No
matter what makes your jaws drop at the first sight of Worcester, but you won't deny from the fact that the city is an out-and-out inviting land. The city is unbelievably blessed with myriads of head-turners, you can surely find one or maybe many for you. And, one thing we are sure about that the day you will leave the city, you will leave a great piece of your heart behind and take away plenty of hard-to-forget moments with you. Before someone make you envy of their holiday pictures and bug you by telling you their endless stories of vacation, make your own memories and flaunt your picture-perfect moments. Hold your breath as the city can take your breath away. Whoa! Excited?
Image by Daderot (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
History of Worcester
Today's Worcester was settled in three attempts.
It was first settled in 1673 under the Indian name "Quinsigamond" and
abandoned with the outbreak of King Philip’s War. Second time, it was
settled under the name "Worcester" and got abandoned in 1701 during the
Queen Anne's War. Worcester became a permanent settlement in third
attempt in 1713 by Jonas Rice and was incorporated as a town on June 14,
1722. It achieved the status of a city in 1848. In the 1770s, the city
became a prime spot witnessing American Revolutionary War. During the
19th century, the city witnessed an economic boom and myriads of
textile, clothing and shoes factories were established here. In 1831,
Massachusetts' largest wire manufacturing company, i.e., Washburn &
Moen Company was opened here by Ichabod Washburn. In 1908, the Royal
Worcester Corset Factory became the largest employer of women in the
nation. In 1879, Justin White invented New England Candlepin bowling in
Worcester. In 1847, Valentine’s Day cards were started by Esther Howland
from her Worcester home. The first monkey wrench was invented by Loring
Coes invented in Worcester. Russell Hawes invented the first envelope
folding machine in the city.
Important Locations in Worcester
Worcester Historical Museum
If
you are a history buff, then a visit to Worcester Historical Museum can
bring a lot for you. The museum will educate you on local history. The
museum is packed with a research library, an archive, and a splendid
collection of artifacts educating you on Worcester history. A few vital
possessions of Worcester Historical Museum include Blackstone Canal
Company records, diaries and letters belonging to Civil War era,
paintings and sculptures, correspondence of Abby Kelley Foster,
artifacts based on Worcester’s industrial past, weaponry belonging to
colonial era, and many more.
Fetch detailed information from here.
Worcester Art Museum
Boasting 35,000 collection of decorative arts,
paintings, sculpture, new media, photography, drawings, and prints,
Worcester Art Museum showcases art & culture spanning 5,000 years.
Get lucky by gazing at the works of world-renowned artists, namely,
Whistler, Monet, Sargent, Gauguin, Goya, and Cassatt. The grace of the
museum is remarkably accentuated by the floor mosaics of Antioch city.
Its cutting-edge contemporary art is eye-rolling. The museum features the artworks representing various regions,
namely, America, Pre-Columbia, China, Europe, India, Japan, and Islam.
Know more here.
DCU Center
Entertainment,
sports, and event celebrations all under one roof in humongous amount.
The stones of such one-stop convention facility, i.e., DCU Center were
laid in September 1982. It is famed as the host of A-list family shows,
namely, Disney On Ice, Ringling Bros.and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and
the Harlem Globetrotters. The sporting and entertainment events it
hosts include NCAA Hockey, Professional Bull Riders, Monster Trucks,
MIAA High School Basketball Championships, Holy Cross Basketball, and
many more.
Click here for detailed information.
Mechanics Hall
Mechanics
Hall has become a favorite place amongst city's denizens as well as
visitors for its opulent events and concerts. The high-end sound
equipment ensures a never-before auditory experience. The half of the
credit of its fame goes to its cultural significance. Its ravishing
decor draws a heavy influx of the visitors. The architecture of the Hall
will make your jaws drop and will pop your eyes out. The reputation of
the hall can be estimated from its listing on the National Register of
Historic Places.
For more information, click here.
Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts
Formerly
known as Franklin Square Theatre, Hanover Theatre for the Performing
Arts was established in 1904. It beautifully proved its mettle and set
unattainable standards of performing arts. In times of today, Hanover
Theatre for the Performing Arts has become a trademark in the field of
performing arts. It provides a platform to local, national &
international artists to showcase their talent & artistry skills. It
invites students to engage with its "Student Matinee" and indulge into
high-end art experience through it.
Get more information here.
Salisbury Mansion and Store
Famed
as the only historic house museum nestled in Worcester, Salisbury
Mansion opened its doors for the visitors in 1772. This mansion belonged
to a great merchant Stephen Salisbury, and now is famed as a
combination house cum store. A visit to the mansion will transport you
to the time when it used to be the property of widow Elizabeth Tuckerman
Salisbury. The mansion boasts Georgian style which will remind you of
the mid-18th century. Its store space brags about opulent Federal
detailing and a columned front portico. Its living space is marked with
chambers, drawing rooms, and a library. Its Stephen Salisbury’s standing
desk is the best head-turner.
Find more here.
Worcester Palladium
Nestled
in the heart of Worcester, the Worcester Palladium is famed as a
historic concert venue and believed to be a place meant for the people
of all ages. An unforgettable place where you can catch incomparable
performances by local, national, and international artists. The Three
Stooges, B.B. King, 311, A Day To Remember, All American Rejects, 50
Cent, Ani Difranco, Andrew W.K., Avenged Sevenfold, Blink 182, Bob
Dylan, The Acacia Strain, and many more are amongst its most popular and
successful shows.
Get detailed information here.
People and Culture of Worcester
The city is home to more than 181,045, people representing varied regional, races, and ethnic groups. The racial makeup of the city is a pick-n-mix of various races including White, African American or Black, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian, Other Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Latino, and Non-Hispanic Whites. City's much of culture shows resemblance with that of Boston and New England. Quinsigamond Village, Sweden; Shrewsbury Street, Italy; Kelley Square, Polland; Vernon Hill, Lithuania; and Union Hill are amongst Worcester's traditionally ethnic neighborhoods. There are plenty of local art associations in the city engaged into promoting city's local art. "Start on the Street" is one such example. The city hosts "Worcester Music Festival" and "New England Metal and Hardcore Festival" every year. The city is also famed as Massachusetts' largest center for the arts after Boston.
Time Zone and Phone Codes of Worcester
Worcester is in the Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5). The Summer Daylight Saving Time (DST) is Eastern Daylight Time (UTC-4).
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -5 hours
Daylight saving time: 1 hour
Current time zone offset: UTC/GMT -4 hour
Time zone abbreviation: EDT
Phone Codes of Worcester: 508, 774
Best Time to Visit Worcester
The period May 19 onwards and July 29 onwards is believed to be an ideal time to mosey
around the city. During this time, the air remains neither muggy nor
dry. Hence, weather can no longer become a hurdle during your journey. The time period till October first week is also said to be the best time to plan your holidays in the city. Be it weather, or festivals, or city events, or flights tickets, or hotel discounts, these time periods are the most profitable in terms of every aspect.
March-MayThe Art of Kathleen Hebert"Flux" artwork by Neil WilkinsArt Exhibit: Hudson Valley Seed Library
New England Metal and Hardcore FestivalSt. Patrick's DayJune-AugustPierre Bonnard, Dining Room in the CountryWorcester Bravehearts Summer BaseballOpen FencingSeptember-NovemberPierre Bonnard, Dining Room in the CountryWorcester Music FestivalWorld Smile DayStreetlight ManifestoDecember-FebruaryPierre Bonnard, Dining Room in the CountryFestival of LightsSpecial Olympics Massachusetts Statewide Winter GamesFirst Night Worcester
A Map Guide on Important Locations in Worcester
