Photo: John Phelan, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
This stately home was built in 1806 for William Clapp, son of Captain Lemuel Clapp, whose (1767) house still stands just around the corner. The William Clapp house is also the headquarters for the Dorchester Historical Society, it's open to the public once a month for tours. Fun fact: the Clapp family were prolific pear cultivators in their day, it's actually where much of their wealth came from. If you're into pears, you may have even eaten one of their creations; "Clapp's Favorite Pear" is still in production today. In 2007, a giant bronze pear statue was installed just south of here to commemorate the areas history as an orchard. So if you happen to notice it, now you know.
The William Clapp House (1806) is a historic house located at 195 Boston Street, Dorchester, Massachusetts. It is the headquarters of the Dorchester Historical Society and contains many items from the society's collections, including 19th century furnishings and local historical items. It is one of two Clapp Houses owned by the society that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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A contemporary art gallery exhibiting work by both emerging artists and established but under-recognized artists. View the website to see the current exhibition.
Most locals drive right on by the James Blake House, the oldest house in Boston. Built circa 1661 and owned by the Dorchester Historical Society, the house is one of the only remaining examples of post-Medieval timber-frame construction in the United States. The home remained in the Blake family until being sold in 1825. The next family held on to the property for 70 years until selling it to the city. Shortly thereafter, the house was moved 400 yards to its current location to save it from demolition.
Malibu Beach
So you actually can go swimming here, but no one ever does. Honestly in the 21st century the cold is a far greater deterrent than the pollution ever was. There are, however, lifeguards in the summer if you want to give it a shot. The city upgraded the boardwalk, exercise equipment, and reseeded the area with local grasses throughout the 2010s. This is a great spot to go for a walk, a picnic, or just to take in the harbor views. It doesn't get the foot traffic you might expect, given these beaches proximity to the T. Parking available, accessed from Morrissey Boulevard.
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
This political museum offers a variety of engaging interactive exhibits relating to Sen. Edward Kennedy's life, as well as the history of the American senate. A huge digital screen invites you to draft and pass a law (and tricks you into learning along the way)! While other exhibits deal with the current political issues affecting Washington today.