Sunday - March 26, 2006

National Heritage Museum-Lexington, MA

More often than not we are faced with bad weather days while vacationing. Taking the optimistic approach, most of us do not plan ahead for such occasions. Instead we scramble around at the last minute looking for sheltered entertainment; all the while kicking our selves for not planning ahead. Museums are a great alternative to wasting three or four hours in the nearest mega mall, and New England is a museum gold mine. There are museums for computers, textiles, science, art, boating, fishing, history, you name it. So, take some extra time when planning your next vacation to select a few bad weather museums. One such location is the National Heritage Museum in Lexington Massachusetts .

The museum is supported by thirty-two degree Scottish Rite Freemasons . The building was opened to the public in 1975, the 200th anniversary of Lexington . The exhibits, lectures, and library are free to the public. Free is not something you see to often when on vacation.

For those of a giving nature there is a donation box at the information booth in the main lobby.

NHM is home to several permanent exhibitions and is also graced with periodic traveling exhibitions. It is said to have one of the best collections of historical items relating to American Freemasonry and Fraternalism. They also have a wonderful collection of decorative arts, photo's and fine art with a focus on the period of the Revolutionary War. Go figure, Lexington-revolutionary war, who would have guessed.

Over the years they have had numerous interesting exhibits pass through such as: Return to Route 66, Enterprising Women-- 250 Years of American Business, New England Neon, Early Photographs of Elvis, Dylan and The Beatles, Memories of World War II, etc.

At the time of this entry "Picturing What Matters: An Offering of Photographs from the George Eastman House Collection " is being displayed at the museum. It is an outstanding collection of photographs that is a must see.

The institution also provides free lectures on various subjects throughout the year. My family and I have taken advantage of several of these events and found them to be extremely interesting. One of the more memorable lectures was given by a retired female federal agent on the subject of women in espionage. The museum web site posts a calendar of upcoming events so you can plan in advance. It's a great way to spend an hour or two on a Sunday afternoon.

The Van Gorden-Williams Library on premises is also open to the public for free. The library can also be searched on-line through its web portal.

Only a couple miles from the historic center of Lexington the museum is extremely accessible and you just can't beat free. So, jot this one down on your list of bad weather backups for your next trip to Massachusetts.

Overall:

Food: Average Museum Cafe Food

Restrooms:

Cost: NA

Hours: See Web Site

Getting there:Map , See Web Site