As the site of many significant events that helped shape our nation, Massachusetts is rightfully proud to recognize the actions of past revolutionaries on an annual basis. One way we celebrate here is by honoring Patriots’ Day, which marks the beginning of the American Revolution at the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. This year, the holiday falls on April 17, yet Minute Man National Historical Park—a 1,038-acre area preserving the locales where many of the original skirmishes took place—extends its festivities across several days in April, beginning with two re-enactments on April 8 that include the Paul Revere Capture Ceremony from 3–4 p.m. On April 15 from 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Battle Road—one of the signature events—takes place, hosting hundreds of volunteers who re-create the tumult of the conflict between the minute men and British troops as well as the impact on local civilians. Other highlights include the North Bridge Fight Commemoration on April 17 beginning at 8:30 a.m. that relives the famous “shot heard ’round the world,” and the Battle Road Anniversary Hike on April 19 from noon–5 p.m., which allows participants who register in advance to take a guided hike along the five-mile historical trail from Meriam’s Corner to Fiske Hill and follow in the footsteps of the ill-fated Red Coats who set out 248 years ago toward Concord.
Boston gets in on the patriotic action on April 20 with a fife and drum performance at the Paul Revere House from 1–3 p.m. and the Lanterns & Luminaries event at the Old North Church from 6:30–9:30 p.m., which features music, a reading of Longfellow's "Paul Revere's Ride" and a keynote address and reception by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Annette Gordon-Reid, followed by a lantern lighting. On April 21, enjoy Colonial Era games at Buckman Tavern in Lexington from 2–3 p.m., or return to the Paul Revere House at 1, 1:45 or 2:30 p.m. for a storytelling session by a costumed interpreter dressed as one of Revere's daughters. The historic North End home also hosts a gilding demonstration April 22 from 1–3 p.m.
