Commonwealth Museum

Really neat museum, free and part of the State Archives. Several interactive exhibits for kids. The rare documents are fascinating. Don't need more than 30 mins but definitely stop! Right across from the Kennedy Library and right along the Harbor.

This museum is small but filled with lots of original, fascinating documents, interactive components that are especially great for kids, and covers a little bit of many movements in US history. There's also an upstairs section we almost missed. It's free and across the street from the JFK Museum so it's almost like getting to go to 2 museums but only paying for one!

With a great location opposite the JFK Library and Museum, this is a museum which is part of the Massachusetts archives. The main part is downstairs and covers the history of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the different people that make up its history. This was a great section with clearly laid out areas and some really interesting documents- I loved the section on the mill workers and the rules they had to follow! Alongside this is the Treasures room with a small collection of original documents which are the creme de la creme of historical documents! There is also a video to watch that you can ask to put on as well! Upstairs is a small exhibition on the revolution with a few artefacts and documents but predominantly information boards. This is an area that I think could probably be developed a little bit in its presentation to really bring everything together. As it's part of the archives, it's not a traditional museum with gift shop and cafe, it's much more a space fitting in around the offices and workspaces of the archives. That said, It's definitely worth visiting if you're in the area (it's not open daily so do check opening times) and is also free entry as well!

Small but interesting museum attached to the state archive building. The treasure room contains some unique and fascinating documents. When the weather is good, this is also a great place for a walk.

I recommend everyone who lives in MA should give this place a visit. It is important to learn the history of our state and how important we were in forming modern America. The staff here are great and are more than happy to talk with you, answer questions, and show you documents.

One of the finest! Small ish, free, super friendly and welcoming. Full of interactive displays, artefacts and lots of maps/ photos and diagrams. Great for all our family.

Absolute five stars for the commonwealth museum. The curators and tour guides are simply the best and most patient with our third graders!

A nice little museum with the Massachusetts copy of the Declaration of Independence. If you’re at UMass Boston or going to the JFK library, stop by and see their little museum.

Its free! & so cool! Def come here, if you are already going to JFK museum. After spending time at the JFK museum we decided to head here. We were literally the only guest here, i believe its attach to an archive. No one was here but the workers & us. Anyways my boyfriend & I found this place to pretty awesome. They had so much information pack into it. I tried to read as much as I can but there was tooo much. It was pretry cool due to the fact it has a lot of archive things and original documents. Also they have a lot of interactive things. Recommend to go & check this place out.

Free and really cool. This museum has the original Massachusetts Bay Charter, the Royal Charter that replaced it, the Massachusetts Constitution (the oldest in the world), and original copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, all on display. Definitely a worthwhile stop, particularly if you're going to the JFK Library anyways.

Directly across the parking lot from the JFK Presidential Library, this is a fabulous museum that adults and kids will enjoy for all the interactive and hands on exhibits. It's small but has LOTS of info. In fact, I almost think there's too much info all crammed into such a small space but it doesn't overwhelm you unless you're planning on reading, watching and doing every single thing. Pick and choose what most interests you and you'll leave satisfied and entertained. The big draw here is the original copies of the Declaration of Independence (albeit so faded that it's difficult to read...no pictures please!), Bill of Rights, MA Bay Charter and the MA Constitution. Seeing these is worth the trip alone! Admission is free and the staff is wonderful. I was by myself and one of the staff members was gracious enough to answer all my questions and showed me some of the more popular exhibits. Be sure to make note of your car's license plate number as you'll be asked to enter it into a logbook so that you don't get towed. This is not to be missed, especially if you have kids. It's a great teaching opportunity as well as a fun experience for them. Bravo!

Outstanding museum outlining the beginnings of America and Boston's role in our countries formation. Interactive lessons were great for the younger kids, and the actual copies of the Declaration and the Bill of Rights were astounding to see in person. They even have Paul Revere's etching of the Boston Massacre. A great stop for an hour or so when visiting the JFK Library. Very helpful & nice staff. Recommended!

Very nice small museum. Focused on the bill of rights, declaration of independence, women suffering and equality. Would recommend watching the video. Lovely helpful service at reception.