MA250

Revolution Ball: A celebration to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Leslie's Retreat
2025-02-22 19:30 - 23:30 (America/New_York) | Hamilton Hall, Chestnut Street 9, Salem, Massachusetts, 01970, United States
Celebrate History with us!
The Revolution Ball is a colonial dress/black tie evening of live music, dancing, food, and drinks. The event celebrates the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of Leslie’s Retreat from the Salem gunpowder raid of 1775.
In February of 1775, Colonel Alexander Leslie and his British regulars were sent to raid the gunpowder and cannon stores of Salem. On their way through Marblehead and Salem, an alarm was raised and townsfolk and local militia responded in large numbers to impede Leslie and his soldiers. Rather than the confrontation ending in violence, collaboration and diplomacy won the day, thanks to local minister Rev. Thomas Barnard, Captain John Felt, Colonel David Mason, and Colonel Leslie.
The evening’s events will begin with period drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and music. Period dancing will commence in the ballroom, led by Commonwealth Vintage Dancers. Local reenactors will be present, both to take photos with and to participate in the evening’s festivities.
Guests are welcome to wear either colonial costume or black tie attire.

Fashion in the Season of Revolution: A Panel Discussion and a Revolutionary Reenactor Promenade
2025-02-22 14:30 - 16:30 | Peabody Essex Museum, Essex Street 161, Salem, Massachusetts, 01970, United States
The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) invites you to step back in time with Fashion in the Season of Revolution, a dynamic exploration of the intersection between style, society, and conflict in the Revolutionary era. This engaging program, presented in cooperation with Leslie’s Retreat 250, offers a unique blend of scholarship, storytelling, and immersive experience, combining a thought-provoking panel discussion with a vibrant Revolutionary reenactor promenade.
2:30pm – Panel begins in Morse Auditorium – Welcome and panelist introductions – Petra Slinkard, Director of Curatorial Affairs and Curator of Fashion and Textiles, PEM
2:40pm – Presentation: PEM Collection in Focus – Abigail Adams’ Petticoat – Paula Bradstreet Richter, Curator-at-Large, PEM
3:00pm – Presentation: Purchasing Patriotism: New England Shoe Stories During the Revolutionary Era – Dr. Kimberly Alexander, University of New Hampshire
3:20pm – Presentation: “I Dress as Genteel As Possible:”; Research and Context in Living History Interpretation – Dr. Emily A. Murphy, Curator, National Park Service.
3:40pm- Presentation: Inspiration Up Close – A Story of Reenactment Dress – a conversation with Henry Rutkowski and Petra Slinkard
3:55pm – Invitation to reenactors to join on stage and audience to view costumes up close
4:10pm – Program concludes
This event is presented by the Peabody Essex Museum in collaboration with Leslie’s Retreat 250.

Artists in Marblehead, Massachusetts, wedding dress of Elizabeth Gerry Devereux worn on her wedding to Burrill Devereux on April 22, 1775 (detail). Silk, linen, and cotton. Gift of the Chestnut Street Associates, 1964. 134537.A-F. Peabody Essex Museum. Photo by Walter Silver/PEM.

Family Field Trip: Investigate the Old Ordinary
2025-02-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Old Ordinary, Lincoln Street 21, Hingham, MA, 02043, United States
Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in Hingham during the American Revolution? Take on the roles of real people Hinghamites and explore the Old Ordinary House Museum through their eyes to experience daily life for families on the wartime homefront. This fun and family-oriented experience is perfect for family members of all ages! $20 for members and $25 for non-members with groups of up to 4 people.

Red Coat March to Salem’s North Bridge
2025-02-22 11:00 - 11:30 | North Bridge (Salem, MA), 62 Federal Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Join us as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of “Leslie’s Retreat,” a pivotal moment that marked Salem’s first stand against British authority and helped spark the American Revolution.
On February 26, 1775, just weeks before the shots at Lexington and Concord, Salem witnessed what could have been the first battle of the American Revolution. When British Lt. Colonel Alexander Leslie and his troops attempted to seize colonial weapons, they were met with remarkable resistance at Salem’s North Bridge—where courage, diplomacy, and level-headed leadership prevented bloodshed but demonstrated American resolve.
Experience history come alive as we recreate this dramatic confrontation at its original location. Watch as historical reenactors portray the tense standoff between British troops and Salem’s citizens.
Be part of this remarkable commemoration as we honor the courage, wisdom, and restraint shown by both sides during this critical moment in American history. This event offers a unique opportunity to witness and understand how Salem’s citizens stood firm in defense of their rights while avoiding the outbreak of war—if only for a few more weeks.

Event Website: https://www.salem400.org/event/red-coat-march-to-north-bridge/

Speaking Event Before March to Salem's North Bridge
2025-02-22 09:30 - 10:30 | St Peter’s San Pedro Episcopal Church, Saint Peter Street 24, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Join us at 9:30am at St. Peter’s-San Pedro Episcopal Church on Saturday February 22. 2025 to learn the history behind Leslie’s Retreat, and to hear from current elected officials.
On February 26, 1775, Salem witnessed what could have been the first battle of the American Revolution. This event marked Salem’s first armed resistance to British authority, which occurred just weeks before the battles of Lexington and Concord. The diplomatic resolution achieved that day in 1775 exemplifies the importance of leadership and measured response in times of crisis—qualities that remain relevant in public service today.

Fashioning for Freedom: Layers of Liberty
2025-02-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Salem Old Town Hall, Derby Square 32, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
History Alive, Inc is pleased to present their second installation of a fashion show of ideas from history, “Fashioning for Freedom, Layers of Liberty.” This special performance, in partnership with the Salem Human Rights Commission and the North Shore Juneteenth Association, presents a celebratory runway of Black creativity and activism from New England’s past three centuries.
Discover and be inspired by the lives of:
Phillis Wheatley
Jenny Slew
Frederick Douglass (Thank you, Black Cat Walking Tours and Black Cat Curiosity Shoppe for sponsorship of Frederick Douglass!)
Edmonia Lewis
The Remond family of Salem
Charlotte Forten
and more!
This event is supported by Salem 400+, Hamilton Hall, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Leslie’s Retreat: Salem on the Brink of Revolution Exhibit Opening Reception and Lecture
2025-02-21 17:00 - 20:00 | Salem Armory Visitor Center, New Liberty Street 2, Salem, Massachusetts, 01970, United States
Before Lexington and Concord, there was “Leslie’s Retreat” – a confrontation between Salem residents and British soldiers in February 1775. Essex Heritage and its partners are inviting the public and media members to learn about this historic event, which is part of ongoing efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
On February 26, 1775, British Colonel Alexander Leslie brought troops to Salem, MA to confiscate reported cannons. What he found was a community on edge. Militia members and local citizens blocked access over the North River Bridge preventing the soldiers from completing their search. Though a peaceful agreement was reached, the standoff highlights the growing tensions that led to the American Revolution.
Leslie’s Retreat: Salem on the Brink of Revolution, an upcoming exhibit at the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center (2 New Liberty Street, Salem), will explore the significance of “Leslie’s Retreat” in American history and the changing legacy of the event over time. This exhibit is a joint effort between the Essex National Heritage Area, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and Minute Man National Historical Park. The free exhibit will be on display from February 21 to April 27, Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm.
An opening reception and lecture for the exhibit will be held Friday, February 21 at 5 pm at the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center. Salem Maritime National Historic Site curator Dr. Emily Murphy will present the free lecture at 6:30 pm. The reception is presented by Essex National Heritage Area, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and Eastern National.
This exhibit is also part of a city-wide effort to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Leslie’s Retreat. More information about community events can be found at https://www.salem400.org/leslies-retreat/ and https://essexheritage.org/rev250/

Witness to Revolution: Meet Hannah Mather, North Square Neighbor of the Revere Family
2025-02-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Paul Revere House, 19 North Square, Boston, 02113, United States
Hannah Mather was 13 years old when she helped her uncle, Lieutenant Governor Thomas Hutchinson, escape from the sacking of his mansion during the Stamp Act riots, and 22 when she smuggled letters to Patriot leaders during the Siege of Boston. Hear from Hannah herself (portrayed by Mehitabel Glenhaber) about her experiences coming of age in North Square in the tumultuous years leading up to the American Revolution.

Hands-on Tours of the Paul Revere House
2025-02-20 10:30 - 15:00 | Paul Revere House, 19 North Square, Boston, 02113, United States
Designed to bring our oldest historic house to life by offering opportunities to engage with reproduction objects in each room and to consider 17th and 18th century life from a kids-eye-view, the approximately 30-minute tour is aimed at families. Tours at 10:30, 11:30, & 2:30 are included in the price of admission.

Witness to Revolution: Meet Hannah Mather, North Square Neighbor of the Revere Family
2025-02-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Paul Revere House, 19 North Square, Boston, 02113, United States
Hannah Mather was 13 years old when she helped her uncle, Lieutenant Governor Thomas Hutchinson, escape from the sacking of his mansion during the Stamp Act riots, and 22 when she smuggled letters to Patriot leaders during the Siege of Boston. Hear from Hannah herself (portrayed by Mehitabel Glenhaber) about her experiences coming of age in North Square in the tumultuous years leading up to the American Revolution. Performances at 1:00, 1:45, and 2:30 are included with the price of admission.

Presidents' Day Festival
2025-02-17 10:30 - 15:30 | John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, Massachusetts, 02125, United States
In celebration of Presidents’ Day, historic guests, creative activities, live musical performances as well as Museum tours will bring the JFK Library to life in new ways for all ages. Enjoy performances of campaign songs and maker activities to highlight President Kennedy’s time in the White House, with additional elements focusing on democratic values and the importance of civic participation.
Youths ages 17 and under will be FREE on Festival Day. Additional student, military, senior, and EBT discounts are always available. General admission starts at $18. Visit jfklibrary.org/PresidentsDay, for more details.
Meet Presidents Abraham Lincoln and John Adams, and First Lady Abigail Adams!
“Hail to the Chief” campaign songs sing-along!
History-based Maker Activities!
Don’t Miss Experiences!
Closing Concert and More!
Early Riser Reward – On Festival Day, the first 200 youth ages 17 and under to arrive at the admissions desk will receive a keepsake donated by generous shoppers of the Museum Store while supplies last.
Parking is free at the JFK Library.
A Paul Revere shuttle bus will be running directly from the JFK/UMass MBTA stop on the Red Line to the JFK Library the day of the Festival.
$2 Off Museum Admission with Special Buzzword
In celebration of Presidents’ Day week, the JFK Library will reveal a special buzzword on social media. Visitors who provide the buzzword during admission throughout the week of February 15-23, 2025 will receive $2 off admission prices.
Sensory Flexibility – Adaptive maker activities and a Flexible Quiet Space will be available for anyone who needs a break at any time. This is an inclusive program and people both with and without disabilities are always welcomed.
Security – To make your experience safe and enjoyable, the JFK Library takes the safety and security of all guests, staff, and visitors seriously. Upon entry to this federal building, all visitors must pass through a security check with a metal detector. All bags will be searched by Security Officers upon entry.

LEGO®️ Maritime Festival
2025-02-15 - 2025-02-23 | USS Constitution Museum, Boston, Massachusetts, 02129, United States
USS Constitution Museum
Come join us during February Vacation Week as the Museum hosts its annual LEGO®️Maritime Festival!!! As we count down to the Navy’s 250th Birthday, we are introducing special edition LEGO Kits of USS Constitution, USS Cassin Young and USS Nantucket! Come visit and let your creativity flourish as part of our Ship Shape Challenge! Enter your LEGO® or DUPLO® ship into our daily competition! Three designs each day will be selected as daily winners and entered into competition for the grand prize. During Museum hours, free with Museum admission by donation.

Westford REV 250: “Bartering, Currency, and the American Economy in Colonial Times”
2025-02-09 13:30 - 15:00 | Westford Museum, 2 Boston Rd, Westford MA, Boston Road 2, Westford, MA, 01886, United States
The early American colonies faced significant cash problems, and various solutions were devised to address them.
Money, or the lack of it, was a persistent issue in colonial America. The colonists were subject to British rule, where gold and silver were the official legal tender; however, British coins circulated only infrequently in the colonies. Lacking a dependable commodity to use as currency, colonial governments in the eighteenth century turned to paper money instead.
In this program, we will explore and understand the value of money in colonial America, including the types of currency used, how people kept track of it, how they obtained it, and what they could purchase. The presentation will feature period images and begin by explaining the currency of the United Kingdom, its use in the colonies, the concept of “legal money,” and the various “Tenors.” It will also outline the primary forms of the medium used for conducting business and exchanging goods in pre-revolutionary America.
Matthew Mees, Living Historian, specializes in the colonial life of the late 18th century, from British rule to the early years of independence.
Suggested Donation: $10 per person
Your contribution supports preserving and maintaining artifacts in the Westford Museum collection. Thank you for your support of the Westford Museum.

"Spies Among Us" year long exhibit opening on February 6th 2025
2025-02-09 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-02-06 12:00 - 15:00, 2025-02-06 08:00 - 17:00 | Golden Ball Tavern Museum, Boston Post Road 662, Weston, Massachusetts, 02493, United States
“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 on Sunday, February 9th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The exhibit will recall the story of General Gage’s spies who visited the Tavern in 1775, explore examples of espionage on both sides, and examine the many ways of spying that were used during the American Revolution.
Spycraft played a pivotal role during the American Revolution, with both the Continental Army and British forces using intelligence operations to gain strategic advantages. The Golden Ball Tavern and its proprietor Isaac Jones, played host on a few occasions to British spies sent, by General Thomas Gage, to survey the towns that were scattered around the area from Boston to Worcester. This was just one of the British military’s tactics for keeping the Patriots in line. On the American side, espionage was essential in countering the British military’s superior resources and manpower.
The spycraft of the American Revolution was marked by its ingenuity, the use of civilian networks, and the blending of military and civilian espionage tactics. Though it was often risky and unreliable, intelligence-gathering operations played a critical role in the eventual success of the American cause, allowing the Continental Army to take advantage of British vulnerabilities and ultimately secure victory.
Join us as we introduce our new exhibit and our new Thursday opening hours. The museum will continue to be open every second Sunday of the month for our Second Sunday Open House Tours and will now be open every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
We look forward to welcoming you!

Lincoln Day
2025-02-08 10:00 - 16:00 | Hingham Heritage Museum, Main Street 34, Hingham, MA, 02043, United States
Hingham Historical Society kicks off the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution with Lincoln Day 2025 – a community celebration of civic engagement. Lincoln Day celebrates civic engagement and reflects on the lives and legacies of General Benjamin Lincoln (1733-1810) and President Abraham Lincoln (1809 – 1865). Born more than 70 years and 1,000 miles apart yet with shared Hingham roots, General Lincoln and President Lincoln served their country in revolutionary ways. They took up leadership roles in times of extreme political and social polarization when questions about the meaning of freedom, independence, and liberty divided households, communities, and the nation itself. As the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution dawns, Lincoln Day asks us to consider how we can be inspired by the past to serve our communities’ futures.
Lincoln Day activities will begin at 10:00 AM with a muster of the Hingham Militia Company at the Hingham Memorial Bell Tower (90 Main Street) and wreath-laying ceremonies in Hingham Cemetery at the gravesites of General Benjamin Lincoln and Massachusetts’ Civil War governor, John Albion Andrew. The speaking program will begin at 11:00 AM at Old Ship Church (90 Main Street) featuring a keynote address from Jonathan Lane, Executive Director of Revolution 250, as well as remarks by state and local representatives and the presentation of winning essays from the Hingham Middle School Lincoln Day Essay Contest. The Military Order of the Loyal Legion, the 22nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Company, Hingham’s Scout Troop 1, and other civic organizations will also participate. All Lincoln Day events are free and open to the public.
As part of the Lincoln Day observation, the Hingham Historical Society’s Benjamin Lincoln House will be open for FREE guided tours from 1:00 – 4:00 PM. Reservations are not required. For more information about the Benjamin Lincoln House, please visit https://hinghamhistorical.org.

Concord250 Event: Concord Conservatory of Music Event “Music & Rebels”
2025-02-07 19:30 - 21:00 | Concord Conservatory of Music, Main Street 1317, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Meet music history’s rebels and revolutionaries, from Monteverdi and Beethoven to our contemporaries and witness how, by breaking the rules, these composers changed the course of history. In honor of the 250th anniversary of Concord’s role in the American Revolution, the program will feature the world premiere of Unrest by local composer and CCM faculty member Aaron Jay Myers, commissioned by Concord Conservatory. Purchase tickets in advance or payable at the door for this event. ($25 General Admission and free for students 18 and under) Join CCM faculty speaker Jackson Carruthers as he recounts how each featured musical selection broke with the conventions of its time, launching the artform and its audience into the next era. CCM faculty artists soprano Rose Hegele and cellist Steve Marotto, along with guests, violinist Nicole Parks, pianist Elaine Rombola Aveni, and percussionist Matt Sharrock will perform this array of boundary-breaking music.

Concord: Understanding Town History for the Big Concord250 Event"
2025-02-03 19:00 - 21:00 | MA
Concord Carlisle Adult Continuing Education offers online course:
Concord250 Event, CCACE: “Understanding Town History for the Big 250!” with Victor Curran

Arlington 250: Samuel Whittemore Day
2025-02-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Whittemore Park, Massachusetts Avenue 611, Arlington, MA, 02474, United States
Join us for a special ceremony commemorating Samuel Whittemore. Learn the story of Whittemore’s courageous acts on April 19, 1775 as the oldest known combatant in the entire Revolutionary War!
Remarks at his monument in Whittemore Park will be followed by an open house and refreshments in the Dallin Museum and Cutter Gallery. This program is offered in conjunction with Arlington250. Learn more about Arlington250’s mission and programs at arlington250.org.
Organized by Arlington 250, Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Cyrus Dallin Art Museum, Arlington Historical Society, and Arlington Office of Veteran Affairs.

Masters of Miniature Ship Model Show
2025-01-31 - 2025-02-28 | MA
USS Constitution Museum
A Celebration of Ship Modeling and 250 Years of Naval Heritage. Presented by the USS Constitution Model Shipwright Guild, Masters of Miniature showcases the intricate and spectacular handcrafted Ship models from modelers across New England.
From ninth-century ships to pleasure craft of today and everything in between, the show includes exquisite, handcrafted vessels of many kinds made by skilled Modelers representing Master Craftsmen and introducing a new generation of modelers. This year’s models highlight vessels spanning 250 years of U.S. Navy history, offering a stunning reflection on the evolution of maritime design and innovation.
Meet the modelers and vote for your favorite! Master Craftsmen will be available to answer questions and demonstrate the craft. Attendees can also participate in a scavenger hunt as a fun way to learn more about each model and their real-life counterparts.

Westford REV 250: In the Margins-Women Printers in the 18th Century
2025-01-30 19:00 - 20:30 | MA
In the 18th century, newspapers and pamphlets were crucial in spreading information and stoking the fires of conflict during the revolutionary period. Although printing was primarily seen as a masculine profession, women—such as widows, wives, and daughters—stepped up to embrace the responsibilities of a free press. These women not only set the type for the material that would be read and shared but, in some cases, also owned and managed their own printing businesses.
In this lecture, you will learn about the essential contributions of women in the printing industry leading up to the American Revolution.
*About the Speaker: Michele Gabrielson, M.Ed.
Michele is a professional historian and public educator with 17 years of experience teaching early American history. As a living historian and reenactor of the American Revolution, she presents her talks in historically accurate, hand-sewn, and documented 18th-century clothing.
*Suggested Donation: $10 per person
Your contribution supports preserving and maintaining artifacts in the Westford Museum collection. Thank you for your support of the Westford Museum.

Timeline to Independence - Marlborough, MA Rotating Exhibit
2025-01-30 10:00 - 19:00 | Marlborough Public Library, 35 W Main St., Marlborough, MA, 01752, United States
The Marlborough Revolution 250 Committee is hosting a three-part exhibit showcasing our nation’s beginnings through the display of rare artifacts from private collections.
Exhibit 1: Religion & Culture (1624 – 1651) & Early Seeds of Discontent (1651 – 1750)
January 30, 2025: 10am – 7pm
January 31, 2025: 10am – 4pm
February 1, 2025: 10am – 4pm
Exhibit 2: Taxes Imposed & Withdrawn (1751 – 1770) & Building Resentment (1768 – 1774)
February 27, 2025: 10am – 7pm
February 28, 2025: 10am – 4pm
March 1, 2025: 10am – 4pm
Exhibit 3: Tensions Escalate (1774 – 1775) & American Revolution (1775 – 1783)
March 27, 2025: 10am – 7pm
March 28, 2025: 10am – 4pm
March 29, 2025: 10am – 4pm

Acton 250 Committee presents: Dreadful Were the Vestiges of War; Bullet Strikes from the First Day of the American Revolution
2025-01-29 19:00 - 20:30 | Acton Town Hall, Main Street 472, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Joel Bohy will present a study of the arms and ammunition used by both British and provincial forces on April 19, 1775, as well as the battle damage that remain. Using modern shooting incident reconstruction, archaeology, live fire studies, and new research, we can shed new light on the heavy fighting along the route of the British retreat to Boston.
Joel Bohy is a historic arms & militaria specialist at Blackstone Valley Auctions and Estates and a frequent appraiser of arms & militaria on the PBS series Antiques Roadshow. He is an active member of the American Society of Arms Collectors, the Company of Military Historians, The Colonial Society of Massachusetts, an instructor for Advanced Metal Detecting for the Archaeologist, and an advisory board member of American Veterans Archaeological Recovery. Joel was inspired as a youngster by the historic Elisha Jones house (the “Bullet Hole House”) situated across from the Old North Bridge. Recordings will be on our website and ActonTV https://actontv.org/on-demand/education shortly after the event. Please see https://www.actonma.gov/250 for all programming and don’t forget our commemorative store! https://tinyurl.com/ACTON250STORE.
Sponsored by the Acton Lions Club and the Acton 250 Committee.

Dreadful Were the Vestiges of War: Bullet Strikes from the First Day of the American Revolution
2025-01-29 19:00 - 20:30 | Acton Town Hall, Main Street 472, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
The Acton 250 Committee presents Joel Bohy, a historic arms & militaria specialist at Blackstone Valley Auctions and Estates. Joel will discuss the arms and ammunition used by both British and provincial forces on April 19, 1775, as well as the battle damage that remain. Using modern shooting incident reconstruction, archaeology, live fire studies, and new research, we can shed new light on the heavy fighting along the route of the British retreat back to Boston.
Joel Bohy is a historic arms & militaria specialist at Blackstone Valley Auctions and Estates and a frequent appraiser of arms & militaria on the PBS series Antiques Roadshow. He is an active member of the American Society of Arms Collectors, the Company of Military Historians, The Colonial Society of Massachusetts, an instructor for Advanced Metal Detecting for the Archaeologist, and an advisory board member of American Veterans Archaeological Recovery.
Remote Participation: You can watch live at Acton TV http://tinyurl.com/Acton-TV. Recordings will be available at Acton TV https://actontv.org/ and on our website https://www.actonma.gov/250 where you’ll find all programming information and a link to our commemorative store.
Sponsored by the Acton Lions Club

Lecture Series: Revisiting the American Revolution
2025-01-26 15:00 - 16:30 | Hingham Heritage Museum, Main Street 34, Hingham, MA, 02043, United States
REV250 Lecture: Joel Bohy, Director of Historic Arms & Militaria at Bruneau and Co. presents “Hingham’s Revolutionary Canteens” as part of the Hingham Historical Society 2024-2025 lecture series: Revisiting the American Revolution.
The series is an in-depth and expanded look at our Nation’s founding drama; the series features renowned historians and writers each of who will share fascinating insights on the War for Independence. A detailed brochure for the series can be found on the Hingham Historical Society website: Hingham Historical Society Subscriptions are now on sale. In person at the Hingham Heritage Museum 34 Main Street, Hingham, MA and via Zoom at 3:00pm.
Event Website: https://hinghamhistorical.org/lecture-series-revisiting-the-american-revolution/

Akhil Amar on The US Constitution
2025-01-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Akhil Amar, preeminent legal scholar and author of The Words That Made Us: America’s Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840, joins us at the Concord Museum for a timely conversation on the US Constitution, exploring the formative decades after its ratification and its resonance today.

New England Congregationalists and the American Revolution: A Virtual Book Talk with Katherine Carté
2025-01-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Join us for the first talk in our “Religion of Revolution: lecture series with historian, Dr. Katherine Carté.
The Revolutionary War transformed religious life in America, not just for New England, but everywhere. Remembering New England’s important role in this national tale shows just how revolutionary—and how conservative—the era was.
For most of the eighteenth century, British Protestantism was driven neither by the primacy of denominations nor by fundamental discord among them. Instead, it thrived as part of a complex transatlantic system that bound religious institutions to imperial politics. As Katherine Carté argues, British imperial Protestantism proved remarkably effective in advancing both the interests of empire and the cause of religion until the war for American independence disrupted it.
That Revolution forced a reassessment of the role of religion in public life on both sides of the Atlantic. Religious communities struggled to reorganize within and across new national borders. Religious leaders recalibrated their relationships to government. If these shifts were more pronounced in the United States than in Britain, the loss of a shared system nonetheless mattered to both nations.
This event is free and open to all, but registration is required via this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2317339273566/WN_jCgfKGibTjWXhWquu9y9cw
After registering, you will receive an email with information about attending the webinar.
Email any questions to programs@14beacon.org.
The Congregational Library & Archives newest digital exhibition, “Religion of Revolution: Congregational Voices on Liberty,” is free to visit anytime at https://congregationallibrary.quartexcollections.com/online-exhibits/revolution.
SPEAKER BIO
Dr. Katherine Carté is a professor of history at Southern Methodist University. She is the author, most recently, of Religion and the American Revolution: An Imperial History, published by the University of North Carolina Press for the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture in 2021, which won the Albert W. Outler Prize from the American Society of Church History. She is currently studying the role of religion, trust, and partisanship in revolutionary-era Savannah, Georgia.

First Flag Raising at Prospect Hill
2025-01-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Prospect Hill Park, 68 Munroe Street, Somerville, MA, 02143, United States
Commemorating a milestone of the American Revolution, January 1, 1776, when General Washington raised a new American flag over the highest point of the American fortifications surrounding the then-occupied City of Boston.
Featuring a procession from City Hall in Somerville to Prospect Hill Park, followed by an hour-long program of activities.
Numerous city officials, the Ancient & Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts based out of Faneuil Hall (Boston), and re-enactors participate in the ceremony and parade. This year, we are excited to welcome Phillis Wheatley and Martha Washington the event.
Date: January 1st
Admission: Free
Start Location (11:30): City Hall Concourse – 93 Highland Ave. Somerville, MA 02143
End Location (12-1pm): Prospect Hill Somerville, MA
Parking: Public Lots & On Street Parking
Public Transportation: Bus 90 Davis Sq
Directions Hwy Exit: RT 93 to Fellsway Exit
Funded in part by an American Rescue Plan Act grant from the City of Somerville. For additional ADA accommodations, please contact 311 (617-666-3311) in advance. For questions, contact grace@somervillemuseum.org.
Event Website: https://www.somervillemuseum.org/calendar-events

Raising of the First Flag at Prospect Hill
2025-01-01 11:30 - 12:30 | Prospect Hill Park, 68 Munroe Street, Somerville, MA, 02143, United States
Every New Year’s Day the city of Somerville commemorates an improtant moment of the American Revolution the First Flag Raising. The event reenacts the one that took place on Prospect Hill on January 1, 1776
Event Website: https://www.meetboston.com/event/
