Historical Hidden Gems – United States

10 and up, 6 and up, California, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Teenagers, Texas, United States, Virginia 6 Minutes

Almost every city has a historical hidden gem, a site that doesn’t get the social media hype or listed as a must-see. However, these unknown homes and museums have become some of my favorite places as they tell a rich history that is often forgotten. Take a look at some of my favorites in the United States and be on the lookout for a European post soon!

All book links below are Amazon affiliate links.

Historic Kenmore, Fredericksburg, Virginia

In the quaint town of Fredericksburg, visitors often focus on George Washington’s Ferry Farm and the historic home of Chatham and the Fredericksburg battlefields – all of which I heartily recommend. However, don’t miss out on Historic Kenmore, a beautiful 18th century mansion that was home to George Washington’s sister, Betty Washington Lewis. 

You will start the tour in a small museum that focuses on the home’s connection to George Washington and includes some of the memorabilia from that time. The home was also important in the Civil War. It sustained damage from cannons during the 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg and served as a Union hospital during the 1864 Wilderness battle. 

The guided tour takes you inside the home – prepared to be wowed! The ceilings here are unlike any I have ever seen! Every room had a different, amazing carving!

The tour does a good job at talking about the time period and includes discussions of Betty and her husband, Fielding, and their sacrifices during the Revolutionary War. The guides also make sure to highlight the contributions of the enslaved.

After the interior tour, be sure to leave time to explore the gardens. 

Helpful hints:

Read: The Widow Washington: The Life of Mary Washington 

Nathaniel Russell House Museum, Charleston, South Carolina

In a city full of beautiful homes, this historic home is a gem! Located in the heart of Charleston, it is a wonderful addition to any exploration of this beautiful city. Built in the early 19th century, this home is well-known for its free-flying, three-story staircase. It’s been restored to its original glory and contains beautiful furnishings from the time period. 

There are guided tours of the home on the hour. I loved hearing about the Russell family, especially the two daughters. You can just imagine the parties and balls held in these beautiful rooms.

The house foundation is undertaking extensive research and archaeology to uncover the stories of the enslaved from the home in its kitchen house project.

Helpful hints:

  • Cost: $16/adults; $7/children 6+
  • Recommended: ages 10 and up
  • Tour time: 1.5 hours
  • Gift shop located at the visitor center
  • Transportation: There is plenty of street parking. The home is walkable from the Market and Battery areas. 
  • Dining options: We enjoyed our lunch at the historic Blind Tiger Pub (eat outside in the back courtyard if it’s a nice day!). Check out my Charleston post for more suggestions.
  • Nearby hotels: I have several I recommend. Check out my Charleston post for suggestions.
  • Nearby attractions include: St. Michael’s graveyard where two signers of the Constitution are buried, South Carolina Historical Society, Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, and the Edmondston-Alston house

Read: The Allure of Charleston: Houses, Rooms, and Gardens

Boston Athenaeum, Boston, Massachusetts

Thanks to my friend, Mindelynn, I have spent some time at this amazing museum/library while researching for my Louisa Adams book. It is a beautiful respite in the middle of the bustling city. You can walk through its majestic rooms and check out some of its historic books. I spent an afternoon here reading one of the hard-to-find books on John Quincy and Louisa. And it has kids’ programs so don’t miss bringing your children as well. 

Helpful hints:

Read: Acquired Tastes: 200 Years of Collecting for the Boston Athenaeum

Mayborn Museum, Waco, Texas

Located on the campus of Baylor University, this museum combines natural history with the history of Texas in a unique way. Kids of all ages will love the dinosaur fossils! 

It has a section about the Waco Mammoth National Monument that is so cool (but don’t miss going to the actual site). 

It has exhibits on Texas forests from the past and caves.

I loved learning more about the Texas frontier and how it was settled.

Don’t miss the outside historic village which tells the story of a small Texas frontier town in the 1890s. You’ll feel like you’re walking in Walnut Grove from Little House on the Prairie!

Of course, don’t miss the Baylor section inside before you leave – sic ‘em Bears!

Helpful hints:

Read: A History of the Waco Mammoth Site: In Pursuit of a National Monument

San Diego Air and Space Museum, San Diego, California   

We always love to check out the local air and space museums on our vacations as they are usually pretty amazing! The San Diego Air and Space Museum is located in the beautiful Balboa Park and is worth a visit. We visited years ago and my kids still talk about it! You can see the actual Apollo 9 Command Module and amazing military aircraft in the beautiful pavilion.

Helpful hints:

Read: Flight: The Complete History of Aviation

Hopefully this list will inspire you to find the hidden gems in your own city or state! I hope to make this a regular post on the blog, so let me know what hidden site you think I should cover!

Published by Jayda Justus, The History Mom

Jayda B. Justus is the creator/writer of the blog, The History Mom, where she provides detailed reviews of US and European historical sites for families with corresponding book recommendations. She loves interacting with the bookish world on Instagram as @thehistorymom, especially #bookstagram, and has appeared as a guest on several podcasts, blogs, and media outlets. Her favorite genres to read are historical fiction and nonfiction, but she also loves contemporary and historical romance and women’s fiction. Hailing from the historic town of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, she is a former legislative director for a Member of Congress and now lives in Richmond, Virginia with her family where she spends her days working on her first novel. Visit her at The History Mom (https://thehistorymom.com).

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