was responsible for nearly two centuries of continuous production of rifles and muskets used by AmericaÆs armed forces in every war in the nationÆs history. Housed in the original Main Arsenal, the museum maintains one of the most extensive and unique military-firearms collections in the world. Open Tues through Sun from 9 am to 5 pm. Free.

SPRINGFIELD ù SPRINGFIELD SCIENCE MUSEUM
220 State St, Springfield, MA (map)
413.263.6800
http://www.springfieldmuseums.org/museums/science/

Includes African Hall, Dinosaur Hall, reputedly the oldest planetarium projector in the world, animal-habitat dioramas, and a childrenÆs discovery area. Check out the ôSolutia Eco-Center,ö an aquarium and live-animal center. Open Tues through Sat from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sun from 11 am to 5 pm. Admission $10, $7 for seniors and students, $5 for children three through 17, free for children under three. Planetarium tickets $3, $2 for children. The admission fee provides entry to all four museums at the Springfield Quadrangle.

STOCKBRIDGE ù CHESTERWOOD
Off Rte 183, Stockbridge, MA (map)
413.298.3579
chesterwood@nthp.org
http://www.chesterwood.org

Summer home of Daniel Chester French, sculptor of the Minute Man statue in Concord and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. The museum features paintings, sculptures, and personal memorabilia, plus a picnic area and an Italian garden. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission $12, $11 for seniors, $5 for children six through 18, $27 for families. Call to schedule a group tour.

STOCKBRIDGE ù NORMAN ROCKWELL MUSEUM
9 Glendale Rd, Rte 183, Stockbridge, MA (map)
413.298.4100
http://www.nrm.org

Guided tours of the largest collection of Norman Rockwell drawings in the world, including early works, advertisements, magazine covers, and portraits. The Terrace CafT is open daily from 10:30 am to 3 pm. Gift shop open during museum hours. Museum open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission $12.50, $7 for students with valid ID, free for children under 18 with an adult. Audio tours are $5; $4 for kids, seniors, and museum members.

STONEHAM ù STONE PARK ZOO
149 Pond St, Stoneham, MA (map)
781.438.5100
http://www.zoonewengland.com

Home to a herd of bison, a colony of flamingos, a snow-leopard family, a slew of capybaras (the worldÆs largest rodents -- yum, ratburgers), and spider monkeys. Open Mon through Fri from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sat and Sun until 6 pm. Admission $8, $7 for seniors, $5 for children two through 12, free for children under two.

STURBRIDGE ù OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE
Rte 20 (Exit 9 off the Mass Pike), Sturbridge, MA (map)
800.733.1830 or 508.347.3362
osvvc@osv.org
http://www.osv.org

An elaborate re-creation of an 1830s New England village, set on 200 acres of woods and meadowland. The grounds feature more than 40 buildings, including restored period homes, blacksmith forges, stores, taverns, a printing shop, and a bank. The Sturbridge compound also contains the Pliny Freeman Farm (an operative replica of a New England farm from 1830) and a working reproduction of a 19th-century water-powered sawmill. Old Sturbridge Village museum exhibits are open Tues through Sun from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Admission $20, $18 for seniors, $6 for children three through 17. All admissions good for two days within a 10-day period. The shops at Old Sturbridge Village are open Tues through Sun from 10 am to 5:30 pm. The Bake Shop is open Tues through Sun from 9 am to 5 pm. The Village Cinema is open on Fri and Sat at 7 pm. Check out the Web site for summer event information.

SUDBURY ù LONGFELLOW'S WAYSIDE INN
Wayside Inn Rd, South Sudbury, MA (map)
978.443.1776
http://www.wayside.org

This 18th-century inn (the oldest continuously operating inn in the country) has provided lodgings for both Revolutionary War soldiers and 21st-century tourists. There are 10 overnight rooms available by reservation. In the spirit of authenticity, the original furniture adorns some rooms, and the grist mill and chapel still stand across the road. Inn open for sightseeing daily from 9 am to sunset. Grounds open until 9 pm. "Colonial Music of the Fife and Drum" every Wed from 7 pm to dusk. The Redstone School is open Thurs through Sun from 11:30 am to 5 pm. Donations requested. The Inn features a rotating exhibit gallery for contemporary artists (six per year) and period-style museum settings. Through June 30, "Photographs by Amy Robinson" will be on exhibit in the gallery, which is open daily 9 am to 8 pm. The Inn also hosts "Fresh Strawberry Concerts," an annual benefit-concert series held every Tues in July from 7:30 to 9 pm at the air-conditioned Martha-Mary Chapel. $12 per ticket or $45 for the series.

WALTHAM ù CHARLES RIVER MUSEUM OF INDUSTRY
154 Moody St, Waltham, MA (map)
781.893.5410
info@crmi.org
http://www.crmi.org/

For the efficiency-minded, this museum serves as a one-stop primer on the Industrial Revolution. Exhibits run the gamut from textiles to steam power, watches and clocks, transportation, and more. Guided tours include machine demonstrations. Open Thurs through Sat from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission $5, $3 for students and seniors, and free for children under six.

WESTON ù SPELLMAN MUSEUM OF STAMPS AND POSTAL HISTORY
235 Wellesley St, Regis College, Weston, MA (map)
781.768.8367
info@spellman.org
http://www.spellman.org

Brush up on your postal history -- or introduce yourself to the genre. Exhibits include American and foreign postage-stamp collection, plus a post office/country store. Special programs run through the summer. Call for details on sessions. Open Thurs through Sun from noon to 5 pm. Admission $5, $3 for seniors. Free for students, children under 16, and members.

WEST SPRINGFIELD ù STORROWTON VILLAGE
Eastern States Exposition, 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA (map)
413.205.5051
storrow@thebige.com
http://www.thebige.com

A model village from the late-18th and early-19th centuries, with nine period buildings, a restaurant, and an antique general store. As you tour Storrowton, you can climb the granite steps of the Meeting House, take a lesson in the one-room schoolhouse, and stop in at a working blacksmith shop. Open June 16 through Aug 24, Tues through Sat from 11 am to 3 pm. Audio tours offered. Admission $6. Free parking.

WORCESTER ù AMERICAN ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY
185 Salisbury St, Worcester, MA (map)
508.755.5221
library@mwa.org
http://www.americanantiquarian.org

The first national-historical society in the United States contains the largest collection in existence of source materials pertaining to the history and culture of the first 250 years of colonized North America. Library includes graphic arts, newspaper, manuscript, and conservation departments. One-hour tours offered on Wed at 3 pm. Open on Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Fri from 9 am to 5 pm, and on Wed from 10 am to 8 pm. Free, neglected, and remarkable.

WORCESTER ù ECOTARIUM
222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA (map)
508.929.2700
info@ecotarium.org
http://www.ecotarium.org

A wildlife center and science museum set on 60 acres of woodland. The educational facility includes a planetarium, a lunar and solar observatory, indoor and outdoor wildlife habitats, aquariums, a narrow-gauge railroad, and interactive exhibits. Open Tues through Sat from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sun from noon to 5 pm. Admission $10; $8 for students, seniors, and children three to 18; free for members. Planetarium tickets $3.50. Explorer Express Train tickets $2.50. Tree Canopy Walkway (seasonal, open to groups of eight) $9. Other group rates available. Check the Web site for more info on special programming, including the Jazz at Sunset summer-concert series.

WORCESTER ù HIGGINS ARMORY MUSEUM
100 Barber Ave, Worcester, MA (map)
508.853.6015
higgins@higgins.org
http://www.higgins.org

The chain gang is in full force at this museum that showcases Medieval and Renaissance armor and weapons collected by industrialist John Woodman Higgins. The museum offers hands-on programs for children and houses one of the three Roman gladiator helmets in the Western Hemisphere. The building itself, a former sheet-metal factory with an unusual steel-and-glass Art Deco exterior, is a worthy exhibit unto itself. Open Tues through Sat from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Sun from noon to 4 pm. Admission $9, $8 for seniors, and $7 for children six through 16, free for children under six and members.

WORCESTER ù SALISBURY MANSION
40 Highland St, Worcester, MA (map)
508.753.8278
info@worcesterhistory.net
http://www.worcesterhistory.org

Restored to its 1830s appearance, the mansion, one of Worcester's few surviving 18th-century buildings, offers changing exhibits and daily tours. Considered one of the best-documented houses in the nation. Open on Thurs from 1 to 8:30 pm, and on Fri and Sat from 1 to 4 pm. Admission $5, free for children under 18.

WORCESTER ù WORCESTER HISTORICAL MUSEUM
30 Elm St, Worcester, MA (map)
508.753.8278
info@worcesterhistory.org
http://www.worcesterhistory.org

Displays of factory goods, clothing, furniture, art, and household items give a full sense of Worcester's rich history. Among the wealth of tidbits to take in is the fact that the city was the birthplace of the monkey wrench, the space suit, barbed wire, and (despite some controversy about the claim) the smiley face. There is also a reference library. Open on Tues, Wed, Fri, and Sat from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Thurs until 8:30 pm. Admission $5, free for children under 18 and members.

YARMOUTH ù WINSLOW CROCKER HOUSE
250 Old Kings Hwy (Rte 6A), Yarmouth Port, MA (map)
http://www.spnea.org/visit/homes/winslow.htm

Built circa 1780, this shingled Georgian house features 17th-to-20th-century furniture, ceramics, rugs, and pewter. Open through Oct on the first and third Sat of each month. Tours offered on the hour from 11 am through 4 pm. Admission $4, free for Historic New England/SPNEA members and Yarmouth Port residents.

YARMOUTH ù ZOOQUARIUM
674 Rte 28, West Yarmouth, MA (map)
508.775.8883
info@zooquariumcapecod.net
http://www.zooquariumcapecod.net

Sea lions perform here daily, every other hour. There are also farm animals, native aquatic life, a petting zoo, and native New England animal species. Through June, open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Starting in July, open until 6 pm. Zoorific Theater Animal Adventure events at 10:15 am, noon, and 1:45 and 3 pm. Sea lions show at 11 am and 1, 2:30, and 4 pm. Admission $9.75, $6.75 for children two to nine.