BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//MA250 - ECPv6.5.1.5//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:MA250 X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://massachusetts250.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for MA250 REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250413T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250413T170000 DTSTAMP:20260523T171550 CREATED:20250304T173025Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250318T183931Z UID:10001045-1744552800-1744563600@massachusetts250.org SUMMARY:Opening of "Protest & Promise: The American Revolution in Lexington" DESCRIPTION: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 part of our national story. \nThis event also launches a year of new programming\, including gallery talks and engaging lectures about Revolutionary War topics. More information about the program for the day in the event link. URL:https://massachusetts250.org/event/opening-of-protest-promise-the-american-revolution-in-lexington/ LOCATION:Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library\, 33 Marrett Road\, Lexington\, MA\, 02421\, United States CATEGORIES:Anniversary,Black History,Celebration,Commemoration,Exhibit,Women's History ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://massachusetts250.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RARE-G374-.-B6S3-D4-1911_DS1-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Scottish Rite Masonic Museum &%3B Library":MAILTO:info@srmml.org GEO:42.4367685;-71.2141633 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library 33 Marrett Road Lexington MA 02421 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=33 Marrett Road:geo:-71.2141633,42.4367685 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250413T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250413T170000 DTSTAMP:20260523T171550 CREATED:20250310T180708Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T185226Z UID:10000997-1744552800-1744563600@massachusetts250.org SUMMARY:50th Anniversary Celebration and Rededication DESCRIPTION: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! \nThis special event will feature a rededication of the museum as well as the opportunity to see the museum’s two new gallery exhibitions: “Looking Back\, Moving Forward: 50 Years of Collecting” and “Protest & Promise: The American Revolution in Lexington.” This event launches a year of celebratory anniversary programming\, including gallery talks\, engaging lectures\, and new exhibitions. Come celebrate with us as we begin our next half century! \nAdmission is free. Please register yourself and any guests in advance. Questions? Contact us at 781-861-6559 or info@srmml.org. URL:https://massachusetts250.org/event/50th-anniversary-celebration-and-rededication/ LOCATION:Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library\, 33 Marrett Road\, Lexington\, MA\, 02421\, United States CATEGORIES:Anniversary,Black History,Celebration,Commemoration,Event,Exhibit,Women's History ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://massachusetts250.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/scottish.png ORGANIZER;CN="Scottish Rite Masonic Museum &%3B Library":MAILTO:info@srmml.org GEO:42.4367685;-71.2141633 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library 33 Marrett Road Lexington MA 02421 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=33 Marrett Road:geo:-71.2141633,42.4367685 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250414T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250614T210000 DTSTAMP:20260523T171550 CREATED:20250415T133055Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T133055Z UID:10001363-1744621200-1749934800@massachusetts250.org SUMMARY:Concord250: Weaving an Address DESCRIPTION:Exhibition: April 14 – June 14\, 2025\nOpening Reception April 14\, 6 p.m. \nThe Umbrella Arts Center in historic Concord Center will commemorate the semiquincentennial of the American Revolution and “the shot heard round the world” with an ambitious outdoor/indoor public and gallery art exhibition\, Weaving an Address\, curated by artist Marla McLeod. \nFor the first time\, Weaving an Address combines The Umbrella’s popular Art Ramble public art installation\, on view April 15 through October 7 at Brister’s Hill in nearby Walden Woods\, with an indoor exhibition (on view April 14 through June 14) in The Umbrella’s Allie Kussin Gallery. The exhibition features site-specific work by eight prominent Black artists combining sculpture\, fiber art\, installation and live performance inspired by little-known experiences of historical Black inhabitants of Concord and its Walden Woods. \nFeatured artists in the exhibition are Sharon Chandler Correnty\, Ifé Franklin\, Stephen Hamilton\, Whitney Harris\, Ekua Holmes\, Perla Mabel\, Marla McLeod\, Kimberly Love Radcliffe\, and Anthony Peyton Young. \nOutdoors\, large-scale work will be installed on Brister’s Hill\, named for Brister Freeman\, an enslaved man who won his freedom by serving in the Revolutionary War and then bought the property and lived there along with other formerly enslaved.Indoors at The Umbrella\, inter-related fiber artworks will weave narratives from fragmented pasts to offer a vision of how history shapes the present and influences the future. \nSupporting community activities include an opening reception on April 14\, monthly curator talks\, a processional with artist Ifé Franklin\, and participation in the town-wide Revolutionary Concordians Trading Card program. \nThis exhibition is presented as part of the Concord250 commemoration\, in partnership with The Walden Woods Project and The Robbins House\, in association with Gather 2025\, a month-long exploration and celebration of fiber and textile art in Greater Boston\, and with permission of Concord Natural Resources Division. \nSee https://TheUmbrellaArts.org/Weaving for more information about special engagements\, wayfinding\, artist bios\, and background to the exhibition. URL:https://massachusetts250.org/event/concord250-weaving-an-address/ LOCATION:The Umbrella Arts Center\, Stow Street 40\, Concord\, MA\, 01742\, United States CATEGORIES:Black History,Commemoration,Event,Exhibit,Outdoors ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://massachusetts250.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Weaving-Address-Opening.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Umbrella Arts Center":MAILTO:info@theumbrellaarts.org GEO:42.4575079;-71.3525233 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Umbrella Arts Center Stow Street 40 Concord MA 01742 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Stow Street 40:geo:-71.3525233,42.4575079 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250414T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250414T163000 DTSTAMP:20260523T171550 CREATED:20250310T180640Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T185626Z UID:10001009-1744641000-1744648200@massachusetts250.org SUMMARY:Concord's Secret History. Premiere Afternoon Screening DESCRIPTION:The documentary reveals a long-suppressed secret\, set in Concord\, Massachusetts — the birthplace of the American Revolution\, where the first shots were fired on April 19\, 1775. While Concord is often celebrated for its role in the fight for freedom\, few are aware of the untold stories that extend beyond its borders. The film also explores hidden narratives from both Medford and Harvard University\, offering a richer\, more complete picture of the region’s colonial past. The premiere will take place in Concord on April 12\, 2025\, followed by distribution to over 500 PBS member stations across the United States via PBS+. After the screening\, the filmmakers and historians involved in the project will participate in a facilitated talk-back\, providing an opportunity for deeper engagement and discussion. URL:https://massachusetts250.org/event/concords-secret-history-premiere-afternoon-screening/ LOCATION:umbrella arts center\, Stow Street\, Concord\, Massachusetts\, 01742\, United States CATEGORIES:Black History,Drama,Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://massachusetts250.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/militia.png ORGANIZER;CN="Concord250":MAILTO:pollyconcord250@gmail.com GEO:42.4567162;-71.3503 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=umbrella arts center Stow Street Concord Massachusetts 01742 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Stow Street:geo:-71.3503,42.4567162 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250417T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250417T190000 DTSTAMP:20260523T171550 CREATED:20250318T010327Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250318T010327Z UID:10001132-1744911000-1744916400@massachusetts250.org SUMMARY:Reading Frederick Douglass Together at the Norton Public Library DESCRIPTION:Frederick Douglass – who was born into slavery in Maryland’s tobacco fields and liberated himself at the age of 20 – was a legendary Massachusetts resident. We’re celebrating the famous abolitionist and stirring orator who drew crowds of thousands of listeners worldwide. JOIN US as we take turns reading aloud his blistering 1852 speech to the Rochester Ladies Anti-Slavery Society: “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July.” \nStill bearing the physical scars of bondage – Douglass’s existence and his first-person account of the daily cruelty and violence perpetrated by enslavers who were also Christian men and upstanding citizens made it impossible for many to continue to turn a blind eye to slavery’s horrors. \nThe Anti-Slavery Society at the Corinthian Hall invited him to give a feel-good speech about progress and Douglass instead delivered a uniquely American call to justice\, entrusting them with the unsparing truth he spent his lifetime overcoming and studying slavery was an abomination and all people had a moral call to join in ending it. \nDouglass’s clarity and bravery ring through the years\, echoing in this speech\, that begins with admitting he was never so nervous to give a speech as he was on that day – which is surprising as Douglass had already both named the plantation he was enslaved on and the man who enslaved him\, even though these admissions further endangered his physical safety and hard-won freedom. \nThe life and works of Frederick Douglass continues to shape our understanding of America. Douglass forces us to reckon with the legacy of slavery and the promises of democracy. To quote Douglass: “We have to do with the past only as we can make it useful to the future.” \nPresented by the Norton Cultural Council and Mass Humanities\, join us at the Norton Public Library Thursday\, April 17th at 5:30 PM to raise our voices and read this amazing piece of history. Questions\, email nortonmacc@gmail.com or sign up to be a reader. URL:https://massachusetts250.org/event/reading-frederick-douglass-together-at-the-norton-public-library/ LOCATION:Norton Public Library\, East Main Street 68\, Norton\, Massachusetts\, 02766\, United States CATEGORIES:Black History,Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://massachusetts250.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Mass250-Fred-Doug.png ORGANIZER;CN="Norton Cultural Council":MAILTO:nortonmacc@gmail.com GEO:41.9705894;-71.1811486 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Norton Public Library East Main Street 68 Norton Massachusetts 02766 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=East Main Street 68:geo:-71.1811486,41.9705894 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250418T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250419T160000 DTSTAMP:20260523T171550 CREATED:20250409T145002Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250409T145002Z UID:10001348-1744999200-1745078400@massachusetts250.org SUMMARY:Paying Homage to Harriet Powers: A Revolutionary Quilter DESCRIPTION:In celebration of the American Revolution’s ideals of freedom and equality\, ArtsArlington has invited the fber artists of Princeton Sankofa Stitchers Modern Quilt Guild to share their powerful quilt blocks on Patriots Day Weekend. Guild members Mada Coles Galloway\, Lesyslie Rackard & Tarsha-Nicole Taylor will be at Mystic Open Studio during visiting hours to share their perspectives and expertise; organized by Juandamarie Gikandi. \nThe Princeton Sankofa Stitchers Modern Quilt Guild (PSSMQG) honors the legacy of African American quilting by celebrating Harriett Powers (1837–1910)\, a Black quilter and folk artist born enslaved in Madison County\, Georgia. PSSMQG has faithfully recreated Powers’ “Pictorial Quilt” in a modern context\, using their own vibrant fabrics and contemporary sensibilities. \nPowers’ quilts are considered some of the fnest examples of African American art and have made lasting contributions to American cultural heritage. Only two of her quilts are known to survive: the “Bible Quilt” (1886)\, held at the Smithsonian Institution\, and the “Pictorial Quilt” (1888)\, housed at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Mrs. Powers used appliqué\, machine stitching\, and hand stitching to create these quilts\, which depict Bible stories\, prophecies\, and astronomical events. \nRelated Events \nOPENING RECEPTION: \nThursday\, April 17\, 6 to 8 pm \nVISITING HOURS \nFriday\, April 18\, 2 to 5 pm\n(Coincides with Stitching Bee* organized by Mystic Open Studio; * $10 participation fee for Stitching Bee) \nFriday\, April 18\, 6 to 8 pm\n(on view during Drum Circle organized by Mystic Open Studio (artists not present) FREE) \nSaturday\, April 19\, 11am–4pm\n(Coincides with tours of the historic Jason Russell House & Menotomy Beer Hall at Town Hall – FREE) \nHosted by Mystic Open Studios\n785 Mass Avenue\, Arlington\, MA\nwww.mysticopenstudio.com \nExhibit free and open to all! URL:https://massachusetts250.org/event/paying-homage-to-harriet-powers-a-revolutionary-quilter/ LOCATION:Mystic Open Studio\, Massachusetts Avenue 785\, Arlington\, MA\, 02476\, United States CATEGORIES:Black History,Event,Exhibit ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://massachusetts250.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/group_5140_PSSMQG_QF29-by-AZUREE-HOLLOWAY-small.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="ArtsArlington":MAILTO:info@artsarlington.org GEO:42.4166859;-71.158229 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Mystic Open Studio Massachusetts Avenue 785 Arlington MA 02476 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Massachusetts Avenue 785:geo:-71.158229,42.4166859 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250421T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250421T140000 DTSTAMP:20260523T171550 CREATED:20250214T164553Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250214T164553Z UID:10000991-1745229600-1745244000@massachusetts250.org SUMMARY:Loyalists and Revolutionaries: Two Iconic Lincoln Properties at the Heart of a Changing World DESCRIPTION:Monday\, April 21\, 2025 (Patriot’s Day Holiday)\nOpen House: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM \nHistoric New England invites you walk Lincoln’s trails and visit two of its properties in Lincoln\, Massachusetts: \n– The Codman Estate\, home to five generations of the Chambers/Russell/Codman family.\n– The Walter Gropius House\, home to a revolutionary architect. \nCodman Estate\, c. 1740\n34 Codman Road\, Lincoln\, MA\nhttps://www.historicnewengland.org/property/codman-estate/\nHome to five generations of the Chambers/Russell/Codman family (1708 – 1968)\, in the 18th century the estate was the largest farm in the area with the largest number of enslaved people laboring on it. At the time of the Revolutionary War\, it was owned by Loyalists\, Dr. Charles and Elizabeth Russell\, who fled to Antigua when the war began. \nGropius House\, 1938\n68 Baker Bridge Road\, Lincoln\, MA \nHome \n\nExplore a revolution! Walter Gropius\, founder of the German design school known as the Bauhaus\, was one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. Modest in scale\, the 1938 Gropius family home was revolutionary in impact. In keeping with Bauhaus philosophy\, every aspect of the house and its surrounding landscape was planned for maximum efficiency and simplicity of design. \nThese two remarkable properties will be open to the public from 10:00am to 2:00pm on Monday\, April 21\, 2025. Docents will be on site to share information and answer questions. Admission is FREE\, although donations are always appreciated! \nGetting there:\n– Both houses are within walking distance of Lincoln’s MBTA Commuter Rail Station (Fitchburg line). Between Thursday\, April 17 and Tuesday\, April 22\, 2025\, special trail markers starting from the station will lead you on public walking trails through the woods to both houses. The total round-trip distance is just over 2 miles.\n– Each property also has limited parking. \nTo learn more about Historic New England and its many properties\, visit https://www.historicnewengland.org\nTo learn more about Lincoln’s trails and the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust\, visit \nHome URL:https://massachusetts250.org/event/loyalists-and-revolutionaries-two-iconic-lincoln-properties-at-the-heart-of-a-changing-world/ LOCATION:Historic New England: Codman Estate and Gropius House\, Lincoln\, Massachusetts\, 01773\, United States CATEGORIES:Black History,Event,Exhibit,Outdoors ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://massachusetts250.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_3323.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Lincoln 250":MAILTO:JGlassSelect@lincolntown.org GEO:42.4217357;-71.2992993 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250421T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250421T170000 DTSTAMP:20260523T171550 CREATED:20250402T174402Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250407T175848Z UID:10001285-1745233200-1745254800@massachusetts250.org SUMMARY:Black History at the Hancock-Clarke House DESCRIPTION: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 century Black history on the map. Learn more about this vibrant and interconnected community\, from the Burdoos who lived free in town in the 17th century\, to the Chessors who helped the Clarke family spin flax\, to the Barbodoeses\, who became abolitionists. URL:https://massachusetts250.org/event/black-history-at-the-hancock-clarke-house-2/ LOCATION:Hancock-Clarke House\, 36 Hancock Street\, Lexington\, 02420\, United States CATEGORIES:Anniversary,Black History,Celebration,Event,Memorial ORGANIZER;CN="Lexington Historical Society":MAILTO:lex250@jgrp.net GEO:42.4536374;-71.2285386 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Hancock-Clarke House 36 Hancock Street Lexington 02420 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=36 Hancock Street:geo:-71.2285386,42.4536374 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR