Massachusetts is the birthplace of the American Revolution, and pieces of that history can be found in many places – sometimes unexpected places – across the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus. “Whether it’s just down the street or worth a daytrip, EOHLC and the Healey-Driscoll administration encourage people to take the time to engage with our shared history by visiting the many historic homes that were witness to some of the great moments in the founding of our nation. Now more than ever, understanding the history of our Revolution, and the sacrifices and service of those Massachusetts residents 250 years ago, is crucial.
As Massachusetts commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities is proud to highlight the many historic homes across the Commonwealth that helped shape the birth of our nation. These sites, open to the public as museums, nonprofit organizations, or historic landmarks, reflect the diverse experiences and stories of the people who lived through the Revolutionary era.
From coastal towns like Marblehead to inland communities such as Hadley and Westfield, these homes provide a tangible connection to the past, inviting residents and visitors to explore the foundations of American liberty.
Below is a curated list of Revolutionary-era homes across Massachusetts that are open for public visits. Each home offers a unique perspective on the fight for independence, colonial life, and the evolving identity of the United States.
Eastern Massachusetts
- Paul Revere House (1680) – Boston
The oldest home in downtown Boston and former home of Paul Revere, famed for his midnight ride. Visit site » - Jeremiah Lee Mansion (1768) – Marblehead
Home to the wealthiest man in Massachusetts during the Revolution and head of the Marblehead militia. Visit site » - Royall House & Slave Quarters (1732) – Medford
The only remaining slave quarters in New England and former home of Loyalist Isaac Royall. Visit site » - Hancock-Clarke House (1738) – Lexington
Where John Hancock and Samuel Adams stayed the night before the Battle of Lexington. Visit site » - Pierce House (1683) – Dorchester/Boston
Home of Revolutionary veteran Samuel Pierce; today, Historic New England offers free tours to Boston residents. Visit site » - Longfellow House – Washington’s Headquarters (1759) – Cambridge
Where George Washington commanded the Continental Army during the Siege of Boston. Visit site » - John Cabot House (1781) – Beverly
Built by a wealthy privateer captain, now a museum and visitor center with exhibits for children. Visit site »
Central and Western Massachusetts
- The Old Manse (1770) – Concord
Overlooks the North Bridge battlefield; home to generations of writers and patriots. Visit site » - The Wayside (1717) – Concord
Home of Samuel Whitney, Concord’s militia leader, and later famous authors. Visit site » - The Robbins House (1790) – Concord
Once home to a formerly enslaved Revolutionary War veteran; now a museum of Black history. Visit site » - Porter-Phelps-Huntington House (1752) – Hadley
A riverside farmstead reflecting 18th-century rural life, with stories of both soldiers and enslaved persons. Visit site » - Bidwell House (1760s) – Monterey
Built by patriot minister Rev. Adonijah Bidwell; near Henry Knox’s artillery trail. Visit site » - Edmund Fowle House (1772) – Watertown
Hosted the Massachusetts Provincial Congress and the first international treaty of the U.S. Visit site »
South Shore, Berkshires & Beyond
- Josiah Quincy House (1770) – Quincy
Home to a prominent Son of Liberty and early advocate for American independence. Visit site » - Isaac Winslow House (1699) – Marshfield
A Loyalist family estate representing colonial aristocracy and early settlement history. Visit site » - Ashley House (1735) – Sheffield
Site of the Sheffield Declaration and early debates on liberty and slavery. Visit site » - Mission House (1742) – Stockbridge
Built for a missionary to the Mohican people, now a museum highlighting Indigenous history. Visit site » - General Artemas Ward House (1720) – Shrewsbury
Home to one of George Washington’s top commanders and a foundational leader in Massachusetts. Visit site » - Salisbury Mansion (1772) – Worcester
Home to a prominent merchant family that helped shape the cultural legacy of central Massachusetts. Visit site
Many of these sites offer seasonal tours, educational programming, and family-friendly experiences. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or planning a local day trip, these homes tell the story of the Revolution through personal, often underrepresented, lenses, from enslaved individuals and women to Loyalists and local militias.
As we honor the spirit of 1776 through the Massachusetts 250 initiative, we invite you to walk through these homes and imagine the people who lived, resisted, and shaped a new nation from within their walls.
Please feel free to submit other Revolutionary-era homes open to the public if it was not included on this list.
