Each year in mid-April, thousands of people flock to historic Lexington and Concord and Minute Man National Historical Park to celebrate Patriot's Day. Patriot's Day is a special Massachusetts State holiday commemorating the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War, April 19, 1775.

The holiday (Officially observed on Monday, April 20, 2009), and the entire weekend, is celebrated with parades, reenactments and commemorative ceremonies.

For a complete listing of events at Minute Man National Historical Park, visit our Schedule of Events page.

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Saturday, April 11, 2009

Bedford Pole Capping
Wilson Park, Bedford MA.
10:30 a.m.
http://www.bedfordminutemancompany.org/

Meriam's Corner Exercise
Meriam's Corner, Lexington Road, Concord
1:00 p.m.

Paul Revere Capture Ceremony
Paul Revere Capture Site, Rt. 2A, Lincoln
3:00 p.m.

park map

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Saturday, April 18, 2009
Commemoration of the North Bridge Fight
At the North Bridge, Concord
8:30 a.m.
The peace of the Concord countryside will once more be shattered by the sounds of marching men and musketry as British and Colonial Reenactors, Park Rangers and Volunteers bring the fateful morning of April 19, 1775 to life in this stirring commemoration of "the shot heard round the world."

Parking for North Bridge events is on Monument St. NPS staff will direct you.  MAP

For a complete listing of events at Minute Man National Historical Park, visit our Schedule of Events page.

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Saturday, April 18th
BATTLE ROAD
At Hartwell Tavern (Rt. 2A Lincoln)
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Battle Road features hundreds of British and Colonial Reenactors encamped at the Hartwell Tavern and Captain William Smith house, both part of Minute Man National Historical Park. The event site and parking are located on Rt. 2A in Lincoln.

There are drill and musket demonstrations, 18th century artillery demonstrations, crafts, games and more!

1:00 p.m. The highlight of the day is a massed tactical weapons demonstration running over a half-mile of the original Battle Road.

Hartwell Tavern is located on Rt 2A in Lincoln. NPS staff will direct you to parking. MAP

Click here to see the Battle Road  video! 
You may need to download Apple Quicktime or update your version. If so, click here for a free download.

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Sunday, April 19th

Dawn Salute and North Bridge Remembrance Ceremony
At the North Bridge, Concord
6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.
The Concord Minute Men and The Concord Independent Battery observe the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War in a 21 gun musket and cannon salute to America's past. Following this, at 7:30 join park staff and volunteers at the North Bridge for historical speeches and wreath laying.

Arrival of the Sudbury Militia
At the North Bridge, Concord
10:30 a.m.
The Sudbury Companies of Militia and Minute arrive at the North Bridge after making their annual march from the town of Sudbury. They will fire a musket salute from North Bridge.

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Monday, April 20th
Battle Reenactment - Lexington Green
5:00 a.m. (approximately)
The Town of Lexington celebrates the start of the American Revolution with a battle reenactment of the early-morning engagement between the town's militia and the British regulars. The Lexington Parade will be held at 2:00. For more information, contact the Lexington Chamber of Commerce:
(781) 862 - 1450
info@lexingtonchamber.org

Concord Patriot's Day Parade
Step off at 9:00 a.m.
Arrives at North Bridge approx. 9:30 a.m.
The parade route winds from Concord Center, and passes over the North Bridge before returning to town.

NOTE: The Commemoration of the North Bridge Fight, usually held in the morning, prior to the arrival of the Concord Parade, has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 18th.
For more information, contact the
Concord Chamber of Commerce
(978) 369 - 3120
info@concordchamberofcommerce.org

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Junior Ranger Day at Minute Man National Historical Park
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Explore, Learn, Protect

Earn your Junior Ranger Badge
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Minute Man Visitor Center and North Bridge Visitor Center

Pick up your very own Junior Ranger Day Booklet. You will have fun exploring Minute Man National Historical Park while completing the pages in the booklet. When you are finished, show your work to a Ranger to earn your new badge. it's a fun way to learn!

Recommended for ages 8 - 11

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Saturday, April 25, 2009
Battle Road Heroes
Hartwell Tavern
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
You've watched the battle reenactments and the parades. Now you are invited to walk down a candle-lit path to the past. Listen to the personal stories of people who lived along the Battle Road on April 19, 1775. Join Captain William Smith, the Lincoln Minute Men, the Hartwells, drovers, musicians, and His Majesty's soldiers for this special evening of theater and history.

Admission for "Battle Road Heroes" is $5.00 per person, $10.00 per family. Proceeds benefit the Minute Man National Park Association. Children wearing their Minute Man NHP Junior Ranger badge are welcome to attend the program for free.

Recommended for ages 8 and up.

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