Massachusetts from A-Z

OCTOBER 2008

Please turn on sound to
hear the song "Pilgrims Onward Ye"

MASSACHUSETTS FROM A-Z

By the sword we seek peace,
but peace only under liberty
Facts about Massachusetts for each letter of the alphabet
and links to the facts.

A IS FOR AGRICULTURE, ANIMALS, ARCHAEOLOGY, & ARTS

The Massachusetts Department of AGRICULTURE supports and promotes agriculture in the state. It has a special license plate and a webpage for kids. The National Agriculture Statistic Service provides information about the state. The State Soil is Paxton Soil. Information about agriculture in Massachusetts is available at Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom. Chapters of Future Farmers of American and 4-H Clubs are located throughout the state.

Massachusetts has several State ANIMALS. The State Cat is the Tabby Cat. The State Dog is the Boston Terrier. The Morgan Horse is the State Horse.

Massachusets has ARCHAEOLOGY and paleontology events throughout the year. Archaeology Week has become Archaeology Month. Areas excavated by the Massachusetts Archaeological Society include Bull Brook, Charlestown Meadows, Titicut, and Wapanucket. The Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology in Cambridge is one of the oldest museums in the world devoted to anthropology.

Some of the finest ART Museums and Art Centers in the country are located in Massachusetts including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner museums in Boston and the Worcester Art Museum. Several art museums are located at Universities and colleges including the Fogg Art Museum in Cambridge, the Addison Gallery of American Art in Andover, and the Williams College Museum of Art in Williamstown. The Museum of Bad Art in Boston is the only museum in the world dedicated to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of bad art in all forms. The Museum of Fine Art in Springfield has 14 galleries of paintings, sculpture, and works on paper. The Norman Rockwell Museum is in Stockbridge. Truro Center for the Arts in Castle Hill provides instruction for children and adults.
B IS FOR BEACHES, BIRDS, BRIDGES, & BYWAYS

Massachusetts has 192 miles of shoreline not including islands and hundreds of BEACHES. The creation of Cape Cod National Seashore marked the first time the federal government purchased land for a park. Revere Beach was the first public beach in the country and is host to the Suffolk Downs horse racing track, Wonderland dog racing track, and a 14-screen cinema complex. The state shell is the New England Neptune.

Massachusetts has a wide variety of BIRDS. The Mass Audubon has been a leader of the bird conservation movement since 1896. There are many birding organization and Birding Hotspots in the state. The State Bird is the Black-capped Chickadee and the State Game Bird is the Wild Turkey

Massachusetts has many BRIDGES. The Boston University Bridge on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston is the only place in the world where a boat can sail under a train driving under a car driving under an airplane. The state has hundreds of covered bridges and several Suspension Bridges and some of which are still in use. A culvert in Freetown is a historic site.

Massachusetts has Scenic BYWAYS and a variety of trails including Horse Trails. The first 25-mile leg of the 100-mile Mahican-Mohawk Trail was dedicated in 1997. Massachusetts participates in National Trails Day. The state has Bike Paths and biking groups. Massachusetts has many Roadside Attractions.
C IS OF CAPITAL, COMMOMWEALTH, & COUNTIES

Boston was established in 1630 and has been the CAPITAL of Massachusetts since its founding. It is the largest city in New England and known as The Hub and Beantown. Marblehead is often called the Yachting Capital of the World.

Massachusetts is called a COMMONWEALTH because the term is used in its Constitution which is the oldest constitution still in use in the world. It was the 6th state to join the new independent union in 1788. It was the first state to write and adopt a constitution which served as a model for the United States Constitution.

The 14 COUNTIES in Massachusetts are made up of 43 cities and 308 towns. The largest county is Worcester and Nantucket is the smallest. Middlesex Count has the largest population and Nantucket the smallest. Plymouth is the oldest town and the largest in area. The newest town is East Brookfield. The smallest town in area is Nahant. Framingham is the largest town and has the largest population. The town of Gosnold has the smallest population. Boston is the oldest city and Greenfield is the newest. Ipswich has more houses built before 1725 than any other town in the country. The term county is used for the level of government below the state government.
D IS FOR DAMS & DINOSAURS

Massachusetts has 3 major DAMS - East Brimfield Dam, Westville Dam, and Windsor Dam. Conant Brook Dam is part of a network of 7 flood control dams. The state has nearly 3,000 other dams, many of which are not in use. The state has hundreds of reservoirs and ponds. The Quabbin Reservoir was created by the Winsor Dam and is the largest body of fresh water in the state. It is also the largest man-made reservoir in the world devoted just to water supply. The Wachusett Dam created the Wachusett Reservoir which is the 2nd largest body of water in the state. The Association of State Dam Safety and the United States Society on Dams are involved in many aspects of dams in the country. Small Wind Electric Systems are available in the state, and Wind Power is being investigated. Two types of Geothermal Power are being used commercially.

Bones of DINOSAURS have not been found in Massachusetts, but tracks have been found including those of the Anchisaurus and Theropod. Dinosaur tracks are the State Fossil. Many other fossils have been found in the state. Mt. Tom State Reservation in Holyoke has over 100 dinosaur footprints. Franklin Park Zoo has a Dinosaur Kingdom exhibit.
E IS FOR EARTHQUAKES, EDUCATION, & EVENTS

Massachusetts has had a number of EARTHQUAKES. In 1638, the Pilgrims of Plymouth experienced the first earthquake recorded in the country.

The road to compulsory EDUCATION began in Massachusetts. School attendance is compulsory from age 6 through 16. The 1st public school in the country was established by Puritan settlers in 1635. The Mather school in Dorchester was founded in 1639 and was the first free public school.The Massachusetts Department of education oversees education in the state. Derby Academy is the oldest co-educational school in the country. Experience Corps Boston has volunteers who mentor elementary school students. Information about Schools in Massachusetts is provided by SchoolBug and Great Schools.

Massachusetts has special EVENTS throughout the year including Arts & Crafts Shows, Festivals and State and County Fairs. The first recorded Thanksgiving Day observance was held in 1671. Patriot's Day is the 3rd Monday in April and is a legal holiday. June 17th, Bunker Hill Day is also observed. Massachusetts celebrates National Public Holidays.

F IS FOR FISH, FLAG, FOOD, & FORTS

Massachusetts has many species of FISH and both freshwater& saltwater fishing are popular. Saltwater fish include Pollock, Atlantic Cod, Bluefish, Striped Bass, and Rainbow Smelt. Cod is the State Fish. Freshwater fish include Sturgeon, Pike, Trout, Bass, and Perch. Massachusetts has State and Federal fish hatcheries.

The State FLAG is white, bearing on both sides representation of the coat of arms. State law also prescribes a Naval and Maritime flag which bears a pine tree and a governor's flag which is similar to the state flag except it is triangular. Many counties and cities have a flag. The State House has a collection of 350 flags dating from the Revolutionary War to the present.

Massachuttes has FOOD Fairs, Festivals, and Events. The state has more edible state symbols than any other state in the country. Baked Navy Bean is the State Bean and Cranberry is the State Berry. Cranberry Juice is the State Beverage, and there is a Cranberry Festival at Plymouth. Chocolate Chip Cookies were invented in Massachusetts and it is the State Cookie. Boston Cream Pie is the State Dessert. The State Muffin is Corn Muffin. The Fig Newton was named after Newton, Massachusetts. Culinary instruction is offered at many schools. The state has Nutrition Programs for children and adults. Aunt Leah's Fudge in Nantucket is said to have the best fudge in the world. Ye Olde Pepper Companie is the oldest candy company in the country. Bent's Cookie Factory has been in operation since 1801. The TraditionalThanksgiving Dinner of today has little resemblance to the original "First Thanksgiving" celebration.

Many FORTS are located throughout Massachusetts. Fort Independence is the oldest continuously fortified site in the country and dates back to 1634. It is now an educational tourist and historic center. Fort Revere is now a park. Fort Warren is a Historic Site.
G IS FOR GEOLOGY, GHOST TOWNS & GLOBAL POSTION

The GEOLOGY of Massachusetts is varied. The Massachusetts State Geologist provides information about the geology of the state. The mining of non-metallic mineral within Massachusetts is a considerable industry. The state gem is Rhodonite. The State Mineral is Babingtonite. Milford is famous for its unique pink granite which has graced the exteriors of museums, government buildings, monuments and railroad stations.

At one time there were nearly a dozen GHOST TOWNS in Massachusetts. The towns of Dana, Enfield, Greenwich, and Prescott were flooded to make way for the Quabbin Reservoir. East Brimfield has an Old Church. Moody Trails has old stone foundations. Needam offers tours of the town.

The GLOBAL POSITION of Massachusetts is approximately 42 degrees north and 71 degrees west. Rutland is the geographic center. The highest elevation is Mount Greylock and the lowest is the Atlantic Ocean. Geocaching is a high-tech game using a Global Positioning System and Massachusets has many geocaches. NOAA provides information about the topography of Massachusetts. The coast around Cape Cod is jagged and indented; flatland yields to stony upland pastures near central region and gentle hill country in west; land in the west is rocky, sandy, and not fertile.
H IS FOR HARBORS, HISTORIC SITES, & HISTORY

Massachusetts has 5 HARBORS and Boston Harbor is one of the finest harbors on the east coast. A reenactment of the Boston Tea Party takes place in Boston Harbor every year. Gloucester is the oldest seaport in the country.

Massachusetts has many HISTORIC SITES, some commemorating colonial days and the Revolutionary War. Favorite sites include Plimoth Plantation, Old North Church, and Saugus Iron Works. The are many historical homes including The Paul Revere House in Boston, the home of Emily Dickinson, and homes of several presidents. Hingham's Old Ship Church is the oldest wooden structure in the country. The National Trust helps protect historic places in Massachusetts

The HISTORY of Massachusets dates back about 3,000 years ago. European explorers began roving the coast as early as the 11th century. In 1497 and 1498 John Cabot led the explorations upon which England based her original claim to North America. The Pilgrims were the first Europeans to settle in what is now Massachusetts. The opening shots of the conflict that created the United States were fired at Lexington and Concord, and at Bunker Hill. Massachusetts participates in National History Day.
I IS FOR INDUSTRIES, INSECTS, & ISLANDS

Major INDUSTRIES include textiles, electronics, publishing, education, tourism, and fishing. The American Industrial Revolution began in Lowell which was the first planned industrial city in the country. The Amesbury and Salisbury Mills Village Historic District is known for its association with the 19th century textile industry. A wide variety of Trade Shows are held throughout the year.

Massachusetts has many species of INSECTS. The State Insect is the Ladybug. The state has a large variety of butterflies and moths. The Massachusetts Butterfly Club sponsors state-wide butterfly activities to promote conservation and interpretation. The Essex County Beekeepers' Association is said to have the largest Honey Show in the country.

Massachusetts has many ISLANDS. The islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard were formed by glaciers during the ice age. These and other islands off the coast are a threatened system. Boston Harbor Islands is a National Recreation Area. The state has 8 bays, 4 inlets, and an islet.
J IS FOR JAZZ & JUDICIAL

JAZZ is a popular form of music in Massachusetts and the state has jazz clubs and jazz bands. The Boston Symphony Orchestra sponsors the Tangelwood Jazz Festival, and Newburyporthas a festival that features jazz. There are many other symphony orchestras in the state. Massachusetts has several Opera Companies.

The highest court in Massachusetts is the supreme JUDICIAL court and is made up of 7 departments. The Government of the state is similar to that of the United States.
K IS FOR KARST & KIDS

Massachusetts has KARST and caves. The Karst Waters Institute provides information about karst water systems. There are several caves in Massachusetts. Belcher's Cave dates back to 1765. The National Speleological Society has chapters in Massachusetts.

Many aspects of life in Massachusetts focus on KIDS. The Secretary of the Commonwealth has a Kids'Zone. Go Camping America has a Kids Page with actrivities and games. The Children's Museum at Holyoke has hands-on exhibits for kids, and The Children's Museum in Boston has exhibits and games. A Kids Count Program seeks to secure better futures for all children.Massachusetts has 5 Childrens Hospitals including Baystate Medical Center, Boston Shriners, Childrens Hospital, Franciscan Children Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, and North Shore Childrens Hospital.
L IS FOR LAKES, LIBRARIES, & LIGHTHOUSES

Massachusetts has 6 major LAKES. The largest lake is Quabbin Reservoir. Lake Chaubunagungamaugg is usually called Webster Lake because the Nipmuc Indian name is difficult to pronounce and spell. The full version of the Indian name is said to be the longest place-name in North America. There are also many small lakes and ponds.

Massachusetts has academic, government, public, and special LIBRARIES The first library in the colonies was established in 1638 when John Harvard donated his collection of books to Harvard College. The State Library, The John F. Kennedy Library, and The Bostonian Society Historic Research Library are in Boston. Other historical libraries include the Emily Williston Mememorial Library in easthampton, Huntington Reference Library in Edgartown, Jones Library in Amherst, Phillips Library in Salem, and Westfield Anthenaeum. There are also many Academic Libraries in Massachusetts. The first English-language book published in the colonies was the "Bay Psalm Book" and the Boston area is a leading book-publishing center. Moby-Dick is the official epic novel. The state poem is ?Blue Hills of Massachusetts".

Massachusetts has about 60 LIGHTHOUSES and about 47 are active. Boston Harbor Light is the 2nd oldest tower in the country and the oldest U.S. Light station. The lighthouse at Edgartown and Scituate Lighthouse are historic sites. The most important aspect of a lighthouse is the light that comes from the tower.
M IS FOR MILITARY, MOUNTAINS, & MUSEUMS

Massachusetts has several MILITARY installations including Hanscom Air Force Base, Westover Air Reserve Base, and Otis National Guard Base. The state also has a U.S. Coast Guard Integration Support Command. There is a training center at Camp Edwards. Battleship Cove in Fall River, is home to the battleship USS Massachusetts and other ships. The oldest fully commissioned vessel in the US Navy, The USS Constitution "Old Ironsides" is permanently berthed at Charlestown Navy Yard and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for several projects in the state. Massachusetts has a National Guard Unit

Massachusetts has 13 MOUNTAINS and 2 mountain ranges - Holyoke and Hoosock. Great Blue Hill Mountain is located within Blue Hills Reservation and has hiking trails. Greylock is the highest peak in Massachusetts.

A wide variety of MUSEUMS are located throughout Massachusetts. The Plymouth National Wax Museum is the only wax museum devoted entirely to the story of the Pilgrims. There is a museum at the John F. Kennedy Library.
N IS FOR NAME & NATIVE AMERICANS

Massachusetts takes its NAME from the Massachusett Tribe of Native Americans. The name comes from the Algonquian Indian words that mean at or about the Great Hill. Massachusetts has several nicknames including The Bay State or the Old Bay State, Old Colony State, the Puritan State, and the Baked Bean State. The official name for residents of Massachusetts is Bay Staters and, like other New Englanders, they are referred to as Yankees.

NATIVE AMERICANS were the first inhabitants of Massachusetts and there are several tribes in the state. Squanto was an English-speaking Indian who helped the Pilgrims. The Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness has programs that serve the needs of Native Americans in the state.
O IS FOR OBSERVATORIES & OCEAN

Massachusetts has OBSERVATORIES and planetariums. The Oak Ridge Observatory in Harvard is a facility of the Smithsonian Astrophisical Observatory. The Coit Observatory at Boston University has a Public Night. Wellesley College offer special events throughout the year. The Maria Mitchell Observatory is on Nantucket Island. The state has several Astronomy Groups. The Boston Museum of Science is one of the oldest museum in the country and has special Astronomy Day programs, exhibits, and demonstrations.

Massachusetts is bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean. The USGS provides information about why the ocean is Salty.The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries regulates the ocean and connecting waters of the state. Information about tides along the coast is provided by the state. Saltwater fishing is popular.
P IS FOR PARKS & PEOPLE

Massachusetts has a variety of PARKS including several National Parks, and most of them are Historic Sites. There are also State Parks, county parks, city parks, and Amusement Parks. Boston Common became the first public park in the country. Brimfield State Park is used for hiking, walking horsback riding, and fishing. Over70 miles of the Appalachian Trail are in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts has a population of over 6 million PEOPLE. Many famous people have come from Massachusetts including four United States presidents: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, and George Herbert Walker Bush. The 1st vulcanized rubber was made by Charles Goodyear in 1839. Elias Howe of Boston invented the first sewing machine in 1845. Johnny Appleseed is the State Folk Hero. Deborah Samson is the State Heroine. Resources for Massachusetts geneaology include a State Data Base.
Q IS FOR QUARTER, QUILTING, & QUIZ

A U.S. Mint QUARTER was issued for each state according to its admission date. Massachusetts became a state on February 6, 1788, and a quarter was issued for it in 2000. The U.S. Mint has a special Kids Page.

QUILTING is popular in Massachusetts and Quilt Guilds are located throughout the state. Massachusetts also has Weaving Guilds.

Take a QUIZ about Massachusetts. And, another Quiz
R IS FOR REGIONS, REPTILES, RIVERS, & ROCK

Massachusetts is divided into 4 major REGIONS - Central, Eastern, Pioneer, and Western. The state can be divided into 5 major geographical regions - Atlantic Coastal Plain, Seaboard Lowland, New England Upland, Connecticut Valley Lowland, Western New England Upland, and Berkshire Valley.

Massachusetts has a variety of REPTILES and amphibians including slamanders, frogs, toads, turtles, and snakes. The Copperhead and timber Rattlesnake are poisonous. The state is a member of PARC - Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, and is part of the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program. The New England Herpetological Society educates members about reptiles and amphibians.

Massachusetts has RIVERS and a special Rivers Project. Major Rivers are the Charles River, Connecticut River, and Merrimack River. The Charles River is the longest river wholly within Massachusetts. The state has whitewater river2 and 2 wild and scenic rivers - westfield and sudbury, assabet and concord rivers. The American Rivers organization protects and restores river systems.

The Massachusetts State ROCK is Roxbury Puddingston. The State Rock for building & monument is Granite. Dighton Rock is named the Explorer Rock of the State. The State Historical Rock is Plymouth Rock. Another important rock is Balance Rock.
S IS FOR SONGS, SPORTS, & STATE SEAL

Massachusett has several State SONGS. The official State Song is All Hail to Massachusetts. The State Patriotic song is "Because of you our land is free". The State Folk Song is "Massachusetts", and the State Ceremonial song is "The Road to Boston". The State Glee Club Song is "The Great State of Massachusetts". The State DANCE is the Square Dance. The official Polka of Massachusetts is "Say Hello To Someone from Masachusetts. The state has many orchestras.

All SPORTS are played in Massachusetts including college, high school, league, and professional. The state has several major stadiums including Centrum Center, FleetCenter, and Gillette Stadium, which is home field for the Patriots. Fenway Park is the smallest park in the majors. A game called "Mintonette" was created in Holyoke and was replaced with the familiar name "Volleyball". The 1st basketball game was played in Springfield, and The Basketball Hall of Fame is located there. Many famours sports figures have come from Massachusetts. ">sports figures have come from the state. The ocean coastline, rivers, lakes, and mountains provide opportunity for swimming, hiking, boating, fishing, hunting, and winter sports. Golfing is a popular sport and the state has many public and private golf courses. The Massachusetts Golfing Association promotes and preserve amature golf in the state. The Boston Marathon is a famous world-wide event held every April.

The Massachusetts State SEAL has remained essentially the same since 1780. It is circular and bears a representation of the arms of the Commonwealth encircled with the words ?Sigillum Reipublicae Massachusetts?. The arms include a crest (an arm holding a sword) and a ribbon with the State Motto.
T IS FOR TARTAN,TELECOMMUNICATION, TRANSPORTATION, & TREE

A Massachusetts State TARTAN was adopted in 2003. National Tartan Day is celebrated and the Scots on Cape Cod sponsor special events. The Western Massachusetts Highland Games & Celtic Festival is the longest running games in the state.

The Massachusetts TELECOMMUNICATION Council supports voice and data communication companies in the state. The state has many forms of communication including newspapers, radio, television, internet, and telephone. Massachusetts has several telephone area codes. Boston is the home to the 1st newspaper in America, Publick Occurrences, Both Foreign and Domestick, and the 2nd newspaper in America, Boston News-Letter. There are Internet Providers throughout the state and access to the internet is available in libraries and schools. Webcams are located throughout Massachusetts.

Massachusetts has many forms of TRANSPORTATION, and MassHighway has a number of divisions responsible for transportation in the state. The Federal Highway Administration provides information about highways in the state. Boston built the first subway system in the country. Massachusetts first began issuing drivers licenses and registration planes in 1903. The state has an Adopt-A-Highway Program. Massachusetts was the first state to issue license plates. To celebrates its 50th birthday, Matchbox cars issued a vehicle for each state. the vehicle for Massachusetts was the 1962 Volkswagen Beetle.
The State TREE is the American Elm. It was chosen to honor George Washington who stood under an American Elm when he took command of the continental Army in Massachusetts. There are many State Forests in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Forestry Association works for the conservation of forests. The State Flower is the Mayflower.
U IS FOR UNIVERSITIES & USS MASSACHUSETTS

Massachusets has many UNIVERSITIES and colleges including community colleges and technical colleges. Harvard was the first college established in North America. Mt. Holyoke was the first college for women. The University of Massachusetts has 5 branches. Massachusetts has 2 Teaching Hospitals - Salem Hospital and McLean Hospital.

Seven ships of the United States Navy have been named USS Massachusetts The 1st USS Massachusetts (1791) was a topsail schooner and the first Revenue Marine cutter of the United States. The 2nd USS Massachusetts (1845) was a wooden steamer that saw action during the Mexican-American War. The 3rd USS Massachusetts (1860) was an iron screw steamer that saw action during the American Civil War. The never-launched Kalamazoo-class monitor Passaconaway was renamed first to Thunderer then to Massachusetts before being broken up in the ways. The 4th USS Massachusetts (BB-2) was a battleship that saw action in the Spanish American War. The 5th USS Massachusetts (BB-59) was a transport that served contemporaneously with BB-2 and also saw action in the Spanish-American War. The 6th was a battleship already under construction when she was canceled by the Washington Naval Treaty. The first nuclear-powered surface vessel, the USS Long Beach CG(N) 9 was launched at Quincy in 1961. The 7th USS Massachusetts (BB-59) was a battleship that saw action in World War II and is now part of Battleship Cove in Fall River.
V IS FOR VEGETATION & VOLCANOES
Massachusetts has a variety of VEGETATION, and forests cover about 55% of the state. The state has a Vegetation Mapping Program, and cities and towns are encouraged to participate in conservation planning. The Massachusetts Wetlands Restoration Program restores and rehabilitates wetlands and wildlife habitats. The Nature Conservancy helps preserve the land in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts does not have any VOLCANOES, but there is evidence that volcanoes were part of the development of the area.
W IS FOR WATERFALLS, WEATHER, & WILDLIFE

Massachusetts has nearly 100 WATERFALLS. The most spectacular waterfall in the state is Bash Bish Falls. Glendale Falls is one of the longest and most powerful waterfall runs in Massachusetts.

The WEATHER in Massachusetts is diverse and changeable with 4 distinct seasons. Find out about the current weather in Massachusetts. NOAA provides up-to-date weather information. Boston holds the title of the windiest city in the country. Sometimes there are Winter Storms. The Environmental Protection Agency provides information on how Global Warming will effect the Massachusetts.

Massachusetts has a wide variety of WILDLIFE including deer, bears, foxes, squirrels, wolves, bats, moose, racoons, and elk. There is also a variety of sea life along the coast including walruses, seals, dolphins, and whales. The State Marine Mammal is the Right Whale. Massachusetts has 23 threatened and endangered species. The U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service has offices in the state. There are nearly a dozen wildlife refuges in Massachusetts. The Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program is responsible for the conservation and protection of hundreds of species that are not hunted, fished, trapped, or commercially harvested in the state. Wildlife Rehabilitors are located throughout the state. The state participates in the Wildlife Protection Program.
X IS FOR XMAS

Xmas is the common abbreviation for Christmas and it is celebrated in Massachusetts much like the rest of the country and around the world. For many years, Christmas was banned in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The Massachusetts Christmas Tree Association provides information about Christmas trees and is a member of the National Christmas Tree Association.
Y IS FOR YMCA & YOUTH HOSTELS

The YMCA is active throughout Massachusetts. The Youth and Government program of the YMCA teaches grades 9-12 how they can participate in the democratic process.

American Youth Hostels began 70 years ago in Western Massachusetts. The state also has Elder Hostels, and the Elder Hostel Program is based in Boston.

Z IS FOR ZIP CODES, ZONE, & ZOOS

The use of ZIP CODES began in 1963. Zip Codes in Massachusetts start with 0. Three historical towns wanted the zip code 01776. It was finally awarded to Sudbury. The postal code for Massachuettts is MA. The first U.S. Postal Zip Code in Massachusetts is 01001 at Agawam.

Massachusetts is in the Eastern Time ZONE. The state is in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 7.

Massachusetts has several Zoos. The Forest Park Zoo features exotic and indigenous animals and has educational programs. Lupa Zoo offers educational and family-oriented experiences. Franklin Park Zoo is home to over 200 species of animals and has 7 exhibits areas including a Dinosaur Kingdom area. Southwick Zoo is home to hundreds of animals and offers educational programs. Massachuchetts also has several Petting Zoos. The Nantucket Aquarium has saltwater and freshwater tanks. The New England Aquarium in Boston has exhibits, special events, & field trips. The state has 3 Freshwater Aquarium societies. The Marine Science Center is a marine and educational facility of Northeastern University.
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