Massachusetts - Central

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

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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.

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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.

Old Sturbridge Village
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Off Rte 20
Sturbridge, MA  01566
Phone: 508-347-3362
Toll-Free: 800-SEE-1830

Old Sturbridge Village: The Story of a New Nation

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Step out of your world and into ours. Explore early New England in the company of farmers, craftsmen, and fascinating characters. Celebrate yesterday's proud traditions on your remarkable journey into America's past. Old Sturbridge Village offers a variety of ways to experience the artifacts, activities, and seasonal celebrations of rural New England during the first 50 years following the American Revolution (1790-1840). The centerpiece of the museum is a recreated rural New England town of the 1830s encompassing a center village, mills area, and countryside. Period handcrafts, heirloom gardens, and heritage breeds of farm animals are part of every village visit. Hands-on opportunities abound. The Visitor Center is home to our new History Gateway, including Kidstory an early learning gallery and Icons of New England exhibit, focusing on the history of what makes New England unique. Open year-round, daily except Mondays. Call ahead for holiday schedules.

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

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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.

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