Tag: 250th anniversary of the American Revolution

  • ‘Voices of Dorchester’ event will bring Revolutionary War stories to life for 250th anniversary 

    The “Voices of Dorchester” program on April 11 presented by Historic New England and the Dorchester Historical Society aims to amplify stories from the time period using diaries, letters and personal accounts…

    In Dorchester, history isn’t just confined to museums. It can be found in the old houses people pass on their way to work and in the stories passed down from historical figures to present-day residents. 

    The “Voices of Dorchester” program presented by Historic New England and the Dorchester Historical Society aims to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution this year by bringing stories from the time period to life using diaries, letters and personal accounts. 

    The event, on April 11 at the Adams Street Branch of the Boston Public Library, will allow attendees to delve into the history of those who lived in Dorchester before them.

    “I want people to see these places differently,” said Carole Mooney, secretary of the Dorchester Historical Society.  

    “When you’re leaving Star Market and you notice that boarded-up house across the street, instead of thinking, ‘Oh, what an old, dilapidated building,’ maybe you say, ‘That’s where Lieutenant Colonel Badlam’s family lived,’” she added.

    p9 Pierce House REP 8-23.png

    The event will begin at the library with presentations from both historical groups, then will go into an optional tour of the nearby historic home (above) of Colonel Samuel Pierce, a Dorchester farmer and militia leader who participated in the fortification of Dorchester Heights — a key moment in the war. 

    Pierce’s correspondences and journals are the backbone of the program, said Kate Hooper, the school program manager at Pierce House.

    “Often when we hear about the Revolutionary War, we think about the famous names … but we often don’t remember that it was just these everyday farmers, shoemakers, blacksmiths, weavers that were really the ones putting a lot at risk,” Hooper said. 

    She noted that the primary source documents directly connect with what elementary grade students are learning about local history and about the American Revolution.

    The event will also show correspondences from prominent figures in the American Revolution, like George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. 

    Attendees are encouraged to bring any historical correspondences from Dorchester residents dating back to the American Revolution they may have as the groups work to document the community history. 

    “This is what you won’t get in your history books,” Mooney said. 

    “Voices of Dorchester” takes place April 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Adams Street Branch of the Boston Public Library. Register here. 

    This story is part of a partnership between the Dorchester Reporter and the Boston University Department of Journalism.

  • Arlington art installation commemorates 250 years through a timeline of plants

    Art installation at Town Hall. / Carol Beggy photo

    Arlington’s gone green — and red, white and blue – for a multimedia art installation focused on the relationship between plants and people for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. 

    “People, Plants & Revolution,” organized by Arts Arlington, explores Colonial life and revolutionary events through a botanical lens. Clamped onto light poles starting at Arlington Town Hall and heading southeast along Mass. Ave. 13 banners call attention to colorful plant illustrations.

    The installation’s audio tour – which you can access here and download in text format – links the banner imagery to Menotomy’s agricultural history before and after the 1775 Colonial settlement of what is now Arlington. 

    The banners – designed by a team of four artists, Liz Shepherd, Suzanne Moseley, Lily McDonald and Andrew Palladino – combine Colonial-style images with plant illustrations from the Harvard University Herbaria. All of the banners are set against a distinctive blue background inspired by cyanotype chemistry, used since the 1840s for botanical illustration. 

    ‘What I learned …”


    “People, Plants & Revolution” transformed my understanding of Arlington, reporter Kara Mihm writes. Here are five things she took away from the audio tour while walking down Mass. Ave.

    The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were written with ink from oak galls, abnormal plant growths on oak trees. This permanent ink was a historically dominant choice for significant documents.

    Apples were arguably the most successful fruit in the New World. New varieties emerged rapidly because of apple seeds’ genetic diversity. Popular varieties were distributed throughout New England by sharing cuttings of the original trees.

    Many plants, including clover, were commercially available in the 1760s to remind English settlers of the meadows back home. While we might perceive these plants as native now, they are an invasive species.

    The spinning wheel became a symbol of freedom from the British after Colonial women made homespun linen from locally grown flax to replace boycotted textiles. Outdoor public spinning protests became popular among women throughout the Colonies.

    Colonists saw wasted land – any land that remained unplanted – as a Christian sin. Puritan founders believed that planting a field was a virtuous way to establish ownership of land. This was a contributing factor of forced displacement of indigenous people.

    ‘Lexington and Concord, everyone knows about those battles, but the battles in Arlington were just as significant.’
    – Cecily Miller, public art curator at Arts Arlington and the developer of the audio tour.

    “The Town of Arlington really wanted to make this anniversary visible and show their pride in having been part of the founding of our nation,” said Cecily Miller, public art curator at Arts Arlington and the developer of the audio tour. “Lexington and Concord, everyone knows about those battles, but the battles in Arlington were just as significant. We came up with the idea of talking about the evolution of Arlington in terms of what were the most important plants for people.” 

    The narration contrasts eras: While natural plants are often taken for granted today, they were essential for survival 250 years ago – for food, clothing and homes.

    By importing plants from England, the farming village of Menotomy altered the landscape, often causing dramatic ecological change. Colonists’ success at farming added to their confidence that they could live without British rule, but the rush to cultivate open land carried environmental impacts.

    Once settlers arrived in the New World, they began extracting natural resources and clearing forests for crops, livestock and lumber. They physically transformed their new home, inspiring future generations to follow this strategy westward. 

    The narration does not shy away from acknowledging the Colonists’ forceful removal of the land’s original people, the Massachusett. To honor the indigenous people who are still living in the state, Faries Gray, the war chief of the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag, shared his perspective on his peoples’ history and their relationship to plants.

    The installation is on display through May. The original silkscreen artwork is on exhibit at 13Forest Gallery (April 5 to May 23) and at Old Schwamb Mill (April 1 to May 31).

    This news sumnmary and sidebar, published April 18, 2025, are part of a partnership between YourArlington and the Boston University Department of Journalism.

  • Lexington hopes for economic boost from 250th anniversary

    Lexington is anticipating a significant economic boost as it prepares to host thousands of visitors for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

    Sandhya Iyer, director of tourism in Lexington, said the town is already seeing signs of that impact — and more is on the way. 

    “The 250th celebration is the biggest economic driver that will bring the tourism economic impact to a level way higher than numbers before the pandemic,” Iyer said.

    Iyer estimates that between 50,000 to 100,000 visitors could arrive in Lexington during the celebration weekend. Meal tax revenue for Q3 is projected to reach $154,268 in FY25, a sharp increase from $114,970 in FY24. 

    The Tourism Committee also added more services and attracted many tour operators to the area “to keep up the momentum during and after the Lex250th,” she said.

    The celebrations are expected to provide an economic boost not only to Lexington — often called the birthplace of American liberty — but also to nearby cities and towns, including Concord, Cambridge, Boston, and even Salem and Plymouth.

    The Inn at Hastings Park

    In support of these celebrations, the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism allocated $1.5 million in grants to various organizations. The Freedom Trail Foundation received $75,000, and the city of Cambridge was awarded $65,000 for events, including tours and a parade. Lexington secured a total of $58,000 in state funding — $10,000 for the Lexington Historical Society and $48,000 for the Town of Visitors Center.

    Local business owners say they’re looking forward to the boost in foot traffic. Many hope the celebrations will not only commemorate a crucial moment in American history, but also stimulate long-term interest in heritage tourism across Massachusetts.

    The Inn at Hastings Park, a 22-room boutique property just steps from the Lexington Battle Green — where the first shots of the Revolution were fired on April 19, 1775 — is among those preparing to welcome tourists.

    “We hope our guests leave with a deep appreciation for the American Spirit through their immersive experience here,” said the inn’s owner, Trisha Pérez Kennealy. “By staying in a place so closely connected to the birth of American independence, guests can connect with the ideals that shaped our nation.”

    The inn is offering candlelight processions, Colonial-themed feasts and a helicopter tour tracing Revere’s ride from Boston to Lexington. The flight will depart from nearby Hanscom Field and includes aerial views of landmarks like the Old North Church, the Boston Tea Party site and Lexington Battle Green.

    “Paul Revere rode directly past where the inn is situated today,” Kennealy said. “Now guests can follow that same path, just from the sky.”

    Just down the street, il Casale Lexington is embracing the celebrations with themed menus and extended hours. On April 18, the restaurant will offer a carbo-loading dinner ahead of the annual Patriots’ Day 5-Mile Road Race, featuring discounted pasta dishes.

    On April 20, it will host a jazz-themed brunch featuring the Ethan K. Jazz Duo, brunch specials like eggs in purgatory, and Revolutionary-themed cocktails such as the Midnight Ride and the Minuteman Mule.

    “The 250th anniversary will be a momentous moment for Lexington and its surrounding communities, which are packed with rich history,” said Eva Badra, founder and chef-owner of Eva’s Little Kitchen. 

    Il Casale’s jazz brunch

    Eva’s Little Kitchen in Bedford — just minutes from Lexington — is also preparing for a particularly busy weekend, as the 250th anniversary coincides with Easter Sunday. The team is anticipating a significant increase in foot traffic and catering orders, having already received several preorders. 

    Residents say they’re proud of how the town is coming together. Families, in particular, say they are finding joy in sharing the experience with younger generations.

    “It’s amazing to see the whole town come alive for this,” said resident and parent Lena Grant. “We teach kids about history, but now they get to see it all around them. It really brings our history to life.”

    This story is part of a partnership between the Lexington Observer and the Boston University Department of Journalism.