The Forbes House Museum preserves and celebrates the rich Forbes family history. As entrepreneurs, philanthropists and collectors, the family’s aspirations and achievements mirrored America’s development. The house itself is a beautiful Greek Revival style mansion, built in 1833 with a fortune earned in the early American China Trade, while several of its rooms exhibit the Victorian style favored later. It boasts a commanding view of the Boston harbor and city skyline.

Running through March 2023 is a new exhibition, “Opium: The Business of Addiction.” The exhibition tells the story of the Forbes family’s involvement in the 19th c. opium trade, its links to the current opioid epidemic, and its lasting impact on US-Sino relations. Member admission is $10 for this special exhibition.