With many alternatives in entertainment today, why choose the National Heritage Museum?

We present history by telling stories that are rich in content, use compelling narrative, and are supported by dynamic displays and interactive hands-on activities.

Explore traditional history and popular culture

Visitors are always amazed by the range of subjects covered by our exhibitions:  from traditional stories on Paul Revere, George Washington and the American Revolution to non-traditional stories such as Route 66, diners, neon signs, or even doing laundry in America.  Our focus is the rich diversity of American life across four centuries--how we as a people have worked and played, struggled and achieved.  Each year we hold as many as 18 changing exhibitions in our six versatile galleries.

Accessible to all visitors

We are a mid-sized Museum where you can have a leisurely visit--no standing in lines, jockeying for position to read exhibition panels, or buying advance tickets to guarantee admission.  In fact, the National Heritage Museum is free to all visitors, seven days a week.  We are one of a handful of museums in New England that can make that claim.

Set in the heart of the American Revolution

Our historic location in Lexington, MA lets us tell the story of the American Revolution in the context of where it all began.  Paul Revere's midnight ride went right past our doorstep.  Every April 19th, thousands of citizens line our property to watch the Patriots Day parade commemorating the start of the Revolutionary War in the battles of Lexington and Concord.

For history buffs and novices

From May to October, a Liberty Ride bus originates at our Museum and conducts an informative 90-minute tour of the Lexington-Concord area.  Inspired by the valuable information covered in the tour, many riders disembard and visit our Heritage Shop for books that uniquely tell the story of the area.  Visitors can also tour the Museum's exhibitions accompanied by a knowledgeable member of our staff.

A full calendar of events and programs

The National Heritage Museum's calendar is packed year-round with programs and events for all ages.  The Lowell Lecture series presents nationally renowned speakers with various perspectives on the subject of a current exhibition.  Our Museum recognizes the universal language of music with the Heritage Concert series, performances that satisfy many musical tastes.  Our facilities are handicap accessible and equipped to assist the hearing impaired.

History of the American Freemasons

Even the history of our own Museum is intriguing to visitors.  Founded by the Scottish Rite Masons of the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States as a gift to the nation on our country's bicentennial, we depend on their continuing support to keep our doors open.  Many people do not understand the Masonic fraternity or know that prominent Masons, such as George Washington, Ben Franklin and Paul Revere, played a pivotal role in the founding of our country.  Our Museum demystifies the rituals, symbols, meaning and history of the society. We have one of the finest Masonic collections in the United States, shown in a number of exhibitions throughout our facility. Our Museum is also noted for authoring important, scholarly books on Freemasonry, which accompany our exhibits.


Remarkable American history collection 

One of the highlights of our collection is a 15-star American flag made between 1795 and 1818.  The only other 15-star flag on public view is the Star Spangled Banner at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.  This incredible flag is just one example of the more than 16,000 Masonic and Americana objects that we care for in the collection.

A library for research that holds special exhibitions

The Van Gorden-Williams Library located in the Museum, is a research facility that specializes in Masonic, fraternal, and American history. The Library also organizes exhibitions from their holdings.  A popularly received Library show, "Teenage Hoboes in the Great Depression", is now featured on-line.  The library welcomes both the casual visitor and serious researcher.

A welcoming community meeting space

We are an active and welcoming community meeting space for residents and organizations.  Many clubs, associations, politicians and businesses regularly meet at our Museum to share ideas and openly discuss important issues.    The Museum facilities are available for rent and feature a state-of-the-art conference center, auditorium, and other spaces for public and private meetings, conferences, and parties.  We depend on participation by by the community to keep us an up-to-date organization that embraces change. 

The lush greenery of the charming Courtyard Café provides a respite for visitors and features fresh soups, specialty salads and sandwiches, and luscious desserts.  The Museum is open seven days a week, year round, with free admission and parking.  For more information on the Museum, its exhibitions, programs, or guided tours please call 781-861-6559 ext.4100.