Massachusetts Museum Has Some of the Oldest Cars in America

Having a collection is not an unusual hobby for people.

Most collections often start at a young age, allowing you to see the growth over time that becomes a significant part of your life. Something that may seem "small" can mean everything to someone else.

This was the case for one Massachusetts man. Larz Anderson's car collection, which once started small at his home in Boston, is now one of the most significant collections in history.

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Revving Up the Past in Massachusetts

The Larz Anderson Museum began with Anderson's extensive car collection in 1888. According to the museum's website, the collection started with an 1899 Winton 4-hp Runabout before it grew to include motorcars and horse-drawn carriages.

In 1948, the collection was entrusted to the Vintage Motor Car Club (VMCCA), which eventually formed the Laz Auto Museum. Today, it proudly wears the title of the oldest museum dedicated to cars.

Visitors come from different backgrounds to experience this piece of history.

What also sets the museum apart is that it's located on the former estate of Anderson and his wife, Isabella. The 64-acre Larz Anderson Park is another connection to the early days of the automobile era.

The World's Oldest Car Museum

The museum will immerse you in exhibits showcasing past, present, and future automobiles. Cars bought throughout Anderson's life were retired at the Carriage House, a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.

Even if you're not a car enthusiast, the grounds are an entertainment hub for the whole community. It's become a space filled with outdoor activities, lawn events, and even has an ice skating rink for the winter.

Massachusetts isn't just a melting pot of history but also a treasure trove of fascinating surprises, such as the state being home to the world's most famous car museum.