Gallery Tour, "Protest & Promise: The American Revolution in Lexington"
2025-11-22 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA, 02421, United States
In 2025, the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library is celebrating its 50th anniversary with special gallery talks, engaging lectures, and exhibitions drawn from our rich collections. Our gallery exhibition “Protest & Promise: The American Revolution in Lexington” examines how an entire community—women, men, black, white, young, old, enslaved, and free—helped spark a revolution. Join museum staff this Saturday November 22 at 11 AM for a free gallery tour of this exhibition.

“Dreadful were the Vestages of war:” Three Human Stories of April 19, 1775
2025-11-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA, 02421, United States
Joel Bohy, military historian and Antiques Roadshow presenter, will give a lecture on Lexington’s Revolutionary War veterans at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library on November 20, 2025, followed by a signing of his 2025 book, Bullet Strikes From the First Day of the American Revolution.
The lecture will take a closer look at three individuals involved in the beginning of the war: John Robbins of Lexington who was badly wounded on April 19, James Hayward of Acton who was mortally wounded at Fiske Hill in Lexington, and a British soldier who was wounded in Lexington on April 19 and went on to join the Lexington militia and the Continental Army.
This lecture is co-sponsored by Lexington History Museums and the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, as part of SRMML’s 50th anniversary programming. It will take place in person at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library and will be live streamed by local community access partner LexMedia. Livestream link will be posted prior to the event.
Schedule:
6:00: Doors open for viewing of special exhibition Protest & Promise: The American Revolution in Lexington
7:00: Lecture
8:00 Book Signing

Opening Reception for the Rotch 250th Exhibition & Artist’s Talk
2025-11-20 18:00 - 19:30 | The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum, County Street 396, New Bedford, MA, 02740, United States
Join the RJD for a reception and be the first to see RJD’s newest exhibition, Unraveling the Revolutionary Journey of William Rotch Sr. The exhibition features the art of a new historical graphic novel “Quaker, Whaler, Traitor, Spy! The Trials of William Rotch” written by Dr. Sarah Crabtree and illustrated by Melissa “Sawhand” Philley. Twenty prints of art in the book will be on display. The artist, Melissa Philley will speak about her work at 6:30pm. This event is free and open to the public.
Accused of treason four times by three governments in two revolutionary decades (1775 – 1795), William Rotch suffered from the “with-us-or-against-us” political landscape of the late eighteenth century. A Quaker, he opposed wars for independence and empire. Yet he downplayed and even withheld key details from his story, a second narrative that began with the Boston Tea Party, stretched across the world, and made him one of the wealthiest men in America.
This exhibit invites the viewer – you! – to decide which label best describes him. Along the way, we’ll revisit some famous (and infamous!) events and we’ll hear from a few characters you’ve definitely heard of and some maybe you haven’t. What we hope is that you’ll agree his-story is a way of reapproaching how history is made – a story that is as much about who and what we remember as how and why we remember them.

Sacred Rebellion Virtual Exhibition Tour
2025-11-13 17:00 - 18:00 | Online
Back by popular demand, this encore virtual tour of the Congregational Library & Archives’ new in-person exhibition, Sacred Rebellion, will be hosted by Executive Director Dr. Kyle Roberts and New England’s Hidden Histories Project Director and Sacred Rebellion curator Dr. Tricia Peone.
By the time the American Revolution began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that their cause was a morally justified, sacred rebellion. Through sermons, books, poems, songs, and letters, Congregationalists shared their stories, reflected on their moral obligations to each other, and debated questions of liberty and loyalty. But consensus was elusive, and implementation proved difficult and unsatisfactory to many, especially those on the margins.
The interactive tour will be hosted on Zoom, with registration limited to a small group of attendees. Participants will view Revolutionary-era treasures from the collections; hear stories about how Congregationalists experienced the period leading up to, during, and immediately following the war; have opportunities to ask questions; and reflect on what this pivotal event means 250 years later.
Registration is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Tickets must be purchased by Tuesday, November 11th at https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/CongregationalLibrary/SRVirtual11.html
After registering, you will receive an email with information about attending the event.
Email any questions to programs@14beacon.org.
SPEAKER BIOS
Dr. Kyle Roberts was appointed the Executive Director of the Congregational Library & Archives in 2022. He received his BA in American Studies from Williams College and his PhD in History from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to coming to the CLA, he was Associate Director of Library & Museum Programming at the American Philosophical Society and Associate Professor of Public History and New Media and Director of the Center for Textual Studies and Digital Humanities at Loyola University Chicago.
A scholar of Atlantic World religion, print, and library history, he is the author of Evangelical Gotham: Religion and the Making of New York City, 1783-1860 (Chicago, 2016), the co-editor, with Stephen Schloesser, of Crossings and Dwellings: Restored Jesuits, Women Religious, American Experience 1814-2014 (Brill, 2017) and, with Mark Towsey, of Before the Public Library: Reading, Community, and Identity in the Atlantic World, 1650-1850 (Brill, 2017).
Kyle is an accomplished public historian and digital humanist whose collaborative projects include the Jesuit Libraries Provenance Project, the Maryland Loyalism Project, and Dissenting Academies Online: Virtual Library System. In addition to being the consultant for numerous digital and public history projects, he sits on the executive committees of the American Catholic Historical Association, the New England Historical Association, the Urban History Association He is on the editorial and advisory boards for American Catholic Studies, Early American Studies, and portal.
Dr. Tricia Peone joined the CLA in 2022 as the Project Director for New England’s Hidden Histories. Prior to joining the CLA, she was a research scholar at Historic New England for the Recovering New England’s Voices project. She has also previously worked as the public programs director at New Hampshire Humanities, a university lecturer teaching classes on the Salem witch trials, early New England, and public history, and as a researcher for cultural heritage organizations. She holds a PhD in history from the University of New Hampshire with a specialization in the early modern Atlantic world and history of science.

"Spies Among Us" year long exhibit opening on February 6th 2025
2025-11-09 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-12 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Golden Ball Tavern Museum, Boston Post Road 662, Weston, Massachusetts, 02493, United States
“Spies Among Us” will open on Thursday, February 6th at 10 a.m. during the museum’s first Thursday opening hours. We will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 6th and will be open every Thursday going forward from 10-4. We will also showcase the exhibit during our February Second Sunday Open House on Sunday, February 9th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The exhibit will recall the story of General Gage’s spies who visited the Tavern in 1775, explore examples of espionage on both sides, and examine the many ways of spying that were used during the American Revolution.
Spycraft played a pivotal role during the American Revolution, with both the Continental Army and British forces using intelligence operations to gain strategic advantages. The Golden Ball Tavern and its proprietor Isaac Jones, played host on a few occasions to British spies sent, by General Thomas Gage, to survey the towns that were scattered around the area from Boston to Worcester. This was just one of the British military’s tactics for keeping the Patriots in line. On the American side, espionage was essential in countering the British military’s superior resources and manpower.
The spycraft of the American Revolution was marked by its ingenuity, the use of civilian networks, and the blending of military and civilian espionage tactics. Though it was often risky and unreliable, intelligence-gathering operations played a critical role in the eventual success of the American cause, allowing the Continental Army to take advantage of British vulnerabilities and ultimately secure victory.
Join us as we introduce our new exhibit and our new Thursday opening hours. The museum will continue to be open every second Sunday of the month for our Second Sunday Open House Tours and will now be open every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
We look forward to welcoming you!

250th Marine Corps Birthday Weekend onboard Quincy's USS Salem Museum Ship
2025-11-09 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-08 10:00 - 16:00 | United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum, South Street 549, Quincy, Massachusetts, 02169, United States
In honor of the US Marine Corps 250th Birthday, United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum is offering Free Admission for US Marine Corps Active Duty & Veterans on Saturday, November 8th & Sunday, November 9th from 10am – 4pm. Honors will be rendered for service members. Commandant’s Video Birthday Message will be shown throughout the day.
On 10 November 1775, the Continental Congress resolved, “That two Battalions of Marines be raised… that they be distinguished by the names of the first and second battalions of American Marines…” Founding Father John Adams is recognized as the Father of the US Navy. Quincy is the hometown of 2nd US President Adams and has a proud maritime history showcased onboard USS Salem. General Paul X. Kelley, 28th Commandant of the Marine Corps served as Commanding Officer of Salem’s Marine Detachment from 1952-54. His uniform is on display in the Salem Association Memorial Room.

Artist Workshop - Historical Graphic Novel Edition
2025-11-08 12:00 - 15:00 | New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center, William Street 33, New Bedford, MA, 02740, United States
With The New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
Melissa “Sawhand” Philley, the graphic artist and illustrator of the graphic novel: Quaker, Whaler, Traitor, Spy! The Trials of William Rotch, presents a hands-on art workshop for youth ages 12 and up. Artists of all skill levels are welcome. The workshop is free and takes place at the NBWNHP Visitor Center, in New Bedford. Some supplies will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own pens, pencils, and markers.
This talk is a part of the project titled, “America’s 250th: Unraveling the Revolutionary Journey of William Rotch Sr.”. The project explores a new historical graphic novel about the life of William Rotch Sr., penned by Dr. Sarah Crabtree and illustrated by Melissa Philley, through a series of programs and an exhibition of about 20 artworks from the book, opening at the RJD onNovember 20. It is funded by Eastern National, a non-profit partner of the National Park Service.

Awake, Rise, Act: Contemporary Broadsides at the Museum of Printing
2025-10-27 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-20 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-13 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-06 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-29 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-22 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Museum of Printing, 15 Thornton Ave, Haverhill, MA, 01832, United States
Haverhill’s Museum of Printing this summer is featuring broadsides, essentially posters, created by local artists to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the “Shot Heard Round the World.”
“Awake, Rise, Act: Contemporary Broadsides at the Museum of Printing” run through Aug. 30. The exhibition draws inspiration from broadsides that were generated at the beginning of the American Revolution. Just as in 1775, the contemporary broadsides urge viewers to “awake, rise, act.”
Artists featured include, Sandra Cardillo, Megan Cascella, Barbara Corrigan, Renee Covalucci, Deborah Epstein, Elissa Freud, Gail Hansen, Sharon Hayes, Rebekah Lord Gardiner, Steve Murakishi, Susan Murie, Marie Nolan, Charles Norris, Andrew Palladino, Molly Paul, Kelli Sacher, Laurie Sheffield, Liz Shepherd and Saskia Van Vactor.

Celebrate US Navy 250th Birthday & President Adams onboard Quincy's Museum Ship USS Salem
2025-10-12 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-11 10:00 - 16:00 | United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum, South Street 549, Quincy, Massachusetts, 02169, United States
The United States.08. Naval Shipbuilding Museum is celebrating US Navy 250th Birthday onboard USS Salem on Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12. The museum will be open from 10am – 4pm and is offering free admission for US Navy Active Duty & Veterans. Quincy has a rich shipbuilding and military history. The Salem’s Volunteer Crew will “dress ship” Saturday, weather permitting and render boarding honors to all Naval Service members both days in honor of this special occasion.
Special tour information will also recognize John Adams legacy over the Navy’s birthday weekend. Quincy is the proud hometown of 2nd US President John Adams. On 5 October 1775, Congress created the first of a series of committees to study naval matters. From that time onward throughout his career Adams championed the establishment and strengthening of an American Navy. He was so active and effective in forwarding the nation’s naval interests that he is often called “the Father of the Navy”.
John Adams re-enactor Michael LePage will be onboard Saturday greeting visitors. Hear from John Adams himself as he discusses his earliest beginnings in Braintree through his days as delegate of the Continental Congress and foreign ambassador. Hear his opinions of his contemporaries and how he longs to be home with his “dearest friend,” Abigail, and their children. Mr. Adams’ singular wit is appealing to children and adults!
The 3-5-0 Girls will bring their “Remember the Ladies” Exhibit onboard Saturday as they celebrate 250 years of women serving alongside and in the Navy; as women did contribute significantly to the military throughout American history.
Internationally acclaimed The Johnson Girls will perform Saturday from 1:30-2:30pm. They have been recognized as a force on the folk and maritime music scene for the past 27 years as the leading all-woman, a cappella maritime group in the world.
USNSM is a sub-grant recipient of Discover Quincy’s Massachusetts 250 grant funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism. General admission is $12-15. USNSM participates in the Massachusetts Cultural Council Card to Culture Program offering $5 admission for Massachusetts residents who show their Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), Healthcare Connector, or Women, Infant, Children (WIC) card.

Revolutionary Voices
2025-10-11 09:30 - 16:30 | Pilgrim Hall Museum, Court Street 75, Plymouth, Massachusetts, 02360, United States
Indigenous People’s Day: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Free with museum admission. Enjoy special programs on Wampanoag history from 10 am to 2 pm, free with general Museum admission; see documents of Indigenous soldiers in the American Revolution and participate in a range of family activities!
Revolutionary Voices: A Benefit Performance for Pilgrim Hall – 6 – 8:30pm. Don’t miss Revolutionary Voices: Plymouth Debates Liberty & Loyalists, an original play in one act by Patrick T.J. Browne. This riveting dramatization of Plymouth’s deliberations during the escalating tensions of the American Revolution is based on authentic records and features commentary from Mercy Otis Warren, a trailblazing political thinker during an extraordinary era of change, portrayed by Michelle Gabrielson of the Mercy Otis Warren Society. Enjoy a Q&A with play’s creator, Dr. Browne, and acclaimed Warren biographer Nancy Rubin Stuart following the performance. TICKETS: $75 pp. Light refreshments & cash bar; reservations required.
This benefit event includes an Adopt and Artifactsilent auction to help conserve and exhibit objects owned by Mercy Otis Warren, including her exquisitely wrought needlework card table, and items associated with Wampanoag activist Zerviah Gould Mitchell, including fragile manuscript records of Indigenous soldiers in the Revolutionary War.
PRESENTED WITH THE PLYMOUTH ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY & THE MERCY OTIS WARREN SOCIETY
For more information, contact development@pilgrimhall.org, (508) 746 –1620, ext. 3

ALICE FAITH WILLARD: ARTIST, TEACHER & PIONEER - A Retrospective Exhibition of the artwork of Alice Faith Willard
2025-10-07 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-10-07 08:00 - 17:00 | Richard Salter Storrs Library, 693 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA, 01106, United States
Opening reception with a presentation about the artist.
The Longmeadow Historical Society is proud to announce a retrospective exhibition of the art works of Alice Faith Willard (1866-1946), during the month of October 2025. Alice Willard was the first art teacher in the Longmeadow Schools, implementing the Massachusetts Drawing Act of 1870 based on her training at the Massachusetts Normal Art School (now MassArt). She extended her leadership to Springfield, East Longmeadow, Hampden, Ludlow, and Wilbraham. Once established as an artist and teacher, she went on to study with William Merritt Chase at the Shinnecock Art Colony on Long Island, NY in 1897.
The retrospective is sponsored by the Longmeadow Historical Society in cooperation with the Richard Salter Storrs Library. It includes watercolors, oils, pencil and charcoal sketches and drawings, gel prints, and miscellaneous personal items. In 1999 and again in 2025, family members donated the majority of her known pieces of artwork to the Longmeadow Historical Society. Researched and curated by Historical Society board member Robert Abel, “Alice Faith Willard: Artist, Teacher, and Pioneer” is the first public exhibition of Willard’s works since her death almost 80 years ago.

Transformed by Revolution at the Concord Museum
2025-10-03 10:00 - 16:00 | Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Come see the Concord Museum’s new special exhibit, Transformed by Revolution, on opening day! Transformed by Revolution is on display from October 3, 2025, to February 22, 2026.
Explore how ideas about community and belonging changed during and after the American Revolution. Learn about the impact of Harvard University’s temporary relocation to Concord, the daily experiences of families and children, and the networks of care among Black and Indigenous families from the exhibition’s co-curators David Wood, Curator, and Susan Foster Jones, Director of Education and Visitor Experience.
Join Curator talks at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm on October 3.
Free with Museum admission | Members visit free. There is no advanced ticketing; participation is on a first-come basis.

History Happens in Graphic Novels: Artist’s Talk
2025-10-01 18:30 - 19:30 | New Bedford Free Public Library, Pleasant Street 613, New Bedford, Massachusetts, 02740, United States
With the New Bedford Free Public Library
Melissa “Sawhand” Philley, graphic artist and illustrator gives a talk about her latest graphic novel: Quaker, Whaler, Traitor, Spy! The Trials of William Rotch, an artistic collaboration with history professor, Dr. Sarah Crabtree. This talk will include an artist-led activity and other fun games. This is taking place at the New Bedford Free Public Library
This talk is a part of the project titled, “America’s 250th: Unraveling the Revolutionary Journey of William Rotch Sr.”. The project explores a new historical graphic novel about the life of William Rotch Sr., penned by Dr. Sarah Crabtree and illustrated by Melissa Philley, through a series of programs and an exhibition of about 20 artworks from the book, opening at the RJD on November 20. It is funded by Eastern National, a non-profit partner of the National Park Service

Presidential Pets Party
2025-09-27 11:00 - 15:00 | John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, Massachusetts, 02125, United States
You’re invited to a day full of activities for the whole family, all pet-themed and all fun!
-Try out pet-inspired maker activities
-Discover which historical White House pet best matches your personality
-Make a wearable mask of your animal pet
-Attend a pet-centered State Dinner
and more!
Please note: We love your pets, but only service animals allowed.
All activities are free with paid admission. Youths ages 17 and under are free. Multiple additional discount options are always available, including student, military, senior, and EBT.
Getting to the JFK Library
Parking is free at the JFK Library.
A Paul Revere shuttle bus will be running from the JFK/UMass MBTA stop on the Red Line to the JFK Library.
Sensory Flexibility
Adaptive maker activities and a Flexible Calming Space will be available for anyone who needs a break at any time. This is an inclusive program and people both with and without disabilities are always welcomed.
Security
To make your experience safe and enjoyable, the JFK Library takes the safety and security of all guests, staff, and visitors seriously. Upon entry to this federal building, all visitors must pass through a security check with a metal detector. All bags will be searched by Security Officers upon entry. See our FAQ for more details.

Gallery Tour, "Protest & Promise: The American Revolution in Lexington"
2025-09-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA, 02421, United States
In 2025, the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library is celebrating its 50th anniversary with special gallery talks, engaging lectures, and exhibitions drawn from our rich collections. Our gallery exhibition “Protest & Promise: The American Revolution in Lexington” examines how an entire community—women, men, black, white, young, old, enslaved, and free—helped spark a revolution. Join museum staff this Saturday September 27 for a free gallery tour of this exhibition!

Colonial Faire and Muster of Fyfe & Drum
2025-09-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Wayside Inn – 72 Wayside Inn Rd. Sudbury, MA 01776, Wayside Inn Road 72, Sudbury, MA, 01776, United States
● Sudbury 250 sponsors the Colonial Faire and Muster of Fyfe & Drum with living history demonstrations of life in colonial New England.
● Join us on the grounds of the historic Longfellow’s Wayside Inn for a full day of music, muskets, history, and fun.
● 10 AM The Faire opens with a Colonial encampment, militia and crafts demonstrations, and contradancing. We expect dozens of colonial and craft vendors and 25 fife and drum corps from across New England and New York. Food is available on the field.
● 12 PM The Grand Parade of fifes and drums will begin promptly at noon and will be followed directly by a performance by each of the corps attending. The muster is a celebration rather than a competition: The corps are appearing by invitation and attend to share their music and friendship.
The Sudbury 250 Committee cordially invites Sudbury residents of all ages to our fall 2025 programs. The events are uniquely Sudbury and deeply rooted in the American Revolution. Each fun and festive program is FREE to the public and offers valuable insight into our nation’s history.

Paginations: Back Bay to the Berkshires: Celebrating 250 Years of Art in Massachusetts
2025-09-26 10:00 - 2025-11-16 17:00 | Massachusetts
Back Bay to the Berkshires: Celebrating 250 Years of Art in Massachusetts looks at some of the artists and artistic innovations associated with the Bay State through their relationship with book illustration, printing, and publishing. This display is held in conjunction with MA250 (a celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and the start of the American Revolution) and highlights the revolutionary spirit upon which the state was founded.
This display, free and open to the public, is drawn from the Clark Art Institute library’s collections and curated by library staff.
An Island Garden, Boston, Houghton Mifflin, 1894. Celia Thaxter, author, Childe Hassam (born Dorchester, Massachusetts), illustrator
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Admission is always free for members, students with ID. And children (under 12). General admission is $20.

Witness: Hingham in the Age of Revolution
2025-09-17 10:00 - 16:00 | Hingham Heritage Museum, Main Street 34, Hingham, MA, 02043, United States
As the Nation marks 250 years of independence, Witness: Hingham in the Age of Revolution explores how one New England town experienced the ideas, contradictions, and upheavals of the American Revolution. Through the lives of Hingham’s residents– white and Black, free and enslaved– this immersive new exhibit traces the ups & downs forging of a nation.
Spanning from the 1667 Wampatuck Deed to the aftermath of the Revolutionary War, Witness invites you to confront complex questions at the heart of America’s founding: Who belonged? What was worth fighting for? And what did liberty cost? This exhibit was produced thanks to the generous support of MA250 and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.
Public Transportation from Boston: Visitors can reach the Hingham Heritage Museum easily by public transit, with service via the MBTA commuter rail (Greenbush Line to West Hingham Station) or the scenic MBTA ferry from Boston to Hingham Harbor. Call for a pick up when you arrive at the Hingham train platform or ferry dock.
Questions? Call (781) 749-7721 or email info@hinghamhistorical.org

Benedict Arnold in Danvers
2025-09-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Tapley Memorial Hall, 13 Page Street, Danvers, MA, 01923, United States
Did you know that when Benedict Arnold was still on the Patriots’ side of the Revolution, he and his troops camped in Danvers?
One of the most strategic and daring exploits of the patriot cause during the revolution. Part of the troops encamped in the Town of Danvers on the night of September 14, 1775, on their way to Newburyport where they embarked for the Kennebec and their famous march through the pathless wilds of Maine successfully accomplished in spite of formidable obstacles and excessive privations.
