Patriots Weekend: Concord250 Events & More!

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April 13, Saturday 

A Fight for Freedom: Patriots of Color Walking Tour 

10AM

 In this 90 minute walking tour we will examine the known history and stories of these Patriots of Color who fought for freedom locally both during the American Revolution and beyond. Minuteman National Park, Robbins House and Concord Visitors Center staff will lead this tour examining the incredible stories of individuals who risked everything during their struggle for liberty, equality, and freedom for all.
Tour meets at the North Bridge Lower Lot.  All ages are welcome.
This walking tour  is  co-sponsored by Minuteman National Park, The Robbins House,  and The Concord Visitors Center as a Concord250 Event
Donations in support of Black History Month in Concord may be made to The Robbins House here:  https://robbinshouse.org/donate/
Learn More about Patriots of Color :

From Pasadena to Concord: Telling The Whole Story

2:00—3:30 PM

 

For 129 years, Black educator and activist Ellen Garrison lay unsung and forgotten in an unmarked grave in Altadena, California’s Mountain View Cemetery.

Ellen Garrison, native daughter of Concord, was the granddaughter of a freedman who fought in the Revolutionary War and spent years traveling alone through the South to teach formerly enslaved people how to read and write, protected only by a paper “passport” to show she was a free person.

The residents of Altadena knew little of this hidden history, but they were willing to learn, listen, and honor this heroine in their midst. Veronica Jones, Vice Chair of the Town Council, decided to act. Ms. Jones has a deep passion for uncovering hidden histories. Through her work with the Altadena Historical Society, she spearheaded the placement of headstones on the graves of Ellen Garrison, her husband, and her sister. Additionally, two scholarships are awarded to local Altadena students in memory of Ellen Garrison. Thanks to the Altadena Historical Society and Veronica Jones, Ellen Garrison is celebrated every year on Juneteenth, honoring the hidden histories of Altadena.

This process her community has gone through creates lasting change and deeper inclusion for all segments of her community. Veronica will share their journey and lessons learned and discuss how this work can impact us all, no matter where we live.

Veronica Jones is a retired life-long resident of Altadena, California with vast experience in community development. She has worked extensively on public safety, infrastructure improvements, community-police relations, economic development, diversity and inclusion, and re-establishing relationships with local, state, and federal government. She is highly regarded in her community as a change agent, promoting integrity and economic growth.

 

Please visit The Robbins House and the Altadena Historical Society to learn more.

This event is co-sponsored by Robbins House, Concord250, and The Concord Free Public Library’s William Munroe Special Collections.

LINK

 

Concord Band performs its annual Spring Pops

51 Walden presents the Concord Band performing its annual Spring Pops concert as a fundraiser for 51 Walden building renovations. The concert will be held on Saturday April 13, 2024, at 7:00 pm on the music stage of the 51 Walden Performing Arts Center in Concord.

The program will feature a guest artist, Ukrainian soprano Olga Lisovska, singing opera and popular solos including The Kyiv Waltz and George Gershwin’s Somebody Loves Me.

 

SUNDAY, APRIL 14

3:00- 5:00pm

Ellen Garrison Day in Concord 

 

 

Come join us and celebrate and afternoon of words, music, art and song as we Stand up for Ellen on the anniversary of her birth at the Concord Armory!

 

MONDAY, APRIL 15, PATRIOTS’ DAY

Patriots’ Day Pancake Breakfast at First Parish

 

8:30-11:00 Patriots Day Parade and North Bridge Ceremony

https://concordma.gov/1159/Patriots-Day-Parade

 

 

Patriots Day at the Wright Tavern

 

 

 

Patriots’ Day at the Concord Museum

Enjoy free admission to the Museum and visit the immersive April 19, 1775 gallery to see the “One if by land, two if by sea” lantern hung in the North Church to signal Paul Revere on his midnight ride. During your visit, participate in drop-in activities to learn about life and craft in the colonies. Sponsored by the Highland Street Foundation.

Witness the brave Acton Minutemen company in an encampment outside the Museum as they drill with muskets to prepare for battle, cook over a firepit, and demonstrate colonial
spinning and sewing. Supported by the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati.

Beware of a Red Coat from the British Army roaming the galleries looking for Provincial rebels. Talk with him about the experiences of the Red Coats on April 19, 1775. Supported by
the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati.

 

Check out the line up of events at Minute Man National Historical Park

Photo: Amanda Pollock, Minuteman National Historical Park

 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

 6 to 7:30 pm Concord, There Is More To Our Story 

 

 

FRIDAY & SUNDAY,  APRIL 19 & 21

A Fight for Freedom: Patriots of Color Walking Tour 

10am

 In this 90 minute walking tour we will examine the known history and stories of these Patriots of Color who fought for freedom locally both during the American Revolution and beyond. Minuteman National Park, Robbins House and Concord Visitors Center staff will lead this tour examining the incredible stories of individuals who risked everything during their struggle for liberty, equality, and freedom for all.
Tour meets at the North Bridge Lower Lot
All ages are welcome.
This walking tour  is  co-sponsored by Minuteman National Park, The Robbins House,  and The Concord Visitors Center as a Concord250 Event
Donations in support of Black History Month in Concord may be made to The Robbins House here:  https://robbinshouse.org/donate/
Learn More about Patriots of Color :

 

 

Minute Man National Historical Park: Patriots Day / April Events

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“Battle Road”

NPS Photo/ Amanda Pollock

Visit Minute Man National Historical Park site for more info.

What is Patriots’ Day?

Patriots’ Day is a state holiday in Massachusetts commemorating the first battle of the American Revolution on April 19, 1775. Although Patriots’ Day occurs annually on the third Monday of April, Minute Man National Historical Park host special programs and events throughout the month. The following is a schedule of our signature Patriots’ Day events for 2024.
Patriots’ Day events supported by the Friends of Minute Man National Park

Signature events at Minute Man National Historical Park include:

Open House at Meriam’s Corner

April 6, 2024
Nathan Meriam House
11:00 am – 2:00 pm

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 8 hours and roughly 16 miles. Today, this important home marks the beginning of the “Battle Road.”

Parking:
Meriam’s Corner Parking Lot: 751 Lexington Road, Concord, MA.
Overflow parking available on the day of the event.

 

The Search of the Barrett Farm

April 7, 2024
Colonel James Barrett House
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

On April 19th, 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 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.

Parking:
Colonel James Barrett House: 448 Barrett’s Mill Road, Concord MA 01742

Battle Road Tactical Demonstration

April 13, 2024
* Events happening across Minute Man NHP

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, minute men who answered the sudden call to arms, British soldiers fighting for king and country and Loyalists who saw the struggle differently from their neighbors.

Detailed Schedule:
Hartwell Tavern Open House
9:30 am- 11:30 am
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!

Smith House Open House
9:30 am- 11:30 am
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!

Caught in the Storm of War: The Civilian Evacuation
Check back soon for more details!
Learn about the experiences of non-combatants on April 19, 1775.

Parkers Revenge Tactical Demonstration
1:00 pm
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. This program includes musket firing demonstrations. Visitors with hearing concerns should exercise caution. Click here to check out pictures from previous events!

Parking:
Check back soon for more details

North Bridge Fight Commemoration

April 15, 2024
North Bridge, Concord
8:30 am

Commemorate Patriot’s Day with a dramatic tactical demonstration involving Colonial minute men, British regulars, and musket fire, marking the “shot heard round the world.” Viewing areas are available near the Monument Street entrance of the North Bridge and on the high ground near Liberty Street. During the tactical demonstration movement between the viewing areas will be restricted for visitor safety.

Parking: The roads in Concord close at 8:30 am so please arrive early.
North Bridge Visitor Center: 174 Liberty Street, Concord, MA
North Bridge Parking Lot: 280 Monument Street, Concord, MA

Battle Road Anniversary Hike

April 15, 2024
12:30 pm- 5:30 pm

Join National Park Rangers for an immersive 4-mile guided Battle Road trail hike to Fiske 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. *Note: Due to ongoing trail restoration work, the 2024 program will be slightly shorter in length.

2024 Registration (coming spring 2024)

Program Logistics:

  • Once registered, participants will receive additional details with starting location and a parking pass in a confirmation email.
  • This program is free of charge, although registration is required if you would like to reserve a limited seat on the post-program shuttle bus returning participants from Fiske Hill to the starting point of the program.
  • Be advised this program will be an expansive hike over 4-miles of Battle Road Trail on undulating terrain. Sturdy walking shoes/ equipment, weather appropriate clothing, and water are recommended. Park comfort stations at Hartwell Tavern, and the Minute Man Visitor Center will be open.
  • Be advised bug spray is recommended
  • Be advised this program will feature musket fire along with other immersive living history elements.
  • Dogs are not permitted on this tour.

Parking:
Parking passes will be emailed in advance to registered participants.

 

Patriot Vigil

Thursday, April 18, 2024
North Bridge, Concord
Ceremony 7:45 pm – 8:30 pm
Luminaria 7:30 pm- 9:00 pm

As darkness descends upon the North Bridge battlefield we invite you to 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 lighted with 122 luminaries to honor those who lost their lives in the battle.

Lantern light procession* starts at North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty St, Concord, MA
*To participate in the lantern-light procession, please provide your own REAL candle lantern. The procession will begin at North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty Street, Concord Ma. From there we will march down the quarter-mile path to the North Bridge where the ceremony will take place. Participants are welcome to wear 18th century clothing if they choose, but please do not bring muskets.

Parking:
North Bridge Visitor Center: 174 Liberty Street, Concord, MA
North Bridge Parking Lot: 280 Monument Street, Concord, MA

Hartwell Tavern Open House

April 19, 2024
10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Hartwell Tavern is a restored 18th century home located along the Battle Road in Minute Man National Historical Park. On the 249th Anniversary of the battle you will have an opportunity 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 18th century tavern room!

The Minute Men: Neighbor’s In Arms – 11:00 am Ranger Program
(30 Minutes)
What did it mean to be a minute man 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 minute men from the town of Lincoln, lived. Discover the motivations and realities faced by those who volunteered to be “ready at a minute’s warning.” This program includes a musket firing demonstration. Visitors with hearing concerns should exercise caution.

The Aftermath of Battle – 2:00 pm Ranger Program
(30 Minutes)

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.

Parking:
Hartwell Parking Lot: 112 North Great Road, Lincoln, Ma.

CONCORD250 APRIL EVENTS

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VISIT CONCORD250

Come join us and celebrate an afternoon of words, music, art and song as we Stand up for Ellen on the anniversary of her birth and Concord!

Sunday, April 14, 3-5pm at The Armory

Photography EdwardFeatherPhotography

Visit Concord250.org

CONCORD250 MARCH EVENTS

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VISIT CONCORD250

Community Forum –

Fight for Freedom Public Art Project in Monument Square

Public Art Graphic Artists NEFA

Three semi-finalists have been selected to present their proposals for a temporary work to be installed on Monument Square in the fall of 2024.  The works explore ideas to creatively interpret the ways in which people have struggled for the fight for freedom through time in Concord, Massachusetts. Taking inspiration from the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in 2025, the town seeks artists to consider the ways in which two 19th century Concord residents – Henry David Thoreau (1817 – 1862) and Ellen Garrison (1823 – 1892) – continued this fight for independence through the abolitionist cause. Through a visually compelling artwork, we hope to more deeply investigate a pivotal time in Concord’s past to bring overlooked stories to the fore and to more actively grapple with our generation’s work to provide liberty and justice for all.

On March 6, 2023 at 6:30 PM, in person and on Zoom, the public is given the opportunity to meet the artists, view presentations and models of the work, and provide feedback that will inform the final projects presented by:

  • Silvana Mizrahi
  • Liz Helfer
  • Krystle Colleen Brown

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

In person:
Hearing Room
Town House
22 Monument Square

Zoom :
bit.ly/3OQ9JrZ

This project is presented by the Town of Concord as part of “Making It Public,” a program of the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) with Forecast and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). This program seeks to support more diverse, inclusive, and equitable public artmaking across Massachusetts.

 

 

 

Friends of Minute Man National Park Winter Lecture Series: “Radical Spirits: The Material Culture of Drinking at Minute Man National Historical Park” with Nikki Walsh

March 24 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

FREE

Join us for the Friends of Minute Man Winter Lecture Series. Punch bowls, and tankards, and bottles, oh my! Minute Man National Historical Park’s museum curator Nikki Walsh will present a lecture about the material culture related to drinking in the park’s collections. This lecture will focus on 18th-century drinking culture and include aspects of drink in earlier and later periods of history.

Nikki Walsh is the curator of Minute Man National Historical Park. Nikki has worked for the National Park Service since 2009 and has worked with over 45 parks as a Museum Specialist in the Northeast Region. Her area of expertise is material culture and decorative arts of 18th-century New England. She received a B.S. in Public History and Geology from Salem State University and an M.A. in Historical Archaeology from Boston University. She has been at Minute Man since 2018 and first fell in love with the park on a school field trip in 5th grade.

Registration is not required for this in-person event. The lecture will take place in the Goodwin Forum room of the Concord Free Public Main Library at 129 Main Street, Concord, MA. Please visit the library webpage for parking and accessibility information. For more information, please visit our website at https://friendsofminuteman.org/events/#Walsh-lecture.

The Winter Lecture Series is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man, Minute Man National Historical Park, and the Concord Free Public Library. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Concord Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Image: Green Dragon Tavern, Boston, MA. c.1898. Courtesy of the Boston Public Library. Drinking vessel from the Minute Man National Historical Park archives.

Women of the Great Field: The Robbins and Garrison Women and their Neighbors

March 26 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Goodwin Forum Main Library
129 Main Street, Concord, MA, 01742
Women of the Great Field: The Robbins and Garrison Women and their Neighbors
Join us for a Women’s History discussion with The Robbins House on the history of the women residents of the Great Field, a predominantly African American and indigenous area of Concord in the 19th century. Hear some of the stories and accomplishments of women like Lydia Bay, Fatima Robbins, Susan Garrison and others who lived and worked on the periphery of the town in the 1800s. This event is generously cosponsored by The Robbins House: Concord’s African American History and The Concord Free Public Library

https://concordlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/women-of-the-great-field-the-robbins-and-garrison-women-and-their-neighbors/