MA250

DCR First Day Hike at Douglas State Forest
2026-01-01 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | DCR Douglas State Forest, Wallum Lake Road 107, Douglas, Massachusetts, 01516, United States
Massachusetts is where the American Revolution began, and it is also where the First Day Hikes started. On New Years Day in 1992, 380 people gathered at Blue Hills Reservation to welcome the new year with a walk in the woods. That simple idea grew into something big. Today, all 50 states offer First Day Hikes on January 1. As we prepare to honor the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026, DCR is proud to celebrate this Massachusetts tradition that continues to inspire the nation.
Douglas State Forest
January 1, 2026, 1:00pm-2:30pm
Meeting Location: Wallum Boat Ramp, 107 Wallum Lake Road, Douglas
GPS: 42.021844, -71.768051
Celebrate the New Year at Douglas State Forest on a First Day Hike! Join DCR and the Blackstone Heritage Corridor for a hike through Wallum Lakes waterfront and nearby trails. We will be exploring the forest, swamps, and converted railroad beds as we see evidence of a forest once booming with industry. Be on the lookout for wildlife as we see evidence of stone quarrying, remnants of ice harvesting, and more! The slow-paced hike will be approximately 2 miles long and will feature wooden bridges, rocky trails, and a very gradual grade. Remember to dress for the weather and wear proper footwear, Leashed dogs are welcome! Join us after the hike for a warming fire and hot chocolate.
Meeting at the Wallum boat ramp located at the end of the park access road 107 Wallum Lake Road, Douglas, MA. Space may be limited so please arrive before 12:30 p.m. to register, hike begins at 1:00 p.m. For more information, please call 508-476-7872 or email douglas.forest@state.ma.us

The 250th First Flag Raising on Prospect Hill
2026-01-01 11:30 - 13:00 | Prospect Hill Park, 68 Munroe Street, Somerville, MA, 02143, United States
On, January 1, 1776, George Washington ordered the raising of the “Grand Union Flag” over Prospect Hill.
The First Flag symbolized both the defiance and resolve of the Continental Army as they entered a critical phase of the Siege of Boston. This year’s milestone 250th annivesary expands the traditional military ceremony to better reflect the full diversity of people whose labor, courage and aspirations shaped the Revolution. With participation by militia from Charlestown, Bedford, Rhode Island and more. Sing along to Revolutionary songs and enjoy special appearances by George Washington on horseback, and Black Revolutionary Soldier “Primus Hall” and a reading of Phyllis Wheatley’s Poem, “To His Excellency George Washington” written to Washington only a couple months prior to the flag raising. Hot drinks and pastries will be available.
11:30 am – Join a procession from Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave, led by Fife and Drummers and George Washington on his horse
12-1pm – Attend the Flag raising ceremony at Prospect Hill. All are welcome to bring national flags of any stripes, and children will make their own.

DCR First Day Hike at Blue Hills Reservation
2026-01-01 11:00 - 13:00 | DCR Blue Hills Reservation, Hillside Street 840, Milton, Massachusetts, 02186, United States
Massachusetts is where the American Revolution began, and it is also where the First Day Hikes started. On New Years Day in 1992, 380 people gathered at Blue Hills Reservation to welcome the new year with a walk in the woods. That simple idea grew into something big. Today, all 50 states offer First Day Hikes on January 1. As we prepare to honor the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026, DCR is proud to celebrate this Massachusetts tradition that continues to inspire the nation.
Blue Hills Reservation
January 1, 2026, 11:00am – 1:00pm
Meeting Location: 840 Hillside Street, Milton
GPS: 42.210096955126595, -71.09613225689925
Celebrate the new year at Blue Hills Reservation in Milton on a First Day Hike! Join DCR Staff for a First Day Hike through the Blue Hills Reservation. Meet around the Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center. Starting at 11 am, watch Blue Hills Trailside live wildlife demo at Houghton’s Pond with the Mass Audubon staff, gather around a warming fire and share some New Year’s cheer. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item for Interfaith Social Services. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the concession stand.
Starting at 12 pm, DCR staff will lead two easy to moderate hikes for a 1-hour to 2-hour trek in the great outdoors. There will also be one self-guided option. Choose the hike to suit your interest and ability. Dress warmly and wear sturdy hiking boots for all hikes. Leashed dogs are welcome to join, for more information, please call DCR Blue Hills office at (617) 698-1802, x4.
Directions: Take Exit 3 off route 93 and follow First Day signs. Please arrive early to allow for parking; space is limited. Follow directions from park staff. You may be directed to park in overflow lots. Please respect our neighbors by not parking outside DCR property or along roadways.

DCR First Day Hike at Walden Pond Reservation
2026-01-01 10:00 - 14:00 | DCR Walden Pond Reservation, Walden Street 915, Concord, Massachusetts, 01742, United States
Massachusetts is where the American Revolution began, and it is also where the First Day Hikes started. On New Years Day in 1992, 380 people gathered at Blue Hills Reservation to welcome the new year with a walk in the woods. That simple idea grew into something big. Today, all 50 states offer First Day Hikes on January 1. As we prepare to honor the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026, DCR is proud to celebrate this Massachusetts tradition that continues to inspire the nation.
Walden Pond State Reservation
January 1, 2026, 10:00am-2:00pm
Meeting Location: 915 Walden Street, Concord
GPS: 42.440411166877475, -71.33386127695215
Celebrate the New Year at Walden Pond State Reservation with a self-guided First Day Hike! Starting at the Visitor Center, walk down wooden ramp to Henry David Thoreau House Replica, cross at the crosswalk and walk on the ADA Accessible trail/Woods Path to site of Henry David Thoreau’s House. The route is a crushed stone surface, ADA approved, and easy. Go at your own pace and follow the interpretive signage along the way. Self-guided hike is approximately 1.5 miles, about 1 hour in duration.
Dress for the weather. No pets are allowed at Walden Pond State Reservation. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Warm up with hot chocolate after your hike at the visitor center, which will be open regular winter hours, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Walden Pond.This program is free, please note that on holidays and weekends, Walden Pond often closes due to capacity. Check DCR Park Alerts for closures at mass.gov/parkalerts.

DCR First Day Hike at Chester-Blandford State Forest
2026-01-01 10:00 - 13:00 | DCR Chester-Blandford State Forest, U.S. 20 631, Chester, Massachusetts, 01011, United States
Massachusetts is where the American Revolution began, and it is also where the First Day Hikes started. On New Years Day in 1992, 380 people gathered at Blue Hills Reservation to welcome the new year with a walk in the woods. That simple idea grew into something big. Today, all 50 states offer First Day Hikes on January 1. As we prepare to honor the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026, DCR is proud to celebrate this Massachusetts tradition that continues to inspire the nation.
Chester-Blandford State Forest
First Day Hike to Sanderson Brook Falls
January 1, 2026, 10:00am-1:00pm
Meeting Location: 631 U.S. Route 20, Chester
GPS: 42.256100298551125, -72.94688212550011
Registration required: westernmasshilltownhikers.com under Events, or text/call 1-413-302-0312.
Celebrate the New Year at Chester-Blandford State Forest on a First Day Hike! Walk the Sanderson Brook Falls Trail along the brook to visit scenic Sanderson Brook Falls. Co-Sponsored by the Western Mass Hilltown Hikers. The hike is two miles (2) round-trip, along a gradual uphill gravel road, and then a short footpath to the falls. About 3 hours in duration. Be prepared for cold weather – dress in layers and sturdy cold-weather boots. Hiking poles suggested. Restrooms are not available on site. Appropriate for ages 8 and up. Dogs are welcome on-leash. Parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged. Pre-registration is required through westernmasshilltownhikers.com under Events, or text/call 1-413-302-0312.

DCR First Day Hike at Willard Brook State Forest
2026-01-01 10:00 - 13:00 | DCR Willard Brook State Forest, Townsend Road 59, Ashby, Massachusetts, 01431, United States
Massachusetts is where the American Revolution began, and it is also where the First Day Hikes
started. On New Years Day in 1992, 380 people gathered at Blue Hills Reservation to welcome the
new year with a walk in the woods. That simple idea grew into something big. Today, all 50 states
offer First Day Hikes on January 1. As we prepare to honor the 250th anniversary of the American
Revolution in 2026, DCR is proud to celebrate this Massachusetts tradition that continues to inspire
the nation.
Willard Brook State Forest
January 1, 2026, 10:00am-1:00pm
Meeting Location: 59 Townsend Road, Ashby
GPS: 42.662843103212374, -71.79173034573975
Registration required: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Fh2GPrdIDkqYBowE2Bt7Kmip39phsSVPm9-TaYv7LxNUQ1FWUFlVWTVMT1ZCTE4ySFIwRzRDSU40Mi4u&route=shorturl
Celebrate the New Year at Willard Brook State Forest in Ashby on a First Day Hike! Hike the Brook Trail
Loop at Damon Pond. Enjoy scenic views on this moderately paced hike in the heart of the park. Hike is
approximately 2.5-miles, about 3 hours in duration. Dress for the weather and leashed dogs are
welcome to join.
Enjoy a warming fire before and after the event. Space is limited; registration is required. For more
information, please call (978) 597-8802.

DCR First Day Hike at Halibut Point State Park
2026-01-01 10:00 - 12:30 | DCR Halibut Point State Park, Gott Avenue 4, Rockport, Massachusetts, 01966, United States
Massachusetts is where the American Revolution began, and it is also where the First Day Hikes started. On New Years Day in 1992, 380 people gathered at Blue Hills Reservation to welcome the new year with a walk in the woods. That simple idea grew into something big. Today, all 50 states offer First Day Hikes on January 1. As we prepare to honor the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026, DCR is proud to celebrate this Massachusetts tradition that continues to inspire the nation.
Halibut Point State Park
January 1, 2026, 10:00am-12:30pm
Meeting Location: Parking lot, 4 Gott Ave., Rockport
GPS: 42.68682577510787, -70.6317506288357
Celebrate the New Year at Halibut Point State Park on a First Day Hike! Join the park staff for a seaside
stroll and enjoy the seasonal scenic splendor including wintering ducks and birds along this rocky coastal
water’s edge. View from Babson Farm Quarry edges the Ipswich Bay and beyond – all the way up the
east coast to Maine! Hike is approximately 2.5-miles, about 2 hours in duration. Dress for cold, windy
weather and wear sturdy boots. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Meet in the parking lot. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Halibut Point State Park. Inclement weather may
cancel. Cancellation message will be left after 3pm the previous day at (857) 268-6024.

DCR First Day Hike at Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest
2026-01-01 10:00 - 12:00 | DCR Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest, West Hawley Road 466, Plainfield, Massachusetts, 01070, United States
Massachusetts is where the American Revolution began, and it is also where the First Day Hikes started. On New Years Day in 1992, 380 people gathered at Blue Hills Reservation to welcome the new year with a walk in the woods. That simple idea grew into something big. Today, all 50 states offer First Day Hikes on January 1. As we prepare to honor the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026, DCR is proud to celebrate this Massachusetts tradition that continues to inspire the nation.
Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest
January 1, 2026, 10:00am-12:00pm
Meeting Location: 466 West Hawley Road, Plainfield MA 01070
GPS: -72.941611, 42.552040
Registration required: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Fh2GPrdIDkqYBowE2Bt7Kmip39phsSVPm9-TaYv7LxNUNjc5RUgzMVNYMjRIU0RZNEE3MkxaTlBMQy4u&route=shorturl
Celebrate the New Year at Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest in Plainfield on a First Day Hike! Hiking the Pond Loop Trail around the beautiful Hallockville Pond, enjoying evidence of wildlife and remnants of old mill sites. Easy to moderate hike, no major elevation changes. Dress for the weather, in case of snow traction devices / snowshoes are recommended. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Space is limited; registration is required. For more information, please call (413) 347-2065.

DCR First Day Hike at Harold Parker State Forest
2026-01-01 10:00 - 12:00 | DCR Harold Parker State Forest, Middleton Road 700, North Andover, Massachusetts, 01845, United States
Massachusetts is where the American Revolution began, and it is also where the First Day Hikes started. On New Years Day in 1992, 380 people gathered at Blue Hills Reservation to welcome the new year with a walk in the woods. That simple idea grew into something big. Today, all 50 states offer First Day Hikes on January 1. As we prepare to honor the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026, DCR is proud to celebrate this Massachusetts tradition that continues to inspire the nation.

DCR First Day Hike at Breakheart Reservation
2026-01-01 10:00 - 12:00 | DCR Breakheart Reservation, Forest Street 177, Lynn, Massachusetts, 01905, United States
Massachusetts is where the American Revolution began, and it is also where the First Day Hikes started. On New Years Day in 1992, 380 people gathered at Blue Hills Reservation to welcome the new year with a walk in the woods. That simple idea grew into something big. Today, all 50 states offer First Day Hikes on January 1. As we prepare to honor the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026, DCR is proud to celebrate this Massachusetts tradition that continues to inspire the nation.
Breakheart Reservation
January 1, 2026, 10:00am-12:00pm
Meeting Location: 177 Forest St. Saugus
GPS: 42.48016717477818, -71.0258374027916
Celebrate the New Year at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus on a First Day Hike! There will be two guided hikes offered, a 2-mile hike and a 3-mile hike through the paved loops at beautiful Breakheart. We will see animal tracks, CCC projects, Lower and Upper ponds. Dress for the weather, wear winter boots and leashed dogs are welcome to join. After the hike, warm up with hot chocolate. This hike is co-sponsored by the Friends of Breakheart Reservation. For more information, call (781) 233-0834.

DCR First Day Hike at Wachusett Reservoir
2026-01-01 10:00 - 12:00 | DCR Wachusett Reservoir, Temple Street 168, West Boylston, Massachusetts, 01583, United States
Massachusetts is where the American Revolution began, and it is also where the First Day Hikes
started. On New Years Day in 1992, 380 people gathered at Blue Hill Reservation to welcome the
new year with a walk in the woods. That simple idea grew into something big. Today, all 50 states
offer First Day Hikes on January 1. As we prepare to honor the 250th anniversary of the American
Revolution in 2026, DCR is proud to celebrate this Massachusetts tradition that continues to inspire
the nation.
January 1, 2026, 10:00am-12:00pm
Meeting Location: 168 Temple St, West Boylston
GPS: 42.35303650278069, -71.76495854232945
Celebrate the New Year at Wachusett Reservoir on a First Day Hike! Enjoy scenic vistas of the water
supply that provides clean drinking water to about three million people in Massachusetts. Hiking along
wide forest access roads with some hills up to 8% incline. This slow-paced hike is approximately 2 miles
round trip. Dress for the weather. Dogs are not permitted on Watershed property; service dogs are
welcome.
Please meet at Wachusett Reservoir Gate 22 on Rt. 140 in West Boylston (168 Temple Street). For more
information, please contact (617) 352-4044.

DCR First Day Hike at South Cape Beach State Reservation
2026-01-01 10:00 - 11:30 | DCR South Cape Beach State Reservation, Great Oak Road 668, Mashpee, Massachusetts, 02649, United States
Massachusetts is where the American Revolution began, and it is also where the First Day Hikes started. On New Years Day in 1992, 380 people gathered at Blue Hills Reservation to welcome the new year with a walk in the woods. That simple idea grew into something big. Today, all 50 states offer First Day Hikes on January 1. As we prepare to honor the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026, DCR is proud to celebrate this Massachusetts tradition that continues to inspire the nation.
South Cape Beach State Reservation
January 1, 2026, 10:00am – 11:30am
Meeting Location: 668 Great Oak Road, Mashpee
GPS: 41.553435115595484, -70.50552383152427
Celebrate the New Year at South Cape Beach State Reservation on a First Day Hike! Hike along the beach with views of Martha’s Vineyard. DCR staff will point out any interesting discoveries along the route such as horseshoe crabs, welks and many treasures along the shoreline. Depending on conditions, hike is approximately 1 mile, about 1 hour in duration. Hike will be on loose sand and likely windy. Dress for the weather and sandy terrain. Leashed dogs are welcome to join. Enjoy the warm fire and hot chocolate after the hike. For more information, please call Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve at (508) 457-0495.

DCR First Day Hike at Blackstone River & Canal Heritage State Park
2026-01-01 10:00 - 11:30 | Blackstone River & Canal Heritage State Park, Oak Street, Douglas, Massachusetts, 01516, United States
Massachusetts is where the American Revolution began, and it is also where the First Day Hikes
started. On New Years Day in 1992, 380 people gathered at Blue Hills Reservation to welcome the
new year with a walk in the woods. That simple idea grew into something big. Today, all 50 states
offer First Day Hikes on January 1. As we prepare to honor the 250th anniversary of the American
Revolution in 2026, DCR is proud to celebrate this Massachusetts tradition that continues to inspire
the nation.
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park
January 1, 2026, 10:00am-11:30am
Meeting Location: 287 Oak Street, Uxbridge
GPS: 42.094066706755356, -71.6238228755519
Celebrate the New Year at the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park on a First Day Hike! Walk
along the waterways and woodlands of the canal towpath and experience the sights and sounds of the
Blackstone River in winter. Join us after the hike for hot chocolate in the Visitor Center and firepits out on
the patio.
The hike is ~1.5 miles over a compacted gravel surface with no inclines. Meet at the River Bend Farm
Visitor Center. All programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required and begins at 9:30
a.m. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Leashed dogs are
welcome. Dress for the weather. Programming is subject to change. For the most up to date
programming information, call (508) 278-7604 or visit bit.ly/blstupdates. For ADA/reasonable
accommodations, call (617) 645-0358 or email moneesha.dasgupta2@mass.gov.

First Day Hike at Blackstone River Greenway Visitor Center
2026-01-01 09:30 - 11:30 | Blackstone River Greenway Visitor Center, Paul Clancy Way 3, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01607, United States
Massachusetts is where the American Revolution began, and it is also where the First Day Hikes
started. On New Years Day in 1992, 380 people gathered at Blue Hills Reservation to welcome the
new year with a walk in the woods. That simple idea grew into something big. Today, all 50 states
offer First Day Hikes on January 1. As we prepare to honor the 250th anniversary of the American
Revolution in 2026, DCR is proud to celebrate this Massachusetts tradition that continues to inspire
the nation.
Blackstone River Greenway Visitor Center
January 1, 2026, Registration: 9:30am-10:00am, Hike: 10:00am-11:30am
Meeting Location: 3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester
GPS: 42.236362426653436, -71.79572796441792
Registration required: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Fh2GPrdIDkqYBowE2Bt7Kmip39phsSVPm9-TaYv7LxNUN1QyOEs2UkpMSFlVMFVGQ1hLODdMQlI5RC4u&route=shorturl
Celebrate the New Year at Blackstone Heritage Greenway Visitor Center in Worcester on a First Day
Hike! We will hike from the Visitor Center to the Millbury St. satellite parking lot and back, minimal
elevation changes on a paved bikeway, accessible and easy. Enjoy views of the Blackstone River and
keep your eyes peeled for both urban wildlife and evidence of the area’s industrial past. At the
turnaround point (Millbury St.), you will find the northernmost intact segment of the Blackstone Canal.
The hike is 3 miles, about 1.5 hours in duration. Dress for the weather and leashed dogs are welcome to
join.
Space is limited; registration is required. Registration begins at 9:30 am and hike begins at 10:00am. Join
us afterwards at the Visitor Center for hot chocolate. For more information, please call (508) 373-7056.

Calling All Kids, Patriots And Sailors: Revolutionary Summer Saturdays
2025-12-27 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-20 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-13 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-06 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

Boston Tea Party Anniversary Tour
2025-12-16 13:30 - 16:30 | Boston Common, 139 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
Join Hub Town Tours for an anniversary tour marking 252 years since the Boston Tea Party on December 16, 1773! We’ll travel along the Freedom Trail in Downtown Boston and the North End, sharing the gripping story of a small colonial town careening toward war with the British Empire. Along the way, your historian guide will explain the defiant local protest against the Tea Act, placing this pivotal event in the broader context of the beginning of the American Revolution. This historic walking tour highlights Boston’s principal role in colonial agitation against taxation without representation, concluding in time for guests to enjoy the annual commemorative reenactment at the Old South Meeting House, site of the momentous town meeting held just prior to the shocking Destruction of the Tea.

Not Your Boston Tea Party
2025-12-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Tyler Memorial Library, Main Street 157, Charlemont, MA, 01339, United States
Residents of Charlemont and beyond will remember the Boston Tea Party with a talk by Emily Dickinson Museum director Jane Wald. Wald will touch on the social functions of tea in 19th-century America (and at the end of the 18th century with the Boston Tea Party) and show photographs of tea paraphernalia in the museum’s collection. At the end of the afternoon, tea will be dumped nearby. Singing may ensue.
Tea will of course be served. Cookies are welcome. Admission is free.
This event is co-sponsored by Museum on Main Street: More Voices, More Votes; Mohawk Trail Regional School; and the Friends of the Tyler Memorial Library, with support from Mass Humanities and the Charlemont-Hawley Arts Council.

Lexington History Museums Presents the 1773 Tea Burning Reenactment - A Lex250 Signature Event
2025-12-13 12:00 - 15:00 | Buckman Tavern, 1 Bedford Street, Lexington, 02420, United States
On December 13, 1773, unfair British taxes were on everyone’s mind as three ships sat in Boston harbor, carrying shipments of East India Company tea. Lexington Town Meeting concluded a multi-day debate with a resolution to stop purchasing or drinking imported British tea. The crowd spilled out onto the common behind the meeting house and made a bonfire, throwing the entire town’s supply of tea into it. Three days later, the Boston Tea Party would make headlines, but Lexington was there first.
Join Lexington History Museums for Lexington’s Annual Tea Burning Reenactment. Take part in fun, interactive activities to learn more about why tea was so important to the Revolution. Meet with the Lexington residents of 1773, portrayed by the Lexington Minute Men, to hear their side of the story, find out where tea comes from, and end the day by gathering around the fire and burning the tea!

Ten Crucial Days: Crossing the Delaware and the Battles of Trenton and Princeton
2025-12-07 15:30 - 16:30 | Arts Empowering Life Performing Arts Center, Southern Eagle Cartway 95, Brewster, Massachusetts, 02631, United States
In Person & Livestreamed from the Performing Arts Center
Presented by Roger Williams as part of a year-long series, God of Our Fathers: The Mighty Miracles of the American Revolution. Info: 508-240-2400 | artsempoweringlife.org FREE

Tasting History
2025-12-07 15:00 - 16:30 | Hingham Heritage Museum, Main Street 34, Hingham, MA, 02043, United States
Who first thought of putting molasses in baked beans? Discover New England food culture’s Revolutionary roots and explore how it shaped ideas about regional identity, who belongs here, and whose stories get told.
Meg Muckenhoupt is a freelance writer and author of The Truth About Baked Beans and Cabbage: A Global History, among others. Her work has been featured in the Boston Globe, the Boston Phoenix, Boston Magazine, and the Time Out Boston guide; her book Boston Gardens and Green Spaces (Union Park Press, 2010) is a Boston Globe Local Bestseller. She lives in Lexington, Massachusetts.

America's Tapestry Community Stitching Event
2025-12-07 13:00 - 16:00 | Smith Barn, 38 Felton St., Peabody, MA, 01960, United States
This year, the Peabody Historical Society and Museum is partnering with the American Tapestry Project, inviting visitors to take part in a community stitching activity where you can participate in making history!
In commemoration of the 250th, the American Tapestry Project has designed 13 textile panels depicting lesser-known stories about the original thirteen colonies’ roles in the American Revolution. The Massachusetts panel conveys the history of chocolate milling and its entanglements with slavery. It has been traveling across the state to give residents the chance to contribute to this collaborative art project! Once all 13 panels are completed, they will go on an exhibition tour across the United States between 2026-2028.
This activity will be held during our Holiday Open House where visitors can tour our 17th century historic house which will be decorated for the holidays. While you are here, you can enjoy music and light refreshments. Visitors of all ages and skill levels are invited. Supplies and instruction will be provided by the state’s panel coordination team, led by Denise De More.
Come celebrate the collective threads of our nation’s founding. Even if you think you know about the Revolutionary period, these panels are guaranteed to teach you something new!

Handmade Craft Demonstration and Sale
2025-12-07 11:00 - 15:00 | Paul Revere House, 19 North Square, Boston, 02113, United States
Erich and Janice Steinhagen bring their 18th century craft techniques all the way from Connecticut for a two-day holiday season residency as they demonstrate redware pottery production and the fiber art of spinning in our Revere Room. Erich will be throwing pots on the wheel while Janice spins sheep’s wool or flax into yarn. Finished products will be available for sale!
While the crafters share their techniques on the ground floor of our Visitor Center, R.P. Hale will provide an 18th and 19th century Advent soundtrack in the second-floor exhibit space, playing the harpsichord and virginal he meticulously crafted himself based on period originals.

Burial Hill Tour Series – Revolutionary Connections
2025-12-06 13:00 - 14:00 | Plymouth Burial Hill Cemetery, Town Square 19, Plymouth, Massachusetts, 02360, United States
The Plymouth Antiquarian Society and Pilgrim Hall Museum announce their continuing partnership in a free public tour series of Plymouth’s historic Burial Hill for the 2025 season. Each first Saturday of the month a thematic tour of the ancient burying ground will reveal facets of Plymouth’s evolving story over generations. This year honors the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution with a series theme of “Revolutionary Connections.” Each monthly tour highlights the Revolutionary era in Plymouth with insights into South Shore connections to America’s contest for independence. Presenters include local historians and authors who share their expertise on a range of topics, highlighting art, history, and culture atop the open-air history museum in the heart of downtown Plymouth, Burial Hill.
Severe weather may cancel tour. Stay up to date with us on our Facebook page and visit pilgrimhall.org or plymouthantiquarian.org for more information on the continuing Burial Hill tour series.

Handmade Craft Demonstration and Sale
2025-12-06 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-06 08:00 - 17:00 | Paul Revere House, 19 North Square, Boston, 02113, United States
Erich and Janice Steinhagen bring their 18th century craft techniques all the way from Connecticut for a two-day holiday season residency as they demonstrate redware pottery production and the fiber art of spinning in our Revere Room. Erich will be throwing pots on the wheel while Janice spins sheep’s wool or flax into yarn. Finished products will be available for sale!
While the crafters share their techniques on the ground floor of our Visitor Center, R.P. Hale will provide an 18th and 19th century Advent soundtrack in the second-floor exhibit space, playing the harpsichord and virginal, he meticulously crafted himself based on period originals.

The First Commander Remembered: Washington’s Legacy in Cambridge
2025-12-02 18:00 - 19:30 | Cambridge Public Library, Broadway 449, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, United States
To mark the 250th anniversaries of the American Revolution and the founding of the United States, a coalition of Cambridge non-profits and government agencies will present Washington in American Memory, a seven-part speaker series taking place in-person and online.
Debunk myths and trace the evolution of the public memory of George Washington in Cambridge, Massachusetts, featuring:
– J.L. Bell, author of The Road to Concord: How Four Stolen Cannon Ignited the Revolutionary War and proprietor of Boston1775.net
– Charles Sullivan, co-author of Building Old Cambridge: Architecture and Development and Executive Director of the Cambridge Historical Commission
This speaker series is made possible through the generous support of America’s National Parks, a nonprofit partner of the National Park Service. It is presented in partnership by the National Park Service/Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site, History Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge Historical Commission, and Cambridge MA250.

Forging Independence | Building a Nation
2025-12-01 - 2026-12-31 | New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, 02740, United States
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the New Bedford Whaling Museum will open a new suite of conjoined galleries in that explore stories of independence, struggle, and citizenship in the region during the late colonial and early Republican period (1760-1830).
Forging Independence | Building a Nation introduces connections between historical events and pressing issues of today, asking visitors to consider what ideas are embodied in the terms and ideas of Independence and Nationhood. Words like patriotism, freedom, taxation, citizenship, liberty, equality, justice, tolerance, and independence serve as keystones within the installation to encourage thoughtful engagement with concepts that transcend the past and directly connect with our present. Associations forged between objects, concepts, and individuals broach insightful civic-minded questions about what it means to be “American.” What did colonial citizens think America should or would be, and how do we today continue to ask those questions and shape that outcome today?
Forging Independence | Building a Nation outlines important regional historical events of the American Revolution, including the Boston Tea Party, which happened on the locally built and owned vessel the Dartmouth, and Grey’s raid, encompassing the defense of Fort Phoenix, the siege and burning of Bedford Village, and the Bombardment of Fairhaven. The installation frames these war-time events within larger state-wide and national arcs, including the Stamp Tax Crisis, Battle of Bunker Hill, Occupation of Boston, Massachusetts statehood, the adoption of the State Bill of Rights, and early activities tied to nation building. What did it mean to discard a system of governance and colonial allegiance and establish a new country? How did people grapple with and make sense of the revolutionary period and what came after? What ideas and tenets became pillars of that era, how are their legacies felt today, and what complications or tensions arose in that space of negotiation?
The project relies on the Museum’s expansive permanent collection to center and share diverse stories and experiences from Massachusetts, consider the promises and challenges of the American Revolution, and makes connections between past and present. The exhibition utilizes artifacts and archival sources to illuminate the stories of a broad range of individuals, from local merchants who skirted blockades and traded as privateers to the narratives of private citizens and regional residents, including men, women and children of different classes, ages, ethnic and racial backgrounds, and status, immigrants, Indigenous people, and enslaved and free people of color. The exhibition includes the voices and stories of those who served in the American militia, were passionate Revolutionaries, outright ambivalent about Independence, or avid British Loyalists.
