The Museum of Old Newbury, Newburyport

Some museums simply tell the history of their subject, but The Museum of Old Newbury actually plays a role in history. Located in a stately manse that's as much an exhibit as anything within its walls, the historical society was founded in 1877. The museum is also home to a research library specializing in local genealogy and a photography collection of more than 14,000 images of a past age.

• Size: the museum boasts four main areas: the Caleb Cushing House, the Garden, the Carriage House, and the Perkins Engraving Plant, which played a crucial role in the early minting of Massachusetts currency
• Eye Catcher: the collection of the old Newburyport Marine Society, which includes curiosities and artifacts found all over the world by sailors in the 18th and 19th centuries
• Permanent Mainstay: guided tours held until 5 p.m. every Wednesday through Sunday explore the history of the home's artwork and relics
• Don't Miss: the 1870s wall-to-wall carpeting, the gas light fixtures, and the 19th century wallpaper, which aren't era-appropriate replicas—they're the real thing
• The Building: from 1818 to 1955, three generations of Cushings—some of which were ship-owners, merchants, judges, and diplomats—called this building home