MA250

Patriots of Color Exhibition
2026-06-06 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-09 10:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Family Heritage Experience, Newbury Street 97, Boston, Massachusetts, 02116, United States
Patriots of Color, a new exhibit in the Family Heritage Experience at American Ancestors, sheds light on the overlooked histories of Black, Native, and multiracial men and women who fought, labored, and led in the struggle for American independence across all thirteen colonies. Through documents, personal narratives, and digital interactives, the exhibition uncovers the courage and resilience of those whose contributions helped shape a new nation, even as they continued to confront inequality and enslavement.
Bridging past and present, Patriots of Color highlights the voices of descendants who are reclaiming these stories today—connecting revolutionary ideals of freedom and justice to the ongoing pursuit of equality in America.
Entrance to the exhibit is included in admission to the Family Heritage Experience and can be purchased either in person or online.

Norman Rockwell Museum
2026-06-06 10:00 - 2026-10-26 17:00 | Norman Rockwell Museum, Glendale Road 9, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, 01262, United States
In commemoration of America’s 250th founding, Norman Rockwell Museum will present Visions of a Nation: 250 Years from Revolution to Rockwell, from June 6 to October 26, 2026. This sweeping exhibition will portray how artists—from the Revolutionary era to today–emblazoned the ideals and evolving story of America. Organized around nine foundational themes, Visions of a Nation will illuminate how iconic imagery created over centuries helped to reflect and shape what it means to be American.

Steven Puleo's American Treasures
2026-06-06 10:30 - 12:30 | Swansea Free Public Library, Main Street 69, Swansea, Massachusetts, 02777, United States
The Swansea Public Library and the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts proudly announce a 250th Presentation:
Renowned historian Stephen Puleo discusses his book “American Treasures,” which charts the little-known journeys of the documentary history of American democracy: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Gettysburg Address.
From the risky and audacious adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to our modern Fourth of July celebrations, “American Treasures” shows how the ideas captured in these documents underscore the nation’s strengths and hopes, and embody its fundamental values of liberty and equality.

Freedom Trail Foundation Rainbow Revolutionaries Tour
2026-06-06 10:45 - 12:15, 2026-06-07 10:45 - 12:15 | Robert Gould Shaw & 54th Regiment Monument], Tremont Street 139, Boston, Massachusetts, 02111, United States
Boston’s newest official Freedom Trail Tour! The Foundation’s Rainbow Revolutionaries Tours illuminate the lives, loves, and fights for liberty of Boston’s LGBTQ+ community, and explore how queer individuals have been making history for centuries. Uncover the history of Boston Marriages, political milestones for LGBTQ+ rights, and the storied romances of some of Boston’s most famous individuals, from literary giants to a world-renowned actress, and even a Revolutionary war hero. Join in to bring this history to life and celebrate Pride by discovering the achievements of the people who have always been a part of and have helped shape Boston.
PLEASE NOTE: The tour features sites in Beacon Hill, where bricked sidewalks and hills can be difficult to traverse while using mobility aids.

Brewing Massachusetts: How Beer Shaped the Bay State
2026-06-06 11:30 - 16:30, 2026-06-07 11:30 - 16:30 | Indian House Memorial, Old Main Street 107, Deerfield, MA, 01342, United States
We are proud to introduce our most ambitious exhibit ever, titled “Brewing Massachusetts: How Beer Shaped the Bay State,” made possible by a grant from Massachusetts 250 and the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT). Through rare artifacts, photographs, and documents, this exhibit will tell the story of Massachusetts brewers from the Pilgrims to the present. This exhibit will be held in a rebuilt Revolutionary era tavern and tickets will be $5. Come see it starting May 30th at 107 Old Main Street in Deerfield at the Indian House Memorial.
No state has been more impacted by brewing than Massachusetts. But this story hasn’t been told in one place, until now. “Brewing Massachusetts” will be open during the 250th anniversary of 1776, a landmark nationwide event that will shine a spotlight on American history. We want to incorporate the entire state in our celebration of the History of Brewing, and what better way than to include all of Massachusetts.

AudaTours Stoneham Audio Tour: Timeless Tales of Historic Pride and Heritage
2026-06-06 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-07 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-08 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-09 12:00 - 14:00 | Nobility Hill Historic District, Stoneham, Massachusetts, 02180, United States
In Stoneham, the shadows of colonial fires and twentieth-century neon flicker side by side. Few realize how many secrets linger behind these iconic facades.
This self-guided audio tour leads straight through the city’s untold stories. Encounter corners and chapters that even locals walk past, and let carefully crafted tales reveal what hides beneath the ordinary.
Why did a quiet night at the Bernard Cogan House erupt into controversy that changed a neighborhood? Who vanished beneath the glowing beacon of Stoneham’s eerily beautiful gas station? What explains the perfectly preserved pencil marks under the Warren Sweetser House staircase?
Move between centuries as you cross storied main streets and hidden lanes. Each step peels back another layer of rebellion, ambition, and intrigue, letting Stoneham rise up around you as never before.
Tap play and see how deep Stoneham’s shadows can stretch. The secrets are waiting.

Open House with Martin House Farm
2026-06-06 13:00 - 15:00 | Martin House Farm, Stoney Hill Road 22, Swansea, Massachusetts, 02777, United States
The Colonial Dames of Massachusetts invite all to a sneak preview of the Martin House Farm, before its summer opening. Sometime between 1728 and 1734, John Martin’s son, John Martin the younger, built a house for his wife and eight children consisting of a one-room dwelling with a loft above and an outside chimney. Two additions were added in 1814 and in the late 19th century.
Visitors today can enjoy the house which has not been physically altered since the last additions. It is now filled with collections from the Martin family who lived on the farm for 200 continuous years. The property also includes two barns and cultivated fields surrounded by dry stone walls and woodlands. Enjoy the 250th story walk around the property.
Photo credit of Martin House: By Tim Pierce – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21542909

Let Freedom Ring! Handbell Concert
2026-06-06 15:00 - 16:30 | First Church of Christ, Congregational, Great Road 25, Bedford, MA, 01730, United States
Observing the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the touchstone of our nation’s founding, this program hosted by First Church brings together an eclectic blend of heartfelt and whimsical music celebrating the spirit, resilience, and shared history of America. The 14-member handbell choir will be joined by percussion, flute, piccolo, oboe, English horn, ocarina, and a few other surprises. Parking is available behind the church off Mudge Way.

1776 The Musical
2026-06-06 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-06-07 19:30 - 22:00 | Calliope Productions, Main Street 150, Boylston, MA, 01505, United States
The perfect show for the 250th anniversary of our country, Greater Worcester Opera presents the Tony award winning musical, 1776. Witness the journey of the original Continental Congress as they grapple with moving towards independence from England. Replete with a slew of fascinating characters, this “play with music” is by turns dramatic, moving, exuberant, lively, and always tuneful. From the opening “Sit Down, John!” to the final tally, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the historical experience this beloved musical brings to life.
Shows are Thursday 6/4 (7:30 PM), Friday 6/5 (7:30 PM), Saturday 6/6 (2:00 PM and 7:30 PM) and Sunday 6/7 (2:00 PM). Reserved seating available on our ticket page. $25 adult, $22 senior, $15 age 12 and under (+ small fee)
Please note that this is a GWO production. We rent the theatre at 150 Main Street, Boylston (owned by Calliope Productions) but all tickets and inquiries should go through GWO.

Special Exhibit: Mary Baker Eddy and Her Revolutionary Legacy
2026-06-07, 2026-06-08, 2026-06-09, 2026-06-10 | How Do You See the World? experience, Massachusetts Avenue 210, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
Learn about the revolutionary ideas and historical legacy of Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910) — one of the only women to found a worldwide religion — in a temporary exhibit this spring and summer at the Christian Science Plaza celebrating MA250: Mary Baker Eddy and Her Revolutionary Legacy.
This free exhibit is part of the interactive How Do You See the World?® experience, exploring the world through a lens of hope, progress, and generosity. Walk through the three-story, stained glass Mapparium® globe (ticketed) that shows the world as it was in 1935 — from the inside of the world, looking out. You can then explore “Our World: Mapping Progress,” an exhibit featuring stories from The Christian Science Monitor, the Pulitzer Prize-winning international news source headquartered in the building. Learn more about Eddy’s remarkable life and the global church she founded in “Christian Science and Mary Baker Eddy.”
This special exhibit will be open through spring and summer 2026 as part of the statewide MA250 celebrations. Tickets for the Mapparium® globe are free for youth under 18, $6 for adults. All other exhibits, including this special exhibit, are free.
Hours of operation:
Monday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
The How Do You See the World?® experience is located at 210 Massachusetts Ave. in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay.
For additional information and to buy tickets to the Mapparium® globe, please visit christianscience.com/howdoyouseetheworld

The Road to Revolution: Massachusetts and the Independence Movement
2026-06-07 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-08 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-09 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-10 10:00 - 17:00 | Old State House, 206 Washington St, Boston, MA, 02109, United States
Explore major Massachusetts events in the first year of the American Revolution at the Old State House, where protest turned into action and the momentum for independence accelerated. Created through a partnership between Revolutionary Spaces and the Massachusetts Historical Society, The Road to Revolution: Massachusetts and the Independence Movement invites visitors to step into 1775 and 1776—a moment defined by uncertainty, debate, and decisions that would reshape the world.

1776: Declaring Independence
2026-06-08 09:30 - 16:00, 2026-06-09 09:30 - 16:00, 2026-06-10 09:30 - 16:00 | Massachusetts Historical Society, Boylston Street 1154, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
Featuring manuscripts, artifacts, and rarely seen treasures, this exhibition captures a monumental moment in American history.
In 1776, people grappled with ideas of liberty, loyalty, and the role of government in society. Private letters, intimate diaries, and newspaper accounts reveal how the Declaration of Independence grew from draft to founding document. 1776: Declaring Independence spotlights handwritten copies of the Declaration by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson as well as multiple early printings, including a rare Dunlap broadside. On and off the page, we explore how it echoed across the commonwealth and around the world, reshaping the colonists’ chances of launching a new nation. How did the Declaration change Americans’ quest for liberty, then and now? We invite visitors to trace the Declaration’s complex legacy as a national beacon for celebration and protest.
Check here for closures and more admission information: https://www.masshist.org/visit/hours-and-admission

The Aspirations of Ordinary People - Stories of the American Revolution from a local perspective
2026-06-09 08:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-10 08:00 - 14:00 | North Andover Historical Society, 800 Massachusetts Ave., North Andover, 01845, United States
The Andover revolutionaries understood that creating a truly free society would take many generations. Their records and artifacts, preserved at the North Andover Historical Society, are here to remind us that history matters. They depict stories of battles won, hardships endured, hometown and battleground heroes, and the start of a long fight for liberty, equality and justice. Their ideals and aspirations are the standards by which we measure our progress today.
Come discover the amazing stories brought to life at the North Andover Historical Society (NAHS) through REV250, a series of programs and exhibits dedicated to the American Revolution.
The exhibit will be open every week, Tuesday through Saturday, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Please check the website for more information.

American Stories: Celebrating 250 Years of Independence
2026-06-10 09:30 - 16:30 | Bonhams Skinner, Clarendon Street 236, Boston, Massachusetts, 02116, United States
In honor of this auspicious moment in American history, Bonhams Skinner will be showcasing highlights from their June 30th auction in their Boston Gallery. The works are available to the public for viewing Monday through Friday between May 26th and June 10th.
