Learn about some of the historic homes in Boston that can be visited for free. They include the Otis House Museum and the birthplace of John F. Kennedy.
Massachusetts has hundreds of historic homes that can be found throughout it. These home are dated as far back as the 1600’s, and some were home to some of the most important political figures in the United States, and Massachusetts history. Many historic homes also now showcase small museums dedicated to a person, or a specific aspect of local history. Some of these historic homes include the birthplace of John F. Kennedy, a museum dedicated to it’s original architecture and lifestyle of the 1600’s, and the home of the man who landscaped many famous sites throughout the United States.
Otis House Museum
Otis House Museum was built in the late 1600’s and is one of only a few First Period houses that are left in all of Boston. The house was occupied by many generations of the Pierce family, who were well established in the area. The home is normally closed to the public, however they do open for a couple of hours a day and charge $5 for admission. The house has remained mostly untouched, offering lots of displays of the techniques and lifestyle of those from the 1600’s, as well as some of the 1700’s.
141 Cambridge Street
(617) 227-3957
The John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site
The John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site is dedicated to preserving the birthplace of the 35th president of the United States. In the late 1960’s his mother returned to this boyhood home to restore the house to its appearance in 1917. The entire home was restored to this appearance to allow guests to tour the house and neighborhood that house many of the memories of this former president.
83 Beals Street
Brookline, Boston
(617) 566-7937
Frederick Law Olmstead National Historic Site
Frederick Law Olmstead National Historic Site was home to the man that designed the landscape of Central Park and White House Lawn, amongst hundreds of other world famous spaces that can be found throughout the country. This site was his country home and office in the late 1800’s. Both the home and office can be visited for free, with many of his documents and history displayed throughout the property for guests to appreciate.
99 Warren Street
Brookline, Boston
(617) 566-1689
