@Kate0615
Fifty years ago I used to commute from Worcester to Wellesley on route 9 for a weekend job next to Wellesley College. It was a 45 minute drive. Since then the commuting volume has grown dramatically and is stop and go all the way. The Mass Pike is not much better. This problem could be avoided by not traveling during commuting hours. Route 9 is the most direct. Stay off the roads from 7 to 9 AM and from 4:30 to 6 PM. Check with your Wellesley/Waltham relatives for best commuting hours.
Years later I partnered with a Clark Student to commute for two years from Worcester to Chestnut hill for GS at BC and back. We avoided commute times and the shared ride was a good idea as we also split costs. Remember, this will knock two hours out of every day.
As you like early American history, check out the American Antiquarian Society, a well kept secret, at http://www.americanantiquarian.org/hours.htm. It is on the corner of the WPI campus. Its presence in Worcester is a big draw for US History faculty in Worcester area.