MassachusettsHISTORY EXPLORERS GRADES 3–8
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Quick glossary
evidence
Information from a source that helps us test a claim.
source
A document, object, image, or account we can examine.
inference
An explanation based on clues; it still needs checking.
migration
Moving from one place to another to live.
immigrant
A person who moves to another country to live.
estimate
An approximate amount, based on available information.
oral history
A recorded interview about someone’s memories and experiences.
community
People connected by a place, relationships, or shared activities.
ancestry
Family origins across generations.
primary source
Evidence created by someone who experienced a time or event.

Choose · notice · investigate

Roads & highways

Trace a route between communities. Compare a statewide transportation map with detailed road data.

Showing 5 of 5 resources

Official embedded map sample of MassDOT roads near Interstate 95 and Route 128.
Official embedded map sample of MassDOT roads near Interstate 95 and Route 128.MassGIS / MassDOT Image source ↗
transportation

Roads and highways

statewide · 2000s

Trace roads of different sizes through the Commonwealth.

A question to investigate

Which highways connect the biggest urban areas?

Dig deeper · grades 6–8

Compare the map’s creator, date, purpose, scale, and missing information with a second map. Explain what changed and what stayed connected.

Explore the official source ↗
Live map tool

Airports, ferry routes, rail, and seaports

Open transportation layers to compare ways of moving people and goods.

Which travel routes can cross water?

Open the official map resource ↗
Live map tool

MassDOT Road Inventory Map

Inspect roads and learn how transportation planners describe them.

How does a local street differ from a highway?

Open the official map resource ↗
Statewide map sheet from the 2025 Official Massachusetts Transportation Map (PDF page 2).
Statewide map sheet from the 2025 Official Massachusetts Transportation Map (PDF page 2).MassDOT / Central Transportation Planning Staff Image source ↗
transportation

Official Massachusetts Transportation Map

statewide · 2000s

Use the official statewide map to follow major travel routes.

A question to investigate

Plan a route from the Berkshires to Cape Cod.

Dig deeper · grades 6–8

Compare the map’s creator, date, purpose, scale, and missing information with a second map. Explain what changed and what stayed connected.

Explore the official source ↗
New England regional transportation map = Mapa do transporte regional da Nova Inglaterra = Nueva Inglaterra, mapa regional de transporte = Carte de transport régionale de la Nouvelle Angleterre = 新英格蘭區域交通路線圖
New England regional transportation map = Mapa do transporte regional da Nova Inglaterra = Nueva Inglaterra, mapa regional de transporte = Carte de transport régionale de la Nouvelle Angleterre = 新英格蘭區域交通路線圖 — [2015?]Leventhal Map & Education Center / Boston Public Library; Massachusetts. Department of Transportation, Connecticut. Department of Transportation, Maine. Department of Transportation, New Hampshire. Department of Transportation, Rhode Island. Department of Transportation, Vermont. Agency of Transportation Image source ↗
transportation

New England regional transportation map

regional · 2000s

Compare regional travel connections, including Vineyard ferry-route insets.

A question to investigate

How would you combine two kinds of transportation?

Dig deeper · grades 6–8

Compare the map’s creator, date, purpose, scale, and missing information with a second map. Explain what changed and what stayed connected.

Explore the official source ↗

Sources checked September 23, 2026. Open the source for current programs, hours, access, and map updates. Historical maps may contain outdated language or incomplete representations of Native homelands.

Explore the six lessons →Image credits & sources →
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