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.
Visit some of Douglas' Revolutionary War Patriots final resting places and hear thier stories. Special Ceremony by SAR Color Guard at 2pm-3pm. June 14, 2026 with tours at 10:30am, 12noon, 3pm and 4pm. Tours limited to 12 people per group. Location: Douglas Center Cemetery--Rt 16 across from the Douglas Town Common. Parking is available at […]
Visit the final resting places of some of our Revolutionary Patriots, and hear their stories on a walking tour of Historic Douglas Center Cemetery opened in 1746. Tours are 10:30am, 12 noon, 3pm & 4pm With a Patriot Grave marking Ceremony by the CTSSAR at 2:30pm Tickets are required for tours. Douglas Center Cemetery (Rt […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
Sunday, June 14 --Roots and Branches: A Panel on the Deep and Revolutionary Soccer History of MA The Franklin Historical Museum is hosting a World Class array of experts to delve into the rich, regional history of soccer, which includes the Oneida Football Club that inaugurated organized "foot ball” of all kinds on American soil […]
On a hot summer evening in 1976, the Cambridge City Council faced a packed hearing room—and a decision that would echo across the globe. At the center of it all stood Mayor Al Vellucci: sharp-tongued, fearless, and ready to take on science itself. The issue? A new biohazard lab designed for groundbreaking recombinant DNA research—celebrated […]
Join the Acton 250 Committee and Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area in a play recounting when the Acton Town Meeting put its support behind the proposed Declaration of Independence that took place on June 14th, 1776. Based on historical research, Acton, along with several communities, will take part in this series commemorating the momentum behind […]
The community is invited to the Flag Sojourn 250 ceremony on National Flag Day, Sunday, June 14th, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Plimoth Patuxet is hosting the ceremony on the pier of the Mayflower II on Water Street in Plymouth, Mass. The special U.S. flag used in this ceremony has traveled to every U.S. cemetery overseas, […]
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 fifth year in 2025! Denise Washington (#Pop-Up Poetry Series), a descendant of Darby Vassall, has curated […]
On a hot summer evening in 1976, the Cambridge City Council faced a packed hearing room—and a decision that would echo across the globe. At the center of it all stood Mayor Al Vellucci: sharp-tongued, fearless, and ready to take on science itself. The issue? A new biohazard lab designed for groundbreaking recombinant DNA research—celebrated […]
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 […]
In collaboration with W. E. B. Du Bois Freedom Center, Norman Rockwell Museum will celebrate American independence and democracy with a special day of programming. Listen to a public recitation of the Declaration of Independence read by Berkshire County community residents and civic leaders. Reading will be introduced by Roberta McCulloch-Dews, Vice Chair, Norman Rockwell […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Through an art-making opportunity, reflect on what the document means 250 years later and how the American Revolution relates to other protest movements and revolutions that have occurred in the United States. We will have supplies available to use and staff […]
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 […]
Join The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy for a virtual artist talk with Rixy, the 2026 Dewey Square Muralist! Learn more about Rixy, her Dewey Square Mural, “The Midnight Ride”, and what it takes to paint large-scale walls. Rixy will share about her artistic journey, world-building through muralism, and the process behind “The Midnight Ride”. This […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Illustrated talk about how an artillery commander from Marblehead defied his superior officers at the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775, by leading his cannon company into the thick of the fray, rather than retreating, and dragging the only American field-piece down off the hill as the American forces retreated. That would prove […]
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. […]
Join Hub Town Tours as we commemorate the 251st anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill! Your historian guide will explain the military conflict between Provincial forces and the British troops under siege in Boston in 1775, placing the battle in the broader context of the beginning of the American Revolution. This 2.5-hour walking tour […]
251st Anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill and the 201st Anniversary of the Laying of the Bunker Hill Monument Cornerstone Admission is free and open to all. We welcome your presence at this solemn and historic observance. Guests are kindly encouraged to arrive early, as seating is limited. Date and Time: Wednesday, June 17, […]
Illustrated talk about how an artillery commander from Marblehead defied his superior officers at the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775, by leading his cannon company into the thick of the fray, rather than retreating, and dragging the only American field-piece down off the hill as the American forces retreated. That would prove […]
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 […]
This exhibit 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 and eventual outbreak of […]
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. […]
Explore the histories of both the Revolutionary War and the Industrial Revolution that both took root in Massachusetts. Learn from rangers about these early revolutions and how they would go on to shape the United States! This free event is part of the Late Night at the Museum series, offered June through October. Visit the […]
Join us at the Sudbury History Center and Museum for a fascinating lecture by Jane H. Sciacca on the Rice Family During the Revolution on the occasion of the 70th Anniversary Annual Meeting of the Sudbury Historical Society (SHS)! The events leading up to and finally culminating in the American Revolution were turbulent ones for […]
Celebrate Juneteenth with an evening of wine, beer, and light refreshments in the Museum’s courtyard, followed by a guided tour of the galleries. Explore Concord’s rich Black and Abolitionist histories through powerful stories, images, and objects from the Museum’s collection. Your ticket includes drinks outside in the courtyard before the tour, which begins at 7:15 […]
Now that 2026 is upon us, many Americans will have been conjuring up distant memories of high school history lessons – Bunker Hill and Saratoga, George Washington at Valley Forge, the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown to the tune of “The World Turned Upside Down.” Plymouth, though, is not a name that usually pops into […]
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, […]
JUNE 19, 2026 JUNETEENTH National Independence Day TOWNWIDE CELEBRATION ROBBINS HOUSE FOOD MUSIC CELEBRATION 320 MONUMENT ST., NOON-4 P.M. MONUMENT SQUARE TOWN FLAGPOLE JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING CEREMONY, 9 A.M. ALL ARE WELCOME! AT CONCORD MUSEUM: HISTORY OF HIP HOP DANCE, JUNE 19, 10-11 A.M. ANTI-SLAVERY TOUR, JUNE 19, 11-12:30 P.M. Visit CONCORD assachusetts AT CONCORD […]
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 […]
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 […]
Admission to the MFA is free for all Massachusetts residents on June 19 in honor of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally observed commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Join us for performances, participate in art-making activities, catch a talk, see art, and more. Activities are for visitors of all ages and abilities […]
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. […]
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, […]
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 […]
Celebrate Massachusetts heritage at Red Apple Farm’s New England Cider & Strings Festival, a two-day event honoring the craftsmanship, traditions, and community spirit that shaped New England. Set on a fourth-generation family farm in Phillipston, this summer festival brings together live music, artisan vendors, historical demonstrations, and local hard cider for a weekend rooted in […]
Townsend has always been a community that honors its past while looking toward the future, and now we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate both. As our nation marks America’s 250th birthday, Townsend has been hosting a series of events that will lead up to a grand finale: a 250th Anniversary Parade and Old Home […]
On Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, witness the Stage Fort Park transform into 18th-century Gloucester, through battle reenactments, both by land and sea, civilian encampments, historical programming, and more. The Battle of Gloucester is one of the lesser known battles of the Revolutionary War that played a major factor in the formation of […]
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 […]
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 […]
Join us on Saturday, June 20, 2026, as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of Yarmouth’s own Declaration of Independence. Step back into the year 1776 and experience the spirit of the American Revolution right here in Yarmouth Port. This event is a powerful tribute to the 477 "Old Yarmouth" patriots who fought for our freedom, […]
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 […]
Coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States, the MFA is reimagining its display of 18th-century art of the Americas—and you’re invited to celebrate the grand opening with free admission and a day of exciting programs! Be among the first to experience these eight new galleries, which reflect on the early history of the […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
This program highlights the true stories of Revolutionary-era women, including Prudence Cummings Wright, who organized and led a band of women to capture two Tory spies. Step back in time and discover the untold stories of 5 courageous women, both patriot and loyalist, American and foreign born, who witnessed, chronicled, and in some cases changed […]
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. […]
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, […]
Celebrate Massachusetts heritage at Red Apple Farm’s New England Cider & Strings Festival, a two-day event honoring the craftsmanship, traditions, and community spirit that shaped New England. Set on a fourth-generation family farm in Phillipston, this summer festival brings together live music, artisan vendors, historical demonstrations, and local hard cider for a weekend rooted in […]
Pulitzer Prize–winning biographer and Adams native Stacy Schiff returns home for a special MA250 Festival keynote on June 20, 2026. In conversation with interlocutor Sara Houghteling, Schiff will explore the fiery origins of the American Revolution as detailed in her latest work, The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams, while offering an exclusive look at her current research […]
Seven Times Salt marks the 250th anniversary of the nation with a live concert! This performance will trace a musical lineage from the settlement at Plimoth, to the eve of the Revolution, and victory at Yorktown. English catches and early shape note hymns lead to songs of liberty, rants against taxation and tyranny, wartime laments, […]
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.
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, […]
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 […]
On Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, witness the Stage Fort Park transform into 18th-century Gloucester, through battle reenactments, both by land and sea, civilian encampments, historical programming, and more. The Battle of Gloucester is one of the lesser known battles of the Revolutionary War that played a major factor in the formation 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 silver bowl. 17-foot-wide painted room divider. A charismatic silversmith considering his craft. A towering mahogany desk and bookcase. Certain paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and works on paper from the MFA’s Art of the Americas art collection, along with the artists who created them, played a pivotal role in shaping the early history of the […]
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 […]
Join us for another bus tour adventure visiting the old and Rev War era homes of North Andover and Andover! Step inside the North Andover Samuel Osgood home and take a short stroll on the Ward Reservation Trail behind the Gray house on Salem Street in Andover. Pass by many more homes and learn about […]
Join us on Sunday June 21st, 2026 for the Revolutionary History Tour Shuttle, a special collaboration between the North Andover Historical Society and the Andover Center for History and Culture! Explore historical sites in “old” Andover that stood in 1775 and 1776 and helped to shape our nation’s journey to independence. Our experienced guides will […]
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 another bus tour adventure visiting the old and Rev War era homes of North Andover and Andover! Step inside the North Andover Samuel Osgood home and take a short stroll on the Ward Reservation Trail behind the Gray house on Salem Street in Andover. Pass by many more homes and learn about […]
Join us on Sunday June 21st, 2026 for the Revolutionary History Tour Shuttle, a special collaboration between the North Andover Historical Society and the Andover Center for History and Culture! Explore historical sites in “old” Andover that stood in 1775 and 1776 and helped to shape our nation’s journey to independence. Our experienced guides will […]
On a hot summer evening in 1976, the Cambridge City Council faced a packed hearing room—and a decision that would echo across the globe. At the center of it all stood Mayor Al Vellucci: sharp-tongued, fearless, and ready to take on science itself. The issue? A new biohazard lab designed for groundbreaking recombinant DNA research—celebrated […]
Our nation's fathers harmonize their way through the founding of America in this musical adapted from a popular Broadway show. Representatives from the 13 colonies gather in Philadelphia with the aim of establishing a set of governmental rules for the burgeoning United States. Benjamin Franklin (Howard da Silva) and John Adams (William Daniels) charge Thomas […]
On a hot summer evening in 1976, the Cambridge City Council faced a packed hearing room—and a decision that would echo across the globe. At the center of it all stood Mayor Al Vellucci: sharp-tongued, fearless, and ready to take on science itself. The issue? A new biohazard lab designed for groundbreaking recombinant DNA research—celebrated […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
