Across the State of Massachusetts, communities and institutions are celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution with events, exhibits, special tours, programs, festivals, performances, and much more. Bookmark this page to join events and celebrations statewide.
May 17, 2025, 3 p.m. The Umbrella Arts Center Main Stage Theater 144 Five Sisters Productions and the Tufts University Half the History Film Project return to The Umbrella Arts Center to present a program of three locally shot short films about impactful women in Concord history. The featured films will be: --Margaret Lothrop and […]
Come and enjoy a light-hearted concert of music that might have been performed in a parlor or for a social gathering in Concord during the colonial period and just afterwards. The program includes: songs composed by one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence from a collection dedicated to George Washington; a set of […]
The Battle of Grape Island or the Grape Island Alarm commemorates the May 21, 1775 provisions skirmish between militia from the South Shore of Boston - namely Hingham, Hull, Weymouth, Braintree, Scituate, and Abington - and the British who were occupying Boston Harbor and attempted to resupply on Grape Island at the invitation of Hingham […]
Enjoy a guided tour during open hours at the Abigail Adams Birthplace on Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 1 – 3 p.m. Built in 1685, the Abigail Smith Adams (1744-1818) Birthplace was home to this exceptional woman for the first twenty years of her life. It has survived two relocations and now stands as a […]
Honor the legacy of the American Revolution and Springfield’s contribution at war and on the homefront, by joining us at our commemorative “Voices from the Grave: Heroes of the American Revolution” cemetery tour at Springfield Cemetery, on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Seven historical residents will be featured on the tour, including John Bryant III (1742-1816), […]
Witness the only local battle of the American Revolution! On May 21, 1775, a skirmish broke out on Grape Island, then owned by Hingham loyalist Elijah Leavitt. To commemorate the 250th anniversary, the Hingham Militia, Wareham Militia, and the 64th Light Infantry will reenact this pivotal moment. Ceremonial remarks, historic narrative, music, and refreshments will […]
Dressed in the clothes of 18th-century itinerant musicians, Deirdre Sweeney and Al Petty will perform an extensive repertoire of historical dance music, as well as marches and laments, including 18th-century tunes such as “Mr. Isaac’s Maggot” and “Jack’s Health.” Their instruments include the flute, penny whistle, recorder, and fife. The music was gathered from manuscripts […]
A Revolution of Her Own! Deborah Sampson, the first woman to professionally fight in and be honorably discharged from the American Military, captivates audiences in an Immersive Living History Experience chronicling her life. An indentured servant by age five, Deborah grew up in a man’s world, where women were naught but second-class British subjects. As […]
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 at 6:00. Lafayette’s tour of the United States in 1824-5 resulted in the production of […]
A dramatization of ‘A Gambrel Roof’, a poem by Lucy Larcom. Reservations requested. A creative multi-disciplinary theatrical presentation of a circa 1875 local poem about the historic Danvers Jeremiah Page House. Period music, and an art installation add to the illustration of the story: In about 1770, when the British monarchy started taxing tea in […]
Join us for a screening of an episode of the Association of Black Citizens of Lexington (ABCL)’s Black Patriots of Lexington (Stow & Boxborough) with a Question-and-Answer session to follow. Commemorate the significant role that Black men and women played in the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. Economic Patriots Prince and […]
Curious about what Newbury(port) soldiers carried into battle? Join Joel Bohy, Revolutionary War weapons expert, for an exploration of the muskets, swords, and accouterments carried during the earliest days of the American Revolution, featuring notable items from the Museum of Old Newbury collection. Session concludes with a musket drill outside. Joel Bohy is the director […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
The critically acclaimed "Drunk Black History" show returns to the Rockwell in Somerville, MA, for another hilarious, educational, and unpredictable event! At this hilarious and educational show, comedian Brandon Collins (HBO Max) leads a booze-fueled lesson in Black history. It’s not your ordinary retelling—you’ll hear from "comedians, experts, writers, and other professionals who are skunked […]
Help us remember our heroes! Take part in observing Memorial Day and commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill! Did you know Pepperell provided the commander and about 60 men who fought at Bunker Hill? Eight of them were killed and eight wounded. We honor them today, as well as the 230 […]
Open house at the Ashby Historical Society featuring our collection of Revolutionary War artifacts and documents from the Ashby Militia. Included will be the Militia’s orderly books covering May 1775 to July 1775 during the beginning of the siege of Boston and the Battle of Bunker Hill. This program is offered by the Ashby Historical […]
The event will include: - Explore the SSV Ernestina-Morrissey, the 1894 schooner from the permanent fleet of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and learn about the first British vessel captured and destroyed—the HMS Diana - Artillery Demonstration - Revolutionary-Era Militia Encampment - Musket Firing - Food Vendors and a Beer Garden Additionally, we’ll have a Governor […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
Join letterpress artist Mitch Cohen and Museum of Printing Director Operations Mitch Ahern as they put on a workshop combining experimental letterpress monoprint techniques with printing customized broadsides. This is a unique printing workshop using everyday items to create unique backgrounds — including, but not limited to, bathmats, pool covers and other items. You have […]
The Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Festival will take place in Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common, on May 25, 2025. This event is a part of the MA250 commemorative events. The annual AANHPI Festival, co-hosted by the New England Chinese American Alliance (NECAA) and tons of other local organizations, celebrates the rich histories, […]
Uncover the story of the Battle of Chelsea Creek — the second naval engagement of the American Revolution and the first victory for the colonists — by joining us for an informative and scenic boat tour along Chelsea Creek, Mystic River, and Boston Harbor this Memorial Day. We'll explore the rich history and cultural significance […]
Join Hub Town Tours as we commemorate the anniversary of the departure of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in 1863. The first Black regiment from the North departed Boston under the command of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw after a parade through Boston attended by thousands of local residents. This 2.5-hour walking tour will explore sites […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
Join curators at Lexington History Museums and the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library to learn more about Lexington’s role in the American Revolution. The program begins at 9:30 a.m. at Buckman Tavern with a tour of “Swept Up in Revolution” with Jesse Hilton, Curator, Lexington History Museums. The event continues at 11:00 AM at […]
On May 31, 1778, the little town of Fall River (then still Freetown) witnessed its only military action of the American Revolution at the mouth of the Quequechan River. On Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, you are invited to Fall River Heritage State Park to commemorate the 247th anniversary of the Battle of […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
For the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Manchester-by-the-Sea Museum is preparing to tell the story of "Manchester, The Revolution, and The War at Sea," and the opening day on Saturday, May 31, will specially feature living history with the Ladies Association of Revolutionary America interpreting Manchester in 1775. The exhibit intends to […]
On April 19, 1775, Harvard sent at least one man from every household to drive the British back to Boston, and soldiers from the town fought in every ensuing battle north of the Chesapeake. As part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence, Harvard will hold a living history tour of […]
Don Black, of Groton's Old Burying Ground Commission, will talk about the graves in the Old Burying Ground related to the Revolutionary War. Accompanying the walk and talk will be a display of the Revolutionary War cannon that militia, including members from Groton, looted off of a British ship and used at the Battle of […]
A new exhibit explores the experiences of enslaved, indentured and free individuals navigating cultural and political tensions in Hadley, MA, on the eve of the American Revolution. The exhibit opens on May 31 with a reception and panel discussion with contributing scholars and exhibit designers.
In celebration of the town of Concord’s 250th anniversary, we invite you to join us for an art-making extravaganza! This June, artists can register and pick up a free wood panel (8 x 8 inches) from Concord Art to create an image of Concord, whatever that may mean to you. Perhaps there is a certain road or field […]
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 […]
Join Hub Town Tours for a special celebration of the anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1920. We will explore the captivating stories of Bostonians that followed in the footsteps of Revolutionary women like Abigail Adams and Phillis Wheatley, and assembled the Women's Suffrage Movement. […]
"In Support of the Common Cause” ~ The Merrimack Valley Goes to War A talk by historian and author Alex Cain Thursday, June 5, 2025, ~ 6:00-7:30pm The History Center at 97 Main Street In October 1774, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress directed towns across the colony to prepare for imminent conflict with England. In response, […]
Historians from the United States and United Kingdom will engage in a facilitated discussion reflecting on the Battle of Bunker Hill. Together, Authors Nathaniel Philbrick and Emma Hart will consider the lasting impacts of the battle on the Revolutionary War, its memory, and legacy from two nations’ perspectives. Moderator: Dr. Brooke Barbier Hosts: Bunker Hill […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
The Museum of Old Newbury invites you to enjoy this year's Garden Tour on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 & 8, 2025. This year's theme is Revolutionary Gardens, an homage to innovative and original elements in our featured gardens! You'll enjoy access to the best we have to offer, from urban pocket gardens to larger, […]
Andy Volpe will print some of his Paul Revere replica copperplates, including his latest 250th commemorative print project: 3 Promissory Notes (paper money) that Revere secretly engraved & printed for the Massachusetts patriots in May 1775. He plans on having some other prints, plates, tools and other visuals to discuss the work of Revere leading […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
Join us at 14 Beacon for a special tour of the CLA’s new in-person exhibition with New England’s Hidden Histories Project Director and "Sacred Rebellion" curator, Dr. Tricia Peone. The exhibition features many treasures from the CLA’s collections: sermons, books, poems, songs, and letters created by Massachusetts Congregationalists during and after the American Revolution. These […]
Talented fiber artist, Zoe Lawson, demonstrates the art of creating cloth by hand and simple machines. Practice weaving on the small looms provided.
The Bunker Hill flag will be raised at the Monument followed by a speaking ceremony to recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of Charlestown veterans. Coffee and treats will be served. Invited Guests: Bunker Hill Parade Chief Marshal James Chambers + General Ralph Rizzo Hosts: The National Parks of Boston, Bunker Hill Associates
"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 […]
Join the City of Boston Archaeology and American Veterans Archaeological Recovery teams as they excavate a portion of the redoubt built on the night of June 16, 1775, triggering the start of the Battle of Bunker Hill. Excavations should reach the bottom of the trench dug that evening by the end of the first week. […]
It’s been said that history is written by the victors, so it’s not surprising that the story of those loyal to the Crown in the American colonies is not as widely known as that of the Patriots. As the drumbeat to independence grew louder, Loyalists faced their Patriot neighbors’ scorn and also the agonizing decision […]
Major General Joseph Warren's death at the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775, secured his legacy as a revolutionary war hero. Lesser known is his role as an advocate for organized healthcare for the poor and needy. Both he and his brother John advanced American medicine during the Revolutionary and Early Republic eras. […]
It’s been said that history is written by the victors, so it’s not surprising that the story of those loyal to the Crown in the American colonies is not as widely known as that of the Patriots. As the drumbeat to independence grew louder, Loyalists faced their Patriot neighbors’ scorn and also the agonizing decision […]
Major General Joseph Warren's death at the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775, secured his legacy as a revolutionary war hero. Lesser known is his role as an advocate for organized healthcare for the poor and needy. Both he and his brother John advanced American medicine during the Revolutionary and Early Republic eras. […]
The Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum commemorates the anniversary of the American Revolution with an outdoors concert series of period and revolution-inspired music, The Revolution in Concert, held in the Museum's sunken garden. Tim Eriksen, leader in the “shape-note” tradition, experimentalist and ethnomusicologist, opens the series on June 11th at 6:30pm, with traditional ballads from the Appalachians to […]
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services will hold a naturalization ceremony at the Bunker Hill Monument. Two hundred-fifty new citizen candidates will be sworn in and receive a Passport to their National Parks. New citizens will be invited to plant the first flags of the Flag Garden. The Monument will be closed for the morning […]
Lexington Strings will present a recital of music contemporary to the April 19, 1775 skirmish on the Lexington Battle Green. The performance will take place at Estabrook Auditorium in the Cary Memorial Building. The concert program includes: • Antonio Vivaldi: Concerto in G major for Solo Violin, Strings and Continuo, Op. 3 “L’Estro Armonico”, No. […]
More than 1,500 flags (American and British) will be placed in the Flag Garden. Hosts: The National Parks of Boston
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
Join the National Park Service at Adams National Historical Park on Saturday, June 14, for a special event following the footsteps of the Adams family as they witnessed the Battle of Bunker Hill 250 years ago during the American Revolution. This event will be held at the Adams Farm at Penn's Hill (John Adams and […]
Observe a Flag Day Ceremony at the memorial flag garden on the grounds of the Bunker Hill Monument. The public is invited to join the reading of names of lives lost on or as a result of the battle on June 17, 1775. Hosts: The National Parks of Boston, British Consulate, American Legion J.W. Conway […]
Join noted author and historian Ghlee Woodworth, a 12th generation Newburyport native, for a Sunday morning stroll through downtown Newburyport. Visit the homes of Colonel Edward Wigglesworth, who fought at Fort Ticonderoga and Battle of Valcour, Captain Benjamin Perkins, who fought at Bunker Hill. Stand where the Declaration of Independance was read for the first […]
Join noted author and historian Ghlee Woodworth, a 12th-generation Newburyport native, for a Sunday morning stroll through downtown Newburyport. Visit the homes of Colonel Edward Wigglesworth, who fought at Fort Ticonderoga and Battle of Valcour, Captain Benjamin Perkins, who fought at Bunker Hill. Stand where the Declaration of Independance was read for the first time […]
Join noted author and historian Ghlee Woodworth, a 12th generation Newburyport native, for a Sunday morning stroll through downtown Newburyport. Visit the homes of Colonel Edward Wigglesworth, who fought at Fort Ticonderoga and Battle of Valcour, Captain Benjamin Perkins, who fought at Bunker Hill. Stand where the Declaration of Independance was read for the first […]
Join noted author and historian Ghlee Woodworth, a 12th generation Newburyport native, for a Sunday morning stroll through downtown Newburyport. Visit the homes of Colonel Edward Wigglesworth, who fought at Fort Ticonderoga and Battle of Valcour, Captain Benjamin Perkins, who fought at Bunker Hill. Stand where the Declaration of Independance was read for the first […]
Join noted author and historian Ghlee Woodworth, a 12th generation Newburyport native, for a Sunday morning stroll through downtown Newburyport. Visit the homes of Colonel Edward Wigglesworth, who fought at Fort Ticonderoga and Battle of Valcour, Captain Benjamin Perkins, who fought at Bunker Hill. Stand where the Declaration of Independance was read for the first […]
Explore four of Marblehead’s finest privately-owned homes, once owned by Marblehead's Revolutionary heroes. These homes were occupied by families who put their lives on the line to fight for independence and the establishment of the fledgling country. During this self-guided house tour, guests may set their own pace as they walk the streets of downtown […]
Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 11:00 am on the Ashby Town Common a ceremony to commemorate the Ashby Militia's participation in the Battle of Bunker Hill. The ceremony will include the laying of a wreath at the Revolutionary War soldiers monument, a salute by the Townsend Militia and the Ashburnham Light Artillery and a remembrance […]
A ceremony commemorating the Ashby Militia's participation in the Battle of Bunker Hill to be held on the Town Common. The ceremony will include the laying of a wreath at the Revolutionary War Soldier's Monument, and salutes by the Townsend Militia and Ashburnham Light Artillery. Pastor Ken Johnson will speak on the importance of the […]
Celebrating the birth of the U.S. Army, the Old Guard (U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Regiment) will perform a tribute including music by The Fife and Drum Corps (FDC) and the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard (CinC). More information is coming soon about the time and events. Hosts: Bunker Hill Monument Association, The National Parks of Boston, U.S. Army
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 1:00 pm (time change from previous post) on the Ashby Town Common a ceremony to commemorate the Ashby Militia’s participation in the Battle of Bunker Hill. The ceremony will include the laying of a wreath at the Revolutionary War soldiers monument, a salute by the Townsend Militia and the Ashburnham […]
The historic 1809 Hedge House Museum will be open to the public for guided tours. One of the finest examples of federal architecture in Plymouth, the Hedge House has quite a story to tell. And, you’re in for an extra treat as we’ll be exhibiting clothing of the Revolutionary Era. Don’t miss this opportunity to […]
Clothing historian Henry Cooke takes on the role of an early Boston tailor. Watch as he “takes the measure” of visitors, then sits cross-legged, fashioning waistcoats from luxurious fabrics and “slops” from coarse weaves.
April 1776. The British army has finally left Boston. Now, nearly a year after his death, friends and family can finally hold a funeral for Dr. Joseph Warren. Inside King’s Chapel, his brother, his fiancée, and his good friend Paul Revere gather to mourn Warren and to make sense of their loss. Outside the Chapel, […]
April 1776. The British army has finally left Boston. Now, nearly a year after his death, friends and family can finally hold a funeral for Dr. Joseph Warren. Inside King’s Chapel, his brother, his fiancée, and his good friend Paul Revere gather to mourn Warren and to make sense of their loss. Outside the Chapel, […]
Join us for an exploration of the people who shaped Newbury's Revolution! Newbury's First Parish Burying Ground is the final resting place for dozens of local families who experienced the American Revolution as soldiers, sailors, and citizens. Come meet them and hear their stories as part of Newburyport's Road to Revolution series!
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 at 6:00. The American Revolution had a profound impact on families, with some ideas and […]
Join Hub Town Tours as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill! We will explore the military conflict between Provincial forces and the British troops under siege in Boston in 1775, and place the battle in the broader context of the beginning of the American Revolution. This 2.5-hour walking tour will […]
The National Parks of Boston, American Legion J.W. Conway Bunker Hill Post 26, and Bunker Hill Monument Association will host this ceremony commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill. This event will be held on the grounds of the Monument and will feature local, national, and international figures.
Echoes of Valor Hosted by the Bunker Hill Monument Association Echoes of Valor is a commemorative concert honoring the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, the founding of the United States Army, and the service of America’s veterans. The evening features a performance by the United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus, […]
On Tuesday, June 17th, at 7pm at the Adams Academy, 8 Adams Street, Quincy Historical Society will host the second part of a program exploring life in Braintree during the first pivotal months of the American Revolution. The City of Quincy’s Directory of Historic Heritage and Resources, Bob Damon, and Quincy Historical Society’s Executive Director […]
The Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum commemorates the anniversary of the American Revolution with an outdoor concert series of period and revolutionary music, The Revolution in Concert, held in the Museum's sunken garden. Thea Hopkins, acclaimed singer songwriter and member of the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe of Martha's Vineyard, performs modern “Red Roots Americana,” capturing the scope and reach […]
Join us for Newburyport's Road to Revolution Part VI - Bunker Hill: Heroes and Cowards! In this closing lecture of the Newburyport's Road to Revolution series, join historian and author Alexander Cain for an exploration of the first engagement in which Newbury(port) troops play a significant role - for good or ill. While some local […]
Join Hub Town Tours on Juneteenth for a special Underground Railroad Tour of Beacon Hill. We will explore Boston’s role in the fight to end legalized slavery and celebrate local abolitionists that helped to lead America’s “Second Revolution.” This 2.5-hour walking tour will visit sites along the Black Heritage Trail, including abolitionist landmarks like the […]
Performances: June 20 – 22, 2025 A Special Presentation as our part of Concord 250 Get Tickets Now Learn More and View the Cast Meet Our Director Directed by Jamie Cook Music Direction by Ben Oehlkers Step into the world of Songs for a New World, the first musical by Tony Award winner Jason Robert […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
The 250th Anniversary Reenactment of The Battle of Bunker Hill aims to accurately portray the events and faithfully represent the people involved in the conflict of June 17, 1775. Our mission is to celebrate and commemorate the actions and sacrifices of the men and women of all sides of the Battle of Bunker Hill through […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
This free, family-friendly extravaganza features literary tours of Harvard Square, treats, live music, and special book-themed promotions in our businesses. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, City and state officials launched the Massachusetts 2050 campaign in September 2024. Throughout 2025 and 2026, Massachusetts 250 (or MA250) will commemorate the many battles across […]
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 […]
Award-winning musician Dave Neiman plays jigs, reels, and Baroque and Renaissance tunes that Paul Revere and his family may have enjoyed.
The 250th Anniversary Reenactment of The Battle of Bunker Hill aims to accurately portray the events and faithfully represent the people involved in the conflict of June 17, 1775. Our mission is to celebrate and commemorate the actions and sacrifices of the men and women of all sides of the Battle of Bunker Hill through […]
Gather for Juneteenth to honor those who endured slavery and seized freedom on Brattle Street 250 years ago, their descendants, and the long history of Black freedom activism in Cambridge and beyond. This free, all-ages event is marking its fourth year in 2025! Denise Washington (#Pop-Up Poetry Series), a descendant of Darby Vassall, has curated […]
Please join the Acton 250 Committee for its next speaking event featuring historian and author Don N. Hagist on Monday, June 23 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM in The Acton Memorial Library’s Meeting Room, 486 Main Street, Acton, MA. Don will share lesser-known narratives from the Revolutionary Era, including the lives of British soldiers who […]
Fighting for Freedom: Black Cambridge from the Revolution to the Early Nineteenth Century Join us for an illustrated talk with Leslie Brunetta and Paula Paris and learn more about Cambridge's Black Patriots! Wed. June 25, 2025, 6:00PM First Church in Cambridge, Congregational 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 in the Margaret Jewett Hall In celebration […]
Fighting for Freedom: Black Cambridge from the Revolution to the Early Nineteenth Century Join us for an illustrated talk with Leslie Brunetta and Paula Paris and learn more about Cambridge's Black Patriots! Wed. June 25, 2025, 6:00PM First Church in Cambridge, Congregational 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 in the Margaret Jewett Hall In celebration […]
The Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum commemorates the anniversary of the American Revolution with an outdoor concert series of period and revolutionary music, The Revolution in Concert, held in the Museum's sunken garden. Evelyn Harris and Yasmeen Williams, powerhouse vocalists and founding members of Sweet Honey In The Rock, with pianist Ailey Verdelle, comprise the 13th Horace Clarence […]
As part of the Revolution 250 series of events happening throughout 2025 and 2026, the Bidwell House Museum is excited to partner with The Berkshire County Historical Society at Herman Melville’s Arrowhead to present a concert of music from the Revolution. You can see this concert at Arrowhead on June 25th, the day before our […]
Join us on Thursday, June 26th at 5 PM for a special post-work tour of The Innovation Trail, supported by the City of Cambridge and MA 250. Cambridge’s Kendall Square area has long been a hub of innovation, decades before the Massachusetts Institute of Technology moved there in 1916, and centuries before the square became […]
The 250th anniversary of men gaining a voice in their governance and securing the right to vote is well celebrated -- yet needs its companion story of the women’s fight for these very same rights! This Thursday, come see an inspiring choral performance and film portraying the history of women’s suffrage, co-sponsored by the Arlington […]
Dublin Seminar for New England Folklife: Recalling the Revolution in New England June 27 - June 28 at Historic Deerfield (in Deerfield, MA) and on Zoom The Dublin Seminar for New England Folklife’s 2025 gathering, Recalling the Revolution in New England, will be held June 27–28 at Historic Deerfield. The conference keynote will be provided […]
Living History Comes Alive on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the “Akin Farmstead” at 762 Dartmouth Street in Dartmouth, MA. This two-day event sponsored by the Dartmouth Heritage Preservation Trust, Inc. (DHPT) will include a militia encampment on site to re-enact Revolutionary War activities in old Dartmouth. Additionally, DHPT's popular seasonal […]
10 AM Downtown Newburyport
After years of tension between Great Britain and its North American colonies, the events of April 19, 1775 broke long-held bonds and ignited the American Revolutionary War. In an unprecedented moment, ordinary people in Lexington made extraordinary choices. An entire community—women, men, black, white, young, old, enslaved, and free—helped spark a revolution. Today, 250 years […]
Gary Gregory, proprietor of the Printing Office of Edes & Gill, will talk about the role of the printing press in the American Revolution. Printed pamphlets, broadsides, and newspapers energized the revolution, and it was the printing press that produced the Declaration of Independence. Gary will use his replica of an English Common Press, a […]
The Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum presents Forty Acres & The American Revolution; Stories of Independence & Servitude, a public talk with three leading scholars: Friederike Baer, a historian of 18th-century Hessian soldiers, Marge Bruchac, a scholar of local Indigenous histories, and Charmaine Nelson, director of the Slavery North project at the University of Massachusetts. Together, these scholars […]
Join Bethany Groff Dorau for a fascinating journey through history as we explore the Sawyer Hill Burying Ground. Discover the stories of the men and women who played a vital role in the Revolutionary War. Sawyer Hill Burying Ground has been the final resting place for many of the Newburys’ dearly departed since 1695. The […]
Martha’s Vineyard: A Revolutionary War Refuge Martha’s Vineyard, known for its whaling heritage and maritime culture, played a unique and often overlooked role in the Revolutionary War. As a fiercely independent community it was both a refuge and a target, caught between British occupation on the mainland and the growing struggle for American independence. Join […]
For One Night Only! The Sons and Daughters of Liberty return for an evening of history, games, merriment, and all things “Boston Tea Party”! The evening concludes with a special waterfront viewing of the Boston Harborfest fireworks from “Griffin’s Wharf” at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. Costumed museum interpreters will engage and educate […]
Join local historian Joyce Poremski of the Plymouth Antiquarian Society for a guided walk through downtown Plymouth, exploring the town’s Revolutionary War history, key sites, and the impact of the war on its citizens.
1. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular Massachusetts’ biggest Independence Day Celebration takes place at Boston’s Charles River Esplanade. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is a must-see event if you live near the city. This year’s celebration features music by LeAnn Rimes, Leslie Odom, Jr and Bell Bi DeVoe and the spectacular Boston Pops. BSO https://www.bso.org/boston-pops-fireworks-spectacular 2. […]
In collaboration with The Guthrie Center, Norman Rockwell Museum will celebrate American independence and democracy with a day of programming. Listen to a public recitation of the Declaration of Independence read by Berkshire County community leaders and residents. Enjoy live music from folk singer Doug Mishkin and Annie and Abe Guthrie. Experience Norman Rockwell's iconic […]
The City of Fall River’s Fourth of July Waterfront Celebration is taking place on Friday, July 4th, 2025. There will be music and food trucks kicking off the celebration at 5:00pm at Heritage State Park, Senator Thomas Norton City Pier, and Veterans Memorial Bicentennial Park.. The fireworks over the Taunton River will begin at 9:00pm.
Celebrate July 4th with music by Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops and special guest stars. 2025 marks the 51st year of the Fireworks Spectacular and Lockhart’s 30th anniversary as Pops conductor. Gates to the Oval lawn in front of the Hatch Shell open at 12 noon, concert begins at 7 pm, and fireworks over […]
Start the day with the 5th Annual Quock Walker Day Hike for Freedom at Bowman Elementary School, 9 Philip Rd, Lexington, MA 02421. This family-friendly hike on the ACROSS Lexington Route M Loop commemorates Quock Walker’s journey from enslavement to employment in April 1781. Registration and storytelling at 8 am; walk starts at 8:30 am.
Explore the people, ideas, and questions that shaped General George Washington’s first revolutionary headquarters 250 years ago this July. Choose your path through this free, all-ages event featuring historic house and outdoor walking tours with J.L. Bell; family activities; talks by historians; living historians portraying George Washington, William Lee, and Martha Washington; Cambridge Open Archives, […]
Celebrate Quock Walker Day aka Massachusetts Emancipation Day with ABCL! Join us for the fifth annual Quock Walker Day celebrations in Lexington on Saturday, July 5, 2025. Celebrate the 242nd Anniversary of Massachusetts Emancipation Day and hear how the Revolutionary War and the Black Patriots of Lexington and Massachusetts set the stage for Quock Walker’s […]
The Plymouth Antiquarian Society and Pilgrim Hall Museum announce their continuing partnership in a free public tour series of Plymouth’s historic Burial Hill for the 2025 season. Each first Saturday of the month a thematic tour of the ancient burying ground will reveal facets of Plymouth’s evolving story over generations. This year honors the 250th […]
In the guise of itinerant musicians, Al Petty & Deirdre Sweeney perform popular 18th-century tunes such as “Mr. Isaac’s Maggot” and “Jack’s Health” on the penny whistle, flute, fife, & other instruments.
From the “destruction of the tea” to the Declaration of Independence, witness the founding of a nation through the eyes of one of colonial America’s most iconic couples. John Adams will take part as a delegate in the First and Second Continental Congresses in Philadelphia, while his wife, Abigail, remains in Massachusetts as the American […]
During the winter months of 1774-75, two serious threats to “patriot” insurgency appeared in southeastern Massachusetts. In the rural towns of Marshfield and Freetown, the militant activities of Loyalists, coupled with British armed support, suggested a promising strategy to disrupt colonial resistance from within. Could it have worked? The rebels apparently feared so . . […]
During the winter months of 1774-75, two serious threats to “patriot” insurgency appeared in southeastern Massachusetts. In the rural towns of Marshfield and Freetown, the militant activities of Loyalists, coupled with British armed support, suggested a promising strategy to disrupt colonial resistance from within. Could it have worked? The rebels apparently feared so . . […]
The Loyalist Counter-Insurgency, 1775: Rebel Nightmare, British Opportunity? During the winter months of 1774-75, two serious threats to “patriot” insurgency appeared in southeastern Massachusetts. In the rural towns of Marshfield and Freetown, the militant activities of Loyalists, coupled with British armed support, suggested a promising strategy to disrupt colonial resistance from within. Could it have […]
Join the City of Boston's archaeology team for an exciting look at their latest discoveries uncovering the underrepresented stories of the American Revolution in Boston. Learn how their work is bringing new voices and perspectives to light through recent digs and research across the city.
Join the MetWinds, Guest Conductor Meghan MacFadden, and the Town of Lexington as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The music will reflect on America's continuing quest for freedom from the first shots of the Revolutionary War to today. Guest Narrator Frank Oglesby Jr. (the "Voice of the MBTA") […]
Join the National Park Service for Trailing History, a mobile pop-up that explores Boston's revolutionary stories. Who has been a changemaker in your community? What spaces in your community inspire change? The stories of Boston and its neighborhoods define its legacy as a revolutionary city. From the American War for Independence to today, the people […]
Enjoy a lively concert of music that accompanied colonists as they marched, danced, wooed their beloveds, and waged war. David Vose and Sue Walko provide fascinating insight into each selection they perform.
A bicycle ride from Dane Street Beach to Hospital Point will celebrate United States Naval and Coast Guard history... and a little girl named Hannah for whom the very first US Navy vessel of the new Continental Army was christened (by her Dad, Captain John Glover of nearby Marblehead). As this is a short ride […]
"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 […]
FREE outdoor and indoor activities for kids all summer long Building on the success of the Road to Revolution partnership programs, each Saturday from now until the end of September, the museum will host children’s outdoor and indoor programming. The hugely successful Discovery Center experience will extend out onto the lawn with 15 new activity […]
© 2025 Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
