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Patriots Weekend: Concord250 Events & More!

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 :