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.
We believe Frederick Douglass’ words belong in public spaces. Every year we provide grants to support readings of his influential address, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” in town squares, community centers, churches, museums, libraries, parks, and more. This year, we’re proud to share that a record-high 76 readings will take place across […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
A walk-about tour around the Common of the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans June 22 to July 12, Mon–Sat (except Wed.) 10am–5pm, and Sunday 11am–12 noon; Free Admission. Take an outdoor stroll to revisit our history—culture, science, faith, politics, commerce, and constitutional rights—and meet many heroes, known and unknown, along the way who made […]
A walk-about tour around the Common of the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans June 22 to July 12, Mon–Sat (except Wed.) 10am–5pm, and Sunday 11am–12 noon; Free Admission. Take an outdoor stroll to revisit our history—culture, science, faith, politics, commerce, and constitutional rights—and meet many heroes, known and unknown, along the way who made […]
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 […]
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. […]
On July 4, 2026, the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To honor this historic milestone, Lexington Strings will present a vibrant recital featuring music of the era contemporary to the document's signing. The performance will take place at Cary Memorial Library in Lexington Center. The […]
In his new book, Been There, Done That, Professor Greg Jackson argues that while today’s political climate may be dark, these aren’t as unprecedented times as we may think. Our nation’s past is full of massive upheaval, disagreement, and departures from the moral high ground. The political "gentlemanly conduct" of yesteryear is no more than […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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: […]
Visit Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club this summer for History Uncorked — a series of four evening lectures held inside the historic Nickerson Mansion in Brewster, Cape Cod, in celebration of America's 250th anniversary. Led by Ocean Edge's resident historian Renee Dee and Cape Cod historian David Martin, Ph.D., each talk explores a different […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
A walk-about tour around the Common of the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans June 22 to July 12, Mon–Sat (except Wed.) 10am–5pm, and Sunday 11am–12 noon; Free Admission. Take an outdoor stroll to revisit our history—culture, science, faith, politics, commerce, and constitutional rights—and meet many heroes, known and unknown, along the way who made […]
A walk-about tour around the Common of the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans June 22 to July 12, Mon–Sat (except Wed.) 10am–5pm, and Sunday 11am–12 noon; Free Admission. Take an outdoor stroll to revisit our history—culture, science, faith, politics, commerce, and constitutional rights—and meet many heroes, known and unknown, along the way who made […]
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 […]
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. […]
Opening Reception for this exhibit that gives guests an opportunity to learn how the Revolutionary War played out in Amherst - directly from the voices of the residents who lived through it. Through primary source documents, the exhibit brings visitors on a journey from the declaration of independence in Amherst to the stirrings of revolution […]
The Old North Church Congregation is pleased to offer traditional Choral Evensong on June 25 and July 3, 2026. Each service will be held at 6:00 p.m. and lasts approximately 45 minutes. The July 3 service will feature historic prayers for the nation on the Eve of the 250th Anniversary of American Independence. Worship services […]
As part of Chicopee’s 250th Celebration, join historian Dr. Dan Breen for a lively look into the Revolutionary War and the remarkable story behind Henry Knox’s “Noble Train of Artillery.” Dr. Breen will explore the capture of Fort Ticonderoga, the transport of 59 cannons across Massachusetts, and how their arrival helped end the Siege of […]
The Concord Museum, in partnership with Lexington History Museums, presents an engaging program highlighting new research and evolving interpretations from the communities at the center of the start of the American Revolution. This conversation brings together Curator David F. Wood, whose work Eyewitness to Revolution draws from the Concord Museum’s renowned collection; Paul O’Shaughnessy, President […]
Join Professor Sneff as she discusses her upcoming book release “When the Declaration of Independence Was News” releasing April 15th 2026. She will discuss why every copy of the Declaration of Independence has a story to tell. Emily is a leading expert on the United States Declaration of Independence, and her forthcoming book traces the […]
The Concord Band, directed by James O’Dell, will be performing at 51 Walden Performing Arts Center in Concord on Thursday, June 25 at 7:15pm. The theme of this concert is “Born in the USA” and will feature spirited works by Leroy Anderson, Leonard Bernstein, Duke Ellington, John Williams and others. The venue at 51 Walden […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
A walk-about tour around the Common of the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans June 22 to July 12, Mon–Sat (except Wed.) 10am–5pm, and Sunday 11am–12 noon; Free Admission. Take an outdoor stroll to revisit our history—culture, science, faith, politics, commerce, and constitutional rights—and meet many heroes, known and unknown, along the way who made […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
Join us for an unforgettable celebration of our nation! Featuring food trucks, live music, craft vendors, and a family movie, it promises to be an extraordinary evening.
Through a FY2026 Massachusetts 250 Grant, Greenfield is launching the MA250 Sidewalk Art Tour. This project features 10 murals by local artists, each offering a unique perspective on 250 years of American independence. In conjunction with Greenfield’s monthly Arts Walk, a guided tour of the 6 central downtown murals is scheduled for Friday, June 26th. […]
Join Adams National Historical Park for a Slice of History, a night of pizza and rewatching the Y2K throwback, Liberty’s Kids. This event is intended for audiences ages 18-30 but all are welcome. This event will be held outdoors on the grounds of the Old House at Peace field at 135 Adams St., Quincy, MA. This […]
We’re celebrating Independence Day a whole week early with two days of fireworks, music, food, history, hometown pride, and family fun!
The Braintree Historical Society is hosting a dinner for Abigail and John Adams on Friday June 26th at the Braintree Town Hall. A hot and cold buffet will be served and a cash bar will be available. Following dinner the Adams will provide an update on the state of the Revolution. For reservations please call: […]
Family-Friendly Movie Night in the Park. Join us for a delightful movie night in the park following the 250th celebration! This event is free for the community, and we invite everyone. For Family-Friendly Movie Night in the Park bring along your own lawn chairs and blankets for a cozy viewing experience. The movie starts at […]
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 […]
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 […]
Ensemble Altera and Christopher Lowrey, director DECLARATIONS A World-Premiere Choral Work by Piers Connor Kennedy In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 7:00 pm Old South Church 645 Boylston St., Boston at Copley Square Tickets $20 / $40 / $60 available at www.ensemblealtera.com This June, Ensemble […]
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 […]
Visit the Adams Farm at Penn’s Hill (the John Adams and John Quincy Adams Birthplaces), 141 Adams St., Quincy, Mass., for ranger talks and special programs sharing the experiences of the Adams family during the American Revolution and their contributions to American independence. Get the details on this special program for the 250th anniversary of […]
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 […]
Built by Loyalist Judge Timothy Paine in 1774, the Paine family occupied this home until the early 20th century. The Colonel Timothy Bigelow Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution purchased the home in 1914, preserving and maintaining it since that time.
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 […]
A walk-about tour around the Common of the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans June 22 to July 12, Mon–Sat (except Wed.) 10am–5pm, and Sunday 11am–12 noon; Free Admission. Take an outdoor stroll to revisit our history—culture, science, faith, politics, commerce, and constitutional rights—and meet many heroes, known and unknown, along the way who made […]
A walk-about tour around the Common of the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans June 22 to July 12, Mon–Sat (except Wed.) 10am–5pm, and Sunday 11am–12 noon; Free Admission. Take an outdoor stroll to revisit our history—culture, science, faith, politics, commerce, and constitutional rights—and meet many heroes, known and unknown, along the way who made […]
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 […]
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence in Sturbridge with a full day of community spirit, history, and fun! The Sturbridge America250 Parade steps off at 10:30 AM from the Old Sturbridge Village Museum Education parking lot. The route will start at the corner of Stallion Hill Road and Route 20, continue east Route 20, […]
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 […]
We’re celebrating Independence Day a whole week early with two days of fireworks, music, food, history, hometown pride, and family fun!
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 […]
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. […]
The Town of Plymouth’s 250th Commemoration Committee invites you to a special ceremony in Town Square commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The program will feature a reading of the Declaration by a group representing Plymoutheans of 1776 and 2026, patriotic songs, a flag raising, color guard salute, and remarks by state […]
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence in Sturbridge with a full day of community spirit, history, and fun! Join us on Sturbridge's Town Common for a festive celebration featuring The 215th Army Band, Senator Fattman, Rep Smola, Sturbridge's Militia reenactors, Daughter's of the Revolution, and local docents providing tours of the Old Burial Grounds. […]
Come celebrate the new 2026 Dewey Square Mural with artists, friends, and community in downtown Boston! Join artist Rixy and The Greenway on Saturday, June 27 from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM for an afternoon of family-friendly music, art activities, and food trucks to celebrate the opening of her new mural, "The Midnight Ride," produced […]
Founded in 1970, this chamber-music series takes advantage of the acoustically excellent sanctuary of the Charlemont Federated Church and celebrates music old and new. This year in honor of the nation's birthday, each concert will feature at least one piece by an American composer.
Launched in 1970, Mohawk Trail Concerts has concerts every Saturday evening in the acoustically excellent Charlemont Federated Church. This year to celebrate our nation's birthday, each concert will feature at least one piece by an American composer.
The Amherst Community Band will present a outdoor, family-friendly concert with a program of beloved patriotic music in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The event is free and open to the public
Ensemble Altera and Christopher Lowrey, director DECLARATIONS A World-Premiere Choral Work by Piers Connor Kennedy In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 7:00 pm Old South Church 645 Boylston St., Boston at Copley Square Tickets $20 / $40 / $60 available at www.ensemblealtera.com This June, Ensemble […]
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 […]
Visit the Adams Farm at Penn’s Hill (the John Adams and John Quincy Adams Birthplaces), 141 Adams St., Quincy, Mass., for ranger talks and special programs sharing the experiences of the Adams family during the American Revolution and their contributions to American independence. Get the details on this special program for the 250th anniversary of […]
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 […]
A walk-about tour around the Common of the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans June 22 to July 12, Mon–Sat (except Wed.) 10am–5pm, and Sunday 11am–12 noon; Free Admission. Take an outdoor stroll to revisit our history—culture, science, faith, politics, commerce, and constitutional rights—and meet many heroes, known and unknown, along the way who made […]
A walk-about tour around the Common of the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans June 22 to July 12, Mon–Sat (except Wed.) 10am–5pm, and Sunday 11am–12 noon; Free Admission. Take an outdoor stroll to revisit our history—culture, science, faith, politics, commerce, and constitutional rights—and meet many heroes, known and unknown, along the way who made […]
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 […]
Discover how the ideals of liberty and justice played out in complex ways within this 18th-century homestead on a thought-provoking guided tour. This wasn’t just the home of prominent patriot John Ashley and his family, but also of the people they enslaved here. One of them, Elizabeth ‘Mum Bett’ Freeman, has long been lauded for […]
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 […]
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. […]
Join Adams National Historical Park for a performance of Jefferson & Adams: A Stage Play by Howard Ginsberg. Witness a compelling dramatization of the friendship between John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Abigail Adams. Actors Bill Barker, Sam Goodyear, and Abigail Schumann bring to life the fifty-year relationship – often contentious, sometimes turbulent, and ultimately enduring […]
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 […]
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 […]
Join MHS staff for a gallery tour of the exhibition 1776: Declaring Independence. Discover how Americans drafted a path to independence through a selection of rarely seen manuscripts, artifacts, and treasures from the MHS collection. Attendance is free. Please visit here to register: https://www.masshist.org/events/gallery-talk-june-29-2026-am
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 […]
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 […]
A walk-about tour around the Common of the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans June 22 to July 12, Mon–Sat (except Wed.) 10am–5pm, and Sunday 11am–12 noon; Free Admission. Take an outdoor stroll to revisit our history—culture, science, faith, politics, commerce, and constitutional rights—and meet many heroes, known and unknown, along the way who made […]
A walk-about tour around the Common of the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans June 22 to July 12, Mon–Sat (except Wed.) 10am–5pm, and Sunday 11am–12 noon; Free Admission. Take an outdoor stroll to revisit our history—culture, science, faith, politics, commerce, and constitutional rights—and meet many heroes, known and unknown, along the way who made […]
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. […]
Join Adams Papers staff for a gallery talk featuring the latest rotating installations from the Adams Presidential Library. Discover how members of the Adams family helped shape the “great anniversary festival,” from the founding on July 4, 1776, to John Adams’s death on the semicentennial, and to the legacy of independence shared by generations. Attendance […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Join Adams Papers staff for a gallery talk featuring the latest rotating installations from the Adams Presidential Library. Discover how members of the Adams family helped shape the “great anniversary festival,” from the founding on July 4, 1776, to John Adams’s death on the semicentennial, and to the legacy of independence shared by generations. Attendance […]
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 […]
A walk-about tour around the Common of the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans June 22 to July 12, Mon–Sat (except Wed.) 10am–5pm, and Sunday 11am–12 noon; Free Admission. Take an outdoor stroll to revisit our history—culture, science, faith, politics, commerce, and constitutional rights—and meet many heroes, known and unknown, along the way who made […]
A walk-about tour around the Common of the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans June 22 to July 12, Mon–Sat (except Wed.) 10am–5pm, and Sunday 11am–12 noon; Free Admission. Take an outdoor stroll to revisit our history—culture, science, faith, politics, commerce, and constitutional rights—and meet many heroes, known and unknown, along the way who made […]
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 […]
In the colonial period, and during the revolution, dance and music became intertwined with politics, religion and economics. The careers of William Turner, a dancing master in Boston, and Thomas Pike, a dancing master in Philadelphia, affected each other, and were affected by the times. Jacob and Nancy Bloom will share primary sources that reveal […]
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. […]
Celebrate the bold women who birthed the suffrage revolution over a pot of tea. We will be highlighting the tenacity of Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott and many more movers and shakers from that era. Highlights include the tea party that launched the suffrage movement, interactive trivia […]
Free Admission! Time Travel Theatrical Presents My Dearest Friend: A Play About John and Abigail Adams written by Peter Manos Based on actual letters between President John Adams and his wife Abigail Produced/Directed by Laura J. Bilodeau Featuring: Katie Broach and Jim Hunt Carla Perrotta and Peter Cavicchio Produced by Special Arrangement with the Dramatic […]
Join Adams National Historical Park for a performance of My Dearest Friend: A Play About John and Abigial Adams, written by Peter Manos. My Dearest Friend, both a civics lesson and love story, is about the American Revolution and the founding of the United States revealed through the rich, witty and passionate correspondence between Abigail […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
A 25-minute live performance explores how music carried revolutionary ideas through taverns, homes, and meetinghouses across New England—often faster and with greater impact than the written word. A cast of musicians, joined by a Massachusetts Minuteman storyteller, will perform songs from the Revolutionary era with a contemporary folk-rock twist, highlighting enduring themes of liberty, resistance, […]
Visitors will step into a rural Massachusetts community and meet six Revolutionary-era residents—a printer, housemaid, lawyer, shopkeeper, tavern keeper, and farmer’s wife—each navigating the growing conflict in their own way. To make the experience even more immersive, guests will have an opportunity to learn about a specific person and build their own character, allowing them […]
Join MHS staff for a gallery tour of the exhibition 1776: Declaring Independence. Discover how Americans drafted a path to independence through a selection of rarely seen manuscripts, artifacts, and treasures from the MHS collection. Attendance is free. Please visit here to register: https://www.masshist.org/events/gallery-talk-july-1-2026-am
Learn more about the many stories of the American Revolution through ranger talks and special programs. Get the details on this special program for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence at https://www.nps.gov/adam/planyourvisit/250-anniversary.htm.
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 […]
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 […]
Everyone knows Salem for the 1692 Witchcraft Trials, but did you know that Salem made significant contributions to the American Revolution? The shot heard round the world almost happened in Salem, the town was known for its Privateers (legal Pirates) who were the most successful against the British Navy and British military governor General Thomas […]
History & Art Series: This summer when America is celebrating its 250th anniversary, join us for this historical and civic education program to learn how the Berkshires played a pivotal role in the founding of our nation. "American Stories: Rebels and Revolutionaries of the Berkshires" examines the history of the American Revolution and its reverberating […]
The State Library is excited to invite you to join us for a special event featuring our copy of the Declaration of Independence, printed in Salem on July 17, 1776. We will also be marking the opening of our new exhibit Raising the Alarm: Revolutionary Broadsides at the State Library. Though the exhibit features facsimiles […]
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. […]
Join Adams Papers staff for a gallery talk featuring the latest rotating installations from the Adams Presidential Library. Discover how members of the Adams family helped shape the “great anniversary festival,” from the founding on July 4, 1776, to John Adams’s death on the semicentennial, and to the legacy of independence shared by generations. Attendance […]
Did you know? Someone with ties to Shirley signed the Declaration of Independence and became the first Attorney General of Massachusetts. Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary by exploring the life, legacy, and contributions of Robert Treat Paine.
Hear from bestselling authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, along with novelist Jodi Daynard, as they share their experiences bringing Quincy women, including Abigail Adams, to life through historical fiction. This event is hosted in collaboration with Historic New England's Quincy House and the National Parks Conservation Association. Get the details on this special program […]
-Welcome by Library Director Diane Costagliola -Presentation of Colors by American Legion Post 188 Color Guard -Pledge of Allegiance & Citation Presentation by Representative Steven Xiarhos -National Anthem by Jeanne Prendergast -Indigenous History & Recognition by the Wampanoag Tribe -Historical Reflections featuring Edward Bacon & Dr. Nathaniel Freeman -Abridged Reading of the Declaration of Independence […]
This July, Revolutionary Spaces invites you to Old South Meeting House for The People’s House Party — a joyful civic celebration bringing our community together on the eve of the 250th anniversary. This year’s gala marks the start of something new. Guests will enjoy The Exclusive First Look at Ruckus!, a bold new immersive show […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
A walk-about tour around the Common of the Church of the Transfiguration, Rock Harbor, Orleans June 22 to July 12, Mon–Sat (except Wed.) 10am–5pm, and Sunday 11am–12 noon; Free Admission. Take an outdoor stroll to revisit our history—culture, science, faith, politics, commerce, and constitutional rights—and meet many heroes, known and unknown, along the way who made […]
