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 19, 2010), 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.

NOTE: This schedule of events is a work-in-progress. Please check regularly this winter for updates!

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Saturday, April 10, 2010

Meriam's Corner Exercise
Meriam's Corner, Lexington Road, Concord
1:00 p.m.
The Town of Concord, joined by area minute companies, fife and drum units, and the Concord Independent Battery, pay remembrance to the fight at Meriam's Corner that marked the beginning of the six-hour running battle back to Boston . The historic Meriam House will be open 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Paul Revere Capture Ceremony
Paul Revere Capture Site, Rt. 2A, Lincoln
3:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Minute Men and the Town of Lincoln, joined by other reenactment and fife and drum units, observe the historic capture of Paul Revere.

This year marks the 150 anniversary of Longfellow's epic poem, "Paul Revere's Ride." For a complete listing of Paul Revere and Longfellow-related events, visit www.paulreversride.org

park map

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Saturday, April 17, 2010
BATTLE ROAD
Minute Man National Historical Park
8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Minute Man National Historical Park, in partnership with hundreds of Colonial and British reenactors, celebrate the openning battle of the American Revolution with a day full of exciting living history activities. At Hartwell Tavern, Lincoln, 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., you will have the chance to talk with reenactors and park rangers, see a historic home and tavern that stood witness to the events of April, 19, 1775, and enjoy a variety of 18th century activities including drill and musket demonstrations, 18th century artillery demonstrations, crafts, games and more!

The day's events also feature two key military engagements:

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

Bloody Angle Tactical Demonstration
At Hartwell Tavern (Rt. 2A Lincoln)
12:30 p.m.
Bloody Angle Tactical Demonstration features hundreds of British and Colonial Reenactors encamped at the Hartwell Tavern and Captain William Smith house. They will stage a running tactical weapons demonstration along 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

Tower Park Battle Reenactmen
At Tower Park, Lexington MA.
4:00 p.m.
British and Colonial Reenactors reenact a Revolutionary War battle, using period-appropriate weapons and tactics

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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Monday, April 19th

Dawn Salute
At the North Bridge, Concord
6:30 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. This year, for the first time in decades, The Concord Independent Battery will be firing on the "minute man" side of the Concord River.

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.

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 17th.
For more information, contact the
Concord Chamber of Commerce
(978) 369 - 3120
info@concordchamberofcommerce.org

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Saturday, April 24, 2010
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 Friends of Minute Man National Park. 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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