4 PM The Story How did a 25-year-old bookstore owner become the hero who launched the American Revolution without firing a shot? Steven Glovsky explores the improbabilities and inconsistencies of Henry Knox’s story. The Noble Artillery Train • 60 tons of cannon moved from NY to MA! • Passed through Sudbury in 1776! • Forced […]
To mark the 250th anniversaries of the American Revolution and the founding of the United States, a coalition of local non-profits and government agencies will present Washington in American Memory, a seven-part speaker series. Consider how Americans understand the material culture of Washington and the Revolution, including art and clothing, featuring: -Zara Anishanslin, author of […]
Historian Andrew Burstein discusses his new book, Being Thomas Jefferson: An Intimate History (January 2026), the culmination of three decades of research and writing on Jefferson, the Republic of Letters, and questions of intimacy, body and soul, in an early American context. Fifty years after Fawn Brodie shocked the history profession with her Freudian-tinged psychobiography […]
Join us for the Canadian perspective on the Arnold Expedition and the last siege of Québec in 1775-1776. During the first months of the War of Independence, the Continental Army set its sights on the Province of Quebec. This British colony, born from the ashes of New France, is equally a threat and an opportunity […]
The Hingham Historical Society invites history lovers everywhere to participate in Hingham’s 49th annual Lincoln Day on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Each year, Lincoln Day celebrates civic engagement and reflects on the lives and legacies of General Benjamin Lincoln (1733-1810) and President Abraham Lincoln (1809 – 1865). Born more than 70 years and 1,000 miles […]
Freedom Trail® Foundation’s acclaimed African American Patriots® Tours celebrate the African American patriots that played a vital role in the start of the American Revolution in Boston and in the formation of our country. Led by 18th-century costumed guides, tour-goers can view history through the eyes of these courageous men and women throughout Black History […]
On July 4, 2026, our nation will celebrate the semiquincentennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Leading up to this historic birthday Revolution 250 was created. In keeping with this celebratory campaign, it is with great enthusiasm that we present the momentous commemoration of this country’s founding, Knox Trail 250. This sequenced […]
Experience the Tavern Tradition -- history shared out loud among neighbors. Somerville Museum presents a 2-part Tavern Talk with Dan Breen on January 26th and February 9th at Aeronaut Brewing in Somerville. Part 1 (1/26): Ethan Allen, Benedict Arnold and the Gibraltar of North America" Part 2 (2/9): "The Noble Train Arrives: Knox, Washington and […]
Freedom Trail® Foundation’s acclaimed African American Patriots® Tours celebrate the African American patriots that played a vital role in the start of the American Revolution in Boston and in the formation of our country. Led by 18th-century costumed guides, tour-goers can view history through the eyes of these courageous men and women throughout Black History […]
Freedom Trail® Foundation’s acclaimed African American Patriots® Tours celebrate the African American patriots that played a vital role in the start of the American Revolution in Boston and in the formation of our country. Led by 18th-century costumed guides, tour-goers can view history through the eyes of these courageous men and women throughout Black History […]
For the past two years, Brian Plumb (Inn historian, author, and member of the Sudbury Ancient Fyfe & Drum Companie) has been gathering historic images of the Wayside Inn from archives and collections across the country. Many of these images have never before been publicly seen and, for the first time ever, have been brought […]
Travel back in time during February school vacation week! Each day includes themed-activities, crafts, stories, and a special movie. Enjoy the entire Museum, including the Lagoda whaling ship, the Kid's Corner play space, the Sailor's Nook pretend play area, the interactive sand table, whale skeletons, and more! Monday, February 16: 250 Years Ago Explore the […]
Opera on Tour: Bringing Opera to Your Neighborhood Join Boston Lyric Opera for Opera on Tour: Daughter of the Regiment – a one-act English-language adaptation of Donizetti’s beloved comic opera about a girl who grows up in a military regiment. Three performers and a pianist will engage audiences through singing, staging, and narration in this […]
ABCL and Tricon's 2 Red Tails are partnering with the Lexington History Museums to host a screening and Q&A of the Adam Tidd episode of the Black Patriots of Lexington at the Depot on Tuesday February 17 at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm. This episode features Bill Poole: Historian William Poole shares the […]
Opera on Tour: Bringing Opera to Your Neighborhood Join Boston Lyric Opera for Opera on Tour: Daughter of the Regiment – a one-act English-language adaptation of Donizetti’s beloved comic opera about a girl who grows up in a military regiment. Three performers and a pianist will engage audiences through singing, staging, and narration in this […]
Opera on Tour: Bringing Opera to Your Neighborhood Join Boston Lyric Opera for Opera on Tour: Daughter of the Regiment – a one-act English-language adaptation of Donizetti’s beloved comic opera about a girl who grows up in a military regiment. Three performers and a pianist will engage audiences through singing, staging, and narration in this […]
Children’s Drop-In Activity Day: Exploring the American Revolution & Falmouth’s Past! Step back in time and spend a fun-filled day discovering the history of the American Revolution and the unique role Falmouth played in our nation’s early story! Families are invited to drop in anytime during the day to enjoy hands-on activities, crafts, and games […]
Come learn about the siege and its impacts on the harbor front communities of Boston! 250 Years Later; The Siege and Its Impacts on Boston's Harbor Front Communities Following the battles at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, Boston became the center of a quickly developing war between rebelling colonists and the forces of […]
Opera on Tour: Bringing Opera to Your Neighborhood Join Boston Lyric Opera for Opera on Tour: Daughter of the Regiment – a one-act English-language adaptation of Donizetti’s beloved comic opera about a girl who grows up in a military regiment. Three performers and a pianist will engage audiences through singing, staging, and narration in this […]
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, the National Archives and the National Park Service are collaborating on a special project to transcribe Revolutionary War Pension Files of more than 80,000 of America's first veterans, containing more than 2 million documents. These records may contain valuable details about Revolutionary War veterans and their […]
The Forgotten Hero Who Inspired Duke Ellington. In 1942, the renown Duke Ellington composed a piano piece in Barzillai Lew’s honor, likely inspired by stories Ellington encountered while studying with the pioneering historian Carter G. Woodson. The musical score of this work, first retrieved and digitized from the Smithsonian American History Museum for this project, […]
Freedom Trail® Foundation’s acclaimed African American Patriots® Tours celebrate the African American patriots that played a vital role in the start of the American Revolution in Boston and in the formation of our country. Led by 18th-century costumed guides, tour-goers can view history through the eyes of these courageous men and women throughout Black History […]
Opera on Tour: Bringing Opera to Your Neighborhood Join Boston Lyric Opera for Opera on Tour: Daughter of the Regiment – a one-act English-language adaptation of Donizetti’s beloved comic opera about a girl who grows up in a military regiment. Three performers and a pianist will engage audiences through singing, staging, and narration in this […]
Freedom Trail® Foundation’s acclaimed African American Patriots® Tours celebrate the African American patriots that played a vital role in the start of the American Revolution in Boston and in the formation of our country. Led by 18th-century costumed guides, tour-goers can view history through the eyes of these courageous men and women throughout Black History […]
While researching her Revolutionary War ancestor, General John Glover, Jane Woolsey Gropp of Lexington learned about the Marbleheaders, a group of fishermen and sailors from the coastal town of Marblehead who played a crucial role in several key military operations during the war. They were a diverse group, including free African Americans and Native Americans, […]
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this webinar, co-hosted by The Immigration Learning Center and the Institute for Immigration Research at George Mason University, invites educators to examine how immigration has shaped the nation from the Revolutionary era to the present day. Learn about contributions […]
Free In-Person Special Event ArtsThursdays: Revolutionary Teas Thursday, February 26, 5:00–9:00 pm RSVPs encouraged Enter at Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, 11 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge Join us for a free, fun evening at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology—perfect for a date night, a friends’ outing, or meeting new people. This special edition […]
This is a virtual event free to attend. Please visit here to register: https://www.masshist.org/events/indigenous-identity The American Revolution reverberated across New England, touching the lives of the many Indigenous peoples living there. The Northeastern tribal nations reacted to the conflict in support of their sovereign interests; some chose to fight, while others engaged in diplomatic conversations […]
Thursday, February 26th 7:00 – 8:30 PM Acton Town Hall, 472 Main Street, Room 204 In early 1776, the young Continental Army colonel Henry Knox moved dozens of heavy cannons and mortars from Lake Champlain to the siege lines around Boston; one of the most famous stories from the Revolutionary War. And like many famous […]
Freedom Trail® Foundation’s acclaimed African American Patriots® Tours celebrate the African American patriots that played a vital role in the start of the American Revolution in Boston and in the formation of our country. Led by 18th-century costumed guides, tour-goers can view history through the eyes of these courageous men and women throughout Black History […]
On July 4, 2026, our nation will celebrate the semiquincentennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Leading up to this historic birthday Revolution 250 was created. In keeping with this celebratory campaign, it is with great enthusiasm that we present the momentous commemoration of this country’s founding, Knox Trail 250. This sequenced […]
Speaker: Joyce E. Chaplin, James Duncan Phillips Professor of Early American History, Harvard University Ask anyone why Benjamin Franklin is famous and they will likely mention his role in the American Revolution. Yet Franklin’s celebrity began with his science. Decades before independence, Immanuel Kant hailed him as “the Modern Prometheus,” a bold defier of nature […]
The morning of March 5, 1776, on the sixth anniversary of the Boston Massacre, British troops discovered that Patriot forces fortified Dorchester Heights overnight. The date had not been chosen by accident. Every anniversary of the Boston Massacre, Patriot leaders remembered the event with orations and public commemorations. This year, for the two hundred and […]
Speaker: Joyce E. Chaplin, James Duncan Phillips Professor of Early American History, Harvard University Ask anyone why Benjamin Franklin is famous and they will likely mention his role in the American Revolution. Yet Franklin’s celebrity began with his science. Decades before independence, Immanuel Kant hailed him as “the Modern Prometheus,” a bold defier of nature […]
Step into wartime Newburyport with Alex Cain as loyalists face persecution, prices soar, and fear hangs heavy as we move to independence. In 1776, as war raged across the American colonies, the clash of armies echoed far beyond the battlefield into everyday life in Newburyport. Historian and fan favorite Alex Cain invites you to step […]
Join us for a two-hour Evacuation Day Cruise through Boston Harbor to explore the story of the Siege of Boston from the water (June 1775 to March 1776). As we navigate the same channels used by the British fleet to evacuate the town, Park Rangers will provide historical narration highlighting the key events, people, landmarks, […]
On July 4, 2026, our nation will celebrate the semiquincentennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Leading up to this historic birthday Revolution 250 was created. In keeping with this celebratory campaign, it is with great enthusiasm that we present the momentous commemoration of this country’s founding, Knox Trail 250. This sequenced […]
March 7, 2026 at 3:30 pm Performing Arts Center, Brewster America 250 Series In Person & Livestreamed The Miracle at Dorchester Heights, Independence, and American Values Presented by Larkin Spivey, decorated Vietnam veteran, historian, and author Join us for a year-long a series of monthly lectures celebrating God's miraculous acts during our nation’s fight for […]
As the U.S. marks the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War, local historians have delved deeply into the history of the Revolution in Old Dartmouth. Different approaches reveal new and exciting stories related to the 1770s and 1780s in the areas now called Westport, Dartmouth, New Bedford, Fairhaven, and Acushnet. Join us this March […]
Join us for a virtual talk exploring the Siege of Boston – its origins, impacts, and conclusion – and how the departure of the British Military from Boston would influence the pivotal year of 1776 and what became the Revolutionary War. Virtual: Please register with the Boston Public Library (https://bpl.libcal.com/event/16163728).
Explore the story of Phillis Wheatley Peters—her genius, her defiance, and the love that stood with her against extraordinary odds. ‘In Search of Phillis Wheatley Peters’ Director Talk and Screening. An Exclusive Museum of Old Newbury Event (MA250 Programming) Join us for a special screening and conversation with the filmmakers as part of the Museum […]
Join Chief Historian Kanisorn Wongsrichanalai for "What Kind of Nation?", a gallery talk on the exhibition 1776: Declaring Independence. Visitors are invited to explore the rest of the exhibition and ask questions. Attendance is free. Please visit here to register: https://www.masshist.org/events/gallery-talk-march-12-2026
To mark the 250th anniversaries of the American Revolution and the founding of the United States, a coalition of local non-profits and government agencies will present Washington in American Memory, a seven-part speaker series. Retrace George Washington’s post-inaugural journeys and explore how he sought to unite a fragile new nation, featuring: -Peter Drummey, Chief Historian […]
Come together for an evening of remembrance at Dorchester Heights. This luminaria event invites visitors to pause, reflect, and connect with a turning point in the American Revolution. Two thousand luminaria will illuminate the fully restored national landmark to honor the legacy of Evacuation Day, which marks the end of the Siege of Boston. As […]
Please join Mike Manning, South Boston native and amateur military historian, in a discussion of "Evacuation Day" and its 250th anniversary Join South Boston native and amateur military historian Mike Manning for an engaging, in-person discussion exploring the history and meaning of Evacuation Day alongside St. Patrick’s Day. This educational program covers key topics from […]
Step back in time at Dorchester Heights and experience an American Revolution era artillery encampment brought to life. See authentic cannons up close and learn about the British evacuation of Boston in 1776. This hands-on, family-friendly program offers a vivid look at the technology and teamwork that helped change the course of American history. Visitors […]
On October 17, an entire British army surrendered for the first time in remote upstate New York. Discover how the American Northern Army successfully stopped a British invasion from Canada during the Saratoga Campaign of 1777. Garrett Cloer, Program Manager for Interpretation and Visitor Experience at Saratoga National Historical Park joins us to discuss one […]
One of the most strategic and decisive victories of the Revolutionary War, the bold action of Patriots (including men of Yarmouth) at Dorchester Heights fooled the British navy into ending its siege of Boston, fleeing on March 17, 1776. Come see and hear the stories in an interactive portrayal of “Yarmouth Patriots” who were part […]
Through the magic of time travel, the Dorchester Historical Society welcomes Submit Clapp Baker, who lived from 1749 to 1836, and is portrayed by DHS board member Karen McNutt. Middie Baker will share her vivid memories of events, people, and Dorchester life in the second half of the 18th century. Her recollections include the complicated […]
On July 4, 2026, our nation will celebrate the semiquincentennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Leading up to this historic birthday Revolution 250 was created. In keeping with this celebratory campaign, it is with great enthusiasm that we present the momentous commemoration of this country’s founding, Knox Trail 250. This sequenced […]
Who was the calligrapher that wrote the Declaration of Independence? How did they write during the American Revolution? What tools did they use? What lettering style? Can I write like they did? We will explore these questions and more in this hands-on 90-minute program with calligrapher, Debby Reelitz! Participants will get the opportunity to write […]
The public is invited to attend the Spring meeting of the Agawam Historical Association, when Sheryl Faye will portray Abigail Adams in "Abigail Adams – Liberty & Legacy.” Sometimes considered a founder of the REPUBLIC, Abigail Adams is now designated the First second lady and the Second First lady of the UNITED STATES. Adams’ life […]
On March 17, 1776, the British military pulled out of Boston, giving General George Washington his first victory of the Revolutionary War. Already, however, he was positioning the Continental Army for the redcoats to return. Meanwhile, the political atmosphere had changed, sending the thirteen colonies in a new direction. This year's annual Evacuation Day talk […]
The public is invited to attend the Spring meeting of the Agawam Historical Association, when Sheryl Faye will portray Abigail Adams in "Abigail Adams – Liberty & Legacy.” Sometimes considered a founder of the REPUBLIC, Abigail Adams is now designated the First second lady and the Second First lady of the UNITED STATES. Adams’ life […]
Discover what life was like during the American Revolution at this immersive historical program. Visitors will have the opportunity to: Observe authentic military drills performed by reenactors. Learn about 18th-century tools, crafts, and daily routines. Explore period-accurate encampments and speak with interpreters about the era’s history. This event is suitable for all ages and offers […]
On Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 1pm, we’ll be hosting a presentation at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site that celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the Knox Trail. The centerpiece of the event will be a documentary screening, followed by a lively discussion on the historical importance of the Knox Trail, featuring Jonathan Barkan and […]
Step back in time with Stacy Booth of the 2nd Massachusetts Regiment and experience the sights, smells, and techniques of colonial‑era cooking. Join us at the historic Lafayette‑Durfee House for a hands‑on look at how meals were prepared over an open hearth in the 1700s. The transition from winter to spring is the hardest season […]
Reenactor Henry Cooke will portray the life and preaching of a significant Concord resident, the Rev. William Emerson, during the weeks leading up to the battle at the Old North Bridge and his experiences on the day itself. He will interpret Rev. Emerson’s artillery sermon on Muster Day on March 17, 1775, which presages the […]
Join experts from around the world for a one-day symposium on Revolutionary War privateers and Newburyport’s Atlantic impact! From Newburyport wharves, privateers surged into the Atlantic with a single mission: take the fight to British commerce. Armed with letters of marque, these privately owned vessels disrupted enemy supply lines, seized valuable cargo, and brought home […]
Songs, stories, theatrics, and an epic "crankie" panorama bring Newburyport’s Revolutionary taverns to life. Come raise a glass with us! At the end of a landmark privateering symposium, what is there left to do but repair to the tavern? In Revolutionary Newburyport, taverns were more than places to drink. They were the town’s patriot headquarters, […]
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary and Boston’s celebration, join us for special fireside chats in our lobby with Historian Daniel Berger-Jones, a prominent Boston-based storyteller and reenactor who founded the Boston History Company. Daniel specializes in bringing local history to life through interactive, theatrical walking tours, lectures, and podcasts. Gather to recount tales of […]
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 Time: 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Location: Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Knafel Center 10 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 Cost: Free and open to the public; advance registration required THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, examines how America’s founding turned the world upside down. Thirteen […]
About the Author: Eric Jay Dolin is the author of seventeen books, including Leviathan: The History of Whaling in America; A Furious Sky: The Five-Hundred-Year History of America’s Hurricanes; Black Flags, Blue Waters: The Epic History of America’s Most Notorious Pirates; and Rebels at Sea: Privateering in the American Revolution. His forthcoming book (June 2, […]
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026 Time: 2:45–6:00 p.m. (doors open at 2:30 p.m.) Location: Harvard University, Boylston Hall, Fong Auditorium Harvard Yard, Cambridge, MA 02138 Cost: Free and open to the public; advance registration required for in-person attendance This afternoon mini-symposium examines the Siege of Boston (April 19, 1775 – March 17, 1776) and considers […]
The Battle of Falmouth—An important Revolutionary War encounter between the Colonial Militia and British Troops occurred in April of 1779 in our town of Falmouth, Massachusetts. Faced with imminent attack by British troops and the threat of the town being burned, the local Militia stepped up in a fascinating series of events and saved the […]
Join us Thursday, March 26th @ 6:30PM at the Upton Community Center to honor Daughters of the American Revolution & celebrate a local heroine. In honor of our Nation’s 250th anniversary, we will be hosting a special presentation on the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) by Millie Williams, President of the Deborah Wheelock Chapter. […]
Georgetown University History Professor will provide a public lecture on how the closure of the port of Boston by the British would unite the colonies in resisting the crown.
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary and Boston’s celebration, join us for special fireside chats in our lobby with Historian Daniel Berger-Jones, a prominent Boston-based storyteller and reenactor who founded the Boston History Company. Daniel specializes in bringing local history to life through interactive, theatrical walking tours, lectures, and podcasts. Gather to recount tales of […]
Join Adams National Historical Park Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29 for a premier 250th anniversary event commemorating the American Revolution experiences of Abigail Adams and the legacy of her famous "Remember the Ladies" letter to John Adams.
Historic Newton celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of America! Join us on Saturday, March 28th from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM and explore what life was like in the Revolutionary era. Engage with reenactors, drink Patriot and Loyalist tea, do hands-on crafts, participate in a scavenger hunt, and more! You'll be truly immersed […]
Join us at the Museum of Printing for Andy Volpe’s "Printing Revolution" lecture —press freedom and colonial resistance before Independence. Andy Volpe's "Printing Revolution" presentation, takes a look not only at the printing press and printing technology being considered "revolutionary", but also looking at what was printed. Including the idea of Freedom of the Press, […]
On Saturday, March 28, Dr. Kimberly Alexander, Director of Museum Studies and Senior Lecturer in the History Department of the University of New Hampshire, will speak about women’s textile production and political protest in the 18th century. She will present her research and show tactile components of flax production from her work with the UNH […]
Family day to celebrate local pottery history: Redware pottery demonstration, author talk, pinch pot activity, and tour of the museum’s collections! Peabody was at the heart of the Colonial red earthenware industry roughly between 1770-1850. Potters from around New England used to come here to train and to source the high quality clay from the […]
Eric Jay Dolin is the award-winning best-selling author of fifteen books, including one with the same title as his talk. He will discuss the critical role of “the ragtag fleet of private vessels” that “tormented the British on the broad Atlantic and in bays and harbors on both sides of the ocean” in determining the […]
This is a hybrid event. FREE for MHS Members. $10 per person fee (in person). No charge for virtual attendees or Card to Culture participants (EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare). The in-person reception starts at 5:30 and the program will begin 6:00 PM. Please visit here to register: https://www.masshist.org/events/founding-women From letters to plays and poetry to […]
To mark the 250th anniversaries of the American Revolution and the founding of the United States, a coalition of local non-profits and government agencies will present Washington in American Memory, a seven-part speaker series. Explore how Americans have remembered and forgotten Washington’s involvement with slavery over the past 250 years, featuring: -Kelli Racine Barnes, ACE […]
The last of three 250th special exhibitions at the Concord Museum, Revolutionary Legacies will trace how Concord’s role in the Revolution has been remembered over time and how it has been taken up as a national symbol. The exhibition will explore the history of past commemorations in Concord, the creation of national myths and legends […]
Join us as we welcome Sarah Walsh back to Buttonwoods on Wednesday, April 1st at 6:30pm to give a talk about Abigail Adams and 18th-century clothing. We will serve punch made from a period recipe and very light snacks. Tickets will be $30* and all proceeds will go towards funding our upcoming "Stitching History Together" […]
In this first of eleven free illustrated talks offered by the Marblehead 250 Committee and Marblehead’s Abbot Public Library in 2026, the United States’ 250th year, see and hear the fascinating story of how the first shots of the American Revolution were almost fired in Marblehead or Salem on a cold Sunday in February 1775, […]
American Rebels: The Hancock, Adams, and Quincy Families Fanned the Flames of Revolution...in Newburyport and Beyond. Newburyport's Offin Boardman carried secret letters for John Adams, who argued court cases in Newburyport. The USS Hancock was built in Newburyport in 1776, and all three families were linked by ties of blood and friendship to this community. […]
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, […]
Join us as Jeffrey M. Griffith and Hannah Farber, in conversation with Ann Marsh Daly, explore the financing of the American Revolution and the creation and implementation of economic systems in the new nation. During the war, economies in Massachusetts and across the Atlantic were impacted by American boycotts, loans, and the cost of war […]
American Revolutionaries is a series of gallery talks given by members of the curatorial team in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Each talk highlights artworks from the Burrows Gallery of American Decorative Arts, including silver from the Henry Morris and Elizabeth H. Burrows collection, which came to the Clark from an […]
Early revolutionary resistance! Hear the dramatic tale of Michael Corbett and his Marblehead shipmates who resisted British tyranny at sea on King Hooper's merchant ship, the Pitt Packet - named after a British prime minister who was sympathetic to Americans' grievances - a full year before the 1770 Boston "Massacre" and six years before the […]
Join award winning historian and educator Michele Gabrielson for a delectable journey through taste, tradition, and transformation in the world of 18th-century chocolate. This interactive program explores the fascinating history of chocolate during the 18th century, a pivotal time when this once-exclusive beverage became a beloved delicacy across the world. We will examine the origins […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Join us for the Quilts 250 Book Launch! Stop by Harvey Wheeler from 11–3 to experience a beautiful celebration of art, history, and community. ✨ View a selection of quilts from the original Concord Academy exhibit ✨ Meet the creators and hear the stories behind their work ✨ Pick up (or purchase!) your copy of […]
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 […]
Discover the diverse and fascinating roles Hingham and its people played in the national struggle for independence, from Major General Benjamin Lincoln’s collaborative friendship with Commander in Chief George Washington, to Hingham’s wartime production of tens of thousands of wooden canteens, to its “fighting minister" at Lexington and Concord, its artillerymen devastated at Brandywine, its […]
Performing Arts Center, Brewster Free America 250 Series In Person & Livestreamed Battle of Lexington and Concord & the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere Presented by Dr. Jerry Newcombe Join us for a year-long a series of monthly lectures celebrating God's miraculous acts during our nation’s fight for Independence. Each lecture highlights key moments of […]
Historian and author Richard Bell traces the far-flung reverberations of American Revolution through the lives of the people it displaced, empowered, or destroyed. Participants will encounter a Native matriarch struggling to preserve a transatlantic military alliance, a Prussian officer reinventing himself in a foreign army, and a Boston schoolteacher shipwrecked thousands of miles from home. […]
American Revolutionaries is a series of gallery talks given by members of the curatorial team in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Each talk highlights artworks from the Burrows Gallery of American Decorative Arts, including silver from the Henry Morris and Elizabeth H. Burrows collection, which came to the Clark from an […]
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Time: 6:00–7:00 p.m. Location: Zoom Webinar Cost: Free and open to the public; advance registration required Join us for a virtual fireside chat with University of Virginia History Professor Andrew J. O’Shaughnessy, former Director of the Robert H. Smith International Center for Thomas Jefferson Studies at Monticello, who will discuss […]
Presidential historian Harold Holzer explores Abraham Lincoln’s views on immigration in Brought Forth on This Continent. Drawing on Lincoln’s words and actions, this forum examines how debates over newcomers, belonging, and national identity shaped the 19th century and continue to resonate in America today. Members Free | $10 Non-Members | Free Virtual
Join historian Bob Kelley of the Historical Society of Old Yarmouth for a fascinating talk on the saltworks developed on the uplands at Sesuit Creek in the East Precinct of Yarmouth. He will discuss why the Atlantic coast was unable to produce salt as efficiently as European countries, how the 1775 Prohibitory Act of Parliament […]
The American Revolution helped usher in greater religious toleration in Massachusetts. With the adoption of the Massachusetts Constitution in 1780, Catholics and other religious minorities were guaranteed freedom of worship in the Commonwealth. Although the path toward acceptance was not always easy, these changes allowed Catholicism to take root and, over time, become a defining […]
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 Library Assistant Brandon McGrath-Neely for "The Declaration in American Memory," a gallery talk on the exhibition 1776: Declaring Independence. Visitors are invited to explore the rest of the exhibition and ask questions. Attendance is free. Please visit here to register: https://www.masshist.org/events/gallery-talk-april-17-2026
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary and Boston’s celebration, join us for special fireside chats in our lobby with Historian Daniel Berger-Jones, a prominent Boston-based storyteller and reenactor who founded the Boston History Company. Daniel specializes in bringing local history to life through interactive, theatrical walking tours, lectures, and podcasts. Gather to recount tales of […]
Friday April 17, 2026 Patriots Vigil Ceremony 7:45 pm – 8:30 pm Luminaria 7:30 pm- 9:00 pm North Bridge, Concord 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, […]
Lexington’s Patriots’ Day celebration commemorates the opening moments of the American Revolution with moving reenactments, solemn ceremonies, and vibrant community events. At dawn, the Battle Green comes alive as militia and British regulars recreate April 19, 1775. Parades, historic homes, music, and family activities follow, honoring courage, sacrifice, and civic pride while welcoming visitors to […]
To celebrate Patriots’ Day, the Church of Our Redeemer, 6 Meriam Street, Lexington, MA, will host its annual Patriots’ Day Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 18 from 6:00 to 10:00 AM in the parish hall. We are located just past the bike path, across from the Lexington Visitor Center. A complete breakfast including pancakes & […]
Presented by the “Backroads of the South Shore,” a consortium of 20 non-profit organizations operating in 12 towns from Weymouth to Plymouth, this year’s South Shore History Symposium will once again feature presentations from five prominent local historians. In keeping with the 250th commemorations of 1776, the symposium will focus on “The Revolution, Independence, and […]
Step inside historic colonial-era homes on this new tour, offered April 18th only! In the 1600s, colonists from England settled an area of the North Shore region of Massachusetts and named their new town after their British one—Andover. Also encompassing the town of North Andover, which was established in the 1850s, the history of the […]
Beginning at 10:00 view the 1976 commemorative quilt created from embroidered panels submitted by Massachusetts students from towns along the Henry Knox Trail. Then at 11:00AM, local historian Dennis Picard will share some details of this wintry expedition as it passed from the Massachusetts town of North Egremont through Springfield, Palmer, and on to Boston. […]
Fall River invites families to experience history in motion. Ride to Freedom: A Revolutionary Family Celebration brings together storytelling, hands-on activities, and live reenactments to mark the spirit of Paul Revere’s midnight ride—right here in the Spindle City. Designed for all ages, this event transforms a day out into an interactive journey through the Revolutionary […]
Celebrate Patriots’ Day weekend with the Arlington Historical Society at the historic Jason Russell House & Museum with FREE guided tours, sponsored by Leader Bank. Visitors are invited to explore the site of the largest skirmish of the first battle of the American Revolutionary War and one of Arlington’s most important historic landmarks. Free tours […]
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 […]
Celebrate Patriots’ Day weekend at an indoor beer hall at Arlington Town Hall, featuring craft beer from Arlington Brewing Company. This family-friendly event will include live music, games, and arts and crafts for children. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from local businesses. This collaborative event is hosted by the Arlington Historical Society, […]
Much of the common knowledge of the Springfield Armory begins in 1794 when the manufacture of new muskets began. Lesser known is its history as the Continental Arsenal, a military ordnance depot established in 1777 by General Henry Knox, who called the site "one of the most proper spots in America on every account." Join […]
Join us at the Museum of Printing for Andy Volpe’s "Printing Revolution" lecture —press freedom and colonial resistance before Independence. Andy Volpe's "Printing Revolution" presentation, takes a look not only at the printing press and printing technology being considered "revolutionary", but also looking at what was printed. Including the idea of Freedom of the Press, […]
Step inside historic colonial-era homes on this new tour, offered April 18th only! In the 1600s, colonists from England settled an area of the North Shore region of Massachusetts and named their new town after their British one—Andover. Also encompassing the town of North Andover, which was established in the 1850s, the history of the […]
Celebrate Patriots’ Day weekend with the Arlington Historical Society at the historic Jason Russell House & Museum with FREE guided tours, sponsored by Leader Bank. Visitors are invited to explore the site of the largest skirmish of the first battle of the American Revolutionary War and one of Arlington’s most important historic landmarks. Free tours […]
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 Gen. Israel Putnam Chapter, DAR at the Holten House, to hear author Robert Hubbard discuss his biography of Major General Israel Putnam. The event is free, but seating is limited, reservations required.
Inspired by, and in remembrance of Boston’s original Liberty Tree – and those found throughout the colonies in the years leading up to, and during, the war for independence – and in recognition of the UNITED STATES SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL, the Agawam Historical Association will dedicate an American Elm on the grounds of the historic Thomas Smith […]
Experience history. Join us for a day of activities acknowledging Roxbury history and future: William Dawes ride re-enactment, free breakfast, historic talk, and Roxbury Historical Society historic trolley tour!
