Ever wonder where your water comes from? Before you say “from the tap,” think again. It had to get to the tap from somewhere. But where? And how?
That’s where we come in.
The Waterworks Museum is located on the site of the original Chestnut Hill Reservoir and pumping station. By the 1880’s, Boston’s water system couldn’t keep up with the rapid growth of the city and its water needs. Chestnut Hill was identified as the location for a new reservoir and main pumping station. The original station was built in 1887, but by the 1890’s, it was clear that demand had quickly outstripped the ability to transport sufficient water. The need for more water resulted in the installation of increasingly powerful (and enormous!) pumping engines, which operated every day until the 1970’s, when the site was taken offline, and Boston’s water supply shifted to the Quabbin Reservoir. The Chestnut Hill Reservoir, however, is still used as a back-up source of water in case of emergencies.
So why visit us?
We tell some important regional stories about clean water, health, people, brilliant engineers, and magnificent architecture. Our stories tell how Boston grew to be the city it is today.
You can explore the remarkable machinery, wonder at the massive wrenches that kept the pumps running, and marvel at the beautiful architecture. You can take a walking tour of the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, the centerpiece of an extraordinary landscaping project, or venture out on an all-day bus excursion, led by experts on all things water-related. You can attend special events, talks, or if you are a teacher, visit with a school group. In the future, you will be able to hear podcasts of some of our events!
Find out more at: www.waterworksmuseum.org
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Built in 1868, along with the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, this Gatehouse straddled the aqueduct and had side outlets to allow flow in or out from either ... (read more)
Waterworks Museum
This building was removed in 1898. (read more)
Waterworks Museum
Boston Police went on strike in September of 1919 for increased wages, better working conditions, and to have recognition of their labor union. (read more)
Waterworks Museum
This gate was removed in 1896 when Commonwealth Avenue was extended along the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. (read more)
Waterworks Museum
Built in 1868, along with the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, this Gatehouse is now part of the Boston College Campus. (read more)
Waterworks Museum
The Sudbury Aqueduct controlled the flow of water from Farm Pond in Framingham, MA into the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. (read more)
Waterworks Museum
Gatehouse 1 controlled the flow of water from the Chestnut Hill Reservoir into Boston's water mains. (read more)
Waterworks Museum
Gatehouse 1 controlled the flow of water from the Chestnut Hill Reservoir into Boston's water mains. (read more)
Waterworks Museum
This facility is an emergency reserve that would feed the underground emergency pump station via existing old pipes. (read more)
Waterworks Museum
This feed oil injector was used to inject oil into the high-pressure cylinder of the Allis Engine. (read more)
Waterworks Museum
An overhead traveling crane that was used to lift the Allis Engine into place after the addition by Edmund March Wheelwright. (read more)
Waterworks Museum
The Chestnut Hill Reservoir. (read more)
Waterworks Museum
Pipes and pumps at the museum. Although steam pumping ended here in 1976, emergency pumping capacity at Chestnut Hill is still maintained by a nearby electric ... (read more)
Waterworks Museum
A view from the top of the Leavitt Engine, looking towards the Allis Engine. (read more)
Waterworks Museum
Only the tall chimney suggests that this is an engineering site rather than a public service building. This shows the original High Service Pumping Station designed ... (read more)
Waterworks Museum
The Allis Engine was installed in 1898 and ran for 76 years until 1976. The 30 million gallon a day Allis was installed to supply water ... (read more)
Waterworks Museum
The Waterworks Museum consists of the Great Engines Hall, housing three historic, steam-powered pumping engines, and a two story glass-enclosed pavilion. This angle shows the Edmund ... (read more)
Waterworks Museum
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