Berklee College of Music, founded in 1945, is an independent music college in Boston, Massachusetts. It has an enrollment of approximately 4,000 students and a 2004 faculty of approximately 430. Berklee offers an accredited four-year baccalaureate degree or diploma. Prominent alumni include John Mayer ('98), Aimee Mann ('80), Melissa Etheridge ('80), Branford Marsalis ('90) and Quincy Jones ('51).

The oldest historical society in the country (founded 1791), Mass Historical holds so many treasures it's hard to believe it. Documents and artifacts dating back to the beginning of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and the beginning of our country. One well-known treasure are the letters of John and Abigail Adams - some of which are available online. But the MHS library is open to the public, from 9:00 am to 4:45pm daily. Serious researchers should contact the resource librarian before visiting. MHS also installs exhibits periodically and has a calendar of lectures and talks on Massachusetts history.