Madeira Wine: The Colonial Drink That Toasted a Revolution
Long before champagne corks popped in celebration of American independence, the Founding Fathers were raising glasses filled with something else entirely: Madeira wine. Rich, resilient, and deeply woven into the early fabric of American society, Madeira was far more than a colonial indulgence, it was a symbol of status, a staple of trade, and even […]
Lt. Governor Driscoll, Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Jones To Celebrate 250 Years of Apprenticeship Innovation
Boston, MA – In celebration of National Apprenticeship Day, Lt. Governor Driscoll, Secretary of Labor Workforce and Development Lauren Jones, state and local officials, labor leaders, and hundreds of apprentices will gather to highlight innovation in registered apprenticeship programs. The event, Building a Revolutionary Workforce: 250 Years of Apprenticeship Innovation, will honor Massachusetts’ rich history […]
Patriot’s Day Weekend, April 18-21, 2025
MOTT 250 Coverage 2024 – 2026 Date Outlet Article Link 4/25/25 The Boston Globe ‘Not everyone was Paul Revere’: Mass. historians reimagine America’s founding tale https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/04/25/metro/boston-america-250th-inclusivity-revolutionary-war-history/ 4/24/25 The Somerville Times Somerville Museum presents History on the Line exhibit and map https://www.thesomervilletimes.com/archives/139825 4/22/25 The Daily Scanner Bedford Kicked Off Massachusetts 250 Celebration with Historic Pole Capping […]
New podcast: It’s Revolutionary!
In the 250 years since the American Revolution, Massachusetts has been defined by its revolutionary spirit. It’s where Frederick Douglass stirred crowds, Dr. Seuss sparked imaginations, and basketball became a global phenomenon. It’s Revolutionary is a new podcast from Massachusetts 250 that celebrates more than two centuries of radical ideas and figures that continue to shape […]
Mark a 250th Anniversary Milestone this National Park Week
QUINCY, MA — “The Die was cast, the Rubicon passed,” wrote John Adams of the Battles of Lexington and Concord that took place 250 years ago. The events of April 19, 1775, marked the first battle of the American Revolution and moved the American colonies closer to independence. This National Park Week, join the National […]
Healey-Driscoll Administration Unveils Patriots Day Guidance for Celebrations Across the State
Anniversary weekend events include reenactments, parades and previews of Ken Burns’ upcoming film, “The American Revolution” The Healey-Driscoll Administration has unveiled the official How-to Celebrate Patriots’ Day Weekend Guide detailing an extensive lineup of events planned across Massachusetts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the first battles of the American Revolution. Marking a defining moment in the […]
Lighting the Way to 250: A Call for Massachusetts Towns to Honor Our Revolutionary Roots
On the evening of April 18, 1775, two lanterns shone from the steeple of Boston’s Old North Church, signaling the advance of British troops and setting into motion the American Revolution. Nearly 250 years later, that signal still echoes as a call to remember the spirit of courage and unity that shaped our nation. This […]
Lanterns, Landmarks & Midnight Rides!
Happening in Boston PAUL REVERE: THE MESSENGER AND THE MAKER Date: April 18, 2025Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMLocation: USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown, MA This April, the USS Constitution Museum honors Paul Revere—the midnight rider and master craftsman—250 years after his legendary ride. From sounding the alarm for revolution to forging copper for USS Constitution, Revere’s impact on America […]
Lexington to Host Patriots’ Day Awards Ceremony Hosted by Rachel Dratch, Unveil VO250 Volunteer Initiative on April 17
LEXINGTON — The Town of Lexington and the Lex250 Commission are thrilled to invite residents to an evening of unforgettable music, history, humor and hometown pride hosted by Saturday Night Live (SNL) alum and Lexington’s own Rachel Dratch! This year, the Lex250 Commission will also unveil an ambitious new initiative that challenges residents to unite […]
250 years later, Paul Revere will ride again
On Friday, April 18, as night falls over Boston, Paul Revere will once again race through the city streets to alert colonists of the approaching British troops. Two and a half centuries later, Revere’s legendary midnight ride continues to capture the American imagination. The popular version may be more myth than fact: “He definitely did […]
