National Heritage Museum

Directions to

Lexington's National Heritage Museum

"The National Heritage Museum is an American history museum founded and supported by thirty second degree Scottish Rite Freemasons in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America," says the Museum's website, which goes on to assure that visitors can expect "a unique experience for people of every age and interest, and a true discovery for anyone fascinated by American history and culture." While our visits have wholeheartedly supported this claim, the Museum's exhibits and its cafeteria ("now open and featuring American cuisine for the entire family," i.e. sandwiches and soup) are fringe benefits; the real reason for starting there are its East Lexington location and its free admission and parking.  For those who depend upon MapQuest (www.mapquest.com) rather than our driving directions to find things, coordinates of the Museum are 33 Marrett Road (Route 2A), Lexington. The daring among you can try the following:

From Lexington

Follow Massachusetts Avenue from the Minuteman statue eastward toward Arlington, just past the Four Seasons nursery (on the left). When Route 2A enters from the right, go right and climb a short distance to the Museum, also on the right. Drive to the back of the uppermost parking lot and meet us there.

From Winchester

From Route 3A, climb Johnson Road toward Lexington (becomes Winchester Drive in Lexington) and stay with it over the hill to its intersection with the Middlesex Turnpike. Cross over the Turnpike; thanks to the vagaries of Massachusetts street naming, even though you've gone straight through the intersection, Winchester Drive is a thing of the past; you're now on Maple Street. Take Maple 'til it intersects Massachusetts Avenue and forces a decision; turn left or turn right. Turn right and drive toward Lexington Center. Take first left ( still Rte 2A) and climb a short distance to the Museum on the right. Drive to the back of the uppermost parking lot and meet us there.

From other places

If you're starting point is north of Lexington and it's convenient for you to come through Winchester on Johnson Road, follow the directions above; otherwise take Route 95/128 to Exit 31A (Route 4 South/Route 225 East, aka Bedford Street), loop back over 128/95, and drive toward Lexington. Stay on Bedford Street until it intersects Massachusetts Avenue at the Minuteman statue, then continue on Mass Avenue through downtown Lexington, following the "From Lexington" directions given above.

Alternatively, if you're coming up Route 128/95 from the south, it's probably faster and more direct to get off an exit earlier, Exit 30A (Route 2A/Marrett Road east toward Lexington) and just stick with 2A for 2.1 miles to the Museum (straight through the lights at Waltham Street, 1.33 miles from Route 128/95), the entrance is commanded by a nicely executed and well marked gate on the left.

*** Good Luck !!! ***