Good place to visit which is underrated probably because its 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 Ive 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?

This is a great place to learn more about the extensive history of the State of Massachusetts!

Awesome compact museum detailing Mass history across durn JFK museum. Its free too!

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.

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!

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.

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 isnt the case. The exhibits that we saw seemed very static. There was such a large amount of reading that I cant imagine anyone reading it all. Perhaps the highlight was the historic documents in the furthest room.

Nice litter museum with some neat exhibitions

Great place, friendly diverse staff, visited for the 4th of July exhibition.

Hidden gemThe Mass Archives is not as well known as other historical destinations in Boston, a city with many such places. To be fair, its in a nondescript building on the Umass campus. But inside ia a collection of documents that are the foundation of democracy in Massachusetts, and the US.The Archive has a deeply knowledgeable staff who love their work, and who want citizens to learn about our history.If you are planning a trip to the JFK Museum or the EMK Center, stop by thw Maas Archive, too.

A museum dedicated to the history of Massachusetts with free admission. Its 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.

Great place for research, everyone that works there is so helpful!

From the security officer to The research staff everyone was professional, personable & extremely helpful. This is an interesting & very informative place.

You will find Americas founding fathers papers here....and lots more..plus its alongside the John F Kennedy Presidential library.....

These are hands down the nicest, most helpful, accommodating government employees I have ever come across. My supervisor had requested some documents to be copied the previous week, but she wasnt able to stay and finish, so then when I went to the next week to start the copying all over again, it turns out the archive employees had done all the copying already, assuming that someone would be back to finish the job. Above and beyond, especially considering the job must be very tedious and technically complicated. THANK YOU.

Needs better signage. Like ANY signage. I felt like I was playing hide and seak with a government agency. Look for the Bayside parking lot. They are in the black building marked UMass

A small museum that is worth a quick visit for its more notable documents, featuring things like Paul Revere’s handwritten expenses. Across the street from the JFK library the collection is worth the two minute walk as part of a trip to that part of the city.

Omg it is a hidden gem! They have an original copy of Declaration of Independence and an original copy of bill of rights!

Too many loud children.

The hands on activities for kids are great.

Great place.

Love it awesome place for Massachusetts history

Awesome!

Great museum