MA250

A Stake in the Ground: 1774
2026-07-11 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-07-12 14:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | historic deerfield, 84B Old Main Street, Deerfield, Massachusetts, 01342, United States
Staged at Historic Deerfield, A Stake in the Ground: 1774 is a series of three site-specific plays, set in Deerfield, MA, on the eve of the American Revolution. Each performance includes all three plays and will end with a post-show conversation.
In the summer of 1774, seeds of revolution begin to germinate in Deerfield when a Liberty Pole is brought to town. The characters in three new one-act plays explore the political divisions, tangled family relations, and the complexities of enslavement from all sides. Join this vibrant, immersive examination of the historical split that will define America.
Produced by Plays in Place, written by Talya Kingston, Valyn Lyric Turner, and Patrick Gabridge, and directed by Brianna Sloane, “A Stake In The Ground: 1774” will be performed outdoors at the locations* near where the characters lived in the past, including outside the Ashley House, the Allen House, and the Stebbins House.
Location & Logistics: The production is performed outdoors at the locations near where the characters lived in 1774, including the Ashley House, the Allen House, and the Stebbins House. *
Weather Policy: Shows take place rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, the production will move indoors to the Deerfield Community Center.
Accessibility: Most performances (except for the weekend of July 31–August 2) are held outside. The audience will walk to each location along paved, municipally-owned sidewalks and will be seated on folding chairs on grassy surfaces.
Join us for this vibrant and immersive exploration of the seeds of revolution!

Revelry on Griffin’s Wharf
2026-07-11 19:00 - 21:30 | Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Congress Street 306, Boston, Massachusetts, 02210, United States
The Sons and Daughters of Liberty come out for Sail Boston in an evening of history, games, merriment, and all things “Boston Tea Party”! Costumed museum interpreters will engage and educate through interaction and activities, including Knot Tying, Portrait Drawing, Tea Leaf Readings, Face Painting, Photo Booth, and colonial games such as Bean Bag Toss, Nine Men’s Morris, Road to Boston, and Shut the Box! Guests will have access to the fully restored vessels Eleanor and the brig Beaver to throw tea crates into Boston’s historic harbor! Join us in Abigail’s Tea Room to taste the five tea blends that were at the center point of this iconic event. Beer, wine, clam chowder, and an assortment of cookies and scones, along with many other items, will be available for purchase. Popcorn is FREE!
*NOTE: Sail Boston Fireworks are NOT visible from the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
TICKETS AT THE DOOR.

My Dearest Friend: A Play About John and Abigail Adams
2026-07-11 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-07-12 14:30 - 16:30 | Colonial Chorus Players (Reading), Main Street 1149, Reading, Massachusetts, 01867, United States
Free Admission!
Time Travel Theatrical Presents My Dearest Friend: A Play About John and Abigail Adams written by Peter Manos
Based on actual letters between President John Adams and his wife Abigail
Produced/Directed by Laura J. Bilodeau
Featuring:
Katie Broach and Jim Hunt
Carla Perrotta and Peter Cavicchio
Produced by Special Arrangement with the Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois

Sail Boston Fireworks
2026-07-11 20:30 - 22:00 | Fan Pier, Boston Harbor, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Fireworks will illuminate Boston Harbor and the Tall Ships below twice during Sail Boston. The fireworks will launch from a barge located off of Boston’s Fan Pier.

Special Exhibit: Mary Baker Eddy and Her Revolutionary Legacy
2026-07-12, 2026-07-13, 2026-07-14 | 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

Collecting Wonders: Tomorrow’s Discoveries
2026-07-12 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-13 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-14 09:00 - 17:00 | Harvard Museum of Natural History, Oxford Street 26, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, United States
When you imagine a museum, you might picture cases of artifacts. But the objects on display at the Harvard Museum of Natural History are a tiny percentage of the total collections. Behind the scenes, experts care for 26 million specimens. These objects form the basis for studying life on Earth. They are records of the planet from different times and places. Objects span billions of years and come from every continent, ocean, and beyond. They are stone and bone, plant and animal, feather and fossil.
Since the early days of Harvard University, collections have been central to teaching and research. People continue to study these collections and uncover knowledge. Come explore some treasures of the collection!
Explore historic specimens presented to mark the 250th Anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence on June 27.

Pop Quiz: 1776
2026-07-12 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-13 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-14 09:00 - 17:00 | Harvard Museum of Natural History, Oxford Street 26, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, United States
Step back into the 18th century and put your detective skills to the test! Pop Quiz: 1776 takes you on a four-museum adventure to uncover surprising ways that life at Harvard was both similar to and—or different from —today. Would Harvard students in 1776 have known about the things we see and do today? Take a guess, then search for specific objects across our four museums—the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East, and the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments—to check your answers.
Pro tip: join us any Sunday–Friday 11:00 am–4:00 pm to access all four museums!
Check museum’s website for closure dates.

USA 250 Urban Naturalist Walk
2026-07-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA, 02121, United States
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a special nature walk highlighting the landscapes, stories, and living heritage that have shaped our nation since its founding. As we explore the trails, we’ll connect the natural world around us to 250 years of American history, discovering the plants, wildlife, and ecosystems that have witnessed generations of change.

The Road to Revolution: Massachusetts and the Independence Movement
2026-07-12 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-13 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.

End of the Revolutionary Era: The Passing of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson
2026-07-12 10:30 - 16:00 | Adams National Historical Park, 135 Adams Street, Quincy, MA, 02169, United States
Join the National Park Service at Adams National Historical Park for special programming commemorating the bicentennial of the deaths of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson and the end of the Revolutionary Era 50 years after American Independence.
10:30 a.m. – John Adams and Thomas Jefferson: Parallel Lives, Parallel Deaths outdoor ranger talk
11 a.m. – “They Yet Live, and Live Forever” guided tour of Peace field
11:15 a.m. – Mourning Adams and Jefferson outdoor ranger talk
12 p.m. – John Adams’s Final Journey ranger-guided walks
12:30 p.m. – Hallowed Ground ranger-led tour of Hancock Cemetery
12:30 p.m. – John Adams and Thomas Jefferson: Parallel Lives, Parallel Deaths outdoor ranger talk
1 p.m. – “They Yet Live, and Live Forever” guided tour of Peace field
1:15 p.m. – Mourning Adams and Jefferson outdoor ranger talk
2 p.m. – John Adams’s Final Journey ranger-guided walks
2:30 p.m. – Hallowed Ground ranger-led tour of Hancock Cemetery
2:30 p.m. – John Adams and Thomas Jefferson: Parallel Lives, Parallel Deaths outdoor ranger talk
3 p.m. – “They Yet Live, and Live Forever” guided tour of Peace field (Saturday only)
3 p.m. – Cosmic Coincidence: Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Deaths of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson at United First Parish Church (Sunday only)
3:15 p.m. – Mourning Adams and Jefferson outdoor ranger talk
Unless otherwise noted, the NPS is hosting all End of the Revolutionary Erea events outdoors on the grounds of the Old House at Peace field, located at 135 Adams Street, Quincy, MA. Limited seating will be provided, but visitors are welcome to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets.
Visitors should park at the Visitor Center at 1250 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, and may walk or ride the park trolley 0.5 miles to Peace field. Limited street parking will be available at Peace field along Adams Street. The Visitor Center and the Old House at Peace field are accessible by the MBTA Red Line via the Quincy Center station (0.5 miles). Visitors should leave ample time to travel between park sites.
Other than the guided tours of Peace field at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., these special talks and walks are free to attend and do not require reservations. Reservations for the special guided tour of Peace field and other guided tours are required for all visitors (adults, including passholders, and children) and may be obtained in person at the Visitor Center on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the tour. You must have a daily park entrance pass, an annual park entrance pass, or a valid Interagency pass or to enter the park’s historic buildings in addition to any tour reservations you make. You can purchase entrance passes in person at the Visitor Center. Self-guided tours of the Adams Farm at Penn’s Hill are also available and do not require reservations, only entrance passes.
There are no restroom facilities available in the historic buildings. You cannot bring large bags (over 9″ x 11″ x 5″), luggage or strollers in the historic buildings and there are no locker facilities available. Bags may not be left unattended on park grounds or with park staff. The historic buildings are not temperature controlled, so expect hot and humid conditions over the summer. You cannot vape or smoke on park property. Food and drinks are not allowed in the historic buildings.
Schedule and availability are subject to change. These events may be modified or cancelled due to inclement weather or unsafe conditions. Alerts and updates will be posted on the park website.
Learn more about upcoming events for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution at https://www.nps.gov/adam/planyourvisit/250-anniversary.htm.

Freedom Trail Foundation Rainbow Revolutionaries Tour
2026-07-12 10:45 - 12:15 | Robert Gould Shaw & 54th Regiment Monument], Tremont Street 139, Boston, Massachusetts, 02111, United States
Boston’s newest official Freedom Trail Tour! The Foundation’s Rainbow Revolutionaries Tours illuminate the lives, loves, and fights for liberty of Boston’s LGBTQ+ community, and explore how queer individuals have been making history for centuries. Uncover the history of Boston Marriages, political milestones for LGBTQ+ rights, and the storied romances of some of Boston’s most famous individuals, from literary giants to a world-renowned actress, and even a Revolutionary war hero. Join in to bring this history to life and celebrate Pride by discovering the achievements of the people who have always been a part of and have helped shape Boston.
PLEASE NOTE: The tour features sites in Beacon Hill, where bricked sidewalks and hills can be difficult to traverse while using mobility aids.

Brewing Massachusetts: How Beer Shaped the Bay State
2026-07-12 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.

AudaTours Stoneham Audio Tour: Timeless Tales of Historic Pride and Heritage
2026-07-12 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-13 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.

Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps
2026-07-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Springfield Armory National Historic Site, One Armory Square, Springfield, 01105, United States
Please join us for a free A250-themed musical performance from the Plymouth Fife and Drums Corps hailing from Plymouth Michigan!

Boston: Harbor History Waterfront Walking Tour
2026-07-12 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-07-13 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.

1776: Declaring Independence
2026-07-13 09:30 - 16:00 | 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

Rum, Ropes & Stories
2026-07-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Renaissance Boston Seaport District, Congress Street 606, Boston, Massachusetts, 02210, United States
Set sail for an evening of local discovery as the Renaissance Boston Seaport District invites you to explore the stories behind Boston’s historic harbor.
On Monday, July 13 from 5–7 PM, gather in Capiz, where a local historian will bring Boston’s maritime past to life—timed with the excitement of Tall Ships arriving in the city. From working waterfronts to global voyages, uncover the stories woven into the ropes and sails of Boston’s seafaring legacy.
Sip along the way with a curated rum tasting experience from Bully Boy Distillers, alongside themed cocktails inspired by the sea. To complement the journey, enjoy a Peruvian-inspired menu—reflecting the hotel’s pairing with Peru’s majestic tall ship and the global spirit of the harbor.
Event Details
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Capiz at Renaissance Boston Seaport District
Admission: Complimentary for storytelling experience
Food & Beverage: Available for purchase
Come for the stories, stay for the flavors, and leave with a new perspective on Boston’s waterfront.

Finding Your Revolutionary War Ancestors
2026-07-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Agawam Public Library, Cooper Street 750, Agawam, MA, 01001, United States
Join the Agawam Public Library for an evening of digging for your roots as Genealogist Dave Robison shows us how research our Revolutionary War relatives. In this semiquincentennial year of our country, learn where to look for records and how to interpret historical documents. Get started on your genealogy journey and connect with your family history!

The Aspirations of Ordinary People - Stories of the American Revolution from a local perspective
2026-07-14 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.
