Boston's Best Ways To Learn About Presidential And American History
J.F.K. Presidential Library & Museum
220 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125
(617) 514-1600
www.jfklibrary.org
The J.F.K. Presidential Library & Museum lends visitors an in-depth look into John F. Kennedy and his famous family. From his birth to his early, violent death, every aspect of Kennedy's life is on display at this stunning building by renowned architect I.M. Pei. Visitors can enjoy exhibits that showcase everything down to the fashion of Jacqueline Kennedy, or they can enjoy the 10-acre grounds with views of the waterfront. Both the library and the exhibits are learning experiences about the Kennedys that cannot be topped elsewhere.
Related: Boston's Best Historical Sites
The Freedom Trail
From Boston Common to Bunker Hill Monument
Boston, MA 02125
(617) 357-8300
www.thefreedomtrail.org
The Freedom Trail is the core of Boston's history and much of the nation's history. The restaurant where President John F. Kennedy proposed to his future wife Jacqueline is along the Freedom Trail at the Omni Parker House Hotel, though it is not technically a stop. The U.S.S. Constitution is a stop, and was named by George Washington after the most important document in the country's history. That is just a taste of the history along this two-and-a-half-mile walk.
February Vacation Week
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
465 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 267-9300
www.mfa.org
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston has a number of presidential paintings, historical works of art and much more. Children 17 and under get in for free when there is no school, so families can get an affordable history lesson this President's Day. Plus, during the week of public schools' February vacation, the museum is offering vacation week classes for children as part of the Cogan Family Foundation Vacation Week Adventures, where children can create art free all week.
Benjamin Franklin, Science & The Arts
Old South Meeting House
310 Washington St.
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 482-6439
www.oldsouthmeetinghouse.org
Founding Father Benjamin Franklin was never president, but there are still plenty of reasons to celebrate him. Check out the series of Benjamin Franklin activities at the Old South Meeting House over February vacation. Every Boston resident 18 and under and an accompanying adult can get into the museum free the entire week. All of the activities will center on Benjamin Franklin and his innovations. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in scientific and art explorations of Franklin's work.
A Visit With Abraham Lincoln
Concord Museum
200 Lexington Road
Concord, MA 01742
(978) 369-9763
www.concordmuseum.org
Hours: Feb. 18; 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Price: $10 adults/$5 children
A Visit with Abraham Lincoln is just that: an hour-long visit with Abraham Lincoln impersonator and presenter Steve Wood. During this hour, Steve tells stories of the president's life and includes readings of some of his most stirring speeches. Wood has been a Lincoln impersonator and presenter for roughly 18 years and has even worked with the Smithsonian Institute. The event is by reservation only, so visitors must contact the museum ahead of time.
Related: Boston's Best Ways To Celebrate Native American History And Culture
Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
