MA250

Pop Quiz: 1776
2026-07-30 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-31 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-01 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-02 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-03 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-04 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Harvard Museum of Natural History, Oxford Street 26, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, United States
Step back into the 18th century and put your detective skills to the test! Pop Quiz: 1776 takes you on a four-museum adventure to uncover surprising ways that life at Harvard was both similar to and—or different from —today. Would Harvard students in 1776 have known about the things we see and do today? Take a guess, then search for specific objects across our four museums—the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East, and the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments—to check your answers.
Pro tip: join us any Sunday–Friday 11:00 am–4:00 pm to access all four museums!
Check museum’s website for closure dates.

Boston: Harbor History Waterfront Walking Tour
2026-07-30 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-07-31 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-08-01 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-08-02 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-08-03 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-08-04 15:30 - 17:00 | Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center, Atlantic Avenue 191 W, Boston, MA, 02110, United States
Boston Harbor has undergone significant transformation over four centuries. Experience Boston’s rich maritime heritage and contemporary vibrancy on a 1.5-hour stroll along the Boston Harborwalk, led by an expert local guide. The tour begins at the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center on the Rose Kennedy Greenway—site of the “Big Dig”—and concludes at Fan Pier in the dynamic Seaport district, offering exceptional views throughout.
This small group walking tour explores the evolution of Boston’s waterfront, from its origins as a colonial port in the British Empire; through its development as a major center for shipping, fishing, and global trade; to its rebirth as a hub for modern commerce, tourism, and recreation. As you venture through the heart of the Boston Harborwalk, gain insight into the city’s significant efforts to expand and revitalize its waterfront infrastructure, greenspace, and public access.
Hub Town Tours delivers a compelling introduction to Boston’s identity as America’s “city by the sea.” Hear engaging stories as you pass historic landmarks and architectural highlights, illustrating the remarkable shoreline transformation from an industrial area and “dirty water” dumping ground to a vibrant public space beside one of the cleanest harbors in the United States.

The Life and Times of Paul Revere
2026-07-30 17:00 - 2026-08-27 18:00 | Hazen Memorial Library, 3 Keady Way, Shirley, MA, 01464, United States
Join Kevin Driscoll as he portrays Paul Revere in honor of America’s 250th Birthday.
This program is funded by the Shirley Cultural Council.

The Aspirations of Ordinary People - Stories of the American Revolution from a local perspective
2026-07-31 08:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-01 08:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-04 08:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-05 08:00 - 14:00 | North Andover Historical Society, 800 Massachusetts Ave., North Andover, 01845, United States
The Andover revolutionaries understood that creating a truly free society would take many generations. Their records and artifacts, preserved at the North Andover Historical Society, are here to remind us that history matters. They depict stories of battles won, hardships endured, hometown and battleground heroes, and the start of a long fight for liberty, equality and justice. Their ideals and aspirations are the standards by which we measure our progress today.
Come discover the amazing stories brought to life at the North Andover Historical Society (NAHS) through REV250, a series of programs and exhibits dedicated to the American Revolution.
The exhibit will be open every week, Tuesday through Saturday, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Please check the website for more information.

A Stake in the Ground: 1774
2026-07-31 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-08-01 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-08-02 14:30 - 16:30 | historic deerfield, 84B Old Main Street, Deerfield, Massachusetts, 01342, United States
Staged at Historic Deerfield, A Stake in the Ground: 1774 is a series of three site-specific plays, set in Deerfield, MA, on the eve of the American Revolution. Each performance includes all three plays and will end with a post-show conversation.
In the summer of 1774, seeds of revolution begin to germinate in Deerfield when a Liberty Pole is brought to town. The characters in three new one-act plays explore the political divisions, tangled family relations, and the complexities of enslavement from all sides. Join this vibrant, immersive examination of the historical split that will define America.
Produced by Plays in Place, written by Talya Kingston, Valyn Lyric Turner, and Patrick Gabridge, and directed by Brianna Sloane, “A Stake In The Ground: 1774” will be performed outdoors at the locations* near where the characters lived in the past, including outside the Ashley House, the Allen House, and the Stebbins House.
Location & Logistics: The production is performed outdoors at the locations near where the characters lived in 1774, including the Ashley House, the Allen House, and the Stebbins House. *
Weather Policy: Shows take place rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, the production will move indoors to the Deerfield Community Center.
Accessibility: Most performances (except for the weekend of July 31–August 2) are held outside. The audience will walk to each location along paved, municipally-owned sidewalks and will be seated on folding chairs on grassy surfaces.
Join us for this vibrant and immersive exploration of the seeds of revolution!

Gabriel V Brass Ensemble in Concert: American Images
2026-07-31 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-08-01 15:30 - 17:00 | Arts Empowering Life Performing Arts Center, Southern Eagle Cartway 95, Brewster, Massachusetts, 02631, United States
Come for a beautiful summer brass concert with music of faith, folk song, and dance. Gabriel V’s sound is known to be “resplendent with gorgeous sounds and the power of faith.” And you’ll hear this come through as they present Alleluia by Cohen, The Saint’s Hallelujah including the famous chorus by Handel, Copland’s beloved Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo and a beautiful setting of Peace Like A River. Info: 508-240-2400 | artsempoweringlife.org (Free for Students & Youth)

Redcoats and Rebels
2026-08-01 09:30 - 2026-08-02 17:00 | Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA, 01566, United States
Step back in time as hundreds of reenactors portraying soldiers, artisans, and civilian camp followers recreate the sights, sounds, and stories of the American Revolution. Watch thrilling drills, musket and cannon demonstrations, and battles, chat with artisan craftspeople, tour the military encampments, listen to fife and drum music, and chat with both reenactors and Old Sturbridge Village’s costumed historians. Don’t miss this immersive, two-day event, perfect for families, history buffs, and curious minds of all ages.

Freedom Trail Foundation Rainbow Revolutionaries Tour
2026-08-01 10:45 - 12:15, 2026-08-02 10:45 - 12:15 | Robert Gould Shaw & 54th Regiment Monument], Tremont Street 139, Boston, Massachusetts, 02111, United States
Boston’s newest official Freedom Trail Tour! The Foundation’s Rainbow Revolutionaries Tours illuminate the lives, loves, and fights for liberty of Boston’s LGBTQ+ community, and explore how queer individuals have been making history for centuries. Uncover the history of Boston Marriages, political milestones for LGBTQ+ rights, and the storied romances of some of Boston’s most famous individuals, from literary giants to a world-renowned actress, and even a Revolutionary war hero. Join in to bring this history to life and celebrate Pride by discovering the achievements of the people who have always been a part of and have helped shape Boston.
PLEASE NOTE: The tour features sites in Beacon Hill, where bricked sidewalks and hills can be difficult to traverse while using mobility aids.

Old Hill Burial Ground Walking Tour
2026-08-01 11:30 - 12:30 | Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Tour Old Hill Burial Ground and learn about the Revolutionary War soldiers buried in Concord’s oldest cemetery. Visit the final resting place of some of the most well-known figures from April 19, 1775 including Emerson Cogswell, Colonel Barrett, and Captain David Brown. This tour includes about 1 mile of walking on hilly, unpaved terrain.
$15 Members | $25 Non-Members. Includes same-day admission to the Concord Museum.

The Noble Train Arrives
2026-08-01 12:00 - 16:00 | Thomas Smith House, North West Street 251, Agawam, Massachusetts, 01030, United States
During the winter of 1775-76, Henry Knox’s “Noble Train of Artillery” passed through several nearby towns en route from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston. There, the 59-pieces of captured British ordinance, hauled 300 miles over frozen rivers and snow-covered mountains by oxen and horse, played a crucial role in forcing the British evacuation of the city in the Spring of 1776.
In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of Knox’s remarkable achievement, this extraordinary feat will come to life on the grounds of the historic Thomas Smith House as costumed educators from Fort Ticonderoga, with (non-firing) cannon and live oxen, present engaging oratory and dramatic demonstrations.
This fascinating living history event is perfect for the whole family!
The c. 1757 Thomas Smith House and 1920 Delmore Hawthorne Garage will also be open for tours that afternoon.
This event is free and open to the public.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Agawam Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Step Into the Revolution: A Colonial Dance Night for Everyone
2026-08-01 18:00 - 21:00 | John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, Massachusetts, 02125, United States
Ever wondered what people did for fun in 1776? Come find out — on your feet! The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum welcomes you to a free, beginner-friendly evening of 18th-century country dancing with the Commonwealth Vintage Dancers, who will teach you everything you need to know from the very first step. Solo, paired, young, old — everyone is welcome, and no partner is required.
This special evening celebrates our exhibit Declaring the Revolution: America’s Printed Path to Independence, showcasing rare items from the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection, and the exhibit itself will be open free of charge from 5:30–7:00 PM, so come early and soak in the history before you hit the dance floor! Feel free to dress the part — vintage and period attire are encouraged — but come however you like. Food and drinks will be on sale, and the Museum Store will be open throughout the night.
Please note that Smith Hall has carpeted floors rather than a traditional wooden dance floor. Comfortable, flat-soled shoes are recommended.

Handwriting the Constitution and Declaration of Independence
2026-08-04 10:00 - 11:30 | Boston Public Library: Copley Square Branch, Boylston Street 700, Boston, Massachusetts, 02116, United States
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, visitors are invited to handwrite the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution in the Courtyard of the Central Library, in Copley Square. This program aims to create time and a quiet space to reflect and deepen one’s understanding of these historic documents. All supplies will be provided. Participants will first stop by the supply table to pick up writing supplies and copies of the Constitution and/or Declaration of Independence. Reproductions of John Adams’s personal copy of the Constitution held by Special Collections will also be available to transcribe. This program is self-paced. Patrons are invited to stay for the whole session or simply stay as long as they would like.

Amesbury National Night Out
2026-08-04 17:00 - 20:00 | Heritage Park, Water Street 27, Amesbury, MA, 01913, United States
Amesbury National Night Out – America 250 Community Celebration
Join the Amesbury community for a special America 250 celebration during Amesbury National Night Out, a family-friendly community block party and public safety car show marking the 30th anniversary of National Night Out in Amesbury.
National Night Out is a nationally recognized community-building event that brings together residents, families, law enforcement, first responders, and community organizations to strengthen partnerships, promote safety, and build positive relationships between public safety officials and the communities they serve.
This milestone year provides an opportunity to celebrate not only the tradition of National Night Out, but also Amesbury’s unique place in America’s story as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The event will highlight our community’s history, innovation, and the people who have helped shape Amesbury over generations.
Attendees will enjoy an evening filled with family-friendly activities, including a public safety car show, food trucks, DJ entertainment, live professional wrestling, mascot characters for children, and displays from local and state law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations. Guests will have the opportunity to meet first responders, explore specialty vehicles, and connect with neighbors in a welcoming community atmosphere.
As part of the America 250 celebration, attendees will also be able to experience pieces of Amesbury’s history through featured attractions including Lowell’s Boat Shop, the Amesbury Carriage Museum, and the Bailey Electric Car, showcasing the craftsmanship, innovation, and contributions that have made Amesbury a meaningful part of the American story.
For 30 years, Amesbury National Night Out has brought our community together in the spirit of partnership, service, and connection. This year’s celebration honors our past, celebrates our present, and looks forward to the future of Amesbury.
We invite everyone to join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating history, community, public safety, and the 250th anniversary of America.
