Over the years, JM Electrical has had the privilege of working with nonprofit organizations including, hospitals, museums, colleges, and universities.
Like many nonprofits, the cultural community has been hard hit by the pandemic due to a series of temporary closures and essential public health protocols that, for safety’s sake, limit the number of visitors allowed in their venues.
As more and more people are vaccinated, and businesses and nonprofits alike are permitted to resume normal operations, museums, science centers, aquariums, and other cultural centers will need our support more than ever.
Without question, Boston is home to world-class cultural institutions, including but certainly not limited to The Museum of Science, The New England Aquarium, The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston Children’s Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
But there is much to see in every corner of the Commonwealth. We are fortunate to have venues large and small across the state. While these destinations may look different—some are housed in buildings that showcase our rich history, others in modern spaces that reflect the changing landscape—all entertain, enlighten, inspire, and educate visitors of every age and background through engaging exhibits and thought-provoking programming.
A sampling of the must-see cultural organizations that enrich our lives follows. For a complete list, visit https://www.visit-massachusetts.com/state/museums-and-galleries/.
Western Massachusetts
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst: This warm and welcoming place inspires a love of art and reading through colorful exhibits and family-friendly programming.
MASS MoCA, North Adams: A haven for the fine and performing arts, the museum’s light-filled galleries and outdoor spaces feature painting, photography, sculpture, music, dance, film, and theatrical performances.
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield: Located in the city where basketball was born, the Museum celebrates the game as well as players and coaches, from up-and-coming talent to NBA superstars.
Central Massachusetts
The Museum of Russian Icons, Clinton: The Museum is home to more than 1,000 Russian icons and artifacts, the largest collection in North America.
EcoTarium, Worcester: Visitors can experience interactive exhibits, live animal habitats, planetarium shows; explore hiking trails, and enjoy a train ride around the science and nature center’s 45-acre campus.
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge: With more than 40 original buildings, a working farm, and authentically costumed historians, this 200-acre outdoor living history museum, the largest in the Northeast, depicts life in a rural 1830s New England town.
South of Boston
New Bedford Whaling Museum, New Bedford: Explore the legacy of whaling, the vital conservation efforts underway to preserve these majestic marine mammals, Massachusetts’ maritime history, and works by internationally known artists.
Plimoth Patuxet (formerly Plimoth Plantation), Plymouth: Since its founding in 1947, this living museum has invited visitors to experience the living history of two distinct cultures, the Wampanoag People and the Colonial English community, through indoor and outdoor environments, including a recreated 17-century village, the Wampanoag Homesite, and the Nye Barn which offers a behind-the-scenes look at Plimoth Plantation’s Rare and Heritage Breeds Program.
New Bedford Art Museum, New Bedford: Located in the City’s Seaport Cultural District, the Museum engages visitors of all ages through programs, lectures, performances, and exhibitions of contemporary and historic art created by local, national, and international artists.
Cape and the Islands
Museum of African American History, Nantucket: Through cultural programs, interpretive exhibits, walking tours, and two historical sites, the African Meeting House (built in 1827) and the Florence Higginbotham House (built in 1774) the Museum focuses on the history of the Island’s thriving African American community.
Flying Horses Carousel, Martha’s Vineyard: The nation’s oldest platform carousel has been a treasured destination for visitors to Oak Bluffs since 1884. A National Historic Landmark, the Carousel features colorful, carved horses, a canopy, and historic panel paintings.
Heritage Museum & Gardens, Sandwich: The largest public garden in Southern New England features 100 acres of gardens, sweeping lawns, and an outdoor discovery area located on the banks of Shawme Pond. The Museum includes three gallery buildings housing permanent exhibits of world-class automobiles, a working vintage carousel, American folk art, and special exhibitions.
North of Boston
Peabody Essex Museum, Salem: The Museum boasts more than one million works of art and culture from the 1700s to today: paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, textiles, architecture, and decorative objects from here in the US and around the world.
Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, Ipswich: Tour the Great House, a 59-room Stuart-style seaside mansion designed by architect David Adler and the 2,100-acre seaside estate with its manicured grounds, restored Grand Allee, expansive gardens, and Casino complex.
Ready, Set, Go!
Many sites are just beginning to reopen, so to start planning your trip with a visit to each institutions’ website. There you can find the most up-to-date information on current exhibits, special events, and available amenities.