MA250

Concord Museum Forum: The Painter's Fire: A Forgotten History of the Artists Who Championed the American Revolution
2025-10-05 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Hingham Heritage Museum, Main Street 34, Hingham, MA, 02043, United States
Uncover the overlooked role of patriot artists—women, Black men enslaved and free, and people of mixed race—who shaped the Revolution through art, espionage, and activism across America, London, and Paris. Their work helped inspire rebellion and forge a new political culture, almost always armed with wax, paint, and wit rather than a musket or bayonet. Among these daring figures were enslaved artists with deep ties to Massachusetts, including famous poet Phillis Wheatley and portrait painter Prince Demah. Together, the experiences of this extraordinary artistic cohort testify to both the promise and the limits of liberty in the founding era.
Zara Anishanslin is Associate Professor of History and Art History at the University of Delaware. She is the author of the award-winning Portrait of a Woman in Silk: Hidden Histories of the British Atlantic World and has served as a historical consultant for the Philadelphia Museum of Art and “Hamilton: The Exhibition.”

By the Hand of Providence: How Faith Shaped the American Revolution
2025-10-05 15:30 - 17:00 | Arts Empowering Life Performing Arts Center, Southern Eagle Cartway 95, Brewster, Massachusetts, 02631, United States
Free, In-person & livestreamed
Performing Arts Center, Brewster
Presented by Mr. Rod Gragg, author and historian, this presentation surveys the impact of the Judeo-Christian worldview on the American Revolution from the early Colonial Era through the American victory at the Battle of Yorktown and formation of the United States of America. Info: 508-240-2400 | artsempoweringlife.org FREE

Awake, Rise, Act: Contemporary Broadsides at the Museum of Printing
2025-10-06 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-13 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-20 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.

Concord Museum Forum: The Painter's Fire: A Forgotten History of the Artists Who Championed the American Revolution
2025-10-06 19:00 - 20:00 | Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Concord Museum Forum: Annual Sally Lanagan Forum
Join historian Zara Anishanslin and Museum of Fine Arts, Boston curator Erica Hirshler for a conversation about Dr. Anishanslin new book, The Painter’s Fire, which tells the gripping story of three revolutionary artists – Robert Edge Pine, Prince Demah, and Patience Wright – who used their creative talents to challenge the British monarchy and advance the cause of liberty. Spanning continents and social boundaries, their lives offer a bold new lens on the American Revolution and the power of art to shape political change in an era of radical transformation.
Free Members | $10 Non-Members | Free Virtual

ALICE FAITH WILLARD: ARTIST, TEACHER & PIONEER - A Retrospective Exhibition of the artwork of Alice Faith Willard
2025-10-07 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-07 17:30 - 19:30 | 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.

Hannah vs Nautilus — 3 Special Sails this October!
2025-10-09 10:00 - 2025-10-10 17:00 | Massachusetts
October marks the 250th anniversary of the battle between General George Washington’s hired vessel HANNAH and HMS NAUTILUS. This Oct. 9 and 10, FAME will sail FAME into the waters where the battle was fought and Capt. Mike Rutstein will talk us through every step of the historic encounter. He’ll also cover the aftermath of the battle, the differing historical accounts, and finally the efforts to replicate HANNAH which led, indirectly, to the building of FAME.
Tickets are $75 and are available only at schoonerfame.com!
https://www.schoonerfame.com/sailing-tours

Hannah vs HMS Nautilus — 250th Anniversary
2025-10-09 15:00 - 2025-10-10 15:00 | Massachusetts
3 Special Sails coming this October!
October 10 marks the 250th anniversary of the battle between George Washington’s hired vessel HANNAH and HMS NAUTILUS.
This October 9 and 10, Capt. Mike Rutstein will sail FAME into the waters where the battle was fought and talk us through every step of the historic encounter. He’ll also cover the aftermath of the battle, the widely differing historical accounts, and the efforts to replicate HANNAH which led, indirectly, to the building of FAME in 2003.
October 9 at 3 pm
October 10 at 1 pm
October 10 at 3 pm

Celebrate US Navy 250th Birthday Onboard USS Salem This Weekend
2025-10-11 08:00 - 2025-10-12 17:00 | United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum, South Street 549, Quincy, Massachusetts, 02169, United States
Special tour information will also recognize John Adams legacy over the Navy’s birthday weekend. USNSM is a sub-grant recipient of Discover Quincy’s Massachusetts 250 grant funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.

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

Calling All Kids, Patriots And Sailors: Revolutionary Summer Saturdays
2025-10-11 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-18 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Custom House Maritime Museum, Water Street 25, Newburyport, Massachusetts, 01950, United States
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 stations. Rolling River Printmakers of New England will partner this week with an activity station to make prints. A rideable dolphin and elephant, courtesy of local sculptor Jeff Briggs, along with a bouncy castle, pirate boat with water guns, plus water, sand and craft tables await.
This free program runs from 10 am to 1 pm thanks to generous sponsorship from the Institution for Savings and the Local Cultural Council.
Looking ahead, in September, the museum is pleased to partner with Imagine Studios on a fascinating project to burn and carve out of a pine log and shape into a 20 foot long mishoon (dugout canoe) using traditional methods. Led by Imagine Studios, Darius Coombs of the Mashpee Wampanoag and Jonathan Petty of the Aquinnah Wampanoag will carve over successive weekends. Sponsored by the New England Foundation for the Arts, and with in-kind support from New England Development, the goal is to launch on Indigenous Peoples Day on Oct. 11.
We hope you can join us.–James

Celebrate US Navy 250th Birthday & President Adams Onboard USS Salem This Weekend
2025-10-11 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-12 10:00 - 16:00 | United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum, South Street 549, Quincy, Massachusetts, 02169, United States
On 5 October 1775, Congress created the first of a series of committees to study naval matters. From that time onward throughout his career, John Adams championed the establishment and strengthening of an American Navy. USNSM will have special tour information, exhibits and entertainment onboard USS Salem.

Celebrate US Navy 250th Birthday & President Adams onboard Quincy's Museum Ship USS Salem
2025-10-11 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-12 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.

"Spies Among Us" year long exhibit opening on February 6th 2025
2025-10-12 13:00 - 15:00 | 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!

Paul Revere & Friends™
2025-10-14 13:00 - 13:45 | Department of Elder and Human Services, Pleasant Street 500, Canton, Massachusetts, 02021, United States
National Award-Winning Musical Ventriloquist Kevin Driscoll to Perform Paul Revere & Friends™ Edutainment Program in Canton for Massachusetts 250th Anniversary
CANTON, MA — The Department of Elder and Human Services is proud to present Boston’s own Kevin Driscoll, nationally recognized musical ventriloquist, in a special performance of his acclaimed Paul Revere & Friends™ program. This interactive, family-friendly show will take place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Department of Elder and Human Services, 500 Pleasant Street, Canton, MA.
Driscoll’s Paul Revere & Friends™ is an entertaining and educational program celebrating the 250th anniversary of Massachusetts’ Revolutionary legacy.
Featuring a historical twist, Driscoll combines music, ventriloquism, and American history to bring the story of Paul Revere to life in a fun and memorable way. Joining Kevin on stage are his whimsical puppet companions – including Doug the Talking Dog, who may or may not have accompanied Paul Revere on his legendary midnight ride. While there’s no historical proof Revere had a talking dog, if he did, “Doug” would be just the kind of clever, canine sidekick to howl along the way!
This engaging performance is perfect for history lovers, families, and anyone looking to celebrate Massachusetts’ rich Revolutionary history with a smile.
Event Details:
📅 Tuesday, October 14, 2025
🕐 1:00 PM
📍 Department of Elder and Human Services
500 Pleasant Street, Canton, MA 02021
Free Admission. All are welcome!
For more information, please contact:
Donna Porcello
Program Coordinator
Department of Elder and Human Services
📞 781.828.1323
Kevin Driscoll
DriscollProductions.com
22 Driscoll Drive Framingham, MA 01701
We Help People Laugh™
📞 617-901-6232

" 'Within the compass of good citizens:' Paul Revere’s Masonic Journey"
2025-10-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA, 02421, United States
Please join us on October 16, 2025, at 6 PM, for ” ‘Within the compass of good citizens:’ Paul Revere’s Masonic Journey” with Steven C. Bullock, Professor of History at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
From the son of an immigrant to speaking beside the governor on Beacon Hill, Paul Revere traveled far in his extraordinary life. His membership in the Freemasons played an important role in that journey. This talk will consider how the fraternal order fit into Revere’s life—and into the development of Boston and the new nation.
This lecture, part of our 50th anniversary programming, is produced in partnership with the Paul Revere House. It will take place in person at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library and will be live streamed by local community access partner LexMedia.

Liberty and Union Day
2025-10-18 10:00 - 16:00 | Old Colony History Museum, 6 Church Green, Taunton, MA, 02780, United States
​Liberty & Union Day is an annual event that celebrates Taunton, Massachusetts’ rich history and culture. We commemorate the events of October 1774, when our community became one of the first in the American colonies to raise a flag in opposition to British rule. That flag – the “Liberty and Union” flag – flies proudly over our city to this day.
Hosted by the Old Colony History Museum, the day features what life was like in 1774 through a variety of local colonial crafter demonstrations, Continental and British reenactors, live music, delicious food, as well as plenty of family-friendly activities.
Enjoy the beauty of fall in New England and the hospitality of the Taunton community while we celebrate our local contribution to the American Revolution.

Meet Ghosts of the American Revolution
2025-10-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Blandford Historical Society, North Street 1, Blandford, Massachusetts, 01008, United States
Blandford, Massachusetts, is a small town with a big history rooted in the American Revolution in unexpected ways. See and hear its stories come alive from a dispatcher running clandestine operations for the military while still serving patrons at the family tavern to a selectman who secretly participated in the Boston Tea Party and more.
Guests will be on their feet for about an hour as they tour the cemetery and meet a colorful cast of Blandford characters. Bring something to sit on if you like. FREE donuts and cider will follow at the Blandford Historical Society across the street from the cemetery. The walk will take place rain or shine (except for severe weather) so bring an umbrella if rain is forecasted. In the event of severe weather, cancellation will be posted at blandfordhistoricalsociety.org by noon. This event is FREE – no need to sign up, just come and enjoy the local lore!

Save the Date for Tavern Night at The Old Ordinary
2025-10-18 19:00 - 22:00 | Massachusetts
Join friends and neighbors under the tent at the Old Ordinary for an evening of live music, beer, light bites, and craft cocktails in an extraordinary setting! Tavern Night is the Society’s largest fundraiser of the year, directly supporting our mission to collect, preserve, and promote Hingham’s historic heritage. Funds raised from the event will help to support the expansion of the number of schoolchildren and visitors learning American history through the lens of Hingham. Stay tuned to social media and our website for ticket information.

Ipswich: The Revolution Continues
2025-10-19 02:00 - 17:00 | Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938, United States
An Afternoon of Revolutionary Ipswich History with four vignettes at the Ipswich Museum and the Whipple House in Historic Ipswich, Massachusetts.
2:00 – 2:30 pm: Encore presentation of “Within These Walls” on the Heard House, Ipswich Museum grounds. For 200 years, a Georgian-style, timber-framed house stood at the corner of Elm and County Streets in Ipswich. Today, the house is the centerpiece of “Within These Walls” at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
2:30 pm: “Ipswich, the Birthplace of American Independence” at the Whipple House. In 1687, the Crown-appointed governor Sir Edmond Andros instituted a new, arbitrary tax without consulting the General Court. The Rev. John Wise of Chebacco Parish organized a swift resistance, resulting in the arrest of the town’s leaders.
2:45 pm -3:00 pm: “Jenny Slew, I am here”. Jenny Slew is believed to have been the first person held as a slave to be granted freedom through trial by jury.
3pm – 3:30 pm: The Revolutionary War letters of Joseph and Sarah Hodgkins on the Whipple House grounds. Throughout the Revolutionary War, Lieutenant Joseph Hogkins maintained an ongoing correspondence by mail with his wife, Sarah Perkins Hodgkins. Their exchange of letters conveyed news from the front and the Ipswich community during the war.

Revolution in Print
2025-10-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Thacher Hall, Main Street 266, Yarmouth, MA, 02675, United States
Learn about the origins of printmaking and the role printing played during the Revolutionary War, from Printmaker and Living History Presenter, Andy Volpe. Witness a demonstration on a replica printing press and step back in time to learn how revolutionary ideas spread through the colonies.

Curious and Complex Connections: Environmental History & The War of Independence
2025-10-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Massachusetts Historical Society, Boylston Street 1154, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
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 6:00 PM.
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 the thinking and actions of soldiers and civilians? Rebels and British soldiers acquired and used energy in the form of food, fuel, and work animals, which shaped people’s lives, the course of the war, and the direction of environmental change. Join us as David Hsiung, in conversation with Joyce Chaplin, discusses the intricate and often surprising ways in which the natural environment and the war changed each other.

“Who Cares About the Midnight Ride? Perspectives on an American Legend” with Dr. Noelle Trent, Ahsante Bean, Dr. Eileen Ka-May Chen, and Kerry Dunne
2025-10-21 18:30 - 20:00 | The Commons, Sargent Hall, Suffolk University, Tremont Street 120, Boston, Massachusetts, 02108, United States
What does the Midnight Ride mean today, and who does it matter to? In this panel a university professor, a high school teacher and administrator, and a public history content creator will discuss how the Midnight Ride resonates (or doesn’t) with the groups they talk about history with. They will compare perspectives on societal trends that influence whether a historical event like this feels relevant today.

Battle of the Red Horse Tavern
2025-10-25 11:00 - 16:00 | The Wayside Inn, Wayside Inn Road 72, Sudbury, Massachusetts, 01776, United States
18th century military reenactment
18th century taverns were important as a place to hear news and current events, engage in commerce, conduct militia drills, and provide respite for weary travelers.
The Red Horse Tavern sitting along the Boston Post Road, a major east-west route, was crucial as anyone, or anything, travelling into or out of Boston would have to pass by its door.
Whoever controlled the Tavern could control the flow of supplies, troops, and information.
Who will control the tavern?
