Across the State of Massachusetts, communities and institutions are celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution with events, exhibits, special tours, programs, festivals, performances, and much more. Bookmark this page to join events and celebrations statewide.
Celebrate the bold women who birthed the suffrage revolution over a pot of tea. We will be highlighting the tenacity of Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott and many more movers and shakers from that era. Highlights include the tea party that launched the suffrage movement, interactive trivia […]
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 […]
Join Adams National Historical Park for a performance of My Dearest Friend: A Play About John and Abigial Adams, written by Peter Manos. My Dearest Friend, both a civics lesson and love story, is about the American Revolution and the founding of the United States revealed through the rich, witty and passionate correspondence between Abigail […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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 […]
A 25-minute live performance explores how music carried revolutionary ideas through taverns, homes, and meetinghouses across New England—often faster and with greater impact than the written word. A cast of musicians, joined by a Massachusetts Minuteman storyteller, will perform songs from the Revolutionary era with a contemporary folk-rock twist, highlighting enduring themes of liberty, resistance, […]
Visitors will step into a rural Massachusetts community and meet six Revolutionary-era residents—a printer, housemaid, lawyer, shopkeeper, tavern keeper, and farmer’s wife—each navigating the growing conflict in their own way. To make the experience even more immersive, guests will have an opportunity to learn about a specific person and build their own character, allowing them […]
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-july-1-2026-am
Learn more about the many stories of the American Revolution through ranger talks and special programs. 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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
History & Art Series: This summer when America is celebrating its 250th anniversary, join us for this historical and civic education program to learn how the Berkshires played a pivotal role in the founding of our nation. "American Stories: Rebels and Revolutionaries of the Berkshires" examines the history of the American Revolution and its reverberating […]
The State Library is excited to invite you to join us for a special event featuring our copy of the Declaration of Independence, printed in Salem on July 17, 1776. We will also be marking the opening of our new exhibit Raising the Alarm: Revolutionary Broadsides at the State Library. Though the exhibit features facsimiles […]
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. […]
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 […]
Did you know? Someone with ties to Shirley signed the Declaration of Independence and became the first Attorney General of Massachusetts. Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary by exploring the life, legacy, and contributions of Robert Treat Paine.
Hear from bestselling authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, along with novelist Jodi Daynard, as they share their experiences bringing Quincy women, including Abigail Adams, to life through historical fiction. This event is hosted in collaboration with Historic New England's Quincy House and the National Parks Conservation Association. Get the details on this special program […]
-Welcome by Library Director Diane Costagliola -Presentation of Colors by American Legion Post 188 Color Guard -Pledge of Allegiance & Citation Presentation by Representative Steven Xiarhos -National Anthem by Jeanne Prendergast -Indigenous History & Recognition by the Wampanoag Tribe -Historical Reflections featuring Edward Bacon & Dr. Nathaniel Freeman -Abridged Reading of the Declaration of Independence […]
This July, Revolutionary Spaces invites you to Old South Meeting House for The People’s House Party — a joyful civic celebration bringing our community together on the eve of the 250th anniversary. This year’s gala marks the start of something new. Guests will enjoy The Exclusive First Look at Ruckus!, a bold new immersive show […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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 […]
Meet Revolutionary heroes, merchants, captains, and curious characters among Old Hill's remarkable stones and family tombs.
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 […]
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 […]
Become a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and re-enact the passage of the Declaration of Independence. This interactive and engaging event is an invitation to adults and children to take part in the debate about whether to remain loyal to the British crown or to create a new nation. Get the details on this […]
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 […]
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. […]
The Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS) is hosting a commemorative program marking the 250th anniversary of July 2, 1776 – the day the Continental Congress voted for independence from Great Britain. Although the nation ultimately adopted July 4 as its official birthday, John Adams believed July 2 would be celebrated for generations, predicting in a letter […]
Become a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and re-enact the passage of the Declaration of Independence. This interactive and engaging event is an invitation to adults and children to take part in the debate about whether to remain loyal to the British crown or to create a new nation. Get the details on this […]
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 […]
Become a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and re-enact the passage of the Declaration of Independence. This interactive and engaging event is an invitation to adults and children to take part in the debate about whether to remain loyal to the British crown or to create a new nation. Get the details on this […]
Featuring spirited live music, captivating historical presentations by Quincy’s cherished historic sites and a host of surprises yet to unfold. Presented by Mayor Tom Koch and the City of Quincy. Performances and Presentations By The Colonial Navy of Massachusetts Historian and Author Brook Barbier Daughter of the Revolution Beantown Swing Orchestra Lucas Beltran As Seen […]
Independence Day Celebration – July 2nd at NARA Park The Town of Acton is thrilled to announce the 2026 Independence Day Celebration! Admission is free and open to all. The event opens at 4:00 p.m. with local food vendors, inflatables for children, free access to NARA beach, games, live music beginning at 8:00 p.m. with […]
July 2, 2026, 5-10 PM 5 Bayview Drive, Orleans, MA 02653 Join us for an extraordinary evening to celebrate America 250! Appetizers begin at 5pm, followed by an elegant surf & turf dinner on the lawn, stirring symphonic music by orchestra Creare Symphonia, and premium seating for the fireworks over Cape Cod Bay. Tickets: 508-240-2400 […]
Join Revolutionary Spaces on Thursday, July 2, for the Ruckus! First Look Encore. Be among the first to see Ruckus!, a bold new 25-minute immersive show at the Old South Meeting House that drops you into the heart of Revolutionary Boston. Watch the debates and defiance that once filled this iconic space come to life […]
The Sons and Daughters of Liberty return for 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, face painting, photo booth, colonial games such as Nine Men’s Morris, Road to Boston, and Shut the Box! Guests […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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. […]
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 […]
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.
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.
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
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 […]
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.
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The public is invited to join the Freemasons of West Boylston, MA as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, America’s 250th birthday and the beginning of our nation’s Semiquincentennial celebrations. Bring your family to this outdoor event before your other celebrations (Rain or Shine) to hear a […]
All are welcome to read a part in this year's Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence, the document that led to the formation of these United States. Please arrive at the Rotary Pavilion at the Peabody Institute Library of Danvers by 10:30 if you wish to participate. Reading begins at 11:00 a.m. Sponsored by […]
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 […]
Lend your voice to these live public readings of the Declaration of Independence 250 years after it was adopted. The 11 a.m. reading will be under the tent on the Peace field grounds. The 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. readings will be held at the Adams Farm at Penn’s Hill, the Adamses’ home during the […]
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 […]
Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime event as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. • Community picnic - BYOB (Bring Your Own Basket) • Reading of the Declaration of Independence • Archeological dig at the Thomas Smith House • Dedication of time capsule • Bell ringing at 2 pm - BYOB (Bring […]
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 Amherst Historical Society will be presenting a communal reading of the Declaration of Independence at noon on Saturday, July 4th from the steps of the Amherst Town Hall. The event will be marked by the ringing of church bells throughout the town at noon, followed by a summoning of the community to Town Hall […]
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. […]
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 […]
Lend your voice to these live public readings of the Declaration of Independence 250 years after it was adopted. The 11 a.m. reading will be under the tent on the Peace field grounds. The 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. readings will be held at the Adams Farm at Penn’s Hill, the Adamses’ home during the […]
Lend your voice to these live public readings of the Declaration of Independence 250 years after it was adopted. The 11 a.m. reading will be under the tent on the Peace field grounds. The 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. readings will be held at the Adams Farm at Penn’s Hill, the Adamses’ home during the […]
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 […]
This dramatic presentation, created by Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area, aims to find out how our local towns read and reacted to the Declaration of Independence. Across the colonies, and particularly in Massachusetts, towns debated what freedom meant to them, and grappled with the grievances aired in the official Declaration. What did the words in […]
Celebrate July 4th with the Boston Pops and maestro Keith Lockhart and special guest stars. 2026 marks the 51st year of the Fireworks Spectacular and Lockhart’s 30th anniversary as Pops conductor. This event is free and open to the public.
See the City of Fall River, MA fireworks display in honor of the 4th of July from the deck of the USS Massachusetts (BB-59). Tickets are $15.00 per child ages 4-12 and $18.00 per adult ages 13+ (price does not include Fare Harbor processing fees). Gates open at 7:00 PM. All guests will need to […]
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 […]
July 5 at 3:30 pm Performing Arts Center, Brewster, MA As we honor America's 250th Birthday, let's celebrate together in song—America the Beautiful, God of Our Fathers, Simple Gifts, and other favorites! Free for all and refreshments provided. Info: 508-240-2400 | artsempoweringlife.org Free admission for all.
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.
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 […]
Learn more about the many stories of the American Revolution through ranger talks and special programs. 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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Independence on Martha’s Vineyard: Then, Now & Forever is an immersive exhibition that explores how independence has shaped the Island over 250 years. Through historic objects and storytelling, this exhibit reveals the distinct culture of self-determination and the lasting influence of Revolutionary ideals on Vineyard life. Exhibit open Tuesdays-Saturdays, July 4-September 5: 11:00am-2:00pm. The Vincent […]
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 […]
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 men in the 1700s wear wigs? What were they made of, how were they styled, and who wore what? How would the hair care routine of George Washington compare to that of a low-ranking British soldier? How would it compare to Martha Washington's? Join living history interpreter and wig maker, Audrey Stuck-Girard, as […]
What did the Declaration of Independence mean to Americans who were excluded from its promises, and how have we progressed, or not, since then? This program features a community reading of Frederick Douglass's famous 1852 speech, what to the Slave is the Fourth of July?, followed by a conversation about freedom, equality, and the meaning […]
July 5 at 3:30 pm Performing Arts Center, Brewster, MA As we honor America's 250th Birthday, let's celebrate together in song—America the Beautiful, God of Our Fathers, Simple Gifts, and other favorites! Free for all and refreshments provided. Info: 508-240-2400 | artsempoweringlife.org Free admission for all.
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 […]
SHOWBOAT CRUISES ANNOUNCES RETURN WITH LUXURY FIREWORKS YACHT EXPERIENCES FOR SUMMER 2026 Premium Marina Bay departures aboard the luxury yacht Champagne Lady offer front-row views of Weymouth and Boston Harbor fireworks spectaculars during historic anniversary summer. QUINCY, MA — JM Productions announces the return of Showboat Cruises for Summer 2026, bringing guests aboard the luxury […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, visitors are invited to handwrite the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution in the Courtyard of the Central Library, in Copley Square. This program aims to create time and a quiet space to reflect and deepen one's understanding of these historic documents. All […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
Voices of Independence brings spoken word and music together on the historic stage of the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Featuring Island notables and historic texts alongside personal reflections, this one-night civic program explores liberty, democracy, and the meaning of independence then and now.
What a Glorious Crash They Made: Musick of New England’s Revolution. Richard Franklin Donohue, Tenor & Harpsichord. What A Glorious Crash They Made features a collection of “New Songs” and Hymns published in New England during the American Revolution.
