Free historical museum about the founding of Massachusetts by settlers and the Revolutionary War. One level - about 1 hour to see. Across from JFK Library on UMass-Boston campus. Free shuttle (Paul Revere Route 1) from JFK/UMass Red Line station. Worth visiting if you have time.

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

A quick trip, if it’s on your way it’s interesting to learn about the building. The museum is small and it doesn’t take long to see everything.

This place is free and they have free parking so that was a win! They had some cool hands on exhibits but some things weren't running. It was empty when we went in and was a bit run down but that's to be expected in a free state museum. I loved it and I think it was the perfect start to our trip!

Good place to visit which is underrated probably because it's free and is less well advertised than its neighbour the JFK library and museum which requires payment. I was one of around 6 people I saw during my visit of around 90 minutes. They could definitely do with better PR and be more ready to greet visitors - and having a cafe would definitely help too! The photo I've uploaded shows a anti slavery medallion "Am I Not a Man And a Brother?" originally designed by Wedgwood, Stoke-on-Trent, UK, and where I come from. Wedgwood anti slavery medallions were sent to Benjamin Franklin 1788 who was then president of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society. Maybe look into the influences the up and coming US had abroad?

Awesome place to visit, great exhibits, and origional documents fro. The founding of the country. If your a fan of history, or even just a citizen of these Unites States, you have to check this place out.

Visited the archives for genealogical purposes. The facilities are beautiful and state-of-the-art, and the librarian with whom I consulted was very patient and knowledgeable on each of the various, and very specific, subjects I requested info on. I highly recommend a visit here if you are seeking records or documentation on your ancestors. You will undoubtedly discover such a wealth of information and ease of access, the hours will seem to pass very quickly here!

Really awesome! I never knew about it until today and it was the best! Tons of history!

Small and nice with essential information

We visited the JFK library and new the Massachusetts Archive was nearby. When we approached it looked closed due to all the construction. We took a chance and went inside. The staff was very excited to see us. (I think the construction has affected visitors) The staff was very welcoming and offered us personal tour of archive. The exhibits are fascinating. The documents in the archives are incredible. They have one of the original copies of the Declaration of Independence. Also, a copper etching of the Boston Massacre by Paul Revere. Ask them how they got it. The story is cool. Admission is free.

History of america starts here. Real documents of bay colony and pilgrims into 13 th states of America

A museum dedicated to the history of Massachusetts with free admission. It's small and feels like an adjunct of the archives facility; but there is a wealth of information to absorb, including a film, exhibits, interactive stations, original manuscripts from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and a separate gallery devoted to Massachusetts and the slave trade. Allow one hour.

I loved this SO MUCH. The museum was amazing and the people at the archives were SO helpful when I was looking up some ancestors The Muesum is great for all ages, including kids

Surprised by the high quality interactive exhibits. No crowds. Free admission. Boston gem.

Great museum about JFK. I learned a lot!

The Commonwealth Museum first landed on my radar around the time of the Big Dig. I had heard that they had an exhibit on some of the items found when excavating. Unfortunately, I never got there while that exhibit was being shown, but I assumed that they had a curator that changed out exhibits periodically. Unfortunately, that isn't the case. The exhibits that we saw seemed very static. There was such a large amount of reading that I can't imagine anyone reading it all. Perhaps the highlight was the historic documents in the furthest room.

Finally got to visit the museum part of this facility. The display area is mostly on the first floor but it is dense with information. They also have one of the original copies of the Declaration of Independence.

Nice place with cool exhibits.

My first visit. Facility is very impressive, staff was helpful and friendly, and materials we needed to review were ready when we arrived.

Very convenient place just off of interstate 95, for charging our Tesla. First time we used this supercharger. There are 12 urban styles superchargers. There is a $3 parking fee. The adjacent mall has shopping and eating amenities. Just what we needed!