All ethnology museums to visit in Massachusetts

Explore the cultural diversity and heritage at 16 ethnology museums in Massachusetts. These museums offer insights into the traditions, customs, and ways of life of various communities.

Are you interested in learning about different cultures and their histories? Here are the ethnology museums to visit in Massachusetts:

  1. Fruitlands Museum - The Trustees of Reservations1

    Fruitlands Museum - The Trustees of Reservations

     Harvard, MA
    Fruitlands Museum, located in Harvard, Massachusetts, is a unique institution that explores various perspectives of America. It is situated on the grounds of the former utopian community known as Fruitlands. This community, although short-lived, left a significant mark on the area and its history. The museum provides an opportunity to delve into this fascinating chapter of American history.
  2. Plimoth Patuxet2

    Plimoth Patuxet

     Plymouth, MA
    Plimoth Patuxet, formerly known as Plimoth Plantation, is a complex of living history museums located in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Founded in 1947, the museum complex aims to replicate the original settlement of the Plymouth Colony established in the 17th century by English colonists, also known as the Pilgrims. The museum complex provides a unique opportunity for visitors to step back in time and experience the life and culture of the Pilgrims and the Patuxet people, upon whose land the Pilgrims settled.
  3. Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology3

    Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

     Cambridge, MA
    The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology is a renowned institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is affiliated with the prestigious Harvard University, making it a significant part of the academic and cultural landscape of the area.
  4. Peabody Essex Museum4

    Peabody Essex Museum

     Salem, MA
    The Peabody Essex Museum is a renowned museum situated in the city of Salem, Massachusetts, in the United States. It is a significant cultural institution that offers a wide range of collections and exhibits for visitors to explore. The museum's location in Salem, a city known for its rich history and cultural heritage, adds to its appeal for tourists.
  5. Commonwealth Museum5

    Commonwealth Museum

     Boston, MA
    The Massachusetts Archives is home to a vast collection of historical documents and artifacts. These include the state’s own copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, the 1780 Massachusetts Constitution, and the 1629 charter of Massachusetts Bay. The archives also house Revolutionary and Civil War records, documents signed by George Washington, John Adams, and John Hancock, treaties made with Native American tribes, and slave and witchcraft records. This extensive collection provides a comprehensive look into the history of Massachusetts and the United States.
  6. Aquinnah Cultural Center6

    Aquinnah Cultural Center

     Aquinnah, MA
    The Edwin DeVries Vanderhoop Homestead, located at 35 South Road, Aquinnah, Massachusetts, is a historic house that has been transformed into a museum known as the Aquinnah Cultural Center. This museum offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the area, making it a significant point of interest for those interested in learning more about the region's past.
  7. Robbins Museum7

    Robbins Museum

     Middleborough, MA
    The Robbins Museum is home to a gallery, lecture hall, library, and gift shop, along with 4,550 square feet of exhibit spaces. These spaces showcase over 3,000 artifacts, providing a comprehensive view of the archaeological history of the region. Visitors can explore these exhibits, attend lectures, and even purchase souvenirs from the gift shop.
  8. Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library8

    Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

     Lexington, MA
    The Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, located in Lexington, Massachusetts, is a significant destination for those interested in American history and Freemasonry. Previously known as the National Heritage Museum and the Museum of Our National Heritage, it offers a rich collection of artifacts and exhibits.
  9. Mashpee Wampanoag Museum9

    Mashpee Wampanoag Museum

     Mashpee, MA
    The Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Museum is a cultural center located in the town of Mashpee, Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. It serves as a significant representation of the rich cultural heritage of the Wampanoag people.
  10. Old Colony History Museum10

    Old Colony History Museum

     East Taunton, MA
    The Old Colony History Museum, also known as OCHM, is situated at 66 Church Green in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. This location is easily accessible and provides a great opportunity for tourists to explore the rich history of the region.
  11. Armenian Museum of America11

    Armenian Museum of America

     Watertown Town, MA
    The Armenian Museum of America, situated in Watertown, Massachusetts, is renowned for having the most extensive collection of Armenian artifacts in North America. This institution serves as a significant cultural hub, showcasing the rich history and heritage of Armenia through its vast collection.
  12. The West End Museum12

    The West End Museum

     Boston, MA
    The West End Museum is a neighborhood museum located in Boston. It is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of the history and culture of the West End of Boston. The museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the rich history and culture of this part of the city.
  13. New England Historic Genealogical Society13

    New England Historic Genealogical Society

     Boston, MA
    The New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS), established in 1845 in Boston, holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest genealogical society in the United States. This makes it a significant institution for those interested in genealogy and history, offering a wealth of resources and expertise.
  14. Peabody Institute of Archaeology - Phillips Academy Andover14

    Peabody Institute of Archaeology - Phillips Academy Andover

     Andover, MA
    The Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology, previously known as the Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology, is a learning center and archaeological collection located in Andover, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1901 and houses a vast collection of artifacts from various regions and time periods, making it a significant destination for those interested in archaeology and history.
  15. 15

    Flynt Center of Early New England Life

     Deerfield, MA
    Experience the life of Colonial Americans at this perfectly maintained museum. Lot of early American artifacts.
  16. 16

    Memorial Hall Museum

     Deerfield, MA
    The Memorial Hall Museum is a significant institution dedicated to the preservation of the history, art, and culture of the Deerfield region and New England at large. It provides a comprehensive insight into the rich cultural heritage of the area, making it an ideal destination for those interested in history and culture.