Travel Guides Crafted by Experienced Archaeologists & Historians

Massachusetts
Art, History & Archaeology Sites & Museums

Part of New England, Massachusetts was historically inhabited largely by indigenous groups like the Wampanoag and Massachuset, the latter lending their name to the modern state. Scandinavian explorers may have arrived in the early 11th century, although permanent European settlement would only follow in the 17th century. At this point, English Puritans established settlements like the Plymouth Colony here, hoping to live in accordance with their strict religious values. Later that century, several existing British colonies were united as the Province of Massachusetts Bay. The American Revolution began here in the 18th century, with the colony becoming one of the 13 which declared their independence from Britain. Massachusetts then became the sixth state of the new republic in 1788.

Archaeology & History Sites in Massachusetts

Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House

One of the best-known figures of 19th century American literature, Louisa May Alcott is internationally renowned for her 1868 novel Little Women. Alcott lived here with her parents between 1858 and 1877, where she wrote and set her acclaimed novel in 1868. The historic site includes two 18th century houses and a large orchard, after which the Alcotts gave the house its name. Orchard House remains furnished to appear as it would have when Alcott lived here, with access permitted by guided tour.

Museums & Art Galleries in Massachusetts

Plimoth Patuxet

Plimoth Patuxet is a reconstruction of the 17th century Plymouth Colony that was inhabited by the English ‘Pilgrims’ on their arrival in North America. As well as the colony, this living museum also includes a recreation of the Wampanoag home site, and a replica of the Mayflower II, docked near Plymouth Rock. Here visitors can get an idea of what life may have been like for the men and women who lived through Plymouth’s founding. Through a team of committed reenactors, visitors can almost step back through time into the Plymouth Colony of 1672.