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.
1776 was more than a turning point; it marked the birth of a new world order. A bold line was drawn as ordinary people made extraordinary decisions, declaring independence from the most powerful empire on earth. Driven by youthful fire, they believed in the promise of liberty more than they feared the cost of pursuing […]
Established by General George Washington and General Henry Knox in 1777, the Continental Arsenal at Springfield was a critical part of the supply network for the fledgling Continental Army. The enlisted men and officers assigned there fabricated and supplied all manner of military supplies throughout the Revolutionary War. Explore rarely seen collections and historic documents […]
As the Nation marks 250 years of independence, Witness: Hingham in the Age of Revolution explores how one New England town experienced the ideas, contradictions, and upheavals of the American Revolution. Through the lives of Hingham’s residents– white and Black, free and enslaved– this immersive new exhibit traces the ups & downs forging of a […]
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the New Bedford Whaling Museum will open a new suite of conjoined galleries in that explore stories of independence, struggle, and citizenship in the region during the late colonial and early Republican period (1760-1830). Forging Independence | Building a Nation introduces connections between historical events […]
This ongoing exhibit highlights Lexington’s pivotal role in the American Revolution as the site of the conflict’s opening battle and a powerful symbol of colonial resistance to British rule. Lexington’s significance lies not only in this first battle but also in what it represented. The town embodied the colonies’ growing determination to defend their rights […]
Join Historic Deerfield by Zoom for this free virtual lecture series! In observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, we invite you to tune in to our free, virtual Winter Lecture Series, featuring three distinguished scholars. This series will explore the American Revolution not just as a political conflict, but as a broad […]
Experience the Tavern Tradition -- history shared out loud among neighbors. Somerville Museum presents a 2-part Tavern Talk with Dan Breen on January 26th and February 9th at Aeronaut Brewing in Somerville. Part 1 (1/26): Ethan Allen, Benedict Arnold and the Gibraltar of North America" Part 2 (2/9): "The Noble Train Arrives: Knox, Washington and […]
Acton 250 Committee Presents with Alexander Cain, JD Wednesday, January 28th 7:00 – 8:30 PM Acton Town Hall, 472 Main Street, Room 204 In the aftermath of the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, numerous civilians found themselves trapped within Boston, encircled by the newly formed Massachusetts Grand Army. The constant fear of an […]
In this virtual talk, historian Michael D. Hattem will discuss Americans’ uniquely emotional connection to the memory of the Revolution, its central role in American history as a contested national “origin myth,” and how revising the past is an important and long‑standing American political tradition. Americans agree that their nation’s origins lie in the Revolution, […]
Historian Alexander Cain returns to Newburyport to explore one of the most tense and transformative moments in American history in this engaging lecture on Massachusetts and Newburyport in early 1776. As the Siege of Boston drags through a bitter winter, he will discuss civilian suffering inside the town, the controversial use of smallpox in efforts […]
Historian Alexander Cain returns to Newburyport to explore one of the most tense and transformative moments in American history in this engaging lecture on Massachusetts and Newburyport in early 1776. As the Siege of Boston drags through a bitter winter, he will discuss civilian suffering inside the town, the controversial use of smallpox in efforts […]
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 […]
Visit Old Sturbridge Village this January for a unique event to start off America's 250th celebrations. In collaboration with Fort Ticonderoga, this event commemorates the Knox Train as it moved through central Massachusetts. Follow Colonel Henry Knox’s journey from New York to Boston to deliver more than 50 cannons in the winter of 1776 and […]
Enjoy songs of the American Revolution with accomplished singer and dulcimer musician Diane Taraz, as she shares historic music that became the rhythmic heartbeat of 1776. Diane presents songs that were enjoyed by both sides during the American Revolution, exploring the fascinating world behind the lyrics. She sings and accompanies herself on mountain dulcimer and […]
Visit Old Sturbridge Village this January for a unique event to start off America's 250th celebrations. In collaboration with Fort Ticonderoga, this event commemorates the Knox Train as it moved through central Massachusetts. Follow Colonel Henry Knox’s journey from New York to Boston to deliver more than 50 cannons in the winter of 1776 and […]
Freedom Trail® Foundation’s acclaimed African American Patriots® Tours celebrate the African American patriots that played a vital role in the start of the American Revolution in Boston and in the formation of our country. Led by 18th-century costumed guides, tour-goers can view history through the eyes of these courageous men and women throughout Black History […]
4 PM The Story How did a 25-year-old bookstore owner become the hero who launched the American Revolution without firing a shot? Steven Glovsky explores the improbabilities and inconsistencies of Henry Knox’s story. The Noble Artillery Train • 60 tons of cannon moved from NY to MA! • Passed through Sudbury in 1776! • Forced […]
To mark the 250th anniversaries of the American Revolution and the founding of the United States, a coalition of local non-profits and government agencies will present Washington in American Memory, a seven-part speaker series. Consider how Americans understand the material culture of Washington and the Revolution, including art and clothing, featuring: -Zara Anishanslin, author of […]
Historian Andrew Burstein discusses his new book, Being Thomas Jefferson: An Intimate History (January 2026), the culmination of three decades of research and writing on Jefferson, the Republic of Letters, and questions of intimacy, body and soul, in an early American context. Fifty years after Fawn Brodie shocked the history profession with her Freudian-tinged psychobiography […]
Join us for the Canadian perspective on the Arnold Expedition and the last siege of Québec in 1775-1776. During the first months of the War of Independence, the Continental Army set its sights on the Province of Quebec. This British colony, born from the ashes of New France, is equally a threat and an opportunity […]
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 […]
The Hingham Historical Society invites history lovers everywhere to participate in Hingham’s 49th annual Lincoln Day on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Each year, Lincoln Day celebrates civic engagement and reflects on the lives and legacies of General Benjamin Lincoln (1733-1810) and President Abraham Lincoln (1809 – 1865). Born more than 70 years and 1,000 miles […]
American 250 Lecture Series, In Person and Livestreamed February 7, 2026, 3:30 pm Performing Arts Center, Brewster Presented by Stephen McDowell, President of Providence Foundation Join us for a year-long series of monthly lectures celebrating God’s miraculous acts during our nation’s fight for Independence. Free admission for all. Info: 508-240-2400 | artsempoweringlife.org FREE
Freedom Trail® Foundation’s acclaimed African American Patriots® Tours celebrate the African American patriots that played a vital role in the start of the American Revolution in Boston and in the formation of our country. Led by 18th-century costumed guides, tour-goers can view history through the eyes of these courageous men and women throughout Black History […]
On July 4, 2026, our nation will celebrate the semiquincentennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Leading up to this historic birthday Revolution 250 was created. In keeping with this celebratory campaign, it is with great enthusiasm that we present the momentous commemoration of this country’s founding, Knox Trail 250. This sequenced […]
Experience the Tavern Tradition -- history shared out loud among neighbors. Somerville Museum presents a 2-part Tavern Talk with Dan Breen on January 26th and February 9th at Aeronaut Brewing in Somerville. Part 1 (1/26): Ethan Allen, Benedict Arnold and the Gibraltar of North America" Part 2 (2/9): "The Noble Train Arrives: Knox, Washington and […]
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 […]
Freedom Trail® Foundation’s acclaimed African American Patriots® Tours celebrate the African American patriots that played a vital role in the start of the American Revolution in Boston and in the formation of our country. Led by 18th-century costumed guides, tour-goers can view history through the eyes of these courageous men and women throughout Black History […]
Freedom Trail® Foundation’s acclaimed African American Patriots® Tours celebrate the African American patriots that played a vital role in the start of the American Revolution in Boston and in the formation of our country. Led by 18th-century costumed guides, tour-goers can view history through the eyes of these courageous men and women throughout Black History […]
Travel back in time during February school vacation week! Each day includes themed-activities, crafts, stories, and a special movie. Enjoy the entire Museum, including the Lagoda whaling ship, the Kid's Corner play space, the Sailor's Nook pretend play area, the interactive sand table, whale skeletons, and more! Monday, February 16: 250 Years Ago Explore the […]
Opera on Tour: Bringing Opera to Your Neighborhood Join Boston Lyric Opera for Opera on Tour: Daughter of the Regiment – a one-act English-language adaptation of Donizetti’s beloved comic opera about a girl who grows up in a military regiment. Three performers and a pianist will engage audiences through singing, staging, and narration in this […]
Opera on Tour: Bringing Opera to Your Neighborhood Join Boston Lyric Opera for Opera on Tour: Daughter of the Regiment – a one-act English-language adaptation of Donizetti’s beloved comic opera about a girl who grows up in a military regiment. Three performers and a pianist will engage audiences through singing, staging, and narration in this […]
Opera on Tour: Bringing Opera to Your Neighborhood Join Boston Lyric Opera for Opera on Tour: Daughter of the Regiment – a one-act English-language adaptation of Donizetti’s beloved comic opera about a girl who grows up in a military regiment. Three performers and a pianist will engage audiences through singing, staging, and narration in this […]
Opera on Tour: Bringing Opera to Your Neighborhood Join Boston Lyric Opera for Opera on Tour: Daughter of the Regiment – a one-act English-language adaptation of Donizetti’s beloved comic opera about a girl who grows up in a military regiment. Three performers and a pianist will engage audiences through singing, staging, and narration in this […]
Children’s Drop-In Activity Day: Exploring the American Revolution & Falmouth’s Past! Step back in time and spend a fun-filled day discovering the history of the American Revolution and the unique role Falmouth played in our nation’s early story! Families are invited to drop in anytime during the day to enjoy hands-on activities, crafts, and games […]
Opera on Tour: Bringing Opera to Your Neighborhood Join Boston Lyric Opera for Opera on Tour: Daughter of the Regiment – a one-act English-language adaptation of Donizetti’s beloved comic opera about a girl who grows up in a military regiment. Three performers and a pianist will engage audiences through singing, staging, and narration in this […]
Opera on Tour: Bringing Opera to Your Neighborhood Join Boston Lyric Opera for Opera on Tour: Daughter of the Regiment – a one-act English-language adaptation of Donizetti’s beloved comic opera about a girl who grows up in a military regiment. Three performers and a pianist will engage audiences through singing, staging, and narration in this […]
Opera on Tour: Bringing Opera to Your Neighborhood Join Boston Lyric Opera for Opera on Tour: Daughter of the Regiment – a one-act English-language adaptation of Donizetti’s beloved comic opera about a girl who grows up in a military regiment. Three performers and a pianist will engage audiences through singing, staging, and narration in this […]
Opera on Tour: Bringing Opera to Your Neighborhood Join Boston Lyric Opera for Opera on Tour: Daughter of the Regiment – a one-act English-language adaptation of Donizetti’s beloved comic opera about a girl who grows up in a military regiment. Three performers and a pianist will engage audiences through singing, staging, and narration in this […]
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, the National Archives and the National Park Service are collaborating on a special project to transcribe Revolutionary War Pension Files of more than 80,000 of America's first veterans, containing more than 2 million documents. These records may contain valuable details about Revolutionary War veterans and their […]
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 […]
Freedom Trail® Foundation’s acclaimed African American Patriots® Tours celebrate the African American patriots that played a vital role in the start of the American Revolution in Boston and in the formation of our country. Led by 18th-century costumed guides, tour-goers can view history through the eyes of these courageous men and women throughout Black History […]
Opera on Tour: Bringing Opera to Your Neighborhood Join Boston Lyric Opera for Opera on Tour: Daughter of the Regiment – a one-act English-language adaptation of Donizetti’s beloved comic opera about a girl who grows up in a military regiment. Three performers and a pianist will engage audiences through singing, staging, and narration in this […]
Join Historic Deerfield by Zoom for this free virtual lecture series! In observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, we invite you to tune in to our free, virtual Winter Lecture Series, featuring three distinguished scholars. This series will explore the American Revolution not just as a political conflict, but as a broad […]
Freedom Trail® Foundation’s acclaimed African American Patriots® Tours celebrate the African American patriots that played a vital role in the start of the American Revolution in Boston and in the formation of our country. Led by 18th-century costumed guides, tour-goers can view history through the eyes of these courageous men and women throughout Black History […]
While researching her Revolutionary War ancestor, General John Glover, Jane Woolsey Gropp of Lexington learned about the Marbleheaders, a group of fishermen and sailors from the coastal town of Marblehead who played a crucial role in several key military operations during the war. They were a diverse group, including free African Americans and Native Americans, […]
How did Hingham’s free and enslaved Black population experience the American Revolution? Join local historian Paula Bagger as she unpacks previously untold stories of service both on the battlefield and the home front. Paula Bagger is a premier historian of Hingham history. In 2024, she was honored with the Judith Kimball Award in recognition of […]
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this webinar, co-hosted by The Immigration Learning Center and the Institute for Immigration Research at George Mason University, invites educators to examine how immigration has shaped the nation from the Revolutionary era to the present day. Learn about contributions […]
This is a virtual event free to attend. Please visit here to register: https://www.masshist.org/events/indigenous-identity The American Revolution reverberated across New England, touching the lives of the many Indigenous peoples living there. The Northeastern tribal nations reacted to the conflict in support of their sovereign interests; some chose to fight, while others engaged in diplomatic conversations […]
As the United States approaches its semiquincentennial, the American Antiquarian Society brings together a panel of distinguished Black women historians to reconsider how the nation defines “revolution” and whose struggles are recognized as revolutionary. Moderated by Deborah Hall, chief executive officer of YWCA Central MA and founder of Worcester Black History Project, the panelists will […]
Thursday, February 26th 7:00 – 8:30 PM Acton Town Hall, 472 Main Street, Room 204 In early 1776, the young Continental Army colonel Henry Knox moved dozens of heavy cannons and mortars from Lake Champlain to the siege lines around Boston; one of the most famous stories from the Revolutionary War. And like many famous […]
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 […]
Freedom Trail® Foundation’s acclaimed African American Patriots® Tours celebrate the African American patriots that played a vital role in the start of the American Revolution in Boston and in the formation of our country. Led by 18th-century costumed guides, tour-goers can view history through the eyes of these courageous men and women throughout Black History […]
On July 4, 2026, our nation will celebrate the semiquincentennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Leading up to this historic birthday Revolution 250 was created. In keeping with this celebratory campaign, it is with great enthusiasm that we present the momentous commemoration of this country’s founding, Knox Trail 250. This sequenced […]
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