Mark the 250th anniversary of the “shot heard ’round the world” at these pivotal sites
Minute Man National Historical Park: Festivities marking the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution take place at the spot where it all began on select dates in April, including a program on April 12 from 6–9 p.m. at the Hartwell Tavern highlighting the story of one of the other midnight riders, Samuel Prescott; a vigil on April 17 from 7:30–9 p.m. at the North Bridge reflecting on the events of April 19, 1775, complete with a lantern light procession; reenactments of the opening skirmishes of the American Revolution on April 19; and the Battle Road Anniversary Hike—a five-mile guided jaunt following in the bygone footsteps of the ill-fated British troops on that fateful day—on April 21.
Old North Church (pictured): The city’s oldest church and makeshift signal tower for the patriots two and half centuries ago hosts Lanterns & Luminaries with award-winning documentarian Ken Burns on April 16 from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. The event includes a reading of Longfellow’s “Paul Revere’s Ride,” remarks from Burns and a sneak peek at his newest masterwork, The American Revolution. On April 18 at 7 p.m., the traditional Lantern Service with author, historian and keynote speaker Heather Cox Richardson takes place, culminating in the lighting of the church’s historic lanterns. Outside on the Paul Revere Mall, a free costumed reading of local playwright Patrick Gabridge’s Revolution’s Edge—an account of the events that led to the hanging of the dual lanterns in the church’s steeple that spurred Paul Revere on his famed ride that fateful spring night in 1775—happens that same evening.
Lexington: Patriots’ Day weekend in one of the towns where the fighting first began in 1775 is packed with happenings. Ken Burns makes an appearance—along with his new, aforementioned film—at Cary Hall on April 17 from noon–1:30 p.m., while a reenactment of Paul Revere’s Ride unfolds on April 18 at 10 p.m. at the Hancock-Clarke House. April 19 is inaugurated by a reenactment of the Battle of Lexington beginning at 5:15 a.m., followed by a pancake breakfast, road race, parade, band concert and more scattered throughout the day. Come back on April 21 for activities that include a 10 a.m. scavenger hunt and the arrival of Paul Revere and William Dawes on horseback from Boston at 12:30 p.m.
Paul Revere House: This venerable residence presents historic talks all day on April 18, and also serves as a jumping off point for a wide-ranging commemoration of the momentous ride when, from 5:30–7:30 p.m., Revere bids farewell to his wife, Rachel. Events at other Freedom Trail sites, including Old North Church (see above) and the Charlestown Navy Yard, home of the USS Constitution, follow. The festivities continue throughout school vacation week with special talks, family activities, a fife and drum corps performance, and more
Concord: The other town that served as a battle site 250 years ago not only hosts some of the events listed above at Minute Man National Historical Park, it also brims with revolutionary spirit on April 19 with a parade through its town center beginning at 8:30 a.m., free admission all day to the Concord Museum—home to one of the actual lanterns hung at the Old North Church in 1775—and a drone show at 8:15 p.m.
