Arlington, Massachusetts, a town steeped in history and natural beauty, is also a vibrant center for arts, culture, and dining. Birthplace of Uncle Sam, the town boasts a legacy of heroes, from Revolutionary War Patriots like David Lamson to abolitionist Prince Hall. From its historic landmarks to its contemporary art scene, Arlington offers a rich tapestry of experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Arlington’s history is deeply intertwined with the American Revolution. History has highlighted the Battles of Lexington and Concord, but a third battle occurred on the fateful day of April 19, 1775, – the Battle of Menotomy.
In the heart of the historic Concord Center Cultural District, The Umbrella Arts Center at 40 Stow Street is a multidisciplinary, non-profit contemporary arts organization committed to nurturing and encouraging the arts. A cultural leader in MetroWest Boston, it provides broad and diverse access to a wide range of performing arts, visual arts, and arts education programs. Through these offerings, The Umbrella promotes creativity, learning, personal growth, and cultural exchange.
For the past 250 years, the Concord River has been a witness to American history. On its banks, the first battle of the American Revolution took place. Today, the river and its sister waterways, the Assabet and Sudbury, face another pivotal moment—one that will shape their future.
OARS 3 Rivers is the voice and steward of these historic waterways, working to protect, restore, and expand access to the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord (SuAsCo) rivers. Founded in 1986 to fight pollution, OARS has become a leader in science-driven conservation, restoration, and public engagement. Once polluted and overgrown with algae, these rivers are now healthier—swimmable in sections, teeming with wildlife, and welcoming to paddlers and anglers.
Concord has many historic sites of interest. Below is contact information
for each, along with their hours of operation. Please check the website before visiting, as sites may be closed on holidays or for private events.
The forty-five communities within the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area were at the epicenter of the earliest debates regarding independence and the first battles of the American Revolution. Those events live on in the region’s rich tapestry of monuments, memorials, and markers commemorating those events.
Our top favorites are presented here as a great ‘road trip’ that you can take to dive into the exciting history of our area.
Just because winter has arrived doesn’t mean the adventure has to end! Bundle up in your favorite coat, throw on a cozy hat, and step outside to embrace the season’s magic. Whether you’re craving a scenic walk, eager to glide on the ice, ready to hit the ski trails, or excited to uncover Concord’s rich history with one of our enthusiastic tour guides, there’s a fresh adventure waiting just for you
Non-profit groups are at the core of Concord’s beloved cultural and historic heritage. They preserve our history, foster our creativity, educate, inform, and even feed our community. These are the people and volunteers who serve Concord year-round, and our town would be so much less vibrant without them. We encourage you to give generously as you think about your year-end giving. Here, we spotlight some of the many treasured philanthropic organizations in our town.
