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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Forgotten Hero Who Inspired Duke Ellington. In 1942, the renown Duke Ellington composed a piano piece in Barzillai Lew’s honor, likely inspired by stories Ellington encountered while studying with the pioneering historian Carter G. Woodson. The musical score of this work, first retrieved and digitized from the Smithsonian American History Museum for this project, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The morning of March 5, 1776, on the sixth anniversary of the Boston Massacre, British troops discovered that Patriot forces fortified Dorchester Heights overnight. The date had not been chosen by accident. Every anniversary of the Boston Massacre, Patriot leaders remembered the event with orations and public commemorations. This year, for the two hundred and […]
Step into wartime Newburyport with Alex Cain as loyalists face persecution, prices soar, and fear hangs heavy as we move to independence. In 1776, as war raged across the American colonies, the clash of armies echoed far beyond the battlefield into everyday life in Newburyport. Historian and fan favorite Alex Cain invites you to step […]
Join us for a two-hour Evacuation Day Cruise through Boston Harbor to explore the story of the Siege of Boston from the water (June 1775 to March 1776). As we navigate the same channels used by the British fleet to evacuate the town, Park Rangers will provide historical narration highlighting the key events, people, landmarks, […]
Join us for a virtual talk exploring the Siege of Boston – its origins, impacts, and conclusion – and how the departure of the British Military from Boston would influence the pivotal year of 1776 and what became the Revolutionary War. Virtual: Please register with the Boston Public Library (https://bpl.libcal.com/event/16163728).
Come together for an evening of remembrance at Dorchester Heights. This luminaria event invites visitors to pause, reflect, and connect with a turning point in the American Revolution. Two thousand luminaria will illuminate the fully restored national landmark to honor the legacy of Evacuation Day, which marks the end of the Siege of Boston. As […]
Step back in time at Dorchester Heights and experience an American Revolution era artillery encampment brought to life. See authentic cannons up close and learn about the British evacuation of Boston in 1776. This hands-on, family-friendly program offers a vivid look at the technology and teamwork that helped change the course of American history. Visitors […]
Join Hub Town Tours for a special commemoration of the 250th anniversary of Evacuation Day, marking the end of the British occupation of the city of Boston in 1776! We'll travel the Freedom Trail in Downtown Boston and the North End and share the gripping story of a small colonial town careening toward war with […]
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 […]
Eric Jay Dolin is the award-winning best-selling author of fifteen books, including one with the same title as his talk. He will discuss the critical role of “the ragtag fleet of private vessels” that “tormented the British on the broad Atlantic and in bays and harbors on both sides of the ocean” in determining the […]
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 6:00 PM. Please visit here to register: https://www.masshist.org/events/founding-women From letters to plays and poetry to […]
American Rebels: The Hancock, Adams, and Quincy Families Fanned the Flames of Revolution...in Newburyport and Beyond. Newburyport's Offin Boardman carried secret letters for John Adams, who argued court cases in Newburyport. The USS Hancock was built in Newburyport in 1776, and all three families were linked by ties of blood and friendship to this community. […]
Discover the diverse and fascinating roles Hingham and its people played in the national struggle for independence, from Major General Benjamin Lincoln’s collaborative friendship with Commander in Chief George Washington, to Hingham’s wartime production of tens of thousands of wooden canteens, to its “fighting minister" at Lexington and Concord, its artillerymen devastated at Brandywine, its […]
18th century newspapers and pamphlets were essential to the dissemination of information and were instrumental in fanning the flames of discord on both sides of the revolutionary conflict. However, how did printers get their information? This interactive program, with the added component of 18th century material culture items, focuses on the incredible process of typesetting […]
18th century newspapers and pamphlets were essential to the dissemination of information and were instrumental in fanning the flames of discord on both sides of the revolutionary conflict. However, how did printers get their information? This interactive program, with the added component of 18th century material culture items, focuses on the incredible process of typesetting […]
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, the Signing of Declaration of Independence, and 250 Years of American History! The American Stories, American Lives Gala celebrates the work of American Ancestors and the contributions of those in the fields of genealogy and history. Our headquarters houses world-class spaces and resources dedicated to advancing family […]
Well-known local author Sally Cabot Gunning celebrates colonial women in this anniversary year.
In celebration of the Semiquincentennial of our nation, The Historical Society of Old Yarmouth is holding a series of commemorations, lectures, demonstrations & outdoor events. Beginning with the June 5th grand re-opening day/weekend of the Captain Bangs Hallet House & Museum, there will be new exhibits, including on the Revolutionary War, highlighting Captain Joshua Gray […]
On Saturday, June 13, 2026, in conjunction with Brimfield Old Home Day, our community will gather, and all are welcome to celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary of our freedom and liberty. Hundreds of Brimfield and area residents answered the voluntary call to duty from 1775 and throughout the Revolutionary War. They will be recognized by […]
On Saturday, June 13, 2026, in conjunction with Brimfield Old Home Day, our community will gather, and all are welcome to celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary of our freedom and liberty. Hundreds of Brimfield and area residents answered the voluntary call to duty from 1775 and throughout the Revolutionary War. They will be recognized by […]
In celebration of the Semiquincentennial of our nation, The Historical Society of Old Yarmouth is holding a series of commemorations, lectures, demonstrations & outdoor events. Beginning with the June 5th grand re-opening day/weekend of the Captain Bangs Hallet House & Museum, there will be new exhibits, including on the Revolutionary War, highlighting Captain Joshua Gray […]
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.
A guide from the Brewster Historical Society provides the history of the Brewster Ancient Burial Ground, sharing highlights of some of the townspeople buried underneath these centuries old headstones.
A guide from the Brewster Historical Society provides the history of the Brewster Ancient Burial Ground, sharing highlights of some of the townspeople buried underneath these centuries old headstones.
A guide from the Brewster Historical Society provides the history of the Brewster Ancient Burial Ground, sharing highlights of some of the townspeople buried underneath these centuries old headstones.
A guide from the Brewster Historical Society provides the history of the Brewster Ancient Burial Ground, sharing highlights of some of the townspeople buried underneath these centuries old headstones.
© 2025 Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
