Join Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David Blight for a compelling forum on the evolving meaning of American independence. Drawing on his scholarship on Frederick Douglass, Blight will explore how the ideals of the Declaration of Independence have been interpreted and contested over time. Professor Blight will discuss Frederick Douglass’s 1852 speech, “What to the Slave Is […]
An estimated 300 houses survive in Marblehead, MA from before the time of the American Revolution (even if modified by later generations) out of perhaps 525 or so that existed as the war began, when Marblehead was still the sixth most populous metropolis in British North America. And because it is estimated that more than […]
A chocolate mill opened in Boston in the late 1700s, setting the stage for New England’s enduring love affair with sweets. Over the following centuries, the region has become home to an extraordinary variety of baked, fried, dipped, sugared, and frozen confections. Massachusetts gave us candy classics like Necco Wafers, Sky Bars, and Junior Mints. […]
How to Feed an Army "In search of a bit of gravy" with food historian Stacy Booth ~ How was the Continental Army was supplied with food? ~ How was food cooked and processed? ~ How was it different from what soldiers ate at home? ~ How was their diet and and food production different […]
Join a member of the Adams Papers staff for 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-may-8-2026
Plumb Library and the Rochester Historical Society are excited to be hosting local author Robert Barboza on Saturday, May 9, at noon to talk about his latest book: Patriots of the South Coast. He will be talking about South Coast soldiers, sailors, and ship builders who played important roles in the American Revolution, including two […]
Plumb Library and the Rochester Historical Society are excited to be hosting local author Robert Barboza on Saturday, May 9, at noon to talk about his latest book: Patriots of the South Coast. He will be talking about South Coast soldiers, sailors, and ship builders who played important roles in the American Revolution, including two […]
Join Sandwich Glass Museum Curator, Bonnie Lilienfeld, for an inside look at the role glass played in the life of Yarmouth colonists, including the lesser-known glass tax imposed on them along with the famous tax on tea!
Join the Historical Society of Old Yarmouth and Sandwich Glass Museum Curator, Bonnie Lilienfeld, for an inside look at the role glass played in the life of Yarmouth colonists, including the lesser-known glass tax imposed on them along with the famous tax on tea!
Join author Karen Warfield as she presents a glimpse at life in colonial times here in Agawam. Beginning with a dramatization of a young colonial woman, Karen will introduce us to her historical fiction novel which begins in Agawam, MA and meanders through Hartford, CT and down to the area of Gales Ferry. The book […]
Join author Karen Warfield as she presents a glimpse at life in colonial times here in Agawam. Beginning with a dramatization of a young colonial woman, Karen will introduce us to her historical fiction novel which begins in Agawam, MA and meanders through Hartford, CT and down to the area of Gales Ferry. The book […]
Historian Beverly Gage discusses This Land Is Your Land, a sweeping examination of American democracy, protest, and power. Drawing on vivid stories and deep research, Gage traces how struggles over rights, belonging, and national identity have shaped the nation and why those struggles continue to matter today. Supported in part by Mass Humanities. Members Free […]
Experience the untold stories of courage and conviction from five remarkable women who witnessed and shaped the American Revolution. Presented by Rita Parisi of Waterfall Productions. Step back in time and discover the untold stories of five courageous women – both patriot and loyalist, both American and foreign-born – who witnessed, chronicled, and in some […]
Well-known local author Sally Cabot Gunning celebrates colonial women in this anniversary year.
Educational Programming delivered in first person (Sandy IS Martha Washington, as if it were 1784): Spend time with Mrs. Washington as she completes dressing for her day in this interactive and informative program. During the time together, Mrs. Washington will share news of her family, and how the current events that her husband is so […]
As part of our series celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Topsfield Town Library is excited to host Audrey Stuck-Girard, with a portrayal of Abigail Adams in a first-person speech/lecture format (with room for some questions at the end) with a focus on the following: How the Adamses were pulled into public […]
As part of our series celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Topsfield Town Library is excited to host Audrey Stuck-Girard, with a portrayal of Abigail Adams in a first-person speech/lecture format (with room for some questions at the end) with a focus on the following: How the Adamses were pulled into public […]
Join the Braintree Historical Society for the third of it spring lecture series where Chris Griffin will introduce us to King George III, the country's last king.
The Friends of Westport Library host two Power Point presentations exploring the development of American art from the colonial period through the early Republic. This light-hearted interactive approach encourages the audience to "think about what you see." This free program welcomes adults of all ages, including memory-impaired and caregivers. The venue is handicapped accessible. Part […]
The American Revolution has been contested since its very beginning. During the Revolution, contemporaries looking to understand what independence meant had to shift through disinformation and journalism rife with as many opinions as today. In the war's aftermath, narratives of the Revolution went through continuous reinterpretations in response to political and social changes. From the […]
Join Revolutionary War reenactor Steve Joanis to learn about what 18th century soldiers wore and how the uniform changed over time. After this presentation, you'll have a better idea of: Revolutionary War soldiers' clothing & how it changed during the war What's in an 18th century soldier's pack What they carried
Soldiers & Sailors is a historical narrative that offers a local perspective on the American Revolution, featuring images by South Dennis artist Howard Bonington and others. Researched and written by Diane Rochelle of the Dennis Historical Commission, the book includes an appendix of brief biographies of East Precinct Patriots buried in Dennis cemeteries, accompanied by […]
GLOBALIZING THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION May 21, 2026, 4pm When we think of the American Revolution, we often picture a parochial drama: thirteen colonies squaring off against the British Crown in a spirited bid for independence. But this version of the story is only half the truth—and perhaps not even the most interesting half. In this […]
Often have been told in detail the bloody events that took place in Menotomy (Arlington) on the first day of the American Revolution. But how did Menotomy, then a rural precinct of Cambridge, recover from the shocking episodes and carry on while war was still raging mere miles away in Boston? Join the Arlington Historical […]
Illustrated Talk. Hear how, on his 27th birthday in May 1776, Captain James Mugford of Marblehead became an early Revolutionary War hero and martyr, killed in combat by the British in retaliation for audaciously -- and fortuitously for Commander-in-Chief Washington and his army -- capturing a 300-ton British supply ship a day or two before. […]
This program was rescheduled from its original date of 20 October 2025. Many of us give only a moment’s thought about the environment when considering the War of Independence: the slope of Breed’s Hill, the ice-choked Delaware River, and diseases such as smallpox. But what might we gain by connecting biology, ecology, and geology to […]
As part of the Topsfield Library's Rev 250 programming marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we are excited to host Jane Oneail! Join us in celebrating America's extraordinary artistic legacy as we commemorate our nation's 250th anniversary with a curated exploration of the masterworks that have defined our cultural identity. […]
Illustrated Talk. Hear how, on his 27th birthday in May 1776, Captain James Mugford of Marblehead became an early Revolutionary War hero and martyr, killed in combat by the British in retaliation for audaciously -- and fortuitously for Commander-in-Chief Washington and his army -- capturing a 300-ton British supply ship a day or two before. […]
Annual Meeting of the Agawam Historical Association featured presentation: Meet John Adams: A Lively and Revolutionary Conversation with America’s Second President Following the election of officers & directors and a short business meeting, George Baker will transport audience members to the Revolutionary era with his engaging and entertaining portrayal of President John Adams. Wearing historically […]
The Friends of Westport Library host two Power Point presentations exploring the development of American art from the colonial period through the early Republic. This light-hearted interactive approach encourages the audience to "think about what you see." This free program welcomes adults of all ages, including memory-impaired and caregivers. The venue is handicapped accessible. Part […]
The Upton Historical Society invites the public to step back in time with a special narrated bus tour to one of Upton’s earliest surviving workshop buildings — the 1788 Seth Wood Boot Shop and the Old First Cemetery founded in 1735. Interpreters will be on site to tell these stories. The tour will take place […]
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 5:00 and the program will begin 6:00 PM. Please visit here to register: https://www.masshist.org/events/drafting-independence America’s founding documents have echoed throughout global […]
The Upton Historical Society invites the community to step back in time for a special program, Tea with Martha, held at the United Parish on Thurs June 4th at 11:00 a.m. Attendees will enjoy an engaging, first person portrayal of Martha Washington, brought to life through a dramatic reading by Cheryl Lampshire, D.M with the […]
Performing Arts Center, Brewster America 250 Series, In Person & Livestreamed The Battle of Bunker Hill, Presented by Dr. Kenyn Cureton This America 250 lecture celebrates God's Providence during our nation’s fight for Independence, highlighting key moments of divine intervention that took place during the Revolutionary War. Free admission for all! Info: 508-240-2400 | artsempoweringlife.org
Fashion, clothing, and textiles have emerged recently as important sources for better understanding our nation’s history. To mark Historic New England’s new exhibition, Myth and Memory: Stories of the American Revolution, we are bringing together scholars and curators from around New England to share stories about soldiers of color, patriotic women, and the Founding Fathers—and […]
Illustrated talk about how an artillery commander from Marblehead defied his superior officers at the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775, by leading his cannon company into the thick of the fray, rather than retreating, and dragging the only American field-piece down off the hill as the American forces retreated. That would prove […]
Illustrated talk about how an artillery commander from Marblehead defied his superior officers at the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775, by leading his cannon company into the thick of the fray, rather than retreating, and dragging the only American field-piece down off the hill as the American forces retreated. That would prove […]
Join us at the Agawam Public Library for an evening of Revolutionary War history as we continue to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Alex MacKenzie of the Springfield Armory will bring to life the importance of our local area in contributing support to the war. Following the creation of the Continental Army […]
Join us on Saturday, June 20, 2026, as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of Yarmouth’s own Declaration of Independence. Step back into the year 1776 and experience the spirit of the American Revolution right here in Yarmouth Port. This event is a powerful tribute to the 477 "Old Yarmouth" patriots who fought for our freedom, […]
Pulitzer Prize–winning biographer and Adams native Stacy Schiff returns home for a special MA250 Festival keynote on June 20, 2026. In conversation with interlocutor Sara Houghteling, Schiff will explore the fiery origins of the American Revolution as detailed in her latest work, The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams, while offering an exclusive look at her current research […]
Our nation's fathers harmonize their way through the founding of America in this musical adapted from a popular Broadway show. Representatives from the 13 colonies gather in Philadelphia with the aim of establishing a set of governmental rules for the burgeoning United States. Benjamin Franklin (Howard da Silva) and John Adams (William Daniels) charge Thomas […]
Publishing for the 250th anniversary of the United States, When the Declaration of Independence Was News focuses on the nation’s founding document at the moment of its creation in 1776, before anyone knew what the legacy of the Declaration would be or if the United States would win the war against Great Britain. It explores […]
America's Food at 250: What is the state of American food on its 250th birthday? In this talk we'll look at all the flavors, dishes and cooks that got us here, from the Indigenous ingredients that shape regional American cuisine, to the influence of the African kitchen, to the fast food revolution. About the Speaker: […]
Cape Cod and Islands in the Revolution –A new illustrated book about the events of the Revolutionary War on Cape Cod and the Islands provides an overview of key events for our region between 1761 and 1783, eventually leading to national Independence. An overview of highlights from the book will be presented as part of […]
As part of the Topsfield Library's Rev 250 programming marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and with tall ships visiting Boston for Sail Boston 2026 , we are excited to host author James L. Nelson to discuss his book George Washington's Secret Navy. ABOUT THE BOOK: In 1775, General George […]
Join us as we celebrate the birth of our country with our community at the beautiful Greylock Glen Center, situated at the base of Mount Greylock, the tallest mountain in all of southern New England. Join other attendees while dressed in colonial era clothing. Commemorate and celebrate the birth of our country with our community […]
The Upton Historical Society will present a special program celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on Thursday April 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Upton Community Center (9 Milford St Upton). Titled “Declaration of Independence,” the program will feature a unique local perspective led by students from the History […]
In 1770 Colonel Josiah Quincy I built the current Quincy House. Colonel Quincy and his son Josiah strongly supported independence, but his son Samuel was a Loyalist, and the American Revolution divided the family forever. Learn about their lives and their relationship, then re-enact the Boston Massacre trial, where Josiah Jr. defended the British soldiers […]
Monomoy Regional High School social studies teacher John Dickson has been named Teacher of the Year by the American Lawyers Alliance. The national recognition stems from Dickson’s contribution in educating students on law-related education in his civic classes. His civics course centers on the Constitution, law making and public policy, emphasizing the importance of Massachusetts […]
Explore objects and archival materials from Historic New England’s vast collection and participate in hands-on activities to learn about the deeply personal experiences of individuals, families, and communities caught up in extraordinary circumstances. Participants will consider what it was like to live through these historic events and to contribute in small and not-so-small ways to […]
