Worcester MA, city in central Massachusetts, seat of Worcester County, on a series of hills overlooking the Blackstone River. Worcester is the state's second-largest city after Boston and an important manufacturing, insurance, and transportation center.Biotechnological research is important to the city's economy. The Massachusetts Biotechnology Research Park accommodates research facilities for numerous companies. Worcester is noted for its fine educational and cultural facilities. The city is also home to the headquarters of the American Antiquarian Society (founded in 1812); the Worcester Art Museum; and the Worcester Historical Museum. Also of interest are the Higgins Armory, and the EcoTarium. Worcester was home to industrial innovation, including new methods of making wire, textiles, grinding wheels, and envelopes, and, as previously mentioned, rocketry pioneer Robert H. Goddard, a professor at Clark University, fired his first liquid fuel rocket in nearby Auburn in 1926.