jackson homestead and museum

This museum is dedicated to local history, and it that regard it has an impressive collection. That said, the collection is unlikely to be a great interest to people without a previous connection to the city of Newton. But they do a good job in rotating the exhibits.

It was a small place with little to see and rude staff. The home has a great historic background but the background can be read in a book and the best views are from the street. There were many kids exhibits and could be fun for school trips. Artifacts on how the family lived were not present. Small museum.My friends and I like to travel to various Historic Homes. We are historic New England members and go to events frequently. This was very low on the list of interest, knowledgable or passionate staff.

Fascinating exhibit on first woman architect and images of houses she built in Newton Highlands. But the exhibit on Newton slavery is really informative, well done and chilling.

Long ago, as a young Girl Scout, we were invited to serve apple cider to guests visiting the house. We learned about the house and some of its history to be able to answer questions. This was one of my first and lasting history lessons. I was in love with the symmetry of the house, the wonderful fireplaces, and the beautiful windows. I was charmed by the story of the young Dutch seaman who was in love with one of the Jackson girls and brought her lavender tinted lily of the valley. I hope they still grow on the property! And finally, I was horrified that escaped slaves had to be hidden in the cellar, part of the Underground Railroad but proud of my city's history as being an important safe haven for those seeking freedom. It's a small but engaging museum if you have the right guide!

This is a lovely little history museum on Washington Street in West Newton, MA. You can find out all about the history of Newton from its beginnings in the 1600s through the 20th century. Of particular interest is the amusement park that used to be located where the Marriott Hotel now stands on the Charles River in Newton.

I'm one of these people who obsesses with discover their roots. (Thank goodness I wasn't adopted.) I was hoping this museum would do that but it really wasn't that interesting. I don't think it's the museum's fault. Frankly, Newton's history isn't that interesting. (It's many other things, though, which is why I like living here.) So I would say, if you happen to be in the neighborhood stop by for an hour but don't make an excursion out of it. You get much more history by visiting Upper Falls (the oldest preserved part of Newton) and the Aqueduct. And visiting Newton for the history is like visiting Casablanca for the waters. If you want to visit a Boston suburb with history, there are plenty -- I'd recommend Concord, Salem, and MarbleheadOh yeah, and go during the morning to avoid the gazillion screaming children,

Newton residents go here to learn about the history of local neighborhoods and particular houses. But the museum has a lot more to offer about the larger history of settlement in the Boston area. Of particular interest is the museum's past as a stop on the famous Underground Railroad, with exhibits showing the tiny space where runaway slaves were concealed and other artifacts and documents associated with this movement. It's a popular destination for school field trips, so there's plenty to interest youngsters.The main floor is accessible by wheelchair; the rest is not.

This is a great museum with changing exhibitions, and a wonderful permanent exhibit on the black history in Newton. The Jackson Homestead, which houses the Museum, was the home of the Jackson family, known as abolitionists. The re-do of the permanent exhibit tells a more complete story, of the Jackson family as slave owners through the years of their abolition activities. There are enough hands-on experiences that children as young as six would be interested, and enough to read for history buffs will learn from and find remarkable. The entrance fee is minimal. The hours are limited, so check online before heading to this delightful museum.

Still undergoing renovation and painted a hideous turquoise, with miserable parking for more than 6 cars, a boat ride on the Charles River to Boston through Watertown and Cambridge, it is easy to imagine settles finding a comfortable home and farming land here in Newton. We are an interesting and diverse community from way back, and deserves to be noticed. Today we've been voted the 4th most desirable small city to live in the whole USA. CHECK US OUT.

This is the place to go to see how people lived way back when. The house has many interesting exhibits, maps and articles to play with. Very informative as well. Nicely stocked gift shop and lovely grounds. Folk concerts in the summer.are well attended. Free one weekend per month, though admission is very reasonable.

The Newton History Museum, formerly called the Jackson Homestead, does its job well. Once you enter the house, you really are brought back in time. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable yet low key. A visit to the past made relate-able.