We need a category for places and things that are, quite simply, the best of the best and where…read morethere is no argument about why they are that way. In this category would easily fall the Massachusetts Historical Society, the nation's oldest state historical society and home of many of the most important documents of its history. Sometimes overlooked in the chaos of downtown Boston's Fenway section, this institution is a treasure that one should visit at least once in his or her lifetime. A bit of disclosure...I worked at MHS and did my master's practicum there.
MHS holds records and documents on every aspect of the Bay State's history, from the pre-colonial and Pilgrim period through to the 21st century. It holds the papers of prominent Massachusetts families and political figures, as well as the records of early businesses. Most notably, the papers of the Adams family are maintained and edited there. State-of-the-art storage areas also hold a number of artifacts that are occasionally shown in exhibits. Such a general description only tells what is kept there but cannot fully explain the importance of its holdings, for the wealth of information and the breadth of knowledge contained it its documents, artwork, books, journals, etc., tells the story of the state's and the nation's history in details that cannot be matched anywhere.
As befitting the historical documents and artifacts within its walls, everything about MHS is exemplary. The structure, dating back to 1898, underwent a number of substantial renovations starting in the late 1990s. New office space was created, along with areas for public programs and exhibitions, while the collections were provided facilities and conditions suited to their importance. Still, the badly-needed modernization did not see the building lose its architectural soul, for even older staffers (myself included) could see how its grand architectural features were integrated seamlessly with newer elements to make the building more functional. As importantly, the conditions under which documents and artwork are kept were also modernized - care, for which future generations of historians and scholars will be thankful.
Mind you, despite the importance of its holdings and its function as a scholarly research facility MHS does offer some of its events to the public. Students, genealogists, and other researchers find help from a staff that represents the best in the library business. For a rather nominal annual charge anyone can become a member and enjoy lectures and programs and receive certain of its publications. MHS publishes its research and hosts scholarly conference and supports a myriad of sociocultural programs too numerous to mention. It's safe to say that if you live in Massachusetts, or in nearly any part of the United States you've had some contact with MHS, whether you know it or not.
Tours are given on many Saturdays throughout the year (check the MHS website http://www.masshist.org/events/more_info.cfm?eventID=297 for more information. Enjoy. Consider yourself lucky to be there and fortunate that there is a place like MHS for all of us.
