Worcester Historical Museum
Worcester Historical Museum
4.5
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Worcester Historical Museum (WHM) is the only institution solely devoted to the preservation, interpretation, and collection of Worcester History. WHM includes a research library of over 7,000 titles, an archive that houses thousands of documents, and a collection of artifacts, all vital to the study of Worcester History. A few examples of WHM's holdings include correspondence of abolitionist Abby Kelley Foster, Blackstone Canal Company records, Civil War era diaries and letters, artifacts related to Worcester's industrial, weaponry from the colonial era through World War II, paintings and sculptures, and a significant costume and textile collection.WHM also owns and operates Salisbury Mansion, Worcester's only historic house museum. Built in 1772, it has been restored to its 1830s appearance and one of the best documented historic houses in New England.Worcester History is interpreted through a calendar of exhibitions, educational programming, tours and publications. WHM features both permanent installations and changing exhibitions.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
48 reviews
Excellent
25
Very good
14
Average
6
Poor
3
Terrible
0
SteveWhiz@aol.com
Shrewsbury, Ma93 contributions
Jan 2023
It's a very small collection of items manufactured in Worcester, that's it. The museum is missing most of the significant events and history of Worcester.
For example, there is nothing about the blizzard of 78 or the tornado of 53. Nothing about the cultures that settled here and how each helped shape Worcester. There's nothing about even the most fundental things about Worcester history like the building of the three deckers, becoming a railroad hub and the creation of the smiley face.
The few things the museum have are well presented and the lady taking tickets is nice. Note: The museum parking lot is hard to find and we had no choice but to park in a church lot under a sign that said 'you will be towed'. We prayed and the car was not towed. Not sure that will work every time.
For example, there is nothing about the blizzard of 78 or the tornado of 53. Nothing about the cultures that settled here and how each helped shape Worcester. There's nothing about even the most fundental things about Worcester history like the building of the three deckers, becoming a railroad hub and the creation of the smiley face.
The few things the museum have are well presented and the lady taking tickets is nice. Note: The museum parking lot is hard to find and we had no choice but to park in a church lot under a sign that said 'you will be towed'. We prayed and the car was not towed. Not sure that will work every time.
Written January 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3Dtravelpro
51 contributions
Jun 2022
I wish I could give this a higher review but the museum needs an overhaul and a rethink.
As an area native, I wanted to come here and see a thorough history of Worcester.
It does a small but fairly decent job of talking about some of its revolutionary history, but lacks some basic things. How about a copy of the Worcester Spy?
Later they devote an entire room to manufacturing but nothing about the tornado, the creation of the Valentine, Major Taylor, or the December, 1999 fire that killed six firefighters.
They devote an entire room to the smiley inventor however.
There’s so much history to cover in Worcester. It just needs a rethink.
As an area native, I wanted to come here and see a thorough history of Worcester.
It does a small but fairly decent job of talking about some of its revolutionary history, but lacks some basic things. How about a copy of the Worcester Spy?
Later they devote an entire room to manufacturing but nothing about the tornado, the creation of the Valentine, Major Taylor, or the December, 1999 fire that killed six firefighters.
They devote an entire room to the smiley inventor however.
There’s so much history to cover in Worcester. It just needs a rethink.
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlePad2013
New York City, NY116 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
This is a great place to visit when in town. It has an excellent exhibit on the industrial history of Worcester and New England. They also have a great collection of artifacts and cute little store too.
Written March 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nancysparkle
Middleboro, MA31 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
My husband and I visited the Worcester Historical Museum last week, and we enjoyed it thoroughtly! Who knew so many famous people and things were from here? There were innovations in technology, psychology, manufacturing, and more. It is not a really small museum, but small enough to be manageable for an older couple to do in one visit. The building itself is beautiful, also.
Written February 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim P
Worcester, MA42 contributions
Jan 2017 • Friends
I've lived in Worcester my whole life and learned so much about our city's past from spending an afternoon here with a close friend. There was an exhibit called 50 Objects as well as a photography exhibit of Worcester Center that just amazed me. Time flew by wandering from room to room. I remarked to my companion that I enjoyed this museum more than my recent visit to The Smithsonian. I believe that is because the local history was so relevant to me and gave me the opportunity to appreciate just how rich and diverse this city has become over the years.
There is one room that is more suitable to hold younger children's interest. There was a cash register with several buttons that could be pressed to show the price of different items back in the day such as the price for a cup of coffee or a slice of apple pie. They had three different pay phones mounted on a wall that showed the progression of the phone over the years. I also liked the jukebox that allowed me to hear different music from artists that were from Worcester along with an informative binder providing detail on each of the artists.
The upstairs that we didn't have a chance to visit features a small Harvey Ball display as well as many paintings on the stairway of prominent historical figures throughout Worcester's history.
The best part of our visit was the surprise of finding a much sought after poster of The Triple Deckers of Worcester. I've been searching for this print since the early 90's and it was for sale there in the gift shop. This was such an unexpected surprise. (I can't wait to get it framed!)
There was a lovely lady who provided us with free tickets to visit The Salisbury Museum and also provided me with a contact for their library collection so that I could do some research on a topic that has interested me over the years.
I loved this museum so much that I'm considering becoming a member. If you have the time, I recommend a visit to the Worcester Historical Museum.
There is one room that is more suitable to hold younger children's interest. There was a cash register with several buttons that could be pressed to show the price of different items back in the day such as the price for a cup of coffee or a slice of apple pie. They had three different pay phones mounted on a wall that showed the progression of the phone over the years. I also liked the jukebox that allowed me to hear different music from artists that were from Worcester along with an informative binder providing detail on each of the artists.
The upstairs that we didn't have a chance to visit features a small Harvey Ball display as well as many paintings on the stairway of prominent historical figures throughout Worcester's history.
The best part of our visit was the surprise of finding a much sought after poster of The Triple Deckers of Worcester. I've been searching for this print since the early 90's and it was for sale there in the gift shop. This was such an unexpected surprise. (I can't wait to get it framed!)
There was a lovely lady who provided us with free tickets to visit The Salisbury Museum and also provided me with a contact for their library collection so that I could do some research on a topic that has interested me over the years.
I loved this museum so much that I'm considering becoming a member. If you have the time, I recommend a visit to the Worcester Historical Museum.
Written January 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue L
Worcester, UK44 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
I visited Worcester, MA because I am from Worcester, England. This museum highlighted how important Worcester, MA was in terms of inventions and 'firsts'. However, I would have liked some clue as to whether Worcester, England citizens settled here and that's why it was called Worcester and what these first citizens did.
Written October 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara H
Worcester, MA201 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
We spent several hours thoroughly enjoying the displays of historical items with supporting information, some interactive. There is a timeline which gives dates and events for the nation and Worcester, simultaneously, which is very helpful. There are also hands-on exhibits which are good for adults as well as children. There is a parking lot next to the museum on Chestnut Street and a small, but nice gift shop in the museum lobby. Prepare to learn a lot and have a good time!
Written January 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy R
Weddington, NC1,212 contributions
Jan 2016 • Solo
If you are living in Worcester or Worcester County you should visit this museum so you can be an informed resident of a nice little city. Small children will have fun with some of the interactive aspects of the museum. A little "general store" with a scavenger hunt, a patent office with a time clock punch, a little diner. Fun for the kids and they might learn a little history as they go along with their fun activities. I was surprised at some of the things that were invented and/or manufactured in Worcester. Didn't realize it was the home of so many things - especially during the industrial age.
There is a small parking lot accessible from Chestnut Street (between the museum and the church) which is free but if that is full just down the street is a small garage.
There is a small parking lot accessible from Chestnut Street (between the museum and the church) which is free but if that is full just down the street is a small garage.
Written January 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hhnola
Worcester, MA6 contributions
Feb 2013 • Friends
History museum aren't for everyone, but history is so I hope hungrygirl will go back now that the Alden Family Gallery has opened. It adds to the more linear understanding of history but giving a context to kids (and adults) that invites conversation, rather than rote memorization of "facts."
Written February 19, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gay T
Sheffield, MA108 contributions
Jan 2012 • Solo
I visited while researching this history of Tower Hill... originally founded in the 1850's and the successor to the Worcester Horticultural Society.
The museum originally housed the society and changed hands when the society wished to purchase a farm on a hilltop and create a botanical / living museum. The home of this museum has history and continues to document it with a wider range of topics.
The museum is in the heart of what was once a thriving, elegant --- but no longer- vibrant central town. Most persons from afar don't even know it is there. If you have an extra hour... check it out.
The museum originally housed the society and changed hands when the society wished to purchase a farm on a hilltop and create a botanical / living museum. The home of this museum has history and continues to document it with a wider range of topics.
The museum is in the heart of what was once a thriving, elegant --- but no longer- vibrant central town. Most persons from afar don't even know it is there. If you have an extra hour... check it out.
Written December 23, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much for the day does the musam cost? I have 4 children and 2 adults.
Written July 6, 2017
$5.00 for adults, and kids under 18 are free. Can't beat it!
Written July 7, 2017
how long does it take to see everything, approximately?
Written September 15, 2016
Allow two hours for a thorough browse.
Written September 16, 2016
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