The U.S. federal government has entered its first shutdown in seven years, closing federal facilities, national parks, and many tourist destinations across Massachusetts.
The shutdown occurred after Congress members from both parties failed to reach an agreement on a temporary spending measure before the October 1 deadline, as reported by GBH News.
Notable closures include prominent locations such as the USS Constitution in Charlestown and Boston’s John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
The shutdown has affected approximately 30,000 federal workers in Massachusetts, who are now on unpaid leave.
“We will all be furloughed,” JFK Library Director Alan Price told GBH News. “Most employees are just clearing out their offices and making sure that out-of-office messages and the like are all set up.”
In Salem, the Maritime National Historic Site and its visitor center have suspended operations, including public facilities, coinciding with the launch of the city’s Haunted Happenings Halloween festivities. The Cape Cod National Seashore is experiencing partial impacts: while the Salt Pond Visitor Center has closed its doors, public restrooms remain operational, and visitors continue to have access to beach areas and walking paths, GBH News confirmed.
IRS offices in the region have ceased operations. However, “essential” services, including postal services and federal law enforcement, continue to function. While Logan Airport maintains regular operations, previous shutdowns suggest possible staffing challenges and potential delays, according to GBH.
The political landscape in both Washington and Boston has been highlighted by the shutdown. Prior to the midnight budget deadline, President Donald Trump stated, “We don’t want it to shut down.”
“They’re in charge, and they’re driving us over a cliff,” Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey responded on GBH’s Boston Public Radio on Tuesday. “Democrats are not shutting down the government. This is a failure by Donald Trump and the Republican leadership. Remember: Republicans control the Senate and the House.”
By Wednesday afternoon, no timeline had been established for renewed negotiations, and the likelihood of reaching an agreement remained unclear, according to GBH News.
The JFK Library and Museum staff have implemented contingency measures. “I’ve been through this before here and elsewhere, and it is an accepted and understood part of federal service that these things will happen from time to time,” Price said. He noted that protective measures are in effect: “We have procedures in place to maintain stewardship of the building and the artifacts and to make sure that employees have all the information they need to return effectively as soon as possible,” according to GBH.
The shutdown is anticipated to impact revenue for organizations and businesses dependent on cultural and heritage tourism — particularly during autumn, a crucial tourist season for Boston, Salem, and Cape Cod. Municipal offices and community organizations are distributing guidance to help visitors locate alternative accessible venues and prevent congestion.
- USS Constitution: The historic warship, recognized as the oldest commissioned vessel still afloat globally, remains stationed at Charlestown Navy Yard but has suspended public access during the shutdown. While essential security and maintenance operations continue, guided tours and exhibitions are temporarily unavailable.
- JFK Library and Museum: The facility has suspended public access, with ticket sales and educational programs on hold. While digital resources remain accessible, all on-site activities have been postponed.
- Salem Maritime National Historic Site: The visitor center, including its restroom facilities, has completely ceased operations as the city launches its Haunted Happenings season — a vital period for local economic activity.
- Cape Cod National Seashore: While beaches and trails remain accessible and restroom facilities continue to operate, visitor support services and orientation activities have been reduced.
Although essential services such as postal operations, security measures, and air travel continue to function, past shutdown experiences suggest that visitors should anticipate extended security queues, slower administrative processes, and occasional public service delays.
Airport officials recommend that travelers make advance preparations and verify flight and security conditions before departing.
According to GBH News, approximately 30,000 federal employees in Massachusetts are currently on unpaid furlough, which may impact consumer spending and affect businesses, particularly those near federal facilities. Tourist hotspots like Salem and Cape Cod anticipate significant visitor reductions, further complicated by uncertainties surrounding the shutdown duration.
Local government representatives and chambers of commerce are advocating for a quick resolution, highlighting the collective impact on cultural activities, tourism, transportation, and the hospitality sector.
GBH News reports that private museums and non-federal organizations are attempting to accommodate displaced visitors by maintaining their operations and adjusting their schedules.
