Did you know our nation’s journey to independence started right here in Massachusetts? Our state’s story is a tale of courage, conviction, and the unyielding pursuit of liberty. From the early days of religious dissent to the pivotal role played in the American Revolution, Massachusetts has been at the center of our country’s origins.
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, in 2025, the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) encourages visitors and residents to participate in events, reenactments, and celebrations, highlighting the state’s vast array of historic sites.
See below for a list of August events that encourage participation and offer educational, immersive experiences, including a statewide commemoration of the Marquis de Lafayette’s farewell tour.
Massachusetts’ Revolutionary Events in August 2024:
August 23-31, 2024
Join us for a historic journey! A commemorative re-enactment of Marquis de Lafayette’s farewell tour will visit Massachusetts towns from August 23-31, retracing the footsteps of this Revolutionary War hero.
- First Dedham Church – One stop on Lafayette’s original farewell tour (1824-1825) took him to Dedham, where he was honored for his military service in the Revolutionary War. The church’s upcoming commemorations include an exhibit of displays and a presentation focusing on Lafayette’s contributions to American independence.
- Shirley-Eustis House—In 1824, this house was home to the first Democratic-Republic governor of Massachusetts, William Eustis. It was the site of a party in honor of Lafayette’s visit to Roxbury. At the exhibit, visitors can explore the stories of the people once enslaved at Shirley Place.
- Boston Common—When Lafayette visited Boston in 1824, there was a grand celebration to express gratitude for his role in American Independence. Seventy thousand spectators watched a procession down Washington and State Streets, from Boylston Street to the Boston Common, leading up to the State House for a salute.
- Bunker Hill Monument – On June 17, 1775, the Battle of Bunker Hill occurred, defining the Revolution’s first major battle. Fifty years later, Lafayette laid the first stone of tribute to the battle’s memory, the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown.
- Adams National Historic Park – This historic location preserves the family homes of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams. In commemorating Lafayette’s visit to Quincy in 1824, the park will host a conversation on August 25 between actors portraying Lafayette and John Adams, reminiscing about their shared history and the American Revolution.
- Goldfish Pond Park – In 1824 Lafayette visited Lynn and gave a speech at the Lynn Hotel. At that time, the area surrounding Goldfish Pond was named “Lafayette Park.”
- Newburyport Public Library – Tracy Mansion, now known as the Newburyport Public Library, was built in 1771 by Patrick Tracy for his son, Nathaniel Tracy, who sent out the first privateer who sailed from the United Colonies against England. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, and Marquis de Lafayette were some of the people who visited this historic place.
- Marblehead Museum – Lafayette’s first visit to Marblehead was to honor General John Glover, who fought alongside him during the war. On August 31, visitors will experience a reenactment of the honors Marblehead residents presented to Lafayette in the Lee Mansion Gardens.
- Historic Beverly – The John Cabot House is a Georgian-style mansion built in 1781 during the Revolutionary War. Lafayette was greeted and received his welcome to Beverly at this home on his farewell tour in 1824. The August 31 event will highlight Robert Rantoul’s welcome speech to Lafayette, with an exhibit tour and reception to follow.
- Ipswich Museum – On August 31, 1824, Lafayette visited Ipswich and was greeted by General Michael Farley. Lafayette was welcomed at the meetinghouse and dined at Treadwell’s Public House before setting out for Newburyport. Visitors can explore Ipswich’s social, cultural, and architectural history at the museum.
Hundreds of local events will be held throughout the state, offering a diverse perspective on this pivotal time in American history leading up to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
For a complete list of events and locations, visit the Massachusetts 250 website: https://massachusetts250.org/.
Remember to share your Revolutionary adventures on social media using #Massachusetts250!
