Passport to History 2025
The Old Colony History Museum is proud to host Passport to History for the ninth consecutive year! Launched in 2017, Passport to History invites both visitors and local residents to explore the rich heritage of Southeastern Massachusetts. This collaborative program offers a unique opportunity to discover the stories, sites, and communities that have shaped our region’s past—and deepen your appreciation for its vibrant history.
This year’s Passport to History shines a spotlight on the 350th anniversary of King Philip’s War, with a special focus on its impact in the Old Colony region. Participants are invited to explore both hidden and lesser-known outdoor sites connected to the conflict, alongside museums and historic homes featuring artifacts and exhibits that bring this pivotal chapter of local history to life.
Your digital Passport to History 2025 gives free admission for up to four people on their first visit to each of the four participating museums, plus the chance to explore 10 historic sites with public markers—all summer long! The program runs from June through September 2025.
All of the museums participating in the program reside within the boundaries of what was known as the Old Colony. The term Old Colony refers to the area of southeastern Massachusetts that was once Plymouth Colony. Plymouth Colony existed as a separate entity until its merger with the larger Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1691. Then the area became known as “Old Plymouth Colony” until it was finally shortened to “Old Colony.” Home to humans for at least 10,000 years before Europeans settled the area in 1620, the land today encompasses Plymouth, Bristol, and Barnstable counties. Bounded on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean, the Old Colony was richly endowed with well-protected harbors and a river system that made trading, and later industry, profitable.