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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Throughout the American War for Independence, scores of images circumnavigated the globe, fighting their own battles to establish a comprehensible narrative for the momentous events occurring in British North America. Differences in politics, disruptions in communication, and the delay of thousands of miles of distance produced competing and often contradictory accounts. Some images became enduring […]
The exhibition includes more than 20 garments, accessories, textiles, and prints that illuminate the complex role of clothing at the time of the American Revolution. By posing new questions about fashion’s relationship with class, race, and gender, Dressing the Revolution: Fashion and Politics 1760–1789 places clothing at the center of the political debates, shedding light […]
This exhibition explores how a rural Massachusetts community responded to the upheaval of the late 1760s through the 1780s. Using objects, documents, and personal narratives, it will present multiple perspectives on how Deerfield residents embraced, rejected, or questioned Revolutionary ideals. While many associate the Revolution with Boston or battlefield sites, A Town Divided brings the […]
Get ready for the Revolutionary Library Crawl! Beginning April 21st, visit ten libraries throughout Northeastern MA as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of The American Revolution. Visit an information desk at any of the participating libraries to pick up a crawl passport, complete an activity, and earn a passport stamp. Enjoy unique activities, history, and […]
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. […]
Laughter meets revolutionary spirit in BLO’s staging of Donizetti’s glorious comedy. Inspired by the life of Deborah Sampson, the Massachusetts revolutionary who disguised herself as a man to fight for independence, this production transports us to Revolutionary-era Boston, telling a heartfelt tale of love and loyalty to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. With a new English […]
Join GNBCS for a glorious afternoon of American music in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence! This year’s spring concert at the beautiful Grace Episcopal Church will include classical selections such as Randall Thompson’s “Frostiana” and Aaron Copland’s “Simple Gifts,” spirituals and Americana songs such as “Down in […]
Delve into the fascinating history of Franklin’s musical circles, both at home in America and in Paris at the soirées of composer Anne Brillon de Jouy. Enjoy an alluring bouquet of songs and instrumental works! Program includes songs by Francis Hopkinson, William Hayes, and Brillon de Jouy, a string trio by John Antes, a piano […]
