Although Massachusetts is one of the smallest states in the U.S. by land area, the historical significance of its many locales and impact on the founding of the nation is huge. From English colonization to the beginnings of the American Revolution to its status as a leader in a variety of industries today, The Bay State holds many tales that can enhance the meeting and event experience—if a planner knows where to look.
Explore the history of Massachusetts at your next event through one of these unique venues, from the capital city Boston to the educational halls of Cambridge and small cities that exude New England charm in the state’s center.
Village Hall at Framingham History Center
Constructed in 1834 by Dexter Esty, this building was once the epicenter of Framingham’s civic and cultural life, serving as the city’s second town hall. Throughout its life, the building in this city west of Boston has been a dance hall, social club and theater, and now is an impressive backdrop for corporate meetings and events.
“Event planners love the combination of historic charm and modern convenience that Village Hall on the Common offers,” said Anna E. Tucker, executive director for Framingham History Center. “The venue’s Greek Revival architecture and elegant New England ambiance make it a stunning backdrop that requires minimal decoration and allows the building’s natural beauty to shine.”
For sit-down dining events, the maximum capacity is about 160, depending on configuration. For lecture-style seating, maximum capacity is 180.
The Hanover Theatre, Worcester
Central Massachusetts is the heart of New England, so it’s no surprise that historical treasures are in abundance in cities like Worcester. Located within an hour of markets like Boston, Providence and Hartford, Worcester is easy to reach. While your group might spend the majority of its time at downtown’s DCU Center in the city’s Innovation Corridor—comprised of a 14,000-seat arena and an attached convention center—consider taking one of your special events offsite to The Hanover Theatre.
The building lived its first life as the Poli Theatre in the early 20th century. It eventually regressed into a dilapidated state until Ed Madaus and Paul Demoga embarked on a massive mission to restore the theater to its former glory. The Hanover Theatre reopened 15 years ago and now hosts Broadway hits, musical acts and other performances regularly, and is a staple of the arts and culture community in Worcester.
“I hope when attendees arrive at an event at The Hanover Theatre they light up and are inspired to look closer at their surroundings,” said Annie Kerins, PR manager for the venue. “The Hanover Theatre is such a captivating space to be in especially when joined by an audience of 2,300 watching a show!”
This historic gem is also available for private event rentals. Groups of up to 150 can meet in the lobby amongst opulent chandeliers, antique mirrors, a grand staircase and a granite bar; take to the Grand Promenade overlooking the lobby for larger groups of up to 300; or take over the theater auditorium and stage (complete with a seven-foot chandelier) where up to 300 people can meet on stage, and seats in the auditorium total 2,300.
[Related: Tradition and Innovation Meet in Cambridge, Massachusetts]
The Groton Inn
In north-central Massachusetts, less than an hour from Boston, your group can experience New England tradition and history with an event at The Groton Inn, considered America’s oldest inn, circa 1678. The building has been carefully reimagined as a boutique hotel with 60 rooms and 6,500 square feet of meeting space, including banquet rooms, a boardroom and breakout spaces. A landscaped courtyard with a fireplace adds a charming ambience to outdoor celebrations, too.
Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge
Across the bridge from Boston is Cambridge, home to stately schools Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University—two of the most famous and historic higher education institutions in the country. Groups can experience the schools via private events, too.
A standout venue is Harvard Art Museums, which is home to various spaces for special events. The inviting Calderwood Courtyard, which is part of the original 1927 building, is an epicenter of activity and wows attendees with its glass roof and impressive interior modeled after the facade of the canon’s house of the 16th-century church of San Biagio in Montepulciano, Italy.
The collection within the museum itself holds great history, too. Visitors can view art from the Middle Ages to modern day, including works from Manet, Cézanne and Van Gogh.
[Related: The Old and New Boston Venues and Experiences That Will Keep Groups Coming Back]
Fenway Park, Boston
Arguably one of the most famous ballparks in the nation, Fenway Park is also one of the most iconic historic venues in Boston. Home to the Major League Baseball Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park opened its doors on April 20, 1912 and has charmed fans of the game ever since.
Groups can harness the magic of this revered ballpark in many ways and for events of many sizes, ranging from 20-20,000. Rent out the Big Concourse, characterized by red brick and classic concession stands; get a bird’s-eye view of the field while networking atop the famed Green Monster; explore Red Sox history and memorabilia in the National Car Rental Royal Rooters Club; or make exclusive use of various decks and clubs throughout the park.
Events at Fenway Park can be made even more special with “enhancements” offered to groups, such as opportunities to step onto the warning track and dugouts, booking the official mascots, arranging private tours of the ballpark, customized scoreboard messages, putting World Series trophies on display and more.
[Related: How to Host a Sustainable Event in Boston]
The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Boston is bursting with history that tells the story of America’s founding and early days, and groups can experience one of the most pivotal moments leading up to the American Revolution at The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, located in the middle of Fort Point Channel along Boston Harbor, with sweeping waterfront and cityscape views.
Guided by colonial characters through the museum, attendees can participate in the reenactment of the destruction of the tea and step aboard a tall ship to see one of only two known surviving tea crates from the Boston Tea Party.
The museum can also host private events, from receptions and dinners to corporate meetings, in a few unique spaces. Use Abigail’s Tea Room, Terrace & Griffin’s Wharf for an indoor meal in an 18th-century-inspired space preceded or followed by an open-air reception overlooking the water (during the warmer months of the year). Capacities range from 100-250.
