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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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