Massachusetts (MA) Historic Homes and Sites in Central Region

Salisbury Mansion

40 Highland Street Worcester, MA Phone: 508-753-8278

Built in 1772, this mansion was home to a local wealthy businessman. Open for tours, exhibits show family artifacts and household items from the 18th and 19th centuries. There is an admission fee.

Waters Farm

Waters Road West Sutton, MA 01590 Phone: 508-865-0101

Built in 1757 by Stephen Waters, Waters Farm was owned by the same family for six generations until 1974 when the house, outbuildings, contents and property were donated to the Town of Sutton. The Sutton Beauty Apple was created here and the farm is thought to be the site of the first commercial apple production in the country. Within its walls is the story of how the prosperity of one family progressed over 230 years and six generations. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the main house contains three chimneys, nine fireplaces, and three brick ovens. Also on the property is a circa 1840 Old English Style barn, a shingle mill, sugar house, blacksmith shop, corn barn, and cook barn.

Worcester Historical Museum & Salisbury Mansion

30 Elm Street Worcester, MA 01609 Phone: 508-753-8278

Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

This museum focuses on the history of the city of Worcester. A library also is on the site. Admission charge.

Worcester Historical Museum & Salisbury Mansion

30 Elm Street Worcester, MA 01609 Phone: 508-753-8278

Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

This museum focuses on the history of the city of Worcester. A library also is on the site. Admission charge.

American Antiquarian Society

185 Salisbury Street Worcester, MI Phone: 508-755-5221

In 1812, this organization was begun by Isaiah Thomas. It now functions mostly as a research library.

Blackstone River National Heritage Corridor

Broadmeadow Brook Visitors Center
4414 Massosoit Road Worcester, MA Phone: 508-754-7363

The northern end of this historic region, which extends southward into Rhode Island. Considered the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, the Blackstone River Corridor features numerous historic mills and sites. This visitors' center details many of them, in addition to a look at the evolution of this important developmental stage in American history.

Clara Barton Birthplace Museum

68 Clara Barton Road North Oxford, MA 01537 Phone: 508-987-5375

Open: June 1-Columbus Day weekend, Wednesday – Sunday, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.. Call ahead for seasonal changes

The first home of one of America's most famous women and the founder of the American Red Cross. Exhibits feature Barton's career and history, in addition to family memorabilia. Admission charge.

Clara Barton Birthplace Museum

68 Clara Barton Road North Oxford, MA 01537 Phone: 508-987-5375

Open: June 1-Columbus Day weekend, Wednesday – Sunday, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.. Call ahead for seasonal changes

The first home of one of America's most famous women and the founder of the American Red Cross. Exhibits feature Barton's career and history, in addition to family memorabilia. Admission charge.

First Church of Christ

On the Green Lancaster, MA Phone: 508-365-2427

This meetinghouse, built in 1817, was designed by the famous Boston architect Charles Bulfinch.

Fruitlands Museums

102 Prospect Hill Road Harvard, MA 01451 Phone: 508-456-3924

Open: May 13 through October 31, weekdays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; weekends and holidays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Set on the site of an 1843 social experiment by A.B. Alcott. Fruitlands was conceived as a 19th century utopia, but is now home to a museum exhibits focusing on the Shaker society, the region's native American population, in addition to Fruitlands itself. Admission charge.

Fruitlands Museums

102 Prospect Hill Road Harvard, MA 01451 Phone: 508-456-3924

Open: May 13 through October 31, weekdays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; weekends and holidays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Set on the site of an 1843 social experiment by A.B. Alcott. Fruitlands was conceived as a 19th century utopia, but is now home to a museum exhibits focusing on the Shaker society, the region's native American population, in addition to Fruitlands itself. Admission charge.

General Artemus Ward Home

786 Main Street Shrewsbury, MA Phone: 508-842-8900

This 18th century home of Revolutionary War General Artemus Ward has been restored, and exhibits period furniture, artifacts, and historical information. Open seasonally.

Goddard Library

Clark University Worcester, MA Phone: 508-793-7461

Robert Goddard is credited as the founder of American rocketry, pivotal in the history of our early forays into outer space. This library features memorabilia of his life and his work.