Each year in Concord, Lexington, and other nearby towns, thousands of people
from around the world gather to commemorate the events that led to the American Revolution. Reenactors, historians, tour guides, park rangers, and others plan events that capture the spirit and sacrifice of those early days of revolution.
Here are a few of the highlights of this year’s events.
Saturday, April 6
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Open House at Meriam’s Corner
Nathan Meriam House
Visit the Nathan Meriam witness house and talk with costumed park staff about the Meriam family and the importance of the crossroad near their home on April 19, 1775. In the early afternoon of that fateful day, militia soldiers arriving from Reading, Chelmsford, and Billerica attacked retreating British soldiers near this home. From Meriam’s Corner to Charlestown, the fighting raged continuously for eight hours and roughly 16 miles. Today, this important home marks the beginning of the “Battle Road.”
Sunday, April 7
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm The Search of the Barrett Farm
Colonel James Barrett House
On April 19, 1775, a contingent of about 120 British soldiers marched over the North Bridge to Barrett’s farm in search of military arms and supplies. During this open house program, you can explore the interior of this 319-year-old home, talk with costumed park staff about military preparations in 1775, and learn the story of Rebeckah Barrett, who went toe to toe with the British Soldiers searching her home.
Saturday, April 13
Battle Road Tactical Demonstration
Events happening across Minute Man National Historical Park
This is the signature living history event at Minute Man National Historical Park, featuring hundreds of volunteer reenactors. Throughout the day learn about the events of April 19, 1775, from many points of view. Enjoy a full schedule of living history programs and demonstrations, including a fast-paced tactical demonstration along a restored stretch of the original Battle Road! Talk with volunteers portraying colonial civilians forced to leave their homes, minutemen who answered the sudden call to arms, British soldiers fighting for king and country, and Loyalists who saw the struggle differently from their neighbors.
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Hartwell Tavern Open House
Explore the interior of Hartwell Tavern and talk with living history interpreters dressed in eighteenth century attire. Learn about the experiences of the Hartwell Family on April 19, 1775, or talk about the civilian evacuation that preceded fighting along the Battle Road!
9:30 am- 11:30 am
Smith House Open House
Explore the interior of the William Smith House and talk with living history interpreters dressed in eighteenth century attire. Learn about the experiences of civilians caught in the storm of war on April 19, 1775!
Time TBD - Caught in the Storm of War: The Civilian Evacuation
Learn about the experiences of non-combatants on April 19, 1775.
1:00 pm Parkers Revenge Tactical Demonstration
Parkers Revenge Battle Site (Near Minute Man Visitor Center)
Watch as hundreds of volunteer reenactors demonstrate the complex tactics used by militia soldiers and British Regulars along the Battle Road on April 19, 1775.MONday, April 15
8:30 am - North Bridge Fight Commemoration
North Bridge, Concord
Commemorate Patriots’ Day with a dramatic tactical demonstration involving colonial minutemen, British Regulars, and musket fire, marking the “shot heard ‘round the world.”
12:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Battle Road Anniversary Hike
Join National Park Rangers for an immersive four-mile guided Battle Road trail hike to Friske Hill and follow in the footsteps of the ill-fated British column during the Concord expedition. This experiential program will bring the stories of the battle road to life through guided interpretation and immersive living history elements. Learn about the trials and triumphs of those who experienced the bloody events of April 19, 1775. Pre-registration is required for this limited attendance event.
Pierre Chiha PhotographersThursday, April 18
Ceremony 7:45 pm - 8:30 pm
Luminaria 7:30 pm- 9:00 pm
Patriot Vigil
North Bridge, Concord
As darkness descends upon the North Bridge battlefield, come and reflect on the events of April 19, 1775, and the meaning of liberty. The evening ceremony will feature a lantern-light procession, poetry, music, and a recitation of the names of the soldiers who gave their lives on that “ever-memorable” 19th of April. The path from the North Bridge Visitor Center to the North Bridge will be lit with 122 luminaries to honor those who lost their lives in the battle.
Friday, April 19
10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Hartwell Tavern Open House
This is your chance to explore the interior of Hartwell Tavern and talk with interpreters dressed in eighteenth century attire. Learn about the experiences of the Hartwell Family on April 19, 1775, or talk about popular drinks consumed in the eighteenth century tavern room!
11:00 am The Minute Men: Neighbors In Arms
Hartwell Tavern
What did it mean to be a minuteman in 1775? How were they trained and armed? Join a park ranger at the historic Hartwell Tavern in Lincoln, MA, where John and Isaac Hartwell, two minutemen from the town of Lincoln, lived. Discover the motivations and realities faced by those who volunteered to be “ready at a minute’s warning.”
2:00 pm
The Aftermath of Battle
When the fighting ended on April 19, 1775, a road of carnage stretched over 16 miles from Concord to Boston. On the 249th Anniversary of the battle, join a park ranger at the historic Hartwell Tavern in Lincoln, MA, to learn the harrowing stories of those who buried the dead, cared for the wounded, and faced an uncertain world in the days following.
National Park Service staff will be on hand to help guide you to parking, but please plan well ahead for these enormously popular events.
Dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water. Restrooms are available, but could be spaced far apart.
Please stay behind the rope lines. While all reenactors are firing blanks, it is still dangerous to step into an active reenactment site. If park staff see a person cross the ropes, they will stop the entire scene to keep people safe. Please respect the hard work that goes into preparing these events, and abide by the rules.
Muskets and cannon fire are loud. Those with sensitive hearing and small children may be more comfortable watching from a distance. And while your trusted furry friend may THINK he wants to come along, many dogs are frightened by loud noises. They might be more comfortable at home.
The Patriot Vigil allows candle lanterns only. No flashlights or LED lighting please, out of respect for those who passed on this important day in our nation’s history.
For updates on events – including what to do in the event of inclement weather – visit the National Park Service website at nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/special-event.htm.
