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Photo: John Phelan, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Built in 1804, the four-story Nichols House Museum showcases how the better half lived atop Beacon Hill around 1900. Kept in the family for generations, it was opened to the public in 1961.
The Nichols House Museum is a museum at 55 Mount Vernon Street on Beacon Hill in Boston, Massachusetts. The house in which it is located was designed by the architect Charles Bulfinch, and built by Jonathan Mason, the politician, in 1804. The building was renovated in 1830. The museum is named for Rose Standish Nichols (1872–1960), the renowned landscape gardener, suffragist, pacifist, and member of the Cornish Art Colony, who lived in the house between 1885 and 1960. She left the house to be used as a museum after her death. The museum preserves the lifestyle of the American upper class during Nichols' lifetime, with turn-of-the-century period rooms.
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African Meeting House, Abiel Smith School
Dedicated to preserving the historically accurate contributions of African-Americans during America's colonial period. The perfect point to begin walking Boston's Black Heritage Trail.
A Jewish temple no longer (sort of), this storied edifice now functions as a cultural center. A place where all are welcome to share and enjoy the history of Boston's Jewish community. Major holidays and regular Jewish religious services are still performed here. Interestingly, the seating consists of pews salvaged from Roxbury's Twelfth Baptist Church. These benches would have been used by former African American slaves and volunteers in the heroic 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment.
The Massachusetts State House was built in 1781 on Beacon Hill, land once owned by John Hancock. The dome of the State House was re-gilded with glittering 23k gold leaf in 1997, and makes for a spectacular view at sunset from the Massachusetts Avenue bridge. Free tours are available weekdays all year long from 10AM to 3:30PM, they last about 45 minutes. The grand staircase and hall of flags are a few of the highlights. Make sure to ask about "The Sacred Cod" to get the whole story.
Why should you visit this small private square fenced in by wrought iron? Well, its gorgeously preserved federalist architecture is unique to the country for one. These magnificent townhouses rarely trade hands, but when they do they command upwards of $11 million! Famous residents include, architect Charles Bulfinch, painter John Singleton Copley, and author Louisa May Alcott. Former Secretary of State John Kerry is a contemporary resident of the square.
This monument serves as a reminder of the brave men who, as one of the first official African-American military units in the US, fought for the Union during the American Civil War. The sacrifice and fighting spirit displayed by these men was instrumental in encouraging the enlistment and acceptance of African-American troops in the north. Still, unfair treatment was institutional, and the men of the 54th would receive only $7 per month, in contrast with the $13 paid to their white brothers in arms. Refusing this monthly paycheck became a point of pride among the soldiers, who would wait about 18 months to see their wages paid in full.
Spend a quick moment at one of the most photographed spots in the city. Your social media feeds will reward you.