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Plans begin to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution

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BOSTON – Organizers preparing events across Massachusetts to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution all agree: people are interested and will attend the festivities.

The state commission, created by former Gov. Charlie Baker, met Tuesday to discuss progress made by the various commissions and commissions. Preparations are underway for battlefield reenactments, planned walks, galas and film screenings taking place across the state.

Invitations have been sent to local, regional and national figures, including one to the office of the President of the United States. Organizers are even debating whether to send an invitation to the royal family in Britain. Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, attended celebrations in the United States in 1976 to mark the country’s bicentennial.

Momentum is growing, millions expected

“The momentum is growing,” said Rep. Mindy Domb, D-Amherst, noting that the state commission has been meeting monthly to expedite the planning process and ensure the state is ready for the influx of visitors expected to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the revolution in the locations where it took place.

Many communities have chosen to combine their planning and financing to create a seamless, fluid experience. Arlington, Concord, Lexington and Lincoln, collectively known as the Battle Road Towns, all work together to coordinate the public safety portion and transportation and ensure less overlap of events.

Much of the action, from the reenactments of the Battle of Lexington to the night rides of Paul Revere and Richard Dawes, takes place in these communities. Plans include a visit from filmmaker Ken Burns, who will present a six-part film depicting the Revolutionary War from alternate perspectives.

There will be battle reenactments, including the battles of Lexington and Menotomy (modern Arlington), along with reenactments of the battles of Revere and Dawes. However, the Battle of Bunker Hill will take place on June 21 and 22, 2025 at Fort Stage Park in Gloucester due to the lack of open space in Charlestown that would accommodate the hundreds of soldiers expected to participate.

Organizations across the state are taking advantage of the public interest in the half-centennial celebration to launch related projects. A commemoration of the Revolutionary War dead will take place May 26 at Quabbin Park Cemetery in Ware, and organizers in Sandisfield have planned a 4-mile walk that will allow history and hiking enthusiasts to discover the community’s hidden history. Galas are planned to raise money for the preservation of historic homes in Hingham and Swampscott.

The events won’t just be focused on Patriot’s Day weekend. The Hartwell Tavern at Minute Man National Historical Park in Lincoln will host a discussion, “Preparing for Winter, Preparing for War,” where participants will explore the social and economic impacts of the conflict, including the divisions within Greater Boston in the lead-up to the war. .

“People are coming,” said Suzie Barry, a Lexington resident who works to organize both the local celebrations in her community and the statewide festivities coordinated by the 250th American Revolution Anniversary Commission.

Statewide plans are still pending, but local plans are progressing

Statewide plans and budget allocations for the celebrations have yet to be finalized, said Kate Fox, executive director of the state Travel and Tourism Office.

“I don’t have any money to share yet,” Fox told committee members attending the meeting. However, there will be a statewide marketing campaign, as well as collaborative events involving dozens of groups, businesses and institutions, including museums and historic homes. Schools will also be offered a special teaching program on the occasion of the anniversary.

“We hope to have commemorative posters in classrooms by the fall,” Fox said.

Already checked off the state’s to-do list is hiring the paper company that would have supplied the paper for the original Declaration of Independence. Crane, based in Dalton, is on board to supply the sheets needed to reprint the document for the anniversary. One will be printed for each municipality in Massachusetts.

Millions of tourists attended the bicentennial celebration in 1976, and Massachusetts organizers expect at least as many tourists for the 250th year.

“We look forward to a big celebration next year,” said Sen. Paul Mark, D-Pittsfield, chairman of the committee.

The festivities planned for the Patriot’s Day celebration coincide with the Boston Marathon, as well as Easter and the end of Passover.

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