Worcester History

Start your day by delving into the city’s greatest accomplishments at the Worcester Historical Museum (30 Elm St., Worcester: Adults $5, Under 18 and museum members, free). See the hundreds of objects invented and made in Worcester—the smiley face, barbed wire, the monkey wrench, the space suit and much more!

Stop off for some energy-boosting yummy goodness at the Bean Counter (113 Highland St., Worcester). With creative beverages, wide selection of coffee concoctions and delectable hand-made pastries, you’re sure to reemerge revitalized!

Then head to a different time in history--one filled with chivalry, pageantry and honor! The Higgins Armory Museum (100 Barber Ave., Worcester: Adults $10, Children 4-16 $7, members and children 3 and under FREE and senior citizens on Tuesday $5) showcases suits of armor from around the world along with weapons and other items that would have been used in medieval and Renaissance times. Try on helmets and period costumes (daily), come face-to-visor with a Roman Legionary or witness armored knights in battle (see schedule). Don’t forget your camera—a picture is worth a thousand words!

Speaking of pictures, sometimes the best way to view history is through the eyes of those who lived it. Venture out to the Worcester Art Museum (55 Salisbury Street, Worcester: Adults $8, seniors and students $6, members and youth 17 and under FREE) and see art from five millennia of world cultures including paintings by Cassatt, Gauguin, Goya, Monet, Sargent and Whistler, floor mosaics from the ancient city of Antioch, cutting-edge contemporary art and much more!

End your travels with some classic food at Uno’s Chicago Grill. Enjoy the fun atmosphere after your day of taking in the wonders of Worcester’s history.