Across the State of Massachusetts, communities and institutions are celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution with events, exhibits, special tours, programs, festivals, performances, and much more. Bookmark this page to join events and celebrations statewide.
As the Nation marks 250 years of independence, Witness: Hingham in the Age of Revolution explores how one New England town experienced the ideas, contradictions, and upheavals of the American Revolution. Through the lives of Hingham’s residents– white and Black, free and enslaved– this immersive new exhibit traces the ups & downs forging of a […]
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the New Bedford Whaling Museum will open a new suite of conjoined galleries in that explore stories of independence, struggle, and citizenship in the region during the late colonial and early Republican period (1760-1830). Forging Independence | Building a Nation introduces connections between historical events […]
A special exhibition of selections from the Historical Graphic Novel Quaker Whaler Traitor Spy! by Dr. Sarah Crabtree, Illustrated by Melissa Philley. William Rotch was one of the unluckiest men of the eighteenth century. Accused of treason four times by three governments in two decades (1775 – 1795), he became a cautionary tale for any […]
Step into the winter of 1775–76 and experience the extraordinary true story that helped save the American Revolution. For Love! For Liberty! is a vibrant new musical filled with original songs, dance, and unforgettable historical characters. Follow the journey of young Boston bookseller Henry (Harry) Knox, who hauled sixty tons of cannon across frozen lakes […]
1776 was more than a turning point; it marked the birth of a new world order. A bold line was drawn as ordinary people made extraordinary decisions, declaring independence from the most powerful empire on earth. Driven by youthful fire, they believed in the promise of liberty more than they feared the cost of pursuing […]
Established by General George Washington and General Henry Knox in 1777, the Continental Arsenal at Springfield was a critical part of the supply network for the fledgling Continental Army. The enlisted men and officers assigned there fabricated and supplied all manner of military supplies throughout the Revolutionary War. Explore rarely seen collections and historic documents […]
This ongoing exhibit highlights Lexington’s pivotal role in the American Revolution as the site of the conflict’s opening battle and a powerful symbol of colonial resistance to British rule. Lexington’s significance lies not only in this first battle but also in what it represented. The town embodied the colonies’ growing determination to defend their rights […]
In April 2026, Patrick Atkinson, a Scottish Rite Freemason from Delaware, will lace up his running shoes and set out on a monumental journey, running from Wilmington, Delaware, to Lexington, Massachusetts. This isn’t just a physical test of endurance. It’s a fundraiser to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, […]
Diorama Drop-Off: April 10-18 Public Voting: April 21 - May 9 Create a patriotic PEEPS scene in celebration of the Revolutionary Library Crawl and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence! A diorama is a miniature model with three-dimensional figures. Create a diorama that depicts a scene from the past 250 […]
Have you visited the Bedford Historical Society’s exhibit," Bedford Answers the Call," yet? Join us for a special Open House on April 11 from 8:00–10:15 a.m., and again immediately following the Pole Capping Day parade and ceremony. Our current exhibit, "Bedford Answers the Call," offers a compelling look at Bedford’s role in the opening chapter […]
Featuring manuscripts, artifacts, and rarely seen treasures, this exhibition captures a monumental moment in American history. In 1776, people grappled with ideas of liberty, loyalty, and the role of government in society. Private letters, intimate diaries, and newspaper accounts reveal how the Declaration of Independence grew from draft to founding document. 1776: Declaring Independence spotlights handwritten […]
FREE outdoor and indoor activities for kids all summer long Building on the success of the Road to Revolution partnership programs, each Saturday from now until the end of September, the museum will host children’s outdoor and indoor programming. The hugely successful Discovery Center experience will extend out onto the lawn with 15 new activity […]
Please join us for an open house marking the end of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library’s 50th anniversary celebration! Visit exhibitions that examine the museum’s collection over the past 50 years and Lexington’s role in the American Revolution, see a replica of the cannon Henry Knox brought from Ticonderoga to Dorchester on loan […]
Explore major Massachusetts events in the first year of the American Revolution at the Old State House, where protest turned into action and the momentum for independence accelerated. Created through a partnership between Revolutionary Spaces and the Massachusetts Historical Society, The Road to Revolution: Massachusetts and the Independence Movement invites visitors to step into 1775 […]
In Stoneham, the shadows of colonial fires and twentieth-century neon flicker side by side. Few realize how many secrets linger behind these iconic facades. This self-guided audio tour leads straight through the city’s untold stories. Encounter corners and chapters that even locals walk past, and let carefully crafted tales reveal what hides beneath the ordinary. […]
It is May 2, 1775, and Rachel Revere has only heard from her beloved husband Paul once since his legendary midnight ride on April 18. Isolated by the Siege of Boston, Rachel desperately tries to form a plan to escape the reach of the British Regular Army in Boston with seven children in tow. In […]
Please join the Acton 250 Committee and the Amy Cole for a walking tour of Acton Center. Professional tour leader Amy Cole grew up near Acton Center and has a wide ranging-interest in Acton’s unique history. Walking Acton’s historic civic center, you will learn about the people, places and practices that shaped the town’s history […]
This must-see event for the United States’ 250th anniversary year brings together a stage full of talented young singers, the words of American literary luminaries, two amazing Boston-based cellists, and the world premiere of a new choral work by B.E. Boykin. Each youth choir presents a unique musical setting of Langston Hughes’ poem “I Dream […]
Step into the warmth and elegance of the 18th century as we host a special gathering inspired by the hospitality of Martha and George Washington. Enjoy an evening of conversation, refinement, and colonial charm in a cozy, historic setting. Guests will be treated to a selection of hors d’oeuvres, along with coffee, tea, and fine […]
Jazz singer Amanda Carr, an audience favorite, returns for the Concord Band’s annual Spring Pops concert on Saturday, April 11, 7:00 PM at the 51 Walden Performing Arts Center in Concord. The program features Ms. Carr and her fresh interpretations from the Great American Songbook and New York themed songs. The Band also will celebrate […]
Join Historic Newton for the historic cocktail party of the year! This year Naughty Newton at Night will celebrate all things Alexander Hamilton and Hamilton the musical. Enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres while exploring the more scandalous sides of the 18th century. What was the favorite alcoholic drink of New England in the 1700s? Did […]
