SeeDorchester

Commonwealth Museum

Massachusetts Archives

Operated by the Massachusetts Archives, this often overlooked museum takes musty old documents and brings them to life. Several exhibits showcase the State's own copies of the Declaration of Independence & Bill of Rights, the original Mass Bay Colony charter from 1629, and of course the requisite ephemera from Paul Revere and John Hancock. This place is not on a lot of to-do lists, but it's definitely worth stopping in if you're doing the JFK Museum already.

Address: 220 Morrissey Blvd
Getting there: Across the street from the JFK Museum
Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM; 9AM-3PM Memorial Day-Labor Day
Price: Free
Website: sec.state.ma.us (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Boston/Dorchester, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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SeeDorchester
The Kennedy Institute
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
This political museum offers a variety of engaging interactive exhibits relating to Sen. Edward Kennedy's life, as well as the history of the American senate. A huge digital screen invites you to draft and pass a law (and tricks you into learning along the way)! While other exhibits deal with the current political issues affecting Washington today.
Tue-Sun 10AM-5PM$16, Senior/youth/veteran $14. Child (6-17) $8
SeeDorchester
JFK Presidential Library and Museum
The JFK Presidential Library and Museum opened in 1979, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei who called it "the most important commission in my life". Visitors walk through exhibits in roughly chronological order. Starting with Kennedy on the campaign trail, and moving through the Cuban missile crisis, the space race, and civil rights issues. A dark claustrophobic hallway shows the events on the day of his assassination, before delivering you to a massive glass atrium of light and air. It's really quite moving. A more than worthwhile visit for those with an appreciation of American history, the museum can be toured in half a day.
9AM–5PM dailyAdults $18, seniors and students $12, teens $10, kids free
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Savin Hill Beach
Malibu Beach
So you actually can go swimming here, but no one ever does. Honestly in the 21st century the cold is a far greater deterrent than the pollution ever was. There are, however, lifeguards in the summer if you want to give it a shot. The city upgraded the boardwalk, exercise equipment, and reseeded the area with local grasses throughout the 2010s. This is a great spot to go for a walk, a picnic, or just to take in the harbor views. It doesn't get the foot traffic you might expect, given these beaches proximity to the T. Parking available, accessed from Morrissey Boulevard.
24 hours dailyFree
EatDorchester
McKenna's Cafe
109 Savin Hill Ave
Mon-Fri 5:30AM-4PM, Sat 5:30AM-3PM, Sun 6:30AM-3PMBreakfast $7-12, lunch $8-14