MA250

1776: Declaring Independence
2026-04-21 09:30 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Massachusetts Historical Society, Boylston Street 1154, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
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 copies of the Declaration by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson as well as multiple early printings, including a rare Dunlap broadside. On and off the page, we explore how it echoed across the commonwealth and around the world, reshaping the colonists’ chances of launching a new nation. How did the Declaration change Americans’ quest for liberty, then and now? We invite visitors to trace the Declaration’s complex legacy as a national beacon for celebration and protest.
Check here for closures and more admission information: https://www.masshist.org/visit/hours-and-admission

Special Exhibit: Mary Baker Eddy and Her Revolutionary Legacy
2026-04-21, 2026-04-19 | How Do You See the World? experience, Massachusetts Avenue 210, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
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 How Do You See the World?® experience, exploring the world through a lens of hope, progress, and generosity. Walk through the three-story, stained glass Mapparium® globe (ticketed) that shows the world as it was in 1935 — from the inside of the world, looking out. You can then explore “Our World: Mapping Progress,” an exhibit featuring stories from The Christian Science Monitor, the Pulitzer Prize-winning international news source headquartered in the building. Learn more about Eddy’s remarkable life and the global church she founded in “Christian Science and Mary Baker Eddy.”
This special exhibit will be open through spring and summer 2026 as part of the statewide MA250 celebrations. Tickets for the Mapparium® globe are free for youth under 18, $6 for adults. All other exhibits, including this special exhibit, are free.
Hours of operation:
Monday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
The How Do You See the World?® experience is located at 210 Massachusetts Ave. in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay.
For additional information and to buy tickets to the Mapparium® globe, please visit christianscience.com/howdoyouseetheworld

AudaTours Stoneham Audio Tour: Timeless Tales of Historic Pride and Heritage
2026-04-20 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-19 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-18 12:00 - 14:00 | Nobility Hill Historic District, Stoneham, Massachusetts, 02180, United States
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.
Why did a quiet night at the Bernard Cogan House erupt into controversy that changed a neighborhood? Who vanished beneath the glowing beacon of Stoneham’s eerily beautiful gas station? What explains the perfectly preserved pencil marks under the Warren Sweetser House staircase?
Move between centuries as you cross storied main streets and hidden lanes. Each step peels back another layer of rebellion, ambition, and intrigue, letting Stoneham rise up around you as never before.
Tap play and see how deep Stoneham’s shadows can stretch. The secrets are waiting.

Arrival of Paul Revere and William Dawes in Arlington
2026-04-20 11:30 - 12:30 | Arlington Town Hall, 730 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476, United States
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 accompanied by arts and crafts and lawn games in Robbins Gardens.

Free Guided Tours: Jason Russell House & Museum
2026-04-20 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-19 11:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-18 11:00 - 16:00 | Arlington Historical Society, Jason Street 7, Arlington, MA, 02476, United States
Celebrate Patriots’ Day weekend with the Arlington Historical Society at the historic Jason Russell House & Museum with FREE guided tours, sponsored by Leader Bank. Visitors are invited to explore the site of the largest skirmish of the first battle of the American Revolutionary War and one of Arlington’s most important historic landmarks.
Free tours will be offered as part of the 251st anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the events that unfolded in Menotomy (now Arlington) on April 19, 1775, and see several bullet holes inside the House that remain from the fighting.
April 18 – April 20
11am – 4pm
7 Jason Street
Arlington, MA

The Road to Revolution: Massachusetts and the Independence Movement
2026-04-20 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-19 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-18 10:00 - 17:00 | Old State House, 206 Washington St, Boston, MA, 02109, United States
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 and 1776—a moment defined by uncertainty, debate, and decisions that would reshape the world.

Patriots’ Day
2026-04-20 10:00 - 16:00 | Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Celebrate Patriots’ Day at the Concord Museum as we commemorate the anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord!
Visitors will:
Enjoy free admission to see the original Paul Revere lantern and dozens of objects that witnessed the founding of our nation, explore the new special exhibition, Revolutionary Legacies, experience a living history minutemen encampment with the Billerica Colonial Minutemen and Acton Minutemen, and join fun family activities and enjoy food trucks.

Patriots’ Day Celebration at Cyrus Dallin Museum (Arlington)
2026-04-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Cyrus Dallin Art Museum, 611 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474, United States
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 the Dallin Museum’s two favorite Paul Revere-themed poems – one by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the other by Cyrus Dallin himself. Learn about the Battle of Menotomy and imagine what it was like on that tumultuous day in 1775. Hear the fascinating story of Dallin’s battle to complete his famous monument to Paul Revere in Boston’s North End. Experience a beautiful small-scale cast of the statue in the east garden, and venture into the Museum to view a rare prototype.
This event takes place in Whittemore Park in front of the Dallin Museum. Bring a chair and/or blanket. Following the program, head to Town Hall where Paul Revere and William Dawes arrive at noon!

Patriots' Day Celebrations in Concord
2026-04-20 09:00 - 17:00 | Concord, Main Street 58, Oak Hill, West Virginia, 25901, United States
9AM Concord Patriots’ Day Parade
Concord Block Party 2026
The parade ends. And the party begins in Concord Center!
Free & open to all! Live music. Food trucks. Community booths. Pop-up activities for all ages.
What’s happening:
Main Stage – Live performances by the Concord Women’s Chorus, local bands, and Town Crier Josh Teleman
Food Truck Courtyard – Tandoor & Curry, Bird’s Nest Italian Street Food, and Whoopie Wagon, located behind Vanderhoof Hardware
Wright Tavern Beer Garden
Theatrical & Musical Performances at 51 Walden including the Concord Traveling Players with “A Flurry of Birds”
Community Booths & Pop-Up Activities – Local organizations, crafts, games, and hands-on fun for all ages
Art for All, Thoreau Society, and more bringing Concord’s arts and culture to life
Concord Museum – Free admission, colonial encampment and food trucks on-site
Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House has special happenings
Barrow Bookstore Boston Tea Tasting
3PM Patriots’ Day Battle Baseball Game: Concord-Carlisle High School vs. Lexington High School at Emerson Field

Rox 250: Roxbury Patriots’ Day Reenactment
2026-04-20 08:00 - 12:45 | UU Urban Ministry, Putnam Street 10, Boston, MA, 02119, United States
Experience history. Join us for a day of activities acknowledging Roxbury history and future: William Dawes ride re-enactment, free breakfast, historic talk, and Roxbury Historical Society historic trolley tour!

Dedication of Agawam’s Liberty Tree
2026-04-19 14:00 - 15:30 | Thomas Smith House, North West Street 251, Agawam, Massachusetts, 01030, United States
Inspired by, and in remembrance of Boston’s original Liberty Tree – and those found throughout the colonies in the years leading up to, and during, the war for independence – and in recognition of the UNITED STATES SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL, the Agawam Historical Association will dedicate an American Elm on the grounds of the historic Thomas Smith House, so that it may inspire future generations of patriots as we endeavor toward a MORE PERFECT UNION.
dedication | house tours | refreshments
• National anthem sung by Chelsea Casamento, Agawam High School Chamber Choir member
• 25th Continental Regiment Color Guard & musket salute
The c. 1757 Thomas Smith House and 1920 Delmore Hawthorne Garage will be open for tours.
Agawam’s Liberty Tree was generously donated and planted by Cascio Company
This event is free and open to the public.

Old Put – Danvers Hero of the American Revolution
2026-04-19 13:00 - 14:30 | Tapley Memorial Hall, 13 Page Street, Danvers, MA, 01923, United States
Join the Gen. Israel Putnam Chapter, DAR at the Holten House, to hear author Robert Hubbard discuss his biography of Major General Israel Putnam.
The event is free, but seating is limited, reservations required.

Revolution 250 Salem Tour
2026-04-19 11:00 - 2026-04-21 12:30, 2026-04-18 11:00 - 2026-04-20 12:30 | Salem Historical Tours, Central Street 8, Salem, Massachusetts, 01970, United States
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 Gage encountered some of his biggest challenges to his authority in Salem.
We always say that without Salem, the United States may not be the same United States we know today.
Come to Salem as part of the Rev250 Celebration and learn the incredible role our patriots played in the start of our country.
https://www.salemhistoricaltours.com/revolution-250-tour

Colonials of the North Shore: A Tour of Massachusetts Historic Home Interiors
2026-04-18 14:00 - 18:00 | Andover and North Andover, Massachusetts, United States
Step inside historic colonial-era homes on this new tour, offered April 18th only!
In the 1600s, colonists from England settled an area of the North Shore region of Massachusetts and named their new town after their British one—Andover. Also encompassing the town of North Andover, which was established in the 1850s, the history of the two locales includes nearly a third of all accused of witchcraft in Salem, early opposition to British taxes, men who marched to Lexington on April 19th, and the origins of the “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” anthem.
This tour will bring you inside several colonial-era homes found in these two locales, with many more highlighted from the comfort of our charter bus.
Vernacular farmhouses and Georgian and Federal homes are some topics of colonial-era architecture that will be seen and discussed on this tour, along with stories about the people and history of these places.
Interior stops include the oldest deeded house in North Andover, the birthplace of the country’s first postmaster general, and more!

Midnight Ride Special Anniversary Walking Tour
2026-04-18 13:30 - 16:00 | Boston Common, 139 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
Join Hub Town Tours for a special commemoration of the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere that began in Boston on April 18, 1775! We’ll travel the Freedom Trail in Downtown Boston and the North End and share the gripping story of a small colonial town careening toward war with the British Empire. This historic walking tour highlights Boston’s principal role at the outset of the American Revolution, concluding in time for guests to enjoy commemorative activities at historic landmarks in the North End, including the Paul Revere House and Old North Church.

Printing Revolution Lecture with Andy Volpe
2026-04-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Museum of Printing, 15 Thornton Ave, Haverhill, MA, 01832, United States
Join us at the Museum of Printing for Andy Volpe’s “Printing Revolution” lecture —press freedom and colonial resistance before Independence.
Andy Volpe’s “Printing Revolution” presentation, takes a look not only at the printing press and printing technology being considered “revolutionary”, but also looking at what was printed.
Including the idea of Freedom of the Press, laws and acts passed to control the press, and the rebellious printing done against those laws, with an emphasis in the American Colonies leading up to the Declaration of Independence.
Andy will have several examples and replicas of documents on display after the presentation.Program is apx. 1 hour, and is free with Museum admission.

The Most Proper Spot in America…
2026-04-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Springfield Armory National Historic Site, One Armory Square, Springfield, 01105, United States
Much of the common knowledge of the Springfield Armory begins in 1794 when the manufacture of new muskets began. Lesser known is its history as the Continental Arsenal, a military ordnance depot established in 1777 by General Henry Knox, who called the site “one of the most proper spots in America on every account.”
Join Curator Alex MacKenzie as he delves into the beginnings of the Arsenal and the City of Springfield during the Revolutionary War.

Menotomy Beer Hall
2026-04-18 12:00 - 18:00 | Arlington Town Hall, 730 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476, United States
Celebrate Patriots’ Day weekend at an indoor beer hall at Arlington Town Hall, featuring craft beer from Arlington Brewing Company. This family-friendly event will include live music, games, and arts and crafts for children. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from local businesses.
This collaborative event is hosted by the Arlington Historical Society, Town of Arlington and Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture.

Ride to Freedom: A Revolutionary Family Celebration
2026-04-18 11:00 - 14:00 | Fall River Carousel at Battleship Cove, Water Street 5, Fall River, Massachusetts, 02721, United States
Fall River invites families to experience history in motion. Ride to Freedom: A Revolutionary Family Celebration brings together storytelling, hands-on activities, and live reenactments to mark the spirit of Paul Revere’s midnight ride—right here in the Spindle City.
Designed for all ages, this event transforms a day out into an interactive journey through the Revolutionary era, where kids can explore, create, and imagine what life was like in 1775.
Event Schedule:
11:00AM
• Free Carousel Rides (11 AM – 2 PM)
• Live Radio Broadcast with Fun 107
• Revolutionary-Era Displays & Demonstrations
• Wedges of Time Spinning Demonstration
• Craft & Activity Area: Paper Lantern “Signal Station” Craft
• Dress-Up Station (Upper Level) – Kids can try on colonial hats and clothing—perfect for photos while riding the carousel.
• Colonial Lawn Games (Outside) – Step outside for classic games that bring history to life through play.
• Lafayette-Durfee House Information Table – Learn more, browse merchandise, and don’t miss the FREE giveaways!
• “Revolutionary Specials” at Gathering Grounds Cafe – Coffee, tea, and themed refreshments available for purchase.
12:00 PM – Featured Moment
Paul Revere Rides the Carousel – A can’t-miss highlight of the day!
Photo opportunities with Paul Revere
12:15 PM – Storytime on the Stage
Live Reading: The Landlord’s Tale (Midnight Ride of Paul Revere)
Presented by David R. Mello, Director of Children’s Services at the Fall River Public Library.
Kids are invited to gather and listen as this iconic story is brought to life.
12:30 – 1:00 PM – Hands-On Craft
“Minuteman” Craft Activity
Continue the creative fun with a guided craft inspired by Revolutionary history.
1:00 PM – Live Music
Bristol County Fife & Drum Performance
A lively musical experience (weather permitting) to close out the day with authentic Revolutionary sounds.
Whether you stay for an hour or the full afternoon, Ride to Freedom is designed to let families explore at their own pace—mixing education, creativity, and just the right amount of fun.

Foot of the Rocks Exhibition
2026-04-18 10:00 - 16:00 | Old Schwamb Mill, Mill Lane 17, Arlington, Massachusetts, 02476, United States
The Road Where It Happened: Revolution Comes to Menotomy, Present Day Arlington
• How did prehistoric geological forces create the landscape of Menotomy?
• Did the narrow corridor of Battle Road between steep hillsides at the Foot of the Rocks influence
the outcome of the American Revolution?
• Who were the people of Menotomy who played a role on that critical day of April 19, 1775?
These are some of the questions explored in this exhibit.
This exhibit will be on display at the Old Schwamb Mill.
The Old Schwamb Mill in Arlington, Massachusetts, is located on the oldest continuously operating mill site in the United States. Mills have been located on the main building site since the late 1600s. In 1971, the Old Schwamb Mill was listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places. The Mill is located at 17 Mill Lane in Arlington Heights.

Knox Trail 250 Event
2026-04-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Palmer Public Library, 1455 North Main Street, Palmer, 01069, United States
Beginning at 10:00 view the 1976 commemorative quilt created from embroidered panels submitted by Massachusetts students from towns along the Henry Knox Trail.
Then at 11:00AM, local historian Dennis Picard will share some details of this wintry expedition as it passed from the Massachusetts town of North Egremont through Springfield, Palmer, and on to Boston. Though a piece of our local lore, some parts of this saga are still debated and remain controversial. Dennis has a personal connection with this event in our history, as he participated in one portion of the recreation of this trek during the bicentennial of 1976.
10:00-11:00AM – 1976 Quilt On Display*
11:00AM – 12:00PM – Dennis Picard Knox Trail Presentation
*Quilt will remain on display until library closing at 2PM.

Calling All Kids, Patriots And Sailors: Revolutionary Summer Saturdays
2026-04-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Custom House Maritime Museum, Water Street 25, Newburyport, Massachusetts, 01950, United States
FREE outdoor and indoor activities for kids all summer long
Building on the success of the Road to Revolution partnership programs, each Saturday from now until the end of September, the museum will host children’s outdoor and indoor programming. The hugely successful Discovery Center experience will extend out onto the lawn with 15 new activity stations. Rolling River Printmakers of New England will partner this week with an activity station to make prints. A rideable dolphin and elephant, courtesy of local sculptor Jeff Briggs, along with a bouncy castle, pirate boat with water guns, plus water, sand and craft tables await.
This free program runs from 10 am to 1 pm thanks to generous sponsorship from the Institution for Savings and the Local Cultural Council.
Looking ahead, in September, the museum is pleased to partner with Imagine Studios on a fascinating project to burn and carve out of a pine log and shape into a 20 foot long mishoon (dugout canoe) using traditional methods. Led by Imagine Studios, Darius Coombs of the Mashpee Wampanoag and Jonathan Petty of the Aquinnah Wampanoag will carve over successive weekends. Sponsored by the New England Foundation for the Arts, and with in-kind support from New England Development, the goal is to launch on Indigenous Peoples Day on Oct. 11.
We hope you can join us.–James
