250th Anniversary EVENTS: October 2025

250th special exhibitions at the Concord Museum:

Transformed by Revolution will explore histories of community and belonging during and after the war, tracing shifting ideas about what it meant to be part of the new nation and who would be included in the story.  Featured objects and stories will explore the process of rebuilding local communities and the nation as a whole following a period of immense crisis. Examples of 18th century telescopes and scientific apparatus from Harvard University’s Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments will highlight the story of Harvard College’s temporary relocation to Concord in 1775, along with families from Boston seeking refuge. Furniture, silver, and ceramics, along with other objects from the Museum’s collection, will illuminate efforts to establish community organizations to provide mutual care and support after the war, while historic clothing and textiles will trace stories of childhood, family, and education. The exhibition will particularly highlight the networks of care and mutual support created among Black and indigenous families, drawing on maps, land records, and archival materials to capture their uncertain and often precarious experiences following the war and their efforts to forge and maintain their own communities. By centering these complex and diverse stories, this exhibition will consider the ongoing legacy of the American Revolution for ideas of inclusion, belonging, and citizenship today.

Transformed by Revolution (Concord Museum) — Opening October 1st, 2025. MA250+1

BURIAL HILL TOURS:

The Plymouth Antiquarian Society and Pilgrim Hall Museum announce their continuing partnership in a free public tour series of Plymouth’s historic Burial Hill for the 2025 season. Each first Saturday of the month a thematic tour of the ancient burying ground will reveal facets of Plymouth’s evolving story over generations. This year honors the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution with a series theme of “Revolutionary Connections.” Each monthly tour highlights the Revolutionary era in Plymouth with insights into South Shore connections to America’s contest for independence. Presenters include local historians and authors who share their expertise on a range of topics, highlighting art, history, and culture atop the open-air history museum in the heart of downtown Plymouth, Burial Hill.

Severe weather may cancel tour. Stay up to date with us on our Facebook page and visit pilgrimhall.org or plymouthantiquarian.org for more information on the continuing Burial Hill tour series.

When: Saturday, October 4, 2025 - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

October 11th: Indigenous People’s Day: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Free with museum admission. Enjoy special programs on Wampanoag history from 10 am to 2 pm, free with general Museum admission; see documents of Indigenous soldiers in the American Revolution and participate in a range of family activities! 

Pilgram Hall – PLYMOUTH MASS

Revolutionary Voices: A Benefit Performance for Pilgrim Hall – 6 – 8:30pm. Don’t miss Revolutionary Voices: Plymouth Debates Liberty & Loyalists, an original play in one act by Patrick T.J. Browne. This riveting dramatization of Plymouth’s deliberations during the escalating tensions of the American Revolution is based on authentic records and features commentary from Mercy Otis Warren, a trailblazing political thinker during an extraordinary era of change, portrayed by Michelle Gabrielson of the Mercy Otis Warren Society. Enjoy a Q&A with play’s creator, Dr. Browne, and acclaimed Warren biographer Nancy Rubin Stuart following the performance. TICKETS: $75 pp. Light refreshments & cash bar; reservations required.

This benefit event includes an Adopt and Artifactsilent auction to help conserve and exhibit objects owned by Mercy Otis Warren, including her exquisitely wrought needlework card table, and items associated with Wampanoag activist Zerviah Gould Mitchell, including fragile manuscript records of Indigenous soldiers in the Revolutionary War.
PRESENTED WITH THE PLYMOUTH ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY & THE MERCY OTIS WARREN SOCIETY
For more information, contact development@pilgrimhall.org, (508) 746 –1620, ext. 3

Saturday, October 11, 2025 - 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Pilgram Hall – PLYMOUTH MASS.

Boston 250: “Curious and Complex Connections: Environmental History and the War of Independence” — Scheduled October 20, 2025. It’s part of Boston 250’s programming looking at less often-told stories about how the Revolution’s legacy intersects with environmental history.

Address: 1154 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215

Start time: 6:00 PM on Monday, October 20, 2025. 

Battle of Red Horse Tavern

Sat Oct 25th

Longfellow's Wayside Inn, 72 Wayside Inn Rd, Sudbury, MA 01776, USA  

A reenactment of a colonial battle to control a crossroads.

MA250 Lunch & Learn: Tours for Massachusetts 250 — October 28, 2025. Hosted by Taunya Wolfe (Wolfe Adventures & Tours). This is a tour-oriented program taking place as part of the Massachusetts 250 commemoration.

Paul Revere House: Lowell Lecture Series — In October 2025, there are lectures including “Who Cares About the Midnight Ride? Perspectives on an American Legend” (October 21) and “Who Was Paul Revere, Really?” (October 28). These are part of the Paul Revere Memorial Association’s programming in honor of the 250th.

We hope you and your family will join in these meaningful and patriotic events as we build toward the nation’s 250th Anniversary in July 2025!