Parker’s Prelude Lexington
Lexington Battle Green Lexington Battle Green, Lexington, United StatesCountdown to the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, the first battle of the Revolutionary War
Countdown to the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, the first battle of the Revolutionary War
Countdown to the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, the first battle of the Revolutionary War
Chelsea Day
Historian Mary Fuhrer returns to explore this critical point in Acton history in the next edition of the Acton 250 lecture series. Remote Participation: You can participate in the Q&A using ZOOM http://tinyurl.com/Acton250-ZOOM or watch live at Acton TV http://tinyurl.com/Acton-TV. Please see https://www.actonma.gov/250 for all programming information and a link to our commemorative store. What happened in Acton on that fateful day, […]
On October 7, 1774, ninety chosen representatives met at Salem in defiance of General Gage’s order. They elected John Hancock to serve as chairman. They resolved to form themselves into “a Provincial Congress...to take into consideration the dangerous and alarming situation of public affairs in this province, and to consult and determine on such measures […]
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the rebellious act of raising the “Liberty and Union” flag over the City of Taunton this October.
The Liberty & Union Festival, hosted by the Old Colony History Museum, is an annual event that transports you back in time to 1774 through historical reenactors, music, food, beer, and much more.
In celebration of Presidents’ Day, historic guests, creative activities, live musical performances as well as Museum tours will bring the JFK Library to life in new ways for all ages. Enjoy performances of campaign songs and maker activities to highlight President Kennedy’s time in the White House, with additional elements focusing on democratic values and […]
Before Lexington and Concord, there was “Leslie’s Retreat” – a confrontation between Salem residents and British soldiers in February 1775. Essex Heritage and its partners are inviting the public and media members to learn about this historic event, which is part of ongoing efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. On February […]
Join us at 9:30am at St. Peter’s-San Pedro Episcopal Church on Saturday February 22. 2025 to learn the history behind Leslie’s Retreat, and to hear from current elected officials. On February 26, 1775, Salem witnessed what could have been the first battle of the American Revolution. This event marked Salem’s first armed resistance to British […]
Join us as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of “Leslie’s Retreat,” a pivotal moment that marked Salem’s first stand against British authority and helped spark the American Revolution. On February 26, 1775, just weeks before the shots at Lexington and Concord, Salem witnessed what could have been the first battle of the American Revolution. When […]
Historian J.L. Bell will tell the thrilling story of Leslie's Retreat, the first armed resistance to the British crown, and its connections to Marblehead. On Sunday, February 26, 1775, about 250 British soldiers marched through Marblehead, sent by the royal governor to search for weapons. When that column of redcoats stalled at a drawbridge in […]
Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds Attend the historic cocktail party of the year! Enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres, take guided tours of the exhibits, and listen to museum educators and reenactors discussing more intriguing topics of the 18th-century. Alcohol production and consumption, card games and gambling, and historical undergarments galore! Learn 18th-century tavern games and enter […]
Everyone knows Salem for the 1692 Witchcraft Trials, but did you know that Salem made significant contributions to the American Revolution? The shot heard round the world almost happened in Salem, the town was known for its Privateers (legal Pirates) who were the most successful against the British Navy and British military governor General Thomas […]
Join Paul Revere (as portrayed by Michael Lepage) by fireside at the Wayside Inn for a spirited review of the notoriously inaccurate Longfellow poem that immortalized his Midnight Ride. Heavy hors d’oeuvres included with the price of a ticket. Drinks available for purchase at the bar. Tickets $25.00 via Resi: https://resy.com/cities/sudbury-ma/venues/longfellows-wayside-inn/events/paul-revere-fireside-chat-2025-03-20?seats=2&date=2025-03-07 Members of The Wayside […]
Boston is occupied, Portsmouth blockaded. A wild rumor flies that Ipswich has been attacked by sea and her inhabitants killed. A British scouting party sneaks into Newburyport Harbor under the cover of night. In the face of constant threat, Newburyport’s harbor became a safe haven for vessels of all kinds on the eve of Revolution, […]
Throughout February and March of 1775, the people of Massachusetts were preparing for war. The Provincial Congress organized a network of intelligence to monitor the British Army and the military supplies throughout the province. Aware of the rebel operations, the British Army conducted military intelligence missions into the Massachusetts countryside. These efforts would see moments […]
2025 marks the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's legendary midnight ride! Join us at The COOP for a special evening with Kostya Kennedy, author of The Ride: Paul Revere and the Night That Saved America. Book signing to follow! RSVP link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-ride-kostya-kennedy-at-the-coop-tickets-1280779167969?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
Join us for a special USS Lexington Ceremony commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, the historic clash that ignited the American Revolution. On the morning of April 19, 1775, colonial militia and British Regulars exchanged the “shot heard ’round the world” on Lexington Green, marking the very beginning of America’s fight for […]
All are invited to the Battle Green on Friday evening, April 18th to honor those who perished in the Battle of Lexington 250 years ago. This brief commemoration will be part of the annual Good Friday Procession which will commence from St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 17 Meriam Street at approximately 8:15 p.m. The eight […]
Join Hub Town Tours for a special celebration of Abigail Adams's 1776 letter to John Adams, imploring the Continental Congress to include protections for women's rights as they created a new nation. We will explore the captivating stories of Bostonians that followed in the footsteps of Revolutionary women like Abigail Adams and Phillis Wheatley, and […]
Groton Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary! Take a walk back in time and discover Groton’s contributions to America’s independence, the battles in Concord, MA, and Boston’s Bunker Hill. Program Schedule 1 p.m. Minutemen with Fife & Drum Gather on the Minuteman Common, Groton Center 2 p.m. Joshua Vollmar Lecture at Lawrence Academy (Richardson-Mees Performing Arts Center) […]
Visit the Nathan Meriam witness house and talk with costumed park staff about the Meriam family and the importance of the crossroad near their home on April 19, 1775. In the early afternoon of that fateful day, Militia soldiers arriving from Reading, Chelmsford, and Billerica attacked retreating British soldiers near this home. From Meriam’s Corner […]
Join us as we commemorate Woburn’s rich Revolutionary War history with the unveiling of the new Battle Road Memorial Area! This special event will honor the brave men of Woburn who marched on April 19, 1775, with a brand-new monument, interpretive signage, and a dedicated space for reflection. Event Highlights: – Monument Dedication – Honoring […]
“LISTEN my children, and you shall hear. Of the midnight ride of…” Samuel Prescott? On the evening of April 12, 2025 join National Park Rangers as we commemorate and explore the true story of the famous midnight ride 250 years ago. On April 19th 1775 a midnight alarm spread across Massachusetts about the impending march […]
On April 19th, 1775 a contingent of about 120, British Soldiers marched over the North Bridge to Barrett’s farm in search of military arms and supplies. During this open house program explore the interior of this 319 year old home, talk with park staff about military preparations in 1775, and learn the story of Rebeckah […]
This special event will open the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library's newest gallery exhibition, “Protest & Promise: The American Revolution in Lexington." This exhibition explores how ordinary Lexingtonians protested for their rights and helped fuel the movement for American independence, as well as how the choices made at Lexington in 1775 became an important […]
The Museum of Our National Heritage opened on April 20, 1975. The museum, now known as the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, was a Bicentennial gift to the nation from the Scottish Rite Freemasons of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Join us on Sunday, April 13, 2025, to kick off the museum's 50th anniversary celebration! […]
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the “two if by sea” lantern signal, Lanterns & Luminaries 2025 will be a unique event filled with commemoration, inspiration, and celebration. Filmmaker Ken Burns will accept the Third Lantern Award, which is presented annually to an individual who embodies the values symbolized in Old North Church’s iconic […]
https://lex250.org/filmmaker-ken-burns-to-share-early-look-at-his-new-documentary-the-american-revolution-in-lexington-and-concord/ Filmmaker Ken Burns to Share Early Look at His New Documentary “The American Revolution” in Lexington and Concord The Lex250 Commission and the Concord250 Executive Committee today announced that documentarian Ken Burns will visit Lexington and Concord on April 17 to discuss his new film, “The American Revolution,” timed to the start of the […]
Chelsea artist Max Pro explores personal and cultural ties between Chelsea and the Caribbean in a compelling presentation on the history of Cuba. The Cary family, whose historic home serves as the backdrop for this event, lived in Chelsea while also overseeing plantations in Grenada and other Caribbean islands. Their story is intertwined with the […]
As darkness descends upon the North Bridge battlefield we invite you to come and reflect on the events of April 19, 1775 and the meaning of liberty. The evening ceremony will feature a lantern-light procession, poetry, music, and a recitation of the names of the soldiers who gave their lives on that “ever-memorable” 19th of […]
Join Paul Revere House staff people as they review the story of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride on the 250th anniversary of his now famous adventure. Learn new angles to the story that you may have never learned in school and discover how the humble silversmith became famous long after his death at the venerable age […]
On the evening of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere was summoned and given the task of riding on horseback from Charlestown to Lexington, approx. 12.5 miles, to inform two leaders of the Sons of Liberty, John Hancock and Samuel Adams who were staying in Lexington, with the news that British soldiers stationed in Boston were […]
Lexington was preparing for battle long before British soldiers arrived on April 19th, 1775. The day before, Paul Revere and William Dawes, fellow Sons of Liberty, rode hard from Boston, arriving in town just before midnight. Their destination: the home of Reverend Jonas Clarke, cousin to patriot leader John Hancock. Their mission: To warn John […]
Everyone knows Salem for the 1692 Witchcraft Trials, but did you know that Salem made significant contributions to the American Revolution? The shot heard round the world almost happened in Salem, the town was known for its Privateers (legal Pirates) who were the most successful against the British Navy and British military governor General Thomas […]
Join Hub Town Tours for a special commemoration of the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere that began on April 18, 1775. We will travel the iconic Freedom Trail through Downtown Boston and explore the gripping story of a small colonial town careening toward war with the British Empire. This historic walking tour highlights Boston's principal […]
Encounter Paul and Rachel Revere in their home as he prepares to depart on his Midnight Ride. Tour the museum’s Visitor Center, where museum staff will share the full story of Revere’s adventures on April 18, 1775. This Open House is FREE but admissions will be limited by the space constraints of the historic home. […]
On the evening of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere was summoned and given the task of riding on horseback from Charlestown to Lexington, approx. 12.5 miles, to inform two leaders of the Sons of Liberty, John Hancock and Samuel Adams who were staying in Lexington, with the news that British soldiers stationed in Boston were […]
To kick off Boston’s Patriots’ Day weekend celebrations in partnership with the City of Boston, Old North Illuminated will stage a free reading of the hit play Revolution’s Edge behind Old North Church on Paul Revere Mall. Mayor Michelle Wu and other local officials will attend the play and give remarks to commemorate this historic […]
The Old North Church is offering a traditional Lantern Service on Friday, April 18, 2025 at 7:00pm in honor of the 250th anniversary of the “two if by sea” signal from the church’s steeple on the eve of the American Revolution. Dr. Heather Cox Richardson, acclaimed author and professor of history at Boston College, will […]
The Lexington Minute Men will conduct the 250th Anniversary Reenactment of the Civilian Evacuation of the Battle of Lexington and the Battle of Lexington on the Lexington Battle Green on Saturday, April 19, 2025. According to the Lexington History Museums, on the night of April 18, 1775, over 700 British soldiers were sent from Boston […]
On this day celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, the Inn at Hastings Park’s Town Meeting Bistro will be offering a special Patriot’s Day buffet and á la carte Champagne brunch. Available from after the Battle of Lexington reenactment and before the Town of Lexington’s Patriots’ Day parade. 6 a.m. – 12 […]
Lexington History Museums is open on a special schedule for April 19! We will be open early to accommodate visitors in town for the big reenactment, and will be closing early to coincide with the afternoon parade. Please see exact hours below.
The Lexington Visitors Center is holding extended hours on Saturday April 19 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.. During this time, the Center will be open for anyone looking to purchase unique Lexington gift items, view our famed diorama depicting the Battle of Lexington, and explore history of the U.S.S Lexington.
First Baptist Church of Lexington is holding their annual Patriot’s Day Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 19th from 6 a.m.-10 a.m. “All you can eat” pancakes, sausages, orange juice and coffee. Adults $8 Children $5. Proceeds benefit local charities. First Baptist Church is located at 1580 Massachusetts Ave. Lexington, across from the Police station.
Be part of a historic tradition by registering for the 111th Lexington Lions Patriots Day 5 Mile Road Race! Set against the backdrop of scenic Lexington on April 19, 2025, this event not only marks a significant milestone but also embodies the spirit of Patriots Day, a day steeped in American history. This isn’t just […]
This is the signature living history event at Minute Man National Historical Park, featuring hundreds of volunteer reenactors. Throughout the day, learn about the events of April 19, 1775, from many points of view. Enjoy a full schedule of living history programs and demonstrations, including a fast-paced tactical demonstration along a restored stretch of the […]
Join Reference Librarian Lauren Gray for a gallery talk on the exhibition "1775: Rebels, Rights & Revolution," which charts major Massachusetts events in the first year of the American Revolution. Lauren will delve into the impact of the Battles of Lexington and Concord using related exhibition items. Visitors are invited to explore the rest of […]
Everyone knows Salem for the 1692 Witchcraft Trials, but did you know that Salem made significant contributions to the American Revolution? The shot heard round the world almost happened in Salem, the town was known for its Privateers (legal Pirates) who were the most successful against the British Navy and British military governor General Thomas […]
After the 250th Battle of Lexington Anniversary Reenactment, the morning will pivot to an exciting and never-before-seen Patriotic Performance and demonstration by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, in a stunning audio/visual event meant to pay homage to America’s fight for liberty from 1775 to the present day.
On April 19, the actual first day of the American Revolution, we celebrate with food and craft beverages the passage of Paul Revere and William Dawes through present-day Arlington to warn of advance of British troops to suppress the colonial rebellion. This indoor family friendly beer hall providing arts and crafts for children, live music […]
On the exact 250th anniversary of Lexington and Concord, come celebrate America's legacy of patriotism and revolution! "Keepers of the Revolution" seeks to Educate, Entertain, and Inspire patriots of all ages to keep the spirit of Revolution in the Northeast alive. Come for food, speakers and comedy, including: Comedians K-von Moezzi and Brian Swinehart Speakers […]
Colonial Music Celebration Concert at Martha Mary Chapel Wayside Inn Grounds Sudbury, MA Deirdre Sweeney and Al Petty perform an extensive repertoire of 18th century dance music, as well as marches and laments, on flute, whistle, recorder and fife, gathered from manuscripts printed between the 17th and 19th centuries and arranged in counterpoint. They play […]
Everyone knows Salem for the 1692 Witchcraft Trials, but did you know that Salem made significant contributions to the American Revolution? The shot heard round the world almost happened in Salem, the town was known for its Privateers (legal Pirates) who were the most successful against the British Navy and British military governor General Thomas […]
Located in the heart of Lexington Center, il Casale Lexington will be offering its weekly live jazz brunch with Ethan K. Jazz Duo on Sunday, April 20th from 12-2:30pm. The live music will draw from a vast catalog of jazz standards, as well as bossa nova and popular classics from the seventies, which was during […]
Join the Lexington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and members of the Lexington Minutemen Company at a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Revolutionary War Memorial on the Battle Green which honors the 8 lives lost in the Battle of Lexington on April 19, 1775.
Commemorate Patriots' Day with a National Park Service program marking the "shot heard round the world." On April 19, 1775 British Regular soldiers search the town of Concord, Massachusetts for stockpiles of illegal military supplies. When nearly 200 Regulars crossed Concord's North Bridge and headed for the farm of militia Colonel James Barrett, they left […]
This is the ceremony that we normally do after the reenactment is over. We will lay a wreath at the grave of the British Soldier as well as Captain Parker's Memorial along with 2 musket volley's.
Join the Somerville Museum for the Patriots' Day Colonial Fair in Foss Park! Greet Paul Revere on his horse, play colonial-era games, enjoy refreshments, and delicious offerings from food trucks! Admission is free but give us a shout if you're attending; the British might be coming, too!
Hear ye, hear ye! Experience Paul Revere-inspired poems, Arlington’s revolutionary history, and Cyrus Dallin’s 57-year monument battle, brought to life by Arlington locals! This free, family-friendly program will feature live readings of our two favorite Paul Revere themed poems – one by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the other by Cyrus Dallin himself. Learn about the […]
Close out a momentous weekend honoring the first shot of the American Revolution with the Lex250 Patriotic Picnic in Hastings Park on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM at Hastings Park (10 Lincoln St, Lexington, MA)! Experience the power of history, music, and community at this once-in-a-lifetime signature event. Members of […]
The Battle of Lexington reverberated far beyond the small town common that started a war. Ordinary citizens were swept up in a new revolution, navigating its politics and picking up the pieces left behind. Stop by Buckman Tavern to hear some of these perspectives: Why did we fight in the first place? How did we […]
The Hancock-Clarke House holds a unique role as the only site of enslavement open to the public in Lexington. Inside the museum, learn about Jack and Dinah, two individuals enslaved by the Hancock family. Outside, in partnership with the Association of Black Citizens of Lexington, meet local researchers who are working to put Lexington's 18th […]
Every year on Patriot’s Day, the National Lancers reenact the rides of Paul Revere and William Dawes. Paul Revere leaves on horseback from the North End, Boston and William Dawes on horseback leaves from John Elliot Square, 10 Putnam St., Roxbury, warning the people while on their way to Lexington of the pending arrival of […]
On April 19th, 1775, Lexington’s town common made history as the site of the first shot of the Revolutionary War. From that war, a new country was born. Now, 250 years later, we welcome a group of aspiring Americans to this historic ground as they are formally naturalized as American citizens and become a part […]
Want to learn more about the scientists, inventors, and entrepreneurs who made Cambridge one of the most innovative cities in the world? Join us for a special tour of The Innovation Trail, supported by the City of Cambridge and MA 250. From anti-aging technology to gene-editing, the newest discoveries coming out of Cambridge are building […]
Step back in time to experience the life of a soldier in the American Revolution at a military encampment and living history day on Saturday, May 3 between noon and 4 p.m. at the Alden House Historic Site. The reenactment is part of Out to See Duxbury, a community-wide celebration of Duxbury’s rich cultural and […]
Join us at Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the First Naval Battle of the American Revolution, fought just off our shores in 1775. This pivotal moment in history saw local patriots defending their waters against the British, marking the beginning of America’s fight for independence at sea. Hosted by […]
Join us for a historical presentation on the Battle of Chelsea Creek, presented by Robert Allison, Professor at Suffolk University, and Jeff Pearlman, at 11:30 a.m. Robert Allison is a Professor of History, Language and Global Culture at Suffolk University. He’s one of the coordinators of The Revolution 250 Advisory Group that is overseeing commemorations […]
Join Hub Town Tours as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Siege of Boston, the opening phase of the American Revolutionary War. We will explore life in and around Boston during its occupation by British troops in 1775 and highlight the efforts of Provincial forces led by General George Washington. This 2.5-hour walking tour […]
Join us for a presentation by Mimi Graney at 6:30 p.m. During the Siege of Boston, as war and hardship consumed the city, Chelsea became an unexpected refuge. This presentation brings the crisis to life through firsthand accounts that reveal the uncertainty, fear, and resilience of those caught in the turmoil. At the heart of […]
Everyone knows Salem for the 1692 Witchcraft Trials, but did you know that Salem made significant contributions to the American Revolution? The shot heard round the world almost happened in Salem, the town was known for its Privateers (legal Pirates) who were the most successful against the British Navy and British military governor General Thomas […]
Everyone knows Salem for the 1692 Witchcraft Trials, but did you know that Salem made significant contributions to the American Revolution? The shot heard round the world almost happened in Salem, the town was known for its Privateers (legal Pirates) who were the most successful against the British Navy and British military governor General Thomas […]
Everyone knows Salem for the 1692 Witchcraft Trials, but did you know that Salem made significant contributions to the American Revolution? The shot heard round the world almost happened in Salem, the town was known for its Privateers (legal Pirates) who were the most successful against the British Navy and British military governor General Thomas […]
The event will include: - Explore the SSV Ernestina-Morrissey, the 1894 schooner from the permanent fleet of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and learn about the first British vessel captured and destroyed—the HMS Diana - Artillery Demonstration - Revolutionary-Era Militia Encampment - Musket Firing - Food Vendors and a Beer Garden Additionally, we’ll have a Governor […]
Uncover the story of the Battle of Chelsea Creek — the second naval engagement of the American Revolution and the first victory for the colonists — by joining us for an informative and scenic boat tour along Chelsea Creek, Mystic River, and Boston Harbor this Memorial Day. We'll explore the rich history and cultural significance […]
Join Hub Town Tours as we commemorate the anniversary of the departure of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in 1863. The first Black regiment from the North departed Boston under the command of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw after a parade through Boston attended by thousands of local residents. This 2.5-hour walking tour will explore sites […]
Join Hub Town Tours for a special celebration of the anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1920. We will explore the captivating stories of Bostonians that followed in the footsteps of Revolutionary women like Abigail Adams and Phillis Wheatley, and assembled the Women's Suffrage Movement. […]
Everyone knows Salem for the 1692 Witchcraft Trials, but did you know that Salem made significant contributions to the American Revolution? The shot heard round the world almost happened in Salem, the town was known for its Privateers (legal Pirates) who were the most successful against the British Navy and British military governor General Thomas […]
Join the National Park Service at Adams National Historical Park on Saturday, June 14, for a special event following the footsteps of the Adams family as they witnessed the Battle of Bunker Hill 250 years ago during the American Revolution. This event will be held at the Adams Farm at Penn's Hill (John Adams and […]
Observe a Flag Day Ceremony at the memorial flag garden on the grounds of the Bunker Hill Monument. The public is invited to join the reading of names of lives lost on or as a result of the battle on June 17, 1775. Hosts: The National Parks of Boston, British Consulate, American Legion J.W. Conway […]
Everyone knows Salem for the 1692 Witchcraft Trials, but did you know that Salem made significant contributions to the American Revolution? The shot heard round the world almost happened in Salem, the town was known for its Privateers (legal Pirates) who were the most successful against the British Navy and British military governor General Thomas […]
Celebrating the birth of the U.S. Army, the Old Guard (U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Regiment) will perform a tribute including music by The Fife and Drum Corps (FDC) and the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard (CinC). More information is coming soon about the time and events. Hosts: Bunker Hill Monument Association, The National Parks of Boston, U.S. Army
Everyone knows Salem for the 1692 Witchcraft Trials, but did you know that Salem made significant contributions to the American Revolution? The shot heard round the world almost happened in Salem, the town was known for its Privateers (legal Pirates) who were the most successful against the British Navy and British military governor General Thomas […]
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