Wow! I don't k ow that I'd ever get to experience seeing a depiction of a Senator office. This…read moreInstitute provides a realistic view of the Senate chambers, Senator Kennedy's desk in the senate and his office. I felt like I was on a tour of his actual office. The information is laid out exceptionally well, easy to read and understand. It is amazing to read about his time in office, the purpose of the Senate and a lot of information regarding voting rights. This was extremely helpful to me being that I'm from a state where gerrymandering is/was in full display recently and the recent elections that took place and will take place this year. Definitely pay the Institute a visit! I don't think you will be disappointed. As I was walking out, I was asked by someone going in "was it worth it?" I said yes, but after I answered I thought only you can decide if it is "worth it" His paintings alone are worth a visit! He was a very talented artist!

I had to return because there was so much more to see and absorb this life long journey Edward M…read more KENNEDY as Senator has given to all of us! To witness his actual Office in detail and all the photos and momentous events recorded for history and the items around the office to see was incredible! I made sure to look at every photo in his office especially the ones of his parents who paved the way for Young Ted to follow! Senator Kennedy was a born leader and cared about all of us for a better United States of America! His personality made him a leader to reach both parties Democrats and Republicans! The Staff here as My Exceptional Guide NOAH, well I met another Guide who was on duty today at Senator Kennedy's Office who was just as informed and Enthusiastic to show me around! Today's visit at the Institute was a highlight of America's 250th Birthday Celebration because of the wealth of information and knowledge I received by these young people manning the Entrance and those who will answer any questions about this Institution! What a Gift Senator Edward M. Kennedy and those who made this invaluable building cataloging his life for a better world is for generations to come! Thank you and may the next big Birthday to Celebrate 275, or the 300th America's Birthday, I wish I could celebrate with you all!

Boston's North End finally has its own Historical Museum... FINALLY. Our North End is a rich and…read morepriceless part of Boston's Italian history. Being Italian, I was excited to visit Boston's newest museum, and it did not disappoint. I recommend this stop to both locals and tourists. THE DEAL: Boston's North End is a MUST visit for everyone, and the new North End Historical Museum is a welcome addition!

Step back into 1922 when Howard Carter discovered the tomb of King Tut…read more This immersive and interactive exhibit takes about an hour long. However, I am infatuated with Egypt, and I stayed nearly 2 hours, looking at every detail of these replica artifacts. There are numerous artifacts and historical trinkets that were found within the tomb. There are videos displayed throughout the exhibit through the dynasty and different hierarchical roles within the New Kingdom. Learn about the importance of the Nile and the different roles each King played during their rule. There is a VR station at the end of the exhibit to take in up close and personal with the Tomb itself. There is also a gift shop where I purchased some interesting items I simply love this exhibit, and I would go back again

I would call it good, not great. Artifacts, so you can't go in expecting much, and the exhibit is…read moreon the short side. That said, for what it is, it's a fun, interesting time. Rooms are spacious, so even when its slightly busy like when I was there, you can view something else in the room and backtrack within the room. Not something I'd pay full price for, but for a discounted rate, you should do it.

(if you think this review is too long, just scroll to the bottom for my more "humorous"…read moreobservations) If you're driving on Adams Street towards Lower Mills or the other way towards East Milton Square, you might overlook this spot. If you're into historical sites and museums, this might be worth a look. Otherwise, you might just want to go to one of the many higher-profile museums in the area, like the Adams Historical Site the town next door. You have to reserve a spot in one of the scheduled tours to enter the museum. I went for a 1 pm tour and the next one was at 3. Trust me, the tour is really 2 hours long. The positive of this museum is that while the house is not that large in terms of square feet, you do get your bang for your buck. The tour guide was generally polite and rather informative. However, she always seemed to ask historical questions every time we entered a room and wanted us to answer - really got irritating as the tour went along. If I wanted to answer historical questions, I would've gone to a bar for stump trivia. Lastly, if you're not into this stuff, you will be bored out of your mind and will resort to utilizing the futuristic item called a smartphone. The Forbes family was involved in various historical events/periods and some of those rooms each had a theme from a time period. The family was involved in the China trade, so there's a decent collection of old Chinese furniture in the parlor. It doesn't compare to the Peabody Essex Museum, granted, but it's something. There is a room for the Forbes involvement in the Civil War and Abolition. Another room described the Forbes charitable endeavors during the Great Famine in Ireland during the mid-1800's. So you'll get some learnin' from various periods. Compared to other historical spots around the area, this one doesn't seem to be maintained well and needs better restoration. There was significant water damage in a few rooms and exhibit pieces (like beds, plates, etc.) seemed to be arranged worse than a 5-year old. The house needs a paint job in the worst way. Also compared to other historical sites, this one was rather dirty. There is a "gift shop", and by "gift shop", I mean a small glass case in the foyer containing books for sale. p.s. - you'll likely have older folks in your tour group that think "oriental" is still an acceptable way to describe Asians. p.p.s. - there's a nice Chinese junk model. It's in a glass case, and not in some sort luggage storage box or something. So you can't say there's junk in the trunk. *rim shot* :-P

Most people would drive by this historic home without paying much attention but the small staff is…read morevery friendly and often you can get a private or near-private tour of this gorgeous 1830's greek revival home which is filled with varying antiques but what is of particular interest is the vast array of objects collected by the Captain during the China trade years of the 1800's. Also, one of the previous owners was an avid collector of Abraham Lincoln memorabilia. The museum is set up more like a home and objects are easy to see and some can even be handled (kitchen area). The architecture inside and out is beautiful and the grounds keep with the feel of the home. The tour can be done on your own or guided. Great place to relax and take your time admiring the collection.

The National Park Service has done an excellent job designing this tour! I particularly appreciated…read morethe intentionality around language. My guide Jenny was great.

If you are visiting Boston this is a must! The tour is shorter than the Freedom Trail but I would…read moredo both! I would recommend using the site as sadly there is not that many markers as many of the sites are privately owned. Make time for the Museum, especially if you cannot do the tour! And if you have more time visit the one the Museum Nantucket!

So I'm going to write this review for the meeting house as well as the museum, because they are…read morereally the same thing. There also seems to be a little confusion on whether this site includes the state historic site run by the National park service (which I couldn't find because it listed this address on Joy street). This is not fancy. It's not flashy. A lot of it isn't original. But it's important history that matters, and the site manager, Tobias, is passionate and knowledgeable, and really bumped this experience up to five stars. The museum asks we don't photograph things (but you are allowed photos in the meeting house). There was some art and photography by black artists. A war uniform. Some original documents such as bills of sale for the enslaved and letters from Frederick Douglass. They have rotating exhibits, and this time around it was jazz. You get half an hour to peruse the small museum. Then you meet back up with Tobias, who spends a lot of time telling you about how black people sued for the freedom and won, how they built a vibrant black community on Beacon Hill, the Abiel Smith School, and the fight for desegregation. He's a great speaker and very passionate, but also down to earth. In the meeting house itself, much of it is rebuilt, but there are two original pews and the floorboards are from the 1700s and original to the house (the boards were bought before the house was built). I think my ticket was 10 dollars. They have three daily sessions and do have limits on numbers of tickets sold.

Boston's iconic Beacon Hill is home to another historic trail, the Black Heritage Trail. At 46 Joy…read moreStreet, make a stop at African Meeting House It was a great introduction to the history of Boston's Black Community and well worth including it any visitor's itinerary!

Great museum about the history of fire fighting. The museum even has several working trucks dating…read morefrom 1922, including their prized 1935 Ahrens-Fox pumper. Fine for kids, but do note they cannot climb on the trucks. Museum is open Wednesday nights and by special appointment. And, they are usually open the 3rd Sunday of every month.

Amazing place to visit. Knowledge members who are excited to share their passion for preservation…read moreof history. The town of Hingham is lucky to have the history of their fire department so well kept.

This Historic Building in the City of Boston Massachusetts for JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY PRESIDENT of…read moreTHE UNITED STATES of AMERICA Located on the Banks of Boston Harbor over looking the City of Boston and the Ocean is truly the Best Location this Presidential Library can have. The Kennedy Family loved the ocean and sailing and what a way to memorialize JFK! I had to go back because there is so much to learn and absorb in one time! I meticulously going exhibit by exhibit to learn and understand this Presidency! I know they change exhibits and add others and today was the 250th Birthday of the DECLARATION of INDEPENDENCE, which I wanted to re-read once again! So, if you take your time and sit and watch the many movies they have and marvel at the Medals and Gifts and all the photos of the 1960's as President and the outfits Jacqueline Kennedy on display will show you her slim look and exquisite style ! Go and spend a day there and browse and stop at the Cafe and have Coffee overlooking the harbor and airport! Pick up a souvenir and take lots of photos!

YAY. This place…read moreopened in the late 1970's - too late for me to get in a class trip, of which I am certain there are many. I have been to a few of these presidential museums now. Clinton's was great, and I am looking forward to Obama's very much. I just think this might have been one of the first and they just weren't saving all the good stuff to show off in a museum. (First lady dresses, fan mail, etc) That said, it was a lovely way to spend a rainy afternoon. and easy to get to by T and shuttle bus.