With a planetarium, an IMAX movie theater, and a two-story Van de Graaf generator capable of producing 2.5 million volts of electricity, the Museum of Science is truly impressive. Children love the interactive discovery center, live animal exhibit and the dinosaur exhibit with fossils and life-size models. These and the hundreds of other exhibits make this museum one of Boston's top attractions. This educational and entertaining museum is perfect for the whole family.
Boston Common is one of America's oldest parks in the heart of Boston, offering recreation opportunities and a glimpse into history through numerous monuments from the past. Designated as a public space in the 1640s, British soldiers later camped here during the Revolutionary War. Part of the Freedom Trail, the park adjoins the Massachusetts State House and Beacon Hill. A favorite spot is the Frog Pond, which doubles as an ice skating rink. The park is the beginning of the Emerald Necklace, a seven-mile (12-kilometer) string of local parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, a popular landscape architect.
With comfortable seating and stylish purple walls, Somerville Theater is an amazing place to catch the latest blockbusters to hit the big screen. Additionally, the Somerville Theater also hosts concerts and live music events featuring popular regional and international touring acts. A cafe and old-fashioned popcorn stand complete the nostalgic experience. It's no surprise that students and young professionals consider Davis Square such a hip locale.
Just across Charles Street from the Boston Common, Public Garden is elegantly landscaped with flower beds, lagoons, walking paths and statues, including a notable monument of George Washington on a horse. Admire the natural beauty and watch as couples pose for their wedding photographs on most summer weekends. The children's story 'Make Way for Ducklings' took place here, and there is a popular sculpture of the ducklings in the northeast corner of the park. A ride on their famous Swan Boats is an essential experience for visitors.
If you plan on visiting the USS Constitution at the Charlestown Navy Yard, the USS Constitution Museum is a must-see. Come and discover what life was like for the crew that served on Old Ironsides. Take a trip into American history and learn about life on the sea, the Revolution, and the War of 1812. A fun, educational experience for the entire family. Be sure not to miss the gift shop so you can take a piece of history home with you!
An integral artery of downtown Boston, Freedom Trail is a winding path coursing through some of the most significant landmarks of the country. Dotted along the trail's course is a troupe of sites that have been the brewing grounds for iconic events like the Boston Tea Party and Paul Revere's Midnight Ride. Upheld by the Boston National Historic Park and the Freedom Trail Commission, it is dotted by a tracery of churches, graveyards and buildings commanding monumental significance. Some of the important sites studded on the trail are the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, Old North Church, Old South Meeting House, USS Constitution, Copp's Hill Burial Ground and Paul Revere's House. The trail often commences from Boston Common, meandering up to the Bunker Hill Monument. Voyaging proudly through the city's expanse, the Freedom Trail tells stirring tales of the country's glorious past.
The Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) explores three centuries of fascinating medical discovery though interactive exhibits and showcases. The museum is named after a contemporary physician considered a pioneer of transplant surgery. The decision to name the museum for a current innovator is indicative of the project's goal - to inspire the public regarding the future of modern medicine. However, the museum does not fail to provide visitors with a comprehensive look at medicine's past. An operating chair from 1854 gives viewers a taste of the rudimentary nature of early medical procedure, while surgical tools and apothecary kits complete with ether from the 19th Century shows the evolution of a more humane approach to patient care.
Calvary Methodist Church, designed by J.H. McNaughton and W.J. Perry, is a historic church built in the early 20th Century. It is an example of Greek Revival style of architecture and its belfry is an iconic landmark in the streetscape. It is featured on the National Register of Historic Places.
Originally called the Charlestown Navy Yard, located in Boston, it is one of the oldest shipbuilding facilities in the United States Navy. Established in 1801, it stopped being on active service in 1974 and was transferred to the Boston National Historic Park. It houses a World War II era destroyer serving as museum ship. It currently also is in service to support the USS Constitution. The shipyard serves to provide interpretation to the art and history of naval shipbuilding.
Nathaniel Rust Mansion, or the Rogers and Brown House is a historic house. Built in 1690 by Dr. Samuel Rogers, the 2 1/2 story Colonial style end-gable structure, has changed ownership many times over the years and accordingly, modifications have been made and new areas added. This makes the house a combination of various architectural styles. The structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
This is the house where the first telephone bell rang! The house of Charles Williams Jr, an electrical telegraph equipment manufacturer was used by Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas A. Watson to set up the first telephone, they had connected his shop and his house. Certainly, a historical landmark, this property was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1989.