MA250

Reading of the Declaration of Independence
2026-07-03 09:05 - 09:15, 2026-07-04 09:05 - 09:15 (America/New_York) | Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Congress Street 306, Boston, Massachusetts, 02210, United States
Did you know the Declaration of Independence was read aloud in Boston for the first time by a Boston Tea Party Participant?
Join interpreters of the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum for a daily reading of the sacred founding document.
Wednesday, July, 1st through Sunday, July, 5th at 9:05am.

Gallery Talk - Independence Forever
2026-07-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Massachusetts Historical Society, Boylston Street 1154, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
Join Adams Papers staff for a gallery talk featuring the latest rotating installations from the Adams Presidential Library. Discover how members of the Adams family helped shape the “great anniversary festival,” from the founding on July 4, 1776, to John Adams’s death on the semicentennial, and to the legacy of independence shared by generations.
Attendance is free.

The Road to Revolution: Massachusetts and the Independence Movement
2026-07-03 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-04 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 of Color Exhibition
2026-07-03 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-07-04 10:00 - 18:00 | Family Heritage Experience, Newbury Street 97, Boston, Massachusetts, 02116, United States
Patriots of Color, a new exhibit in the Family Heritage Experience at American Ancestors, sheds light on the overlooked histories of Black, Native, and multiracial men and women who fought, labored, and led in the struggle for American independence across all thirteen colonies. Through documents, personal narratives, and digital interactives, the exhibition uncovers the courage and resilience of those whose contributions helped shape a new nation, even as they continued to confront inequality and enslavement.
Bridging past and present, Patriots of Color highlights the voices of descendants who are reclaiming these stories today—connecting revolutionary ideals of freedom and justice to the ongoing pursuit of equality in America.
Entrance to the exhibit is included in admission to the Family Heritage Experience and can be purchased either in person or online.

Independence 250: John & Abigail Adams
2026-07-03 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-03 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-03 15:00 - 16:00 | Adams National Historical Park: Old House at Peace field, 135 Adams St, Quincy, 02169, United States
Hear from John and Abigail Adams as they share their experiences during the American Revolution at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Enjoy musical selections from The Conchords at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Get the details on this special program for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence at https://www.nps.gov/adam/planyourvisit/250-anniversary.htm.

Revolution 250 Salem Tour
2026-07-03 11:00 - 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

Brewing Massachusetts: How Beer Shaped the Bay State
2026-07-03 11:30 - 16:30 | Indian House Memorial, Old Main Street 107, Deerfield, MA, 01342, United States
We are proud to introduce our most ambitious exhibit ever, titled “Brewing Massachusetts: How Beer Shaped the Bay State,” made possible by a grant from Massachusetts 250 and the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT). Through rare artifacts, photographs, and documents, this exhibit will tell the story of Massachusetts brewers from the Pilgrims to the present. This exhibit will be held in a rebuilt Revolutionary era tavern and tickets will be $5. Come see it starting May 30th at 107 Old Main Street in Deerfield at the Indian House Memorial.
No state has been more impacted by brewing than Massachusetts. But this story hasn’t been told in one place, until now. “Brewing Massachusetts” will be open during the 250th anniversary of 1776, a landmark nationwide event that will shine a spotlight on American history. We want to incorporate the entire state in our celebration of the History of Brewing, and what better way than to include all of Massachusetts.

Independence 250: The Conchords
2026-07-03 12:00 - 12:30, 2026-07-03 14:00 - 14:30 | Adams National Historical Park: Old House at Peace field, 135 Adams St, Quincy, 02169, United States
Enjoy musical selections from The Conchords at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Hear from John and Abigail Adams as they share their experiences during the American Revolution at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Get the details on this special program for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence at https://www.nps.gov/adam/planyourvisit/250-anniversary.htm.

AudaTours Stoneham Audio Tour: Timeless Tales of Historic Pride and Heritage
2026-07-03 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.

Freedom Rocks! Williamstown Fourth of July Celebration
2026-07-03 12:00 - 22:00, 2026-07-04 09:00 - 22:00 | Williamstown, MA, Williamstown, Massachusetts, 01267, United States
This year Williamstown celebrates on Friday AND Saturday (July 3 and 4). The fun kicks off Friday at Williamstown Historical Museum with family activities, food, exhibits, and performances featuring Barrington Stage Company, Green Mountain Boys family-friendly demos, Berkshire Fife & Drum Corp, Flatbed Jazz Band, special tours, and more. Continue across the road at Waubeeka Golf links for a Freedom Rocks! music concert with headliner Albert Cummings and special guest James Montgomery, plus Karl Mullen & The Dublin Castle Express, Wanda Houston, and Latin GRAMMY–winning children’s artists and authors MISTER G and MISSUS G.
Saturday’s events take place in downtown Williamstown and include morning yoga, family activities, the annual Hometown Parade and Free Community Hotdog Cookout, Brass-O-Mania, swimming, the Founding Documents, film, and more. Celebrations conclude with glorious fireworks viewed from the Taconic golf course.

Gallery Talk - 1776: Declaring Independence
2026-07-03 14:00 - 15:00 | Massachusetts Historical Society, Boylston Street 1154, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
Join MHS staff for a gallery tour of the exhibition 1776: Declaring Independence. Discover how Americans drafted a path to independence through a selection of rarely seen manuscripts, artifacts, and treasures from the MHS collection.
Attendance is free.
Please visit here to register: https://www.masshist.org/events/gallery-talk-june-30-2026-pm

City of Quincy Maritime Festival
2026-07-03 14:00 - 21:00 | marina bay, 333 Victory Rd, Quincy, 02171, United States
Mayor Tom Koch & the City of Quincy proudly invite residents and visitors alike to celebrate Quincy’s rich maritime heritage in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Held along the Marina Bay Boardwalk, the Quincy Maritime Festival returns as a free, family-friendly Independence Day weekend celebration showcasing the City’s deep connection to the sea, shipbuilding, and coastal traditions. The three-day festival will feature live entertainment, historic reenactments, children’s parades, maritime activities, and waterfront attractions for all ages.

Boston: Harbor History Waterfront Walking Tour
2026-07-03 15:30 - 17:00 | Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center, Atlantic Avenue 191 W, Boston, MA, 02110, United States
Boston Harbor has undergone significant transformation over four centuries. Experience Boston’s rich maritime heritage and contemporary vibrancy on a 1.5-hour stroll along the Boston Harborwalk, led by an expert local guide. The tour begins at the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center on the Rose Kennedy Greenway—site of the “Big Dig”—and concludes at Fan Pier in the dynamic Seaport district, offering exceptional views throughout.
This small group walking tour explores the evolution of Boston’s waterfront, from its origins as a colonial port in the British Empire; through its development as a major center for shipping, fishing, and global trade; to its rebirth as a hub for modern commerce, tourism, and recreation. As you venture through the heart of the Boston Harborwalk, gain insight into the city’s significant efforts to expand and revitalize its waterfront infrastructure, greenspace, and public access.
Hub Town Tours delivers a compelling introduction to Boston’s identity as America’s “city by the sea.” Hear engaging stories as you pass historic landmarks and architectural highlights, illustrating the remarkable shoreline transformation from an industrial area and “dirty water” dumping ground to a vibrant public space beside one of the cleanest harbors in the United States.

Choral Evensong at Old North
2026-07-03 18:00 - 18:45 | Old North Church, Salem Street 193, Boston, MA, 02113, United States
The Old North Church Congregation is pleased to offer traditional Choral Evensong on June 25 and July 3, 2026. Each service will be held at 6:00 p.m. and lasts approximately 45 minutes.
The July 3 service will feature historic prayers for the nation on the Eve of the 250th Anniversary of American Independence.
Worship services at Old North are open to all without charge. Free-will offerings are collected in support of the church’s ministries. Visitors are always welcome. Pre-registration is helpful for planning, but not required. We seek to welcome all, in keeping with our mission as a House of Prayer for All People.
About Evensong
Among the liturgical treasures of the Anglican tradition, Evensong dates to the Church of England’s first Book of Common Prayer, composed by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer in 1549. Evensong was shared with the Episcopal Church following the American Revolution.
Combining scripture readings, sung canticles and psalms, choral anthems, and richly worded prayers, it is a favorite in cathedrals and parish churches alike at the close of the day. Its particular choral style is uniquely characteristic of the Anglican Church and draws its origins from the sung liturgies of monastic communities of the early centuries of the church’s life.
Evensong at Old North draws on the the Anglican cathedral choir tradition. The service is enveloped by the music of organist and choir which sings verses from scripture, psalms, biblical songs (canticles) and an anthem. Our prayers are inspired and transported by the striking beauty of the words, silences and music, and we add our own voice in saying the Amens and in singing the hymn. It is an ideal way to mark the end of a busy day and the transition into the evening time.

Writing a Revolution: The Letters of John & Abigail Adams 1773-1776
2026-07-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Abigail’s Tea Room at The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Congress Street 306, Boston, Massachusetts, 02210, United States
From the “destruction of the tea” to the Declaration of Independence, witness the founding of a nation through the eyes of one of colonial America’s most iconic couples. John Adams will take part as a delegate in the First and Second Continental Congresses in Philadelphia, while his wife, Abigail, remains in Massachusetts as the American Revolution begins. Their correspondence allows a window into the conflicts, the struggles of the people, the tedious nature of the Congress, and a loving marriage.
This July, we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of our nation. The letters of John and Abigail Adams reflect their lived experiences through this tumultuous time, and allow us to witness history in the making.
This live theatrical performance provides an intimate setting geared toward adults and older children.

Witness to the Revolution
2026-07-04 - 2026-09-28 | Hill Cemetery, Prospect Street 3, Hatfield, MA, 01038, United States
In Hatfield’s oldest cemetery, the Hill Burying Ground, are 217 graves of people who were living in Hatfield during the Revolutionary War. Each one has been flagged with their name and age, including the handful of babies born in 1776 or before the war ended in 1783. This is an on-going installation, and will be open during daylight hours through October 3rd.

The Aspirations of Ordinary People - Stories of the American Revolution from a local perspective
2026-07-04 08:00 - 14:00 | North Andover Historical Society, 800 Massachusetts Ave., North Andover, 01845, United States
The Andover revolutionaries understood that creating a truly free society would take many generations. Their records and artifacts, preserved at the North Andover Historical Society, are here to remind us that history matters. They depict stories of battles won, hardships endured, hometown and battleground heroes, and the start of a long fight for liberty, equality and justice. Their ideals and aspirations are the standards by which we measure our progress today.
Come discover the amazing stories brought to life at the North Andover Historical Society (NAHS) through REV250, a series of programs and exhibits dedicated to the American Revolution.
The exhibit will be open every week, Tuesday through Saturday, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Please check the website for more information.

Fairhaven’s Revolutionary Fourth of July Parade & Ceremony
2026-07-04 09:00 - 11:00 | Fort Phoenix, Fairhaven, Fort Street 3, Fairhaven, Massachusetts, 02719, United States
This isn’t just any Fourth of July—2026 marks 250 years since the American Revolution ignited… and Fairhaven is marching straight into history.
Join us for a truly historic celebration as we honor America’s birthday and Fairhaven’s Revolutionary legacy with our annual Fourth of July Parade & Cannon Ceremony, part of the statewide MA250 commemoration.
PARADE DETAILS:
⏰ Step-Off: 9:00 AM sharp
📍 Route: March begins at Washington & Green Street and continues down Green Street to Fort Phoenix—the site of the first naval battle of the American Revolution.
📍 Independence Day Ceremony: ~10:00 AM at Fort Phoenix, complete with real cannon fire by the Fairhaven Village Militia.

250 Years of Freedom & Beyond–4th of July Parade, Concert & Fireworks (Plymouth)
2026-07-04 09:00 - 23:00 | Plymouth MA Downtown Waterfront Area, Court Street, Plymouth, MA, 02360, United States
Plymouth’s Annual 4th of July parade’s theme for 2026 is 250 Years & Beyond to celebrate our country’s birth. The day begins with the parade starting from Mayflower Business Park in North Plymouth to Plymouth Rock, with an Patriotic evening concert with the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra and finishing with fireworks over Plymouth harbor at dusk.
9am: Parade begins from Mayflower Business Park – 428 Court Street, continuing along Court St and Main St to Water Street.
7:30pm: Plymouth Philharmonic Concert at DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park – Plan to arrive at least 1 hour before the concert begins in order to find a parking spot and walk to the state park.
9:15: Fireworks begin at Dusk. There are several viewing spots available throughout town in addition to DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park, including Burial Hill and Nelson Park.

Independence Celebration
2026-07-04 09:30 - 17:00 | Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA, 01566, United States
Join us in celebration of Independence Day! Experience fife and drum music, cannon demonstrations (weather permitting), performances, and a parade. Make a tri-corner hat, hear special readings of poetry and the Declaration of Independence, play games, marvel at the work of our skilled artisans and tradespeople, and more! Also, be sure to visit the Richardson House, where our costumed historians are reproducing a unique thirteen-star flag based on a c. 1820 artifact in the OSV Museum Collection. Check back closer to the event for a schedule of activities.
During Independence Celebration, the Village will host a Citizen Naturalization Ceremony. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will present candidates to the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and they will pledge their Oath of Allegiance to the United States for the very first time.

Calling All Kids, Patriots And Sailors: Revolutionary Summer Saturdays
2026-07-04 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

Fourth Of July Community Day
2026-07-04 10:00 - 16:00 | Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Visitors can enjoy free admission to the Museum on the Fourth of July and enjoy special family activities and food trucks. Hear a gallery talk on with Museum staff on the Revolution and its legacy at 12pm.
Visitors will:
-See the original Paul Revere lantern and dozens of objects that witnessed the founding of our nation,
-Explore the new special exhibition, Revolutionary Legacies,
-Listen in on a gallery talk with museum staff,
-Join fun family activities and enjoy food trucks.

July 4th Celebration at Old North Church
2026-07-04 10:00 - 18:00 | Old North Church, Salem Street 193, Boston, MA, 02113, United States
If you will be in the Boston area for July 4, we hope you’ll join us for our annual Independence Day celebration! Throughout the day, there will be dramatic readings of the Declaration of Independence in the sanctuary, complete with booing and hissing at the mention of the king.
In our courtyard, the delightful musical duo Tripp and Toddy will entertain visitors with period music and stage a “duel to the death.” We will also offer guided tours of Old North’s crypt, where 1,100 people were laid to rest, and bell ringing chamber, where Paul Revere rang bells as a teenager.
Schedule of Events
Readings of the Declaration of Independence: 11:00am, 1:30pm, 3:00pm
Music and Fun with Tripp and Toddy: 12:00pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm
Crypt Tours: 10:30am, 11:00am, 11:30am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 1:30pm, 2:00pm, 2:30pm, 3:00pm, 3:30pm, 4:00pm, 4:30pm, 5:00pm, 5:30pm
Bell Chamber Tours: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm
Instead of our regular ticket options, we are offering a July 4th Pass that includes a self-guided tour of our beautiful sanctuary, our award-winning history exhibit, our fun family scavenger hunt, dramatic readings of the Declaration of Independence, and performances by Tripp and Toddy. The July 4th Pass is available online now.
Add-on tours of the crypt and bell chamber will be available for purchase on site on Independence Day.
