MA250

Harold Holzer on Abraham Lincoln and American Immigration
2026-04-15 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
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

Salt and Revolution: The Saltworks of Cape Cod in the 18th Century
2026-04-16 10:30 - 12:00 | Cape Cod Museum of Art, 60 Hope Lane, Dennis, MA, 02638, United States
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 inspired Capt. John Sears to experiment with solar salt production on the eve of the Revolution, and how, in 1785, the hand pump from the wreck of the Somerset became part of that development.
Bob will explain how salt production shaped the region’s economy for more than 80 years—with help from tariffs enacted by Congress beginning in 1789—and identify the first salt makers whose innovations fueled this vital industry. He will also explore how solar salt production enabled the rapid spread of the Sears and Hattil Killey patents throughout the Cape after 1799, and why the industry began to decline in the mid-1800s.
Bob Kelley of South Yarmouth began his career as a manager of small manufacturing facilities in northern New Jersey for 13 years. He was a former corporate director for the Slim-Fast Foods Company for 20 years, V.P. Operations for Stein World, LLC 8 years, retiring in 2018. Bob is a commissioner with the Yarmouth Historic Commission, current President of the Historical Society of Old Yarmouth, and a tenth-generation Yarmouth Quaker descended from David OKillea of Kelley’s Bay on Bass River. He is a researcher and writer of the local history of South Yarmouth, with a heavy concentration in the subjects of genealogy, saltworks, Quakers, and the Indigenous Peoples of that town.
Bob has tracked the origins of solar salt production and discovered over three hundred saltworks-related deeds in Dennis and Yarmouth. He will produce a reference, picture and history book in early 2027 on Yarmouth Saltworks.
[Image credit: The old salt works, South Yarmouth, Mass. Digital Commonwealth, Historical Society of Old Yarmouth Image Collection. ]

Revolutionary Roads: From Anti-Catholicism to the founding of Emmanuel College
2026-04-16 12:15 - 13:30 | Emmanuel College, Pilgrim Road 103, Boston, MA, 02215, United States
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 characteristic of the Bay State.
Education, long central to Massachusetts society and its Puritan founders, was also a core value shared by Catholics. In 1849, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur arrived in Boston’s North End to educate Irish immigrants. Their mission of teaching and service continued to expand, culminating in the founding of Emmanuel College in 1919, the first Catholic women’s college in New England.
Join us for a panel presentation and discussion that connects the revolutionary spirit of 1776 with the pioneering work of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and their enduring legacy in Massachusetts.

Revolution 250 Salem Tour
2026-04-17 11:00 - 2026-04-19 12:30, 2026-04-18 11:00 - 2026-04-20 12:30, 2026-04-19 11:00 - 2026-04-21 12:30 | Salem Historical Tours, Central Street 8, Salem, Massachusetts, 01970, United States
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 Gage encountered some of his biggest challenges to his authority in Salem.
We always say that without Salem, the United States may not be the same United States we know today.
Come to Salem as part of the Rev250 Celebration and learn the incredible role our patriots played in the start of our country.
https://www.salemhistoricaltours.com/revolution-250-tour

Gallery Talk: The Declaration in American Memory
2026-04-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Massachusetts Historical Society, Boylston Street 1154, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
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

Fireside Chat with Historian & Guide Daniel Berger-Jones
2026-04-17 16:00 - 18:00 | 776 boylston street, Boylston Street 776, Boston, Massachusetts, 02199, United States
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 patriots, pivotal moments, and the city streets that shaped a nation, from the echoes of the Boston Tea Party to the midnight ride of Paul Revere. These engaging events will offer an inspiring experience to connect with Boston’s revolutionary past while commemorating 250 years of American independence, in the heart of the city where history was made.
Event is located in our lobby lounge and complimentary to hotel guests. Food and beverage available for purchase.
Limited availability and advanced booking encouraged.

Patriots Vigil at Old North Bridge
2026-04-17 19:30 - 21:00 | Old North Bridge, Old North Bridge, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
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, poetry, music, and a recitation of the names of the soldiers who gave their lives on that “ever-memorable” 19th of April.
The path from the North Bridge Visitor Center to the North Bridge will be lighted with 122 luminaries to honor those who lost their lives in the battle.
Lantern light procession* starts at North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty St, Concord, MA
*To participate in the lantern-light procession, please provide your own REAL candle lantern. The procession will begin at North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty Street, Concord Ma. From there we will march down the quarter-mile path to the North Bridge where the ceremony will take place. Participants are welcome to wear 18th century clothing if they choose, but please do not bring muskets.
This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park

Patriot's Day Celebration in Lexington
2026-04-18 | Lexington Battle Green, Lexington Battle Green, Lexington, 02421, United States
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 experience the town’s enduring revolutionary spirit through storytelling, education, reflection, and shared remembrance across generations and communities each historic spring.

Patriots’ Day Pancake Breakfast at the Church of Our Redeemer
2026-04-18 06:00 - 10:00 | The Church of Our Redeemer, 6 Meriam Street, Lexington, 02420, United States
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 & sausages, juice and choices of coffee, tea or hot chocolate is offered. Please join us in the Great Hall, for a warm, community atmosphere to celebrate the day. Proceeds from the event will benefit local charities.

South Shore History Symposium: The Revolution, Independence, and the South Shore
2026-04-18 09:00 - 13:00 | The Spire Center for the Performing Arts, Court Street 25 1/2, Plymouth, Massachusetts, 02360, United States
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 the South Shore.”
9:15 a.m. Welcoming Remarks, Donna Curtin, Back Roads of the South Shore Chair and Executive Director of Pilgrim Hall Museum
9:20 a.m. Privateers and Warships of Plymouth Bay during the Revolution, Patrick Browne, Executive Director of Plymouth Antiquarian Society
10:00 a.m. George Partridge—Duxborough’s Zealous Patriot and Bigwig of the Revolution, Tony Kelso, Duxbury Town Historian
10:40 a.m. Hingham’s Black Revolutionaries: Stories of Service on the Battlefield and Home Front, Paula Bagger, Hingham Historical Society
11:30 a.m. To Declare for Independence: South Shore Town Meetings in Revolutionary Massachusetts, Stephen C. O’Neill, Director, Hanover Historical Society & Director, Dyer Memorial Library
12:10 p.m. “Trill forth harmonious ditty”: Music of the American Revolution, Dr. Anne C. Mason, Curator, Pilgrim Hall Museum
For Tickets, please Check the Event Website. Or, contact info@plymouthantiquarian.org or call the Plymouth Antiquarian Society at (508) 746-0012.

Colonials of the North Shore: A Tour of Massachusetts Historic Home Interiors
2026-04-18 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-04-18 14:00 - 18:00 | Andover and North Andover, Massachusetts, United States
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 two locales includes nearly a third of all accused of witchcraft in Salem, early opposition to British taxes, men who marched to Lexington on April 19th, and the origins of the “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” anthem.
This tour will bring you inside several colonial-era homes found in these two locales, with many more highlighted from the comfort of our charter bus.
Vernacular farmhouses and Georgian and Federal homes are some topics of colonial-era architecture that will be seen and discussed on this tour, along with stories about the people and history of these places.
Interior stops include the oldest deeded house in North Andover, the birthplace of the country’s first postmaster general, and more!

Knox Trail 250 Event
2026-04-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Palmer Public Library, 1455 North Main Street, Palmer, 01069, United States
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. Though a piece of our local lore, some parts of this saga are still debated and remain controversial. Dennis has a personal connection with this event in our history, as he participated in one portion of the recreation of this trek during the bicentennial of 1976.
10:00-11:00AM – 1976 Quilt On Display*
11:00AM – 12:00PM – Dennis Picard Knox Trail Presentation
*Quilt will remain on display until library closing at 2PM.

Ride to Freedom: A Revolutionary Family Celebration
2026-04-18 11:00 - 14:00 | Fall River Carousel at Battleship Cove, Water Street 5, Fall River, Massachusetts, 02721, United States
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 era, where kids can explore, create, and imagine what life was like in 1775.
Event Schedule:
11:00AM
• Free Carousel Rides (11 AM – 2 PM)
• Live Radio Broadcast with Fun 107
• Revolutionary-Era Displays & Demonstrations
• Wedges of Time Spinning Demonstration
• Craft & Activity Area: Paper Lantern “Signal Station” Craft
• Dress-Up Station (Upper Level) – Kids can try on colonial hats and clothing—perfect for photos while riding the carousel.
• Colonial Lawn Games (Outside) – Step outside for classic games that bring history to life through play.
• Lafayette-Durfee House Information Table – Learn more, browse merchandise, and don’t miss the FREE giveaways!
• “Revolutionary Specials” at Gathering Grounds Cafe – Coffee, tea, and themed refreshments available for purchase.
12:00 PM – Featured Moment
Paul Revere Rides the Carousel – A can’t-miss highlight of the day!
Photo opportunities with Paul Revere
12:15 PM – Storytime on the Stage
Live Reading: The Landlord’s Tale (Midnight Ride of Paul Revere)
Presented by David R. Mello, Director of Children’s Services at the Fall River Public Library.
Kids are invited to gather and listen as this iconic story is brought to life.
12:30 – 1:00 PM – Hands-On Craft
“Minuteman” Craft Activity
Continue the creative fun with a guided craft inspired by Revolutionary history.
1:00 PM – Live Music
Bristol County Fife & Drum Performance
A lively musical experience (weather permitting) to close out the day with authentic Revolutionary sounds.
Whether you stay for an hour or the full afternoon, Ride to Freedom is designed to let families explore at their own pace—mixing education, creativity, and just the right amount of fun.

Free Guided Tours: Jason Russell House & Museum
2026-04-18 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-19 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-20 11:00 - 16:00 | Arlington Historical Society, Jason Street 7, Arlington, MA, 02476, United States
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 will be offered as part of the 251st anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the events that unfolded in Menotomy (now Arlington) on April 19, 1775, and see several bullet holes inside the House that remain from the fighting.
April 18 – April 20
11am – 4pm
7 Jason Street
Arlington, MA

Menotomy Beer Hall
2026-04-18 12:00 - 18:00 | Arlington Town Hall, 730 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476, United States
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, Town of Arlington and Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture.

The Most Proper Spot in America…
2026-04-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Springfield Armory National Historic Site, One Armory Square, Springfield, 01105, United States
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 Curator Alex MacKenzie as he delves into the beginnings of the Arsenal and the City of Springfield during the Revolutionary War.

Printing Revolution Lecture with Andy Volpe
2026-04-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Museum of Printing, 15 Thornton Ave, Haverhill, MA, 01832, United States
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, laws and acts passed to control the press, and the rebellious printing done against those laws, with an emphasis in the American Colonies leading up to the Declaration of Independence.
Andy will have several examples and replicas of documents on display after the presentation.Program is apx. 1 hour, and is free with Museum admission.

Old Put – Danvers Hero of the American Revolution
2026-04-19 13:00 - 14:30 | Tapley Memorial Hall, 13 Page Street, Danvers, MA, 01923, United States
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.

Dedication of Agawam’s Liberty Tree
2026-04-19 14:00 - 15:30 | Thomas Smith House, North West Street 251, Agawam, Massachusetts, 01030, United States
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 House, so that it may inspire future generations of patriots as we endeavor toward a MORE PERFECT UNION.
dedication | house tours | refreshments
• National anthem sung by Chelsea Casamento, Agawam High School Chamber Choir member
• 25th Continental Regiment Color Guard & musket salute
The c. 1757 Thomas Smith House and 1920 Delmore Hawthorne Garage will be open for tours.
Agawam’s Liberty Tree was generously donated and planted by Cascio Company
This event is free and open to the public.

Rox 250: Roxbury Patriots’ Day Reenactment
2026-04-20 08:00 - 12:45 | UU Urban Ministry, Putnam Street 10, Boston, MA, 02119, United States
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!

Patriots’ Day Celebration at Cyrus Dallin Museum (Arlington)
2026-04-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Cyrus Dallin Art Museum, 611 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474, United States
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 the Dallin Museum’s two favorite Paul Revere-themed poems – one by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the other by Cyrus Dallin himself. Learn about the Battle of Menotomy and imagine what it was like on that tumultuous day in 1775. Hear the fascinating story of Dallin’s battle to complete his famous monument to Paul Revere in Boston’s North End. Experience a beautiful small-scale cast of the statue in the east garden, and venture into the Museum to view a rare prototype.
This event takes place in Whittemore Park in front of the Dallin Museum. Bring a chair and/or blanket. Following the program, head to Town Hall where Paul Revere and William Dawes arrive at noon!

Patriots’ Day
2026-04-20 10:00 - 16:00 | Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Celebrate Patriots’ Day at the Concord Museum as we commemorate the anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord!
Visitors will:
Enjoy free admission to see the original Paul Revere lantern and dozens of objects that witnessed the founding of our nation, explore the new special exhibition, Revolutionary Legacies, experience a living history minutemen encampment with the Billerica Colonial Minutemen and Acton Minutemen, and join fun family activities and enjoy food trucks.

Revolutionary Library Crawl
2026-04-21 09:30 - 2026-05-09 16:00 | Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, 14 Union Street, South Hamilton, 01982, United States
Get ready for the Revolutionary Library Crawl!
Beginning April 21st, visit ten libraries throughout Northeastern MA as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of The American Revolution.
Visit an information desk at any of the participating libraries to pick up a crawl passport, complete an activity, and earn a passport stamp. Enjoy unique activities, history, and swag at each stop on your crawl. At Hamilton-Wenham, passports will be available beginning April 21.
5 stamps or more on your passport qualify you for an entry into a prize raffle. One prize basket is available per age group: children, teens, & adults. Turn your passport in at any participating library by May 9 to be entered into the raffle.
All ages are welcome to participate.
Participating Libraries: Hamilton-Wenham Public Library (South Hamilton, MA), Boxford Town Library (Boxford, MA), Peabody Institute Library (Danvers, MA), TOHP Burnham Public Library (Essex, MA), Georgetown Peabody Library (Georgetown, MA), Sawyer Free Library (Gloucester, MA), Langley-Adams Library (Groveland, MA), Ipswich Public Library (Ipswich, MA), Flint Public Library (Middleton, MA), Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library (Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA)

Boston Tea Party Tea Tasting
2026-04-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Swansea Free Public Library, Main Street 69, Swansea, Massachusetts, 02777, United States
Reach back to Colonial times and sample teas from that age.
Tea was a staple in colonial America. It became a symbol of British oppression and colonial protest. Refusal to drink tea, and events such as the Boston Tea Party were acts of resistance that led to our country’s founding.
Therapy Gardens will guide us through the Boston Tea Party, including the famous ships involved, the Sons of Liberty and “taxation without representation.”
This program is sponsored by the Swansea Cultural Council, a local agency, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

All About Tea During Early America
2026-04-22 18:30 - 19:30 | Bigelow Free Public Library, 54 Walnut St, Clinton, MA, 01510, United States
How a tiny dry leaf from the other side of the globe worked its way into the cultural identity of a young nation.
Join living history interpreter Audrey Stuck-Girard as she prepares a few cups of 18th-century tea with antique teaware and discusses the ways the beverage impacted cultural traditions, global trade, and revolutionary politics in 1700s America.
Audrey Stuck-Girard is an actor, costumer, and living history interpreter who has been portraying Abigail Adams and other historical figures from Revolutionary America for over a decade. A true millennial, she works a full-time job while fostering several “side-hustles” through her one-woman business, Cuffed & Coiffed. Audrey collaborates with educators, historical societies, and venues of all sizes to create and perform programs on early American history. Additionally, she has developed some renown as the person to go to for an 18th-century man’s wig.
