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Area Attractions
In the Waltham West Suburban area residents and visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the Charles River, delve into history at area museums, or wonder at the beauty of the surrounding countryside, the galleries and museums, outdoor sculptures and the architecture for which the region is famous. Individuals of all ages can spend an evening at the theater or a concert; watch numerous sporting events from boat races to baseball; or go hiking, biking, horseback riding, or ice-skating. There is something to do for everyone in every season.
A short distance away are the cultural, historical and recreational offerings of Boston, from the Freedom Trail to Salem Village, the Boston Pops to the Boston Ballet, the Franklin Park Zoo to the New England Aquarium, the Museum of Science to the Boston Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and the New England Patriots.
Codman House
Codman Rd., Lincoln (781) 259-8843
www.spnea.org
The original 18th century house was greatly enlarged over more than 200 years that it was the home of the Codman family. As a result, it traces history through several architectural styles from Georgian to Victorian and Colonial Revival. The grounds are landscaped in the style of an English country estate with perennial and Italian gardens.
Golden Ball Tavern Museum
662 Boston Post Rd., Weston (781) 894-1751
www.goldenballtavern.org
The Golden Ball Tavern was built in 1768 and operated by Westonian Isaac Jones as an inn for travelers on the Boston Post Road between 1770 and 1793. Today, the house is a unique archaeological and historical museum that traces the 200 year history of the Jones family.
Gore Place
52 Gore St., Waltham
(781) 894-2798
www.goreplace.org
The early 1800s estate of Massachusetts Governor Christopher Gore includes a small farm with sheep, goats and poultry. The elegantly furnished mansion has been called the Monticello of the North and architectural historians consider it to be the most significant Federal period mansion in New England. The mansion is shown by guided tour. Summer concerts are held on the grounds. Wedding and Corporate function space is also available.
Gropius House
68 Baker Bridge Rd., Lincoln (781) 259-8098
www.spnea.org
This family house is also the first house in America designed by William Gropius, father of the Bauhaus School of Architecture. Gropius is said to have been one of the most influential and innovative 20th century architects. The house was built with supplies from catalogues and building supply stores using the principles of the Bauhaus school and New England architectural traditions.
Historic Waltham, Inc.
c/o Charles River Museum of Industry
154 Moody St., Waltham (781) 893-5410
www.crmi.org
Historic Waltham, Inc. promotes the preservation and interpretation of the history of Waltham in order to develop public awareness of its historical background, thereby helping to make Waltham a tourist destination and enhancing economic development. Part of its mission is promoting the creation of a centrally located Historic Visitors’ Center where Waltham residents and visitors can learn about Waltham’s history, and from which they may explore Waltham’s historic sites, libraries and museums.
Lyman Estate
“The Vale”
185 Lyman St., Waltham
Rentals, Group Tours:
(781) 893-7232
Greenhouse: (781) 891-7095
www.spnea.org
Also called “The Vale,” the Lyman Estate was built in 1793 by a wealthy Boston merchant, Theodore Lyman. The house is closed to the public, but tours of the surrounding 30-acre English-style gardens are a year-round delight. Function space is
also available.
National Archives/N.E. Region
380 Trapelo Rd., Waltham (866) 406-2379
www.archives.gov/northeast
You don’t have to go to Washington to visit the National Archives! Waltham is home of the Northeast Regional Headquarters of the National Archives and its resources are free and open to educators, students, scholars, and the general public. It is a must visit for anyone interested in their family history, New England history – or the Nation’s history.
The National Archives offers access to publications of genealogical interest including: Federal population censuses for all states, 1790-1930; Revolutionary War military service records; pension and bounty land warrant applications; passenger arrival records for many East Coast and Gulf Coast ports; and Canadian border entry records.
Also available for use by researchers are 30,000 cubic feet of original archival material dating from 1789 to the 1970s, including textual documents, photographs, maps, and architectural drawings. These records were created or received by the Federal courts and over 80 Federal agencies in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, and document subjects such as: Naturalization Petitions; War of 1812 prize cases in Massachusetts; fortification, lighthouses, life saving stations, and other coastal facilities; the 1930s Passamaquoddy Tidal Power Project in Maine; World War II era research projects at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and Federal Court, Naval, Coast Guard, and Customs activities.
The National Archives also offers special assistance to veterans seeking their military records as well as a number of free classes and exhibits throughout the year which are open to teachers, student groups, and the general public. Special tours can also be arranged.
The Paine Estate (Stonehurst)
100 Robert Treat Paine Dr., Waltham (781) 314-3290
Located in the center of 134 acres of woodlands and meadows, the Robert Treat Paine House (Stonehurst) is the only house in Massachusetts designed by Henry Hobson Richardson which is open to the public. In addition to the early modern interior which is unequaled in the work of Richardson, visitors can enjoy the grounds designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and woodland trails throughout the estate. Guided tours are available on Thursdays and Fridays – 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and one Sunday a month. Function space is also available.
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Drumlin Farm
Wildlife Sanctuary
208 South Great Road (Rt. 117)
Lincoln (781) 259-2200
www.massaudubon.org/drumlinfarm
Dig Into Nature at Drumlin Farm!
Enjoy a change of pace at Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm, where you and your family can explore a real working farm and a wildlife sanctuary all in one day. Kids of all ages love visiting the animals on our farmyard, trying on their green thumbs in our learning gardening, and riding on our hay wagon. Browse our wildlife or go to the top of our drumlin, one of the highest points in the greater Boston area. Dig in deeper with our Discover Drumlin activities, free with admission, or sign up for our highly acclaimed farm and nature programs to learn even more about the nature of Massachusetts. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Mass Audubon Society's only working educational farm, practices sustainable farming that supports native habitat. As a leader in environmental education, the sanctuary strives to build awareness of the interdependence among people, land, and wildlife.
Audubon Shop
(781) 259-9661
Mass. Audubon Society 1-800-AUDUBON
www.massaudubon.org
Located in Lincoln on 180 acres of pastures, fields, woodlands, and ponds, Drumlin Farm is a Massachusetts Audubon Society wildlife sanctuary and education center.
Girl Scout Museum at Cedar Hill, Patriots Trail Council
265 Beaver St., Waltham (781) 893-6113
www.ptgirlscouts.org/museum.htm
This is the largest organized council collection of Girl Scout memorabilia in the U.S. It is located on the 75 acre Warren Estate.
Mount Feake Cemetery
203 Prospect St., Waltham (781) 314-3496
A cemetery walking tour is available
Waltham Farmers Market
One Moody St., Waltham (781) 894-0357 / (781) 893-5754
Massachusetts-grown fruits, vegetables, organic produce, herbs, cheese, eggs, baked goods, flowers and plants, turkey pies, soups, salads, preserves, honey, syrup, and other farm products are sold. Run by a group of Waltham citizens whose goals are to provide healthy and affordable food, support small farms and foster community development. Concerts are held during the markets and feature big band music, magicians, ethnic music and dancers, blue grass and jazz performances. Held every Saturday, 9:30 AM-2:30 PM, June through October, in the parking lot at One Moody Street.
Waltham Room of the Waltham Public Library
735 Main St., Waltham (781) 314-3425
www.waltham.lib.ma.us
This special collection of primary documents, genealogy books and computer genealogy provides basic resources for researching family history. It offers an array of information on ethnic groups, biographies, immigration, original documents, photographs and family information. It is open to the general public during regular library hours. There is also a collection of special archives which encompasses all aspects of Waltham history and culture which can be viewed by appointment.
Waltham Tourism Council
(781) 894-4700 x123
www.discoverwaltham.com
An affiliation of the Chamber of Commerce and Historic Waltham, Inc., the Waltham Tourism Council promotes the city and surrounding region to tourists, groups, meeting planners, prospective college students, and travel trade. The WTC produces brochures, ads, and a web site in the “Waltham - Gateway to History” campaign. The group’s goal is to increase visitation to Waltham hotels, restaurants and historic sites.
Area Museums
Charles River Museum of Industry
154 Moody St., Waltham (781) 893-5410
www.crmi.org
The history of America’s Industrial Revolution from 1800 to the present is traced by exhibits in the Charles River Museum of Industry. Exhibits include a 19th century textile mill, Waltham’s watch factory, a machine shop, and a power plant.
DeCordova Museum & Sculpture Park
51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln (781) 259-8355
www.decordova.org
The DeCordova Museum is located on 35 acres of park land overlooking Flints’ Pond, providing a magnificent setting for 50 outdoor sculptures. The park is also the site of a summer series of jazz concerts.
The Rose Art Museum
415 South St., Brandeis University, Waltham (781) 736-3434
The Rose Art Museum has one of the largest collections of contemporary American and European art in New England. Featured in changing exhibits throughout the year are paintings, sculptors’ drawings, and photographs.
Spellman Philatelic Museum
235 Wellesley St., Weston (781) 768-8367
www.spellman.org
Located on the campus of Regis College, the museum was created by Cardinal Spellman, a 20th century religious leader and avid stamp collector. His collection was so extensive that he established the museum to house it. Today the museum’s holdings include the collections of President Eisenhower, General Matthew Ridgeway, violinist Jascha Heifitz, and hundreds of others.
The Waltham Museum, Inc.
25 Lexington Street, Waltham (781) 893-9020
www.walthammuseum.com
This museum, located in the old Waltham Police Station, displays memorabilia from Waltham’s past.
Culture & the Arts
Bentley College Arts Series
LaCava Campus Center, 175 Forest St., Waltham (781) 891-3424
Offers theater, music, dance, lectures, and an art gallery.
Concerts on the Waltham Common
(781) 893-ARTS
Through the summer months, The Waltham Arts Council offers free concerts on the Waltham Common. Music includes contemporary, jazz, 50’s & 60’s, Country, Pops and Big-band.
The Hovey Players
Abbot Memorial Theatre, 9 Spring St., Waltham (781) 893-9171
This community theatre holds productions throughout the year.
Call for events.
The Reagle Players
617 Lexington St., Waltham (781) 891-5600
www.reagleplayers.org
Founded in 1969, The Reagle Players have brought a time-honored tradition of excellence and award winning productions to Waltham. Offering a number of productions throughout the year, characteristic of keeping to the original concept where Broadway professionals teach and work alongside talented amateurs. The theatre is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. Contact the Box Office for upcoming productions, dates and prices.
Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra
(781) 891-7968
www.wphil.org
Waltham’s Community orchestra providing local residents the opportunity to perform and enjoy classical music. The group performs several concerts a year and a Holiday Pops concert. Call for concert dates and locations.
Weston Friendly Society for the Performing Arts
One Town Hall Road, Weston, (781) 893-9883
www.westonfriendly.org
The Weston Friendly Society of the Performing Arts, Inc. is the second oldest theatre group in Massachusetts, and has a rich history of putting on quality musicals for enthusiastic audiences from all over the state. The Friendly Society originated as a forum for group readings of classic books, poetry and the Bible in a small theatre on the estate of Mr. Horace Sears. They eventually migrated to performing cabaret style in our beloved Weston Town Hall, a tradition we keep even today. Historically, Society membership was limited to only Weston residents connected with the First Parish Unitarian Church. Today our membership is non-sectarian, and is open to all residents of metropolitan Boston and beyond.
Waltham Parks & Recreation Department
City of Waltham, 314 Totten Pond Rd., Waltham (781) 314-3475
Fishing, Boating, Hiking and More!
The West Suburban area has many natural features that most believe are found only in other parts of the state or elsewhere in New England. The Charles River offers a great deal to the city of Waltham. Visitors can take a walk, ride a bike or roller-blade along the river-walk, take a boat tour, or fish. The area has beautiful ski and cross-country trails for those who enjoy the winter and golf courses for those who enjoy the summer. Trails and paths are scattered throughout the region for recreation. To learn more about the area’s wealth of recreational opportunities, visit: www.discoverwaltham.com
Weston Recreation Department
20 Alphabet Lane, Weston (781) 529-0203
Weston has carefully retained significant amounts of open space and maintains over 60 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, playground fields, golf courses and cross-country skiing areas.
Lincoln Recreation
Hartwell Main, Room 102, Ballfield Road, Lincoln (781) 259-0784
The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust maintains 360 acres for hiking, nature walks, picnicking and cross-country skiing.
Licenses/Permits Fishing & Hunting
(617) 626-1590
www.state.ma.us/dfwele
Licenses are required for anyone 15 or older to fish in any inland waters in Massachusetts. Hunting also requires a license. Licenses are issued by city and town clerks or by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Recreational Vehicles & Boats
(617) 626-1600
www.mass.gov/massoutdoors
All boats with motors and recreational vehicles, such as snowmobiles and trail bikes, must be registered with the Division of Law Enforcement.
Dining Out
Restaurant Row & Fine Cuisine Downtown Waltham
www.discoverwaltham.com
If you take a stroll down Moody Street, commonly referred to as “Restaurant Row,” with over 30 restaurants, the reflection of ethnic diversity and many cultures are represented in this area. They include Tai, Greek, Italian, Indian, Ecuadorian, Mexican, Chinese, Vietnamese and of course, American. There are close to 150 restaurants in Waltham.
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