The House of the Seven Gables in Salem, Massachusetts, also known at the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, was built in 1668 in a Jacobean or Post Medieval style. Having just celebrated its 350th anniversary last year, the house and grounds are amazingly well-documented and quite interesting to visit. This video provides a look inside. Funny thing was …
A quick visit to Boston’s USS Constitution Museum! On a previous trip, I’d toured the USS Constitution itself, a frigate launched in 1797, which is located in Charlestown Navy Yard. Now part of Boston National Historic Park, the USS Constitution Museum and the surrounding yard are fascinating places to learn about shipbuilding and naval history. …
I haven’t walked Boston’s Freedom Trail (yet), but I know that one of the important stops on it is Faneuil Hall. Known as The Cradle of Liberty, the building is currently operated by the National Park Service (NPS) and owned by the City of Boston. Last weekend I was able to pop into the Great …
In contrast to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, my visit to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum was more restrained and contemplative. The JFK Library has obviously put a lot of thought into its purpose and how best to carry it out. Here is the mission statement from the website. The …
It was an honour to be chosen from my tour group to throw the tea over the side of the good ship Eleanor. Actually, I was closest to the “chest.” It was still a very fun and memorable living history experience to dump “tea” into the sea, in the same spot as the Sons of …
When you visit the City of Toronto Archives, you’ll see special exhibits of historical material from the collections installed in the atrium. Today I enjoyed perusing the dozens of photographs which make up Wide Open World: A Celebration of the Suburbs in Toronto, curated by Manda Vranic and open until August 30, 2019. I tend …
I’d almost given up on the chance to visit the Toronto Police Museum and Discovery Centre this year, as (like Old City Hall) it’s only open during the working week. I’m glad I made the effort this afternoon, because it was quite rewarding. Especially as someone who enjoys Murdoch Mysteries, whose creators I’m absolutely sure …
An unexpected early afternoon off gave me a chance to visit the inside of a building I’ve passed many many times in my life and never entered: Toronto’s Old City Hall (1899). While not strictly a museum, I’m allowing it in my 100 Museums Challenge as it’s a heritage building containing some exhibits, artwork, and …
Seeking to maximize my museums-per-day on a recent visit to Kleinburg (see also McMichael Canadian Art Collection), I was delighted to discover that a new facility has appeared on the main street: the Pierre Berton Heritage Centre. The centre is in a newly restored historic site, the City of Vaughan-owned Gothic Revival style former Kleinburg …
The City of Toronto’s Market Gallery, located on the second floor of St. Lawrence Market, always has something worth climbing the stairs (or taking the elevator) for on show. On my recent visit, I toured the current exhibit Toronto Brews: Two Centuries of Beer Culture, just opened and running through December 28, 2019. Be sure …
