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.
April 4 to May 31, 2025 Public Art: Commemorative Banners and Audio Tour Arlington Center, outside along Mass Avenue People, Plants & Revolution is the theme for a series of colorful banners and an audio tour commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in Arlington, MA. Organized by ArtsArlington, the banners portray the landscape […]
On view April 5 – May 23, this 13Forest Gallery exhibition spotlights three major public art projects commissioned by Arts Arlington and planned by Public Art Curator Cecily Miller to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and the critical role of Arlington (formerly the Village of Menotomy) on its very first day of […]
Exhibition: April 14 - June 14, 2025 Opening Reception April 14, 6 p.m. The Umbrella Arts Center in historic Concord Center will commemorate the semiquincentennial of the American Revolution and “the shot heard round the world” with an ambitious outdoor/indoor public and gallery art exhibition, Weaving an Address, curated by artist Marla McLeod. For the […]
Doors at 6 p.m./Presentation at 6:30 p.m. This talk shows how Andover helped plant the seeds of the American Revolution. We will see old Andover’s role in the fight for Independence and our legacy in shaping the birth of the nation. Scott W. Dianis is a longtime resident of Andover with a keen interest in […]
Are you interested in Beverly’s Revolutionary era maritime history? Then this is the tour for you! Join us as we journey through Beverly to visit the homes and businesses of some of Beverly’s most famous privateers. Experience Beverly’s beautiful waterfront views as our guide explains how these sites would have looked and functioned in the […]
Are you interested in Beverly’s Revolutionary era maritime history? Then this is the tour for you! Join us as we journey through Beverly to visit the homes and businesses of some of Beverly’s most famous privateers. Experience Beverly’s beautiful waterfront views as our guide explains how these sites would have looked and functioned in the […]
Two hundred years ago, on 19 April 1775, American history changed. Colonial forces faced the British army at Lexington & Concord … and won. Word spread rapidly, and two regiments of Plymouth “Minute Men,” led by Colonel Theophilus Cotton, rallied to the Patriot cause. For the next six years, Plymoutheans participated in America’s battle for […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
Join us at 14 Beacon for a special tour of the CLA’s new in-person exhibition with New England’s Hidden Histories Project Director and "Sacred Rebellion" curator, Dr. Tricia Peone. The exhibition features many treasures from the CLA’s collections: sermons, books, poems, songs, and letters created by Massachusetts Congregationalists during and after the American Revolution. These […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
Step back in time to experience the life of a soldier in the American Revolution at a military encampment and living history day on Saturday, May 3 between noon and 4 p.m. at the Alden House Historic Site. The reenactment is part of Out to See Duxbury, a community-wide celebration of Duxbury’s rich cultural and […]
The Prudence Wright Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the Pepperell 250th Anniversary Committee are pleased to announce a re-enactment of the “The Women Who Guarded the Bridge” on May 3, 2025. Previously re-enacted by the Town’s Covered Bridge Committee in 2010 at the Grand Re-Opening of the Pepperell Covered Bridge and […]
Experience Tewksbury’s Militia Reenactment by the 2nd Massachusetts Regiment Sunday, May 4, 2025 Starting at 1:30 PM on Town Common Arrive early to get in place! Plan to walk the route taken by Tewksbury's Militia on April 19, 1775, to the library! Enjoy refreshments and discussion at the Library after the walk.
Escape with the ethereal, other-worldly sound of the Glass Armonica, an invention of Ben Franklin! The instrument is paired with flute and strings in Mozart’s famous Adagio and Rondo alongside exotic gems by Reichardt, Naumann, and early American composers Antes and Moller. American ingenuity at its finest! With Glass Armonica virtuoso Dennis James
Join Erica Lome, Curator of Collections at Historic New England for our spring Americana Lecture as she discusses “Liberty & Loyalty: Embroidered coats of arms in an age of revolution” at 4pm on May 4. A light reception will follow the lecture. In 1775, Mary Jones of Weston, Massachusetts, watched her life collapse around her […]
Escape with the ethereal, other-worldly sound of the Glass Armonica, an invention of Ben Franklin! The instrument is paired with flute and strings in Mozart’s famous Adagio and Rondo alongside exotic gems by Reichardt, Naumann, and early American composers Antes and Moller. American ingenuity at its finest! With Glass Armonica virtuoso Dennis James
The year is 1775—tensions with the British Crown are rising, and one question is on every colonist’s mind: Would you fight for independence as a Patriot or remain loyal to the British Crown as a Loyalist? Join us as our two historians face yet another Great Debate that divided colonists and even families during the […]
The time is January 1774. Carol Cohen, playing the role of Abigail Adams, invites a group of women to Boston for a “Spinning Bee”. These were meetings where the Daughters of Liberty gathered to discuss matters of concern to colonists while they spun yarn that could be woven into fabric. The audience is part of […]
Join us at Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the First Naval Battle of the American Revolution, fought just off our shores in 1775. This pivotal moment in history saw local patriots defending their waters against the British, marking the beginning of America’s fight for independence at sea. Hosted by […]
Two hundred years ago, on 19 April 1775, American history changed. Colonial forces faced the British army at Lexington & Concord … and won. Word spread rapidly, and two regiments of Plymouth “Minute Men,” led by Colonel Theophilus Cotton, rallied to the Patriot cause. For the next six years, Plymoutheans participated in America’s battle for […]
The Massachusetts Archives and Commonwealth Museum is proud to welcome award-winning author Rick Atkinson for a conversation and signing of the second volume of his acclaimed Revolutionary War Trilogy, The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charlestown, 1777-1780. The moderator for the conversation is Robert Allison, Professor, author, and Chair […]
Explore the uncomfortable truth that, as Newburyport debated concepts of freedom and independence on the eve of Revolution, a significant number of Americans were not free. Thousands of African Americans were enslaved, up to 20% of the entire population of the colonies. In Newburyport, Black voices spoke up forcefully for their liberty and equality amid […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
Co-curated with Brittney Peauwe Wunnepog Walley (Nipmuc), Chemacheg Menuhki: Paddle Strong is an exhibition that highlights regional Indigenous history and contemporary textile arts practices through a fiber basket woven by Brittney Peauwe Walley that highlights a little-known history of King Philip’s War. Join us for a talk with the artist, opportunity to visit Chemacheg Menuhki, […]
Newbury's First Parish Burying Ground is the final resting place for dozens of local families who experienced the American Revolution as soldiers, sailors, and citizens. Come meet them and hear their stories as part of Newburyport's Road to Revolution series! Funded, in part, by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Join us for an exploration of the people who shaped Newbury's Revolution! Newbury's First Parish Burying Ground is the final resting place for dozens of local families who experienced the American Revolution as soldiers, sailors, and citizens. Come meet them and hear their stories as part of Newburyport's Road to Revolution series! Funded, in part, […]
Boston conjures thoughts of Paul Revere, the Boston Massacre, and the start of the American Revolution. Take our walking tour and learn from a certified historian about these famous events that led to the birth of our nation. You'll also learn about Boston's humble beginnings in the 1630s, its growth through the 1600s, and the […]
Part of a series highlighting pieces from our Historic Clothing Collection which is undergoing considerable conservation work this year. This discussion will explore examples of the styles and fabrics of the late 18th century, revealing how fashion reflected social status and the daily challenges of life during the Revolutionary Era.
Join Hub Town Tours as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Siege of Boston, the opening phase of the American Revolutionary War. We will explore life in and around Boston during its occupation by British troops in 1775 and highlight the efforts of Provincial forces led by General George Washington. This 2.5-hour walking tour […]
Two hundred years ago, on 19 April 1775, American history changed. Colonial forces faced the British army at Lexington & Concord … and won. Word spread rapidly, and two regiments of Plymouth “Minute Men,” led by Colonel Theophilus Cotton, rallied to the Patriot cause. For the next six years, Plymoutheans participated in America’s battle for […]
The Cape & Islands in the Revolution – Little Known Facts & Events Thursday, May 15, 2025, 4pm Museum on the Green Falmouth Historic Society The Revolutionary War was a period which was not only centered in the well-known venues of Boston Philadelphia, New York State, Virginia, and beyond, but also included key events and […]
Join us for an evening with Abigail Adams as performed by Sheryl Faye. Thursday, May 15, 6 p.m. at Adams Free Library (92 Park Street, Adams, MA 01220) Join the Friends of The Adams Free Library in celebrating the life of Abigail Adams, the first First Lady to reside in the White House, with her […]
Join us for a presentation by Mimi Graney at 6:30 p.m. During the Siege of Boston, as war and hardship consumed the city, Chelsea became an unexpected refuge. This presentation brings the crisis to life through firsthand accounts that reveal the uncertainty, fear, and resilience of those caught in the turmoil. At the heart of […]
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 […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
Musicians of Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street will offer a concert of music from the 18th c at the church on Friday, May 16th at 7:30 PM. Performers will include musicians from Concord, and surrounding towns. Music performed will be by composers whose music may well have been performed in and around Concord at […]
The Paul Revere’s Bike Ride for the Concord Museum will be held on Saturday, May 17th to mark the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution. Registered participants will enjoy a recreational ride through Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Bedford, and Carlisle. Starting at the Concord Museum, cyclists can choose to ride a 21.3- or […]
Keep the revolutionary spirit alive with the Hingham Historical Society! Join us for Hingham’s Revolutionary Weekend May 17-18, 2025, celebrating ordinary people who did extraordinary things and unwittingly became authors of American History. To commemorate this incredible milestone, the Hingham Historical Society, Discover Hingham, the Town of Hingham, and the Hingham Militia have partnered to […]
"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 […]
Mansfield is hosting its 250th Grand Parade on Saturday, May 17th starting at 11am. Community partners, sponsors, and onlookers will line the streets of Mansfield’s Downtown area to delight in the sights and sounds of our Grand Parade in celebration of our beloved hometown’s 250th Anniversary. Join us in celebrating this momentous occasion, generously sponsored […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
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 […]
Witness the only local battle of the American Revolution! On May 21, 1775, a skirmish broke out on Grape Island, then owned by Hingham loyalist Elijah Leavitt. To commemorate the 250th anniversary, the Hingham Militia, Wareham Militia, and the 64th Light Infantry will reenact this pivotal moment. Ceremonial remarks, historic narrative, music, and refreshments will […]
Enjoy a guided tour during open hours at the Abigail Adams Birthplace on Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 1 – 3 p.m. Built in 1685, the Abigail Smith Adams (1744-1818) Birthplace was home to this exceptional woman for the first twenty years of her life. It has survived two relocations and now stands as a […]
This is a hybrid event. FREE for MHS Members. $10 per person fee (in person). No charge for virtual attendees or Card to Culture participants (EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare). The in-person reception starts at 5:30 and the program will begin at 6:00. Lafayette’s tour of the United States in 1824-5 resulted in the production of […]
Join us for a screening of an episode of the Association of Black Citizens of Lexington (ABCL)’s Black Patriots of Lexington (Stow & Boxborough) with a Question-and-Answer session to follow. Commemorate the significant role that Black men and women played in the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. Economic Patriots Prince and […]
A dramatization of ‘A Gambrel Roof’, a poem by Lucy Larcom. Reservations requested. A creative multi-disciplinary theatrical presentation of a circa 1875 local poem about the historic Danvers Jeremiah Page House. Period music, and an art installation add to the illustration of the story: In about 1770, when the British monarchy started taxing tea in […]
Curious about what Newbury(port) soldiers carried into battle? Join Joel Bohy, Revolutionary War weapons expert, for an exploration of the muskets, swords, and accouterments carried during the earliest days of the American Revolution, featuring notable items from the Museum of Old Newbury collection. Session concludes with a musket drill outside. Joel Bohy is the director […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
The critically acclaimed "Drunk Black History" show returns to the Rockwell in Somerville, MA, for another hilarious, educational, and unpredictable event! At this hilarious and educational show, comedian Brandon Collins (HBO Max) leads a booze-fueled lesson in Black history. It’s not your ordinary retelling—you’ll hear from "comedians, experts, writers, and other professionals who are skunked […]
Help us remember our heroes! Take part in observing Memorial Day and commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill! Did you know Pepperell provided the commander and about 60 men who fought at Bunker Hill? Eight of them were killed and eight wounded. We honor them today, as well as the 230 […]
Open house at the Ashby Historical Society featuring our collection of Revolutionary War artifacts and documents from the Ashby Militia. Included will be the Militia’s orderly books covering May 1775 to July 1775 during the beginning of the siege of Boston and the Battle of Bunker Hill. This program is offered by the Ashby Historical […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
Uncover the story of the Battle of Chelsea Creek — the second naval engagement of the American Revolution and the first victory for the colonists — by joining us for an informative and scenic boat tour along Chelsea Creek, Mystic River, and Boston Harbor this Memorial Day. We'll explore the rich history and cultural significance […]
Join Hub Town Tours as we commemorate the anniversary of the departure of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in 1863. The first Black regiment from the North departed Boston under the command of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw after a parade through Boston attended by thousands of local residents. This 2.5-hour walking tour will explore sites […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
On May 31, 1778, the little town of Fall River (then still Freetown) witnessed its only military action of the American Revolution at the mouth of the Quequechan River. On Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, you are invited to Fall River Heritage State Park to commemorate the 247th anniversary of the Battle of […]
Join curators at Lexington History Museums and the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library to learn more about Lexington’s role in the American Revolution. The program begins at 9:30 a.m. at Buckman Tavern with a tour of “Swept Up in Revolution” with Jesse Hilton, Curator, Lexington History Museums. The event continues at 11:00 AM at […]
The Congregational Library & Archives presents a new in-person exhibition, "Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts." The exhibition highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that […]
On April 19, 1775, Harvard sent at least one man from every household to drive the British back to Boston, and soldiers from the town fought in every ensuing battle north of the Chesapeake. As part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence, Harvard will hold a living history tour of […]
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