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.
On April 19, the actual first day of the American Revolution, we celebrate with food and craft beverages the passage of Paul Revere and William Dawes through present-day Arlington to warn of advance of British troops to suppress the colonial rebellion. This indoor family friendly beer hall providing arts and crafts for children, live music […]
On the exact 250th anniversary of Lexington and Concord, come celebrate America's legacy of patriotism and revolution! "Keepers of the Revolution" seeks to Educate, Entertain, and Inspire patriots of all ages to keep the spirit of Revolution in the Northeast alive. Come for food, speakers and comedy, including: Comedians K-von Moezzi and Brian Swinehart Speakers […]
Join us on April 19th for the Revolutionary History Tour Shuttle, a special collaboration between the North Andover Historical Society and the Andover Center for History and Culture! Embark on an adventure through our shared heritage as we bring our two towns, once united during the American Revolution, back together for a day of family-friendly […]
250 years ago, Needham residents helped repel British attacks on Lexington and Concord. The East Needham Militia’s 12.6-mile march to join the battle started at the Townsend Green (Nehoiden and Central Ave) and ended in Arlington by the Jason Russell House (which still stands). The fighting in Arlington was some of the heaviest of the […]
“Scenes From The Revolution” is ready for Concord250 Please join us after the parade at The Performing Arts Center at 51 Walden St. Concord MA on Saturday, April 19, 2025, for two performances of “Scenes From The Revolution – a Quarter Millennial Musical” written by Aline Shader. For all ages, this engaging musical, with heartwarming […]
Lexington’s Patriots’ Day Parade honors Lexington’s history as the birthplace of liberty and provides a fun-filled afternoon for families of all ages. This year’s parade on Saturday, April 19, at 2 p.m., will be bigger and more exciting than ever. It will include reenactors, marching bands, floats, fife & drums, clowns & jugglers, dancers, dignitaries, […]
“Scenes From The Revolution” is ready for Concord250 Please join us after the parade at The Performing Arts Center at 51 Walden St. Concord MA on Saturday, April 19, 2025, for two performances of “Scenes From The Revolution – a Quarter Millennial Musical” written by Aline Shader. For all ages, this engaging musical, with heartwarming […]
Colonial Music Celebration Concert at Martha Mary Chapel Wayside Inn Grounds Sudbury, MA Deirdre Sweeney and Al Petty perform an extensive repertoire of 18th century dance music, as well as marches and laments, on flute, whistle, recorder and fife, gathered from manuscripts printed between the 17th and 19th centuries and arranged in counterpoint. They play […]
Longfellow's Wayside Inn Historic Dinner Tickets: $65 | Per Person ($10 off for those who dress up in colonial attire!) (Tickets at RESY.com) $55 | TWIF members (Please call 978-443-1776x1) This event is non-refundable. Each ticket includes taxes and gratuity. Alcohol served to 21+ only. About: Come celebrate with us at The Historic 1700s Colonial […]
We invite you to attend the Patriot's Day Candlelight Tribute at Westlawn Cemetery on April 19! It's an incredible opportunity to honor the brave men from Westford who served during the American Revolution. This year, we're offering a unique experience with a self-guided stroll through the cemetery, allowing you to access the service records of […]
This will be the culmination of the Patriot's Day Celebration for the 250th Anniversary of the first battle of the American revolution in Lexington. It will feature music related to the time period of the revolution, including 2 works that have been commissioned by the Band: Seeds of Revolution by Daniel Lutz, originally commissioned for […]
On Sunday, April 20, 2025, 1,000 military personnel, first responders, and civilians from across the country will gather before dawn to honor their fallen comrades as part of the 2025 Tough Ruck held in partnership with the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) and the Boston Marathon. Participants will “ruck” 26.2 miles along the paths of the […]
This detailed exhibit in a historic mill examines the roadway stretching from the Foot of the Rocks east to Spy Pond that saw the day’s worst fighting and many deaths on both sides. The exhibit sheds welcome light on the diverse people who fought and lived through that historic day that took place amidst their […]
Operated by the Arlington Historical Society, the historic Jason Russell House was a witness to the fiercest fighting of the Battle of Lexington, Concord, Menotomy, the conflict that marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Today, the House, still bearing scars from the fight, is at the heart of the Society's regional history museum, offering […]
Located in the heart of Lexington Center, il Casale Lexington will be offering its weekly live jazz brunch with Ethan K. Jazz Duo on Sunday, April 20th from 12-2:30pm. The live music will draw from a vast catalog of jazz standards, as well as bossa nova and popular classics from the seventies, which was during […]
At 2pm on Sunday, April 20th, the Town of Arlington will be joined by the Menotomy Minuteman and participants from many historical reenactment groups to reenact the Battle of Menotomy. Beginning at Mass Ave and Grove Street in Arlington, this 'running' battle will stretch nearly one mile of Mass Ave, ending at Medford Street. Spectators […]
Celebrate in Menotomy/Arlington where most of the battle was fought. The bloodiest, where the Irish joined the Minuteman, where canons were sunk and history has been hidden. Sunday 4/20 celebrate the Irish Contribution with Revolutionary War stories and Civil war historian and musician David Kincaid at an all day event in the Irish Social Club […]
Join a conversation with Martha Washington, a silversmith demonstration, and a program with sailors from the USS Constitution. Monday, April 21 from 10:00 – 11:00 am: A Personal Conversation in Mrs. Washington’s Bedchamber Free with Museum Admission. Members Visit Free. Seating is limited and available on a first-come basis. Step back to 1784 and spend […]
Join the Lexington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and members of the Lexington Minutemen Company at a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Revolutionary War Memorial on the Battle Green which honors the 8 lives lost in the Battle of Lexington on April 19, 1775.
Every year on Patriots Day, the members of the Danvers Alarm List Company gather to honor the brave men from Danvers who made the ultimate sacrifice at the Jason Russell House on April 19th, 1775, by participating in a special mini-marathon. This year, in commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of Patriots Day, we’re expanding our […]
Commemorate Patriots' Day with a National Park Service program marking the "shot heard round the world." On April 19, 1775 British Regular soldiers search the town of Concord, Massachusetts for stockpiles of illegal military supplies. When nearly 200 Regulars crossed Concord's North Bridge and headed for the farm of militia Colonel James Barrett, they left […]
This is the ceremony that we normally do after the reenactment is over. We will lay a wreath at the grave of the British Soldier as well as Captain Parker's Memorial along with 2 musket volley's.
Join the Somerville Museum for the Patriots' Day Colonial Fair in Foss Park! Greet Paul Revere on his horse, play colonial-era games, enjoy refreshments, and delicious offerings from food trucks! Admission is free but give us a shout if you're attending; the British might be coming, too!
Hear ye, hear ye! Experience Paul Revere-inspired poems, Arlington’s revolutionary history, and Cyrus Dallin’s 57-year monument battle, brought to life by Arlington locals! This free, family-friendly program will feature live readings of our two favorite Paul Revere themed poems – one by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the other by Cyrus Dallin himself. Learn about the […]
Monday, April 21, 2025 (Patriot’s Day Holiday) Open House: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Historic New England invites you walk Lincoln’s trails and visit two of its properties in Lincoln, Massachusetts: - The Codman Estate, home to five generations of the Chambers/Russell/Codman family. - The Walter Gropius House, home to a revolutionary architect. Codman Estate, […]
Where is the Parker boulder? Is there a weathervane on the Belfry? What happened at the Harrington House? No matter how long you've lived in Lexington, there is still plenty for your kids to discover! Have them test their clue-solving and observation skills with a Revolutionary-themed scavenger hunt that takes them to sites around the […]
History is brought to life through reenactments in the City of Cambridge as we celebrate the event, the bravery, and one of the riders that changed the history of the world -William Dawes!
Paul Revere & William Dawes arrive separately from the City of Boston on horseback to warn the residents of Menotomy (former Arlington) of the incoming British Regulars! Their event will take place in front of Arlington Town Hall. A small ceremony will occur when they arrive and an interactive time with the crowd. Event is […]
Close out a momentous weekend honoring the first shot of the American Revolution with the Lex250 Patriotic Picnic in Hastings Park on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM at Hastings Park (10 Lincoln St, Lexington, MA)! Experience the power of history, music, and community at this once-in-a-lifetime signature event. Members of […]
Sign up today for Lexington’s Patriotic Picnic in the Park, featuring food from local restaurants and an exceptional performance by members of the Boston Pops, with Keith Lockhart conducting inside the Hastings Park Gazebo. Close out a momentous weekend honoring the first shot of the American Revolution with the Lex250 Patriotic Picnic in the Park […]
The British Regular Army was one of the most powerful military forces in the world in the 18th century. But in the course of one fateful day, their luck changed. On April 19, 1775, 750 soldiers set out on a grueling 40-mile march, and walked straight into a revolution. In Lexington and Concord, they fought […]
Operated by the Arlington Historical Society, the historic Jason Russell House was a witness to the fiercest fighting of the Battle of Lexington, Concord, Menotomy, the conflict that marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Today, the House, still bearing scars from the fight, is at the heart of the Society's regional history museum, offering […]
The Battle of Lexington reverberated far beyond the small town common that started a war. Ordinary citizens were swept up in a new revolution, navigating its politics and picking up the pieces left behind. Stop by Buckman Tavern to hear some of these perspectives: Why did we fight in the first place? How did we […]
The Hancock-Clarke House holds a unique role as the only site of enslavement open to the public in Lexington. Inside the museum, learn about Jack and Dinah, two individuals enslaved by the Hancock family. Outside, in partnership with the Association of Black Citizens of Lexington, meet local researchers who are working to put Lexington's 18th […]
Every year on Patriot’s Day, the National Lancers reenact the rides of Paul Revere and William Dawes. Paul Revere leaves on horseback from the North End, Boston and William Dawes on horseback leaves from John Elliot Square, 10 Putnam St., Roxbury, warning the people while on their way to Lexington of the pending arrival of […]
On April 19th, 1775, Lexington’s town common made history as the site of the first shot of the Revolutionary War. From that war, a new country was born. Now, 250 years later, we welcome a group of aspiring Americans to this historic ground as they are formally naturalized as American citizens and become a part […]
Want to learn more about the scientists, inventors, and entrepreneurs who made Cambridge one of the most innovative cities in the world? Join us for a special tour of The Innovation Trail, supported by the City of Cambridge and MA 250. From anti-aging technology to gene-editing, the newest discoveries coming out of Cambridge are building […]
Want to learn more about the scientists, inventors, and entrepreneurs who made Cambridge one of the most innovative cities in the world? Join us for a special tour of The Innovation Trail, supported by the City of Cambridge and MA 250. From anti-aging technology to gene-editing, the newest discoveries coming out of Cambridge are building […]
Revolutionary War Game Day! Join us as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War! Explore the Historic Beverly galleries, showcasing fascinating artifacts from the Revolution. Each gallery will also feature “Make and Take” stations with engaging activities inspired by the pastimes of militia members during their wartime encampments. Visit the Cabot House to […]
Calling all aspiring young Patriots and Redcoats! Lexington Historical Society, in partnership with the Lexington Minute Men and His Majesty's 10th Regiment of Foot, welcome all willing participants for an interactive reenactment of the Battle of Lexington! Participants will be trained by members of the Lexington Minute Men or His Majesty's 10th Regiment of Foot […]
Calling all aspiring young Patriots and Redcoats! Lexington Historical Society, in partnership with the Lexington Minute Men and His Majesty's 10th Regiment of Foot, welcome all willing participants for an interactive reenactment of the Battle of Lexington! Participants will be trained by members of the Lexington Minute Men or His Majesty's 10th Regiment of Foot […]
How, why & where the first land battle of the American Revolution could have happened at Salem’s North Bridge in February 1775 instead of in Lexington and at Concord’s North Bridge on April 19th. Less than two months before April 19th in 1775, the American Revolution’s first land battle could have taken place in Marblehead […]
Revolutionary Friendships Join us as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War! Explore the Historic Beverly galleries, showcasing fascinating artifacts from the Revolution. Each gallery will also feature “Make and Take” stations with engaging activities inspired by the pastimes of militia members during their wartime encampments. Drop-in story time at 10:00am and 2:00pm […]
Elizabeth James-Perry, Aquinnah Wampanoag Culture Bearer and Artist, joins us for a conversation on the experiences of Native communities in the Massachusetts area during the American Revolution. As part of the new special exhibition Whose Revolution Elizabeth James-Perry created a Wampum choker that represents the kind of object an eighteenth-century Wampanoag soldier from eastern Massachusetts, […]
Join us for a guided tour of little-known local Revolutionary sites in and around Somerville! Visit two historic towers and see the entire Boston basin as General Washington did. You'll have the chance to connect with Redcoats, generals, prisoners, and former forts of our town, learning their stories from local experts. Tours run April 25-27 […]
The Ride of Paul Revere Join us as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War! Explore the Historic Beverly galleries, showcasing fascinating artifacts from the Revolution. Each gallery will also feature “Make and Take” stations with engaging activities inspired by the pastimes of militia members during their wartime encampments. Stop into the Cabot […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
Musical Ventriloquist Kevin Driscoll (aka Paul Revere) is a Massachusetts Certified Teacher with decades of teaching experience. The Paul Revere & Friends™ INTERACTIVE performance is in full compliance with the goals of the Massachusetts History and Social Science Curriculum Framework . The INTERACTIVE learning experience includes "the beginning of the Revolution at Lexington and Concord, […]
Revolutionary Connections: The South Shore and the War for Independence Registration: 8:30 a.m. Presentations: 9:20 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The Spire Center for the Performing Arts, 25 ½ Court Street, Plymouth Schedule: 8:30 a.m. Registration & Refreshments 9:15 a.m. Welcoming Remarks, Donna Curtin, Back Roads of the South Shore Chair and Executive Director of Pilgrim […]
Join us for a guided tour of little-known local Revolutionary sites in and around Somerville! Visit two historic towers and see the entire Boston basin as General Washington did. You'll have the chance to connect with Redcoats, generals, prisoners, and former forts of our town, learning their stories from local experts. Tours run April 25-27 […]
Women of the Revolution Join us as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War! Explore the Historic Beverly galleries, showcasing fascinating artifacts from the Revolution. Each gallery will also feature “Make and Take” stations with engaging activities inspired by the pastimes of militia members during their wartime encampments. Drop-in story time at 10:00am […]
Hands-On History Day: Weaponries of the American Revolution Stop by the Cabot House to explore and learn about some weapons used during the Revolution. Touchable objects on view include muskets, musket balls, canon balls, and more!
Did you know that the only American town that made bobbin lace at scale in our early republic was Ipswich Massachusetts? Alexander Hamilton's papers record that over 40,000 yards of lace were made in one single year. Lace was an important political, economic, and fashion item in the 18th century. Hannah Adams the historian said […]
Huzzah! Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the "shot heard 'round the world" with a revolutionary tour. In this 55-minute guided walk, you'll see surviving homes from the 1700s and discover how ordinary Hinghamites survived the tumultuous years before, during, and after the American Revolution. This tour is perfect for history lovers of all ages!
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
Huzzah! Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the "shot heard 'round the world" with a revolutionary tour. In this 55-minute guided walk, you'll see surviving homes from the 1700s and discover how ordinary Hinghamites survived the tumultuous years before, during, and after the American Revolution. This tour is perfect for history lovers of all ages!
Huzzah! Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the "shot heard 'round the world" with a revolutionary tour. In this 55-minute guided walk, you'll see surviving homes from the 1700s and discover how ordinary Hinghamites survived the tumultuous years before, during, and after the American Revolution. This tour is perfect for history lovers of all ages!
In their recent book, Born in Cambridge: 400 Years of Ideas and Innovators, authors Karen Weintraub and Michael Kuchta argue that “he story of Cambridge reflects the story of America….Major events and trends that affected the nation left fingerprints here, too.” But although the same outside forces have acted on Cambridge as on the rest […]
Join authors Karen Weintraub and Michael Kuchta for a series of free walking tours exploring Cambridge’s legacy of innovation, adaptation, and revolutionary ideas. Based on their book Born in Cambridge: 400 Years of Ideas and Innovators, these tours will uncover the people, places, and events that have shaped the city’s unique role in history. Explore […]
Step back in time to sample the same varieties of imported teas that the Sons of Liberty defiantly tossed into Boston Harbor, alongside an herbal “Liberty tea” favored by Patriots in protest. Explore a special exhibition featuring rarely displayed Revolutionary-era artifacts, and speak to costumed interpreters about the debates that divided Plymouth as residents grappled […]
Join us for a special event marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution at the 250th Midnight Ride Celebration. Enjoy an unforgettable night of festive food, entertainment, and dancing as we mark this historic milestone in style and honor Churchill and Janet Franklin. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Museum’s educational programs, helping […]
Join us for a guided tour of little-known local Revolutionary sites in and around Somerville! Visit two historic towers and see the entire Boston basin as General Washington did. You'll have the chance to connect with Redcoats, generals, prisoners, and former forts of our town, learning their stories from local experts. Tours run April 25-27 […]
Open hours at the Abigail Adams Birthplace begin for the season on Sunday, April and from 1 - 3 p.m. Built in 1685, the Abigail Smith Adams (1744-1818) Birthplace was home to this exceptional woman for the first twenty years of her life. It has survived two relocations and now stands as a monument to […]
A new film From Sea to Shining Sea: Katharine Lee Bates and The Story of America the Beautiful will have several screenings on April 27, 2025, from 2pm – 4pm at Falmouth Museums on the Green as part of the “Lyrics and Lanterns” historical event as Falmouth celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution […]
Did you know? The first published poet in America, Anne Brandstreet, was a Massachusetts resident! To celebrate National Poetry Month join Toni Bee in partnership with Cambridge Arts for Poets In The Garden with author Ekua Holmes at the Longfellow House-Washington Headquarters, 105 Brattle St., Cambridge, on Sunday April 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. […]
Join the Town of Falmouth in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with an afternoon and evening of history, music, and community reflection. Schedule of Events, Sunday, April 27, 2025 📜 2 – 4 p.m. | Falmouth Museums on the Green Explore self-guided tours of the c. 1790 Dr. Francis Wicks House Museum, […]
Join the Town of Falmouth in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with an afternoon and evening of history, music, and community reflection. Family friendly event! Schedule of Events, Sunday, April 27, 2025 📜 2:00 – 4:00 PM | Falmouth Museums on the Green -Explore self-guided tours of the c. 1790 Dr. Francis […]
Doors at 6 p.m./Presentation at 6:30 p.m. This talk shows how Andover helped plant the seeds of the American Revolution. We will see old Andover’s role in the fight for Independence and our legacy in shaping the birth of the nation. Scott W. Dianis is a longtime resident of Andover with a keen interest in […]
Are you interested in Beverly’s Revolutionary era maritime history? Then this is the tour for you! Join us as we journey through Beverly to visit the homes and businesses of some of Beverly’s most famous privateers. Experience Beverly’s beautiful waterfront views as our guide explains how these sites would have looked and functioned in the […]
Are you interested in Beverly’s Revolutionary era maritime history? Then this is the tour for you! Join us as we journey through Beverly to visit the homes and businesses of some of Beverly’s most famous privateers. Experience Beverly’s beautiful waterfront views as our guide explains how these sites would have looked and functioned in the […]
Two hundred years ago, on 19 April 1775, American history changed. Colonial forces faced the British army at Lexington & Concord … and won. Word spread rapidly, and two regiments of Plymouth “Minute Men,” led by Colonel Theophilus Cotton, rallied to the Patriot cause. For the next six years, Plymoutheans participated in America’s battle for […]
With his tri-cornered hat and puffy shirt, Kevin Driscoll will present the life and times of Paul Revere and help everyone celebrate the Massachusetts 250th Anniversary. Kevin Driscoll is a Massachusetts Certified Teacher with decades of teaching experience. His Paul Revere performance is in full compliance with the goals of the Massachusetts History and Social […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
Join us at 14 Beacon for a special tour of the CLA’s new in-person exhibition with New England’s Hidden Histories Project Director and "Sacred Rebellion" curator, Dr. Tricia Peone. The exhibition features many treasures from the CLA’s collections: sermons, books, poems, songs, and letters created by Massachusetts Congregationalists during and after the American Revolution. These […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
The Prudence Wright Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the Pepperell 250th Anniversary Committee are pleased to announce a re-enactment of the “The Women Who Guarded the Bridge” on May 3, 2025. Previously re-enacted by the Town’s Covered Bridge Committee in 2010 at the Grand Re-Opening of the Pepperell Covered Bridge and […]
Step back in time to experience the life of a soldier in the American Revolution at a military encampment and living history day. Join reenactors from Colonel Bailey’s 2nd Massachusetts Regiment for military drills, music, and living history demonstrations. Explore blacksmithing, colonial foodways, linen and wool spinning demonstrations, activities for kids, tours of Alden House […]
Step back in time to experience the life of a soldier in the American Revolution at a military encampment and living history day on Saturday, May 3 between noon and 4 p.m. at the Alden House Historic Site. The reenactment is part of Out to See Duxbury, a community-wide celebration of Duxbury’s rich cultural and […]
About 400 people are buried in Westlawn Cemetery, primarily from the 1700s and 1800s, many of whom were members of Westford’s First Parish Church. It is the final resting place for many of the town’s founders, veterans, industrialists, and farmers, with notable family names like Prescott, Robinson, and Fletcher. Colonel John Robinson (1735-1805) is the […]
Uncover the hidden Revolutionary War history of East Cambridge on this free guided tour! While often overshadowed by other historic sites, East Cambridge played a crucial role in the war, from the landing of British troops at Lechmere Point to the construction of Fort Putnam. Learn about Andrew Craigie’s post-war land transformation and how the […]
Experience Tewksbury’s Militia Reenactment by the 2nd Massachusetts Regiment Sunday, May 4, 2025 Starting at 1:30 PM on Town Common Arrive early to get in place! Plan to walk the route taken by Tewksbury's Militia on April 19, 1775, to the library! Enjoy refreshments and discussion at the Library after the walk.
Escape with the ethereal, other-worldly sound of the Glass Armonica, an invention of Ben Franklin! The instrument is paired with flute and strings in Mozart’s famous Adagio and Rondo alongside exotic gems by Reichardt, Naumann, and early American composers Antes and Moller. American ingenuity at its finest! With Glass Armonica virtuoso Dennis James
Join Erica Lome, Curator of Collections at Historic New England for our spring Americana Lecture as she discusses “Liberty & Loyalty: Embroidered coats of arms in an age of revolution” at 4pm on May 4. A light reception will follow the lecture. In 1775, Mary Jones of Weston, Massachusetts, watched her life collapse around her […]
Escape with the ethereal, other-worldly sound of the Glass Armonica, an invention of Ben Franklin! The instrument is paired with flute and strings in Mozart’s famous Adagio and Rondo alongside exotic gems by Reichardt, Naumann, and early American composers Antes and Moller. American ingenuity at its finest! With Glass Armonica virtuoso Dennis James
The time is January 1774. Carol Cohen, playing the role of Abigail Adams, invites a group of women to Boston for a “Spinning Bee”. These were meetings where the Daughters of Liberty gathered to discuss matters of concern to colonists while they spun yarn that could be woven into fabric. The audience is part of […]
The year is 1775—tensions with the British Crown are rising, and one question is on every colonist’s mind: Would you fight for independence as a Patriot or remain loyal to the British Crown as a Loyalist? Join us as our two historians face yet another Great Debate that divided colonists and even families during the […]
Join us at Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the First Naval Battle of the American Revolution, fought just off our shores in 1775. This pivotal moment in history saw local patriots defending their waters against the British, marking the beginning of America’s fight for independence at sea. Hosted by […]
Two hundred years ago, on 19 April 1775, American history changed. Colonial forces faced the British army at Lexington & Concord … and won. Word spread rapidly, and two regiments of Plymouth “Minute Men,” led by Colonel Theophilus Cotton, rallied to the Patriot cause. For the next six years, Plymoutheans participated in America’s battle for […]
Join local historian Amy Brown as she discusses what life was like and what people were doing in Lancaster in 1775 as simmering tensions between the Colonies and England evolved into outright war. Were Lancastrians involved in the events leading up to the Revolution? Find out what mattered to Lancastrians during this important year in […]
The Massachusetts Archives and Commonwealth Museum is proud to welcome award-winning author Rick Atkinson for a conversation and signing of the second volume of his acclaimed Revolutionary War Trilogy, The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charlestown, 1777-1780. The moderator for the conversation is Robert Allison, Professor, author, and Chair […]
Explore the uncomfortable truth that, as Newburyport debated concepts of freedom and independence on the eve of Revolution, a significant number of Americans were not free. Thousands of African Americans were enslaved, up to 20% of the entire population of the colonies. In Newburyport, Black voices spoke up forcefully for their liberty and equality amid […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
Co-curated with Brittney Peauwe Wunnepog Walley (Nipmuc), Chemacheg Menuhki: Paddle Strong is an exhibition that highlights regional Indigenous history and contemporary textile arts practices through a fiber basket woven by Brittney Peauwe Walley that highlights a little-known history of King Philip’s War. Join us for a talk with the artist, opportunity to visit Chemacheg Menuhki, […]
Join us for an exploration of the people who shaped Newbury's Revolution! Newbury's First Parish Burying Ground is the final resting place for dozens of local families who experienced the American Revolution as soldiers, sailors, and citizens. Come meet them and hear their stories as part of Newburyport's Road to Revolution series! Funded, in part, […]
Newbury's First Parish Burying Ground is the final resting place for dozens of local families who experienced the American Revolution as soldiers, sailors, and citizens. Come meet them and hear their stories as part of Newburyport's Road to Revolution series! Funded, in part, by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Join us on Saturday, May 10th at 11 AM for a special tour of The Innovation Trail, supported by the City of Cambridge and MA 250. Cambridge’s Kendall Square area has long been a hub of innovation, decades before the Massachusetts Institute of Technology moved there in 1916, and centuries before the square became a […]
Boston conjures thoughts of Paul Revere, the Boston Massacre, and the start of the American Revolution. Take our walking tour and learn from a certified historian about these famous events that led to the birth of our nation. You'll also learn about Boston's humble beginnings in the 1630s, its growth through the 1600s, and the […]
Join us for a historical presentation on the Battle of Chelsea Creek, presented by Robert Allison, Professor at Suffolk University, and Jeff Pearlman, at 11:30 a.m. Robert Allison is a Professor of History, Language and Global Culture at Suffolk University. He’s one of the coordinators of The Revolution 250 Advisory Group that is overseeing commemorations […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
Uncover the hidden Revolutionary War history of East Cambridge on this free guided tour! While often overshadowed by other historic sites, East Cambridge played a crucial role in the war, from the landing of British troops at Lechmere Point to the construction of Fort Putnam. Learn about Andrew Craigie’s post-war land transformation and how the […]
The Old Schwamb Mill is partnering with ArtsArlington to show examples of diverse public art projects to be installed around Arlington as part of the 250th commemoration of the American Revolution. The artworks include 12 banners on light poles along Mass Ave., painted horses and utility boxes, sculptural pedestals, and a timeline project connecting past […]
Join us for a special viewing and discussion with Boston-based artist Sage Carbone about her Indigenous beadwork reimagining of Cyrus Dallin’s Paul Revere statue. This piece was commissioned by the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum for display in the Euro-American Figures Gallery with the support of a grant from Arlington Commission on Arts and Culture. Carbone […]
Part of a series highlighting pieces from our Historic Clothing Collection which is undergoing considerable conservation work this year. This discussion will explore examples of the styles and fabrics of the late 18th century, revealing how fashion reflected social status and the daily challenges of life during the Revolutionary Era.
Join Hub Town Tours as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Siege of Boston, the opening phase of the American Revolutionary War. We will explore life in and around Boston during its occupation by British troops in 1775 and highlight the efforts of Provincial forces led by General George Washington. This 2.5-hour walking tour […]
Two hundred years ago, on 19 April 1775, American history changed. Colonial forces faced the British army at Lexington & Concord … and won. Word spread rapidly, and two regiments of Plymouth “Minute Men,” led by Colonel Theophilus Cotton, rallied to the Patriot cause. For the next six years, Plymoutheans participated in America’s battle for […]
The Cape & Islands in the Revolution – Little Known Facts & Events Thursday, May 15, 2025, 4pm Museum on the Green Falmouth Historic Society The Revolutionary War was a period which was not only centered in the well-known venues of Boston Philadelphia, New York State, Virginia, and beyond, but also included key events and […]
Join us for a presentation by Mimi Graney at 6:30 p.m. During the Siege of Boston, as war and hardship consumed the city, Chelsea became an unexpected refuge. This presentation brings the crisis to life through firsthand accounts that reveal the uncertainty, fear, and resilience of those caught in the turmoil. At the heart of […]
Join us for an evening with Abigail Adams as performed by Sheryl Faye. Thursday, May 15, 6 p.m. at Adams Free Library (92 Park Street, Adams, MA 01220) Join the Friends of The Adams Free Library in celebrating the life of Abigail Adams, the first First Lady to reside in the White House, with her […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
Concord250 Event: “Freedom, Courage, and Love” Tanya Bartevyan Piano Recital May 16 @ 7:30 PM Tanya Bartevyan Piano Recital: “Freedom, Courage, and Love” Featuring: Florence Price Piano Sonata in E minor, Beethoven Pathetique Sonata, and other works. Mass Cultural Council
Musicians of Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street will offer a concert of music from the 18th c at the church on Friday, May 16th at 7:30 PM. Performers will include musicians from Concord, and surrounding towns. Music performed will be by composers whose music may well have been performed in and around Concord at […]
The Paul Revere’s Bike Ride for the Concord Museum will be held on Saturday, May 17th to mark the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution. Registered participants will enjoy a recreational ride through Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Bedford, and Carlisle. Starting at the Concord Museum, cyclists can choose to ride a 21.3- or […]
Keep the revolutionary spirit alive with the Hingham Historical Society! Join us for Hingham’s Revolutionary Weekend May 17-18, 2025, celebrating ordinary people who did extraordinary things and unwittingly became authors of American History. To commemorate this incredible milestone, the Hingham Historical Society, Discover Hingham, the Town of Hingham, and the Hingham Militia have partnered to […]
"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 […]
Mansfield is hosting its 250th Grand Parade on Saturday, May 17th starting at 11am. Community partners, sponsors, and onlookers will line the streets of Mansfield’s Downtown area to delight in the sights and sounds of our Grand Parade in celebration of our beloved hometown’s 250th Anniversary. Join us in celebrating this momentous occasion, generously sponsored […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
Live Music, family activities, drinks from Vitamin Sea Brewing, and the opportunity to explore our Visitor Center and Museum Shop. Join us as we celebrate SPRINGHAM 2025! Join popular local performers Tequila Tim and Thirsty Boots for an afternoon of music and community. FREE. Fun for all ages. In partnership with the Hingham Downtown Association […]
The Carlisle Historical Society is excited to offer a special tour of the historic Red Lion Tavern in Carlisle, Massachusetts. The tavern is still in private hands after nearly 250 years and this tour marks the first time in recent history that it has been open to the public. Visitors will have a chance to […]
A dramatization of ‘A Gambrel Roof’, a poem by Lucy Larcom. Reservations required $20pp. A creative multi-disciplinary theatrical presentation of a circa 1875 local poem about the historic Danvers Jeremiah Page House. Period music, an art installation, historic tea blends and signature cakes add to the illustration of the story: In about 1770, when the […]
Co-produced by Plymouth Antiquarian Society and Mercy Otis Warren Society, this powerful short play brings to life the fierce debates of Plymouth’s Committee of Correspondence as they grappled with how to respond to the escalating tensions leading to the American Revolution. Performed in the very space where these deliberations once unfolded, the play draws from […]
May 17, 2025, 3 p.m. The Umbrella Arts Center Main Stage Theater 144 Five Sisters Productions and the Tufts University Half the History Film Project return to The Umbrella Arts Center to present a program of three locally shot short films about impactful women in Concord history. The featured films will be: --Margaret Lothrop and […]
Come and enjoy a light-hearted concert of music that might have been performed in a parlor or for a social gathering in Concord during the colonial period and just afterwards. The program includes: songs composed by one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence from a collection dedicated to George Washington; a set of […]
The Battle of Grape Island or the Grape Island Alarm commemorates the May 21, 1775 provisions skirmish between militia from the South Shore of Boston - namely Hingham, Hull, Weymouth, Braintree, Scituate, and Abington - and the British who were occupying Boston Harbor and attempted to resupply on Grape Island at the invitation of Hingham […]
Enjoy a guided tour during open hours at the Abigail Adams Birthplace on Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 1 – 3 p.m. Built in 1685, the Abigail Smith Adams (1744-1818) Birthplace was home to this exceptional woman for the first twenty years of her life. It has survived two relocations and now stands as a […]
Honor the legacy of the American Revolution and Springfield’s contribution at war and on the homefront, by joining us at our commemorative “Voices from the Grave: Heroes of the American Revolution” cemetery tour at Springfield Cemetery, on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Seven historical residents will be featured on the tour, including John Bryant III (1742-1816), […]
© 2025 Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
