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Patriots’ Day Information

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From The Concord Visitor Center:

North Bridge and parade updates

Be sure to join us for Patriots’ Day but be aware of these important updates:

The North Bridge Fight Commemoration scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Monday, April 15, is cancelled this year because of recent flooding and current flooding conditions across the causeway.

The town of Concord’s annual Patriots’ Day parade is still scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Monday and will include a ceremony at the North Bridge.

Check out the Patriot’s Day full schedule, from parades to reenactments!

Highlights:

Patriot’s Day Parade

Minuteman National Park events

Patriot’s Day at the Concord Museum

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 EVENTS

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Concord250 Events

A Fight for Freedom: Patriots of Color Walking Tour FEB 22 1pm

Concord250 in collaboration with Minuteman National Park , The Robbins House  and the Concord Visitors Center launches this new walking tour .

 

In celebration of Black History Month this  inaugural tour will be free to the public and all ages are welcome.

 

https://visitconcord.org/visit/walking-tours/

 

A Fight for Freedom: Patriots of Color Walking Tour FEB 22 1pm

 

Between twenty and forty colonists who fought along the Battle Road on April 19, 1775, were of African descent or Indigenous . Although excluded from required militia service prior to the war, these individuals of color were the first of many to take up arms between 1775 and 1783.

By the end of the conflict, an estimated 5,500 African and Indigenous  men served on the colonial side.  Unfortunately, systemic racism and historical bias have erased or buried many records of Black and Indigenous people who played a prominent role in the founding of the United States.

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 the incredible stories of the individuals who risked everything during their struggle for liberty, equality, and freedom for all.

 

In celebration of Black History Month  the tour is being offered free of charge .

 

Tour meets at the North Bridge Lower Lot at 1pm on THU Feb 22.  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 maye be made to The Robbins House here:  https://robbinshouse.org/donate/

 

Learn More about Patriots of Color HERE

 

https://robbinshouse.org/wp-content/uploads/PatriotsofColor-web.pdf

 

https://www.nps.gov/mima/patriotsofcolor.htm

 

 

“Enemies to their Country?” Concord Town Meeting, January 10, 1774

Wednesday, January 10, 2024
6 PM- 7 PM
Goodwin Forum Main Library

READ MORE

250 years ago, in the wake of the now famous Dec 16, 1773 “Boston Tea Party,” the people of Concord took steps that would lead them down a dangerous path toward rebellion. On January 10, 1774, Concord took up an article in town meeting to write a response to a letter from the Boston Committee of Correspondence that warned about the evils of the new Tea Act and the need to resist “in a most zealous and determined manner…” In the same meeting, those in attendance also considered an article “not to consume any tea in our respective families – and if agreed to – then to see if the town will adjudge those who will afterwards sell or use any tea in their families as enemies to their country…” 
What did they mean by using the word “enemies”?

What would such a measure do to their community?

Join Minute Man NPS Rangers as they unpack this significant moment on the evening of the event 250 years ago . They will lead an interactive discussion about responses to dissent and disagreement at times of political crisis and explore the nature of protest in American History.

Co-Sponsored By Town of Concord 250 Events, Minute Man National Historical Park, the Friends of Minute Man National Park, and The Concord Free Public Library.

Registration is recommended but not required. This event is appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Beyond 1775: Concord and the Massachusetts National Guard

 

 

Special pre-Veteran’s Day tour, Nov. 9, 2023, 10 a.m. – a chance to be taken into the special collection of the Concord Armory to see rare artifacts and how materials are preserved.

Be one of the first to explore Concord’s 1915 armory and learn about the near 400-year history of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, the oldest component of the United States Armed Forces. Hear stories of remarkable service and view the objects that witnessed war. The tour will also offer participants a special glimpse into the Massachusetts National Guard Museum while it prepares to open to the public. Concord may be famous for April 19, 1775, but its service to the Commonwealth and Nation continue to this very day.  

Tour meets at 91 Everett Street Concord 

 This tour is provided in partnership with the Massachusetts National Guard Museum. 

Endorsed by Concord 250 Committee

concord 250 logo

 

Concord and the Vietnam War

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2023

2:00—4:00 PM

Goodwin Forum, Main Library, 129 Main Street, Concord, MA, 01742

Concord and the Vietnam War

Concord and the Vietnam War: Vietnam Veterans Recount the Protest They Staged at the Old North Bridge in 1971 and How it Led to One of the Largest Mass Arrests in Massachusetts History 

On the opening night of Memorial Day Weekend in 1971, men wearing fatigues began to gather at the Old North Bridge in Concord to protest the ongoing war which they had just returned home from fighting. Their plan was to camp overnight and then march all the way to Boston Common. Photographs of them crossing the bridge were splashed across the region’s newspapers. For the liberal press, these were the new Minute Men.

On a panel moderated by Elise Lemire, author of Black Walden and Battle Green, Vietnam, three Massachusetts Vietnam veterans recall why they chose to stage their protests against the Vietnam War at New England’s most storied battlefields, their decision on the second day of the march to emulate Thoreau by occupying the Lexington Battle Green without permission, and their reception in Concord when they were tried in Middlesex Court for civil disobedience.  This panel with Vietnam veterans Bestor Cram, Christopher Gregory, and Lenny Rotman, will explore the role of memorialized battlefields, the principles of civil disobedience, and the role protest can play in healing moral injuries.

Ellen Garrison Day – Friday, April 14, 2023

The Concord Select Board declared April 14, 2023, “Ellen Garrison Day” to honor the contributions of Concord resident Ellen Garrison.  Ellen was born on April 14, 1823 in Concord, the granddaughter of Patriot of Color, Ceasar Robbins.  Ellen lived a life dedicated to the struggle for civil rights until her passing in an anti-slavery community in Pasadena, California, where she is buried alongside other anti-slavery activists.

Learn about Ellen and her life of activism by clicking on the proclamation and join to community for a celebration in her honor on Friday, April 14, 2023.

“Stand up for Ellen” Friday, April 14, 2023 at 6 p.m.

12 Monument Square, Concord, MA, followed by a reception at the Town House, 22 Monument Square.  If you can’t be there in person, the event will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/live/vlSBkbSZ-7c?feature=share

  • Music
  • Living History
  • Arts and performance
  • Dedication, celebration, and cake
  • Free, open and suitable to all ages!

This is the FIRST Official Event of the Concord 250 Celebration!

For the first time in 200 years, on April 14, 2023, Concord will publicly honor and celebrate the birth of one of its most inspirational daughters, Ellen Garrison and showcase the 1841 visit of Frederick Douglass to Concord!

Presented by Robbins House and is the first event of Concord 250 celebration. Free and suitable for all ages. Located at Holy Family Church and Concord Town House.

Thanks to the kind offer of collaboration and support of people all over Concord, this event will create an opportunity for a celebration of the legacy and importance of the African American story as central the story of the town. This event allows for public visibility and exposure to help more members of the community learn about and honor a history that may be new to them, but is essential for them and their understanding of Concord’s role in securing freedom for all people.

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Patriots’ Day 2022

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Patriots’ Day 2022

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Celebrate the Spirit of Concord!

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Decorate your home or business to celebrate Patriots’ Day all around town. Post a photo of your celebratory decor on the Concord Together Facebook page and be entered to win one of three $50 gift cards!

This month-long celebration will continue for the entire month of April. Please have your decoration up anytime in April!

 

Find out more about it!