Special Events 2024

 

Julie Pollock

Check back often for upcoming special events as we enter the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution!

 

 

 

May 2024

 

"Leaving It To the Fate of Time" Concord and the Civil War in 1864

The Wayside: Home of Authors
Saturday, May 25, 2024

Join us at the Wayside: Home of Authors for a day of Civil War Living History, Wayside Open House, and guest lecture by Historian Richard Smith.

In 1864, the American Civil War ground into its fourth summer of carnage. In Concord, news of horrific fighting brought unwelcome lists of the dead and injured, including those of the 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. The men of Concord who had marched away years before were now battle-hardened veterans and the hardships of campaign took their toll. By year’s end, Asa, John, and Samuel Melvin, three brothers from Concord were dead.

At home support for the war ebbed and flowed. A contentious presidential election loomed on the horizon and with another of summer of horrific bloodshed looming there seemed to be no end in sight. Join us at the Wayside to learn about the trials and triumphs of Concord in 1864.

Schedule of Events:

10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• The Wayside house will be open for guests to explore Nathanial Hawthorne’s Sky Parlor and writing space.
• Members of the Liberty Rifles living history organization will be set up on the Wayside lawn talking about the 1864 experiences of Concord soldiers in the 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery.
• Park staff will discuss Louisa May Alcott and the contributions of women on the home front.

2:00 p.m.- "Leaving It To the Fate of Time: The Civil War Diary of Samuel Melvin." ~ Special Lecture by Historian Richard Smith

• In 1861 Asa, John, and, Samuel Melvin of Concord enlisted in the Union army to fight in the Civil War. As members of the 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery they were stationed in forts around Washington D.C. but in 1864 the regiment was made into Infantry and sent to the Army of the Potomac, where the Melvin brothers and their comrades would be thrown into some of the bloodiest battles of the war. Join Concord historian Richard Smith for a look into the lives of the Melvin brothers and their experiences in the Civil War. In particular, Richard will talk about Samuel Melvin, the brother who was captured by Confederate troops and sent to the notorious Andersonville prison. Samuel's diary gives a vivid first-hand account of Samuel life -- and death -- as a Union soldier.

4:30 p.m. ~ Site Closed.

This event is sponsored in partnership with the Friends of Minute Man National Park

 

June 2024

 

Closing the Port: 250th Commemorative Program 

Minute Man National Historical Park
Hartwell Tavern
June 1, 2024
10am - 4:30pm

On June 1, 1774, Boston once again became a city under occupation. Following the destruction of tea in the harbor, British Parliament dispatched a new Royal Governor, General Thomas Gage, with several regiments of regular soldiers and news of the Boston Port Bill to Massachusetts. Beginning on June 1^st the bill employed the Royal Navy to blockade the port of Boston until the destroyed tea was paid for.

The closure of the port represented a dramatic escalation in the political struggle between British Parliament and the American Colonies. Boston’s booming maritime trade came to a halt, along with the flow of everyday goods in the surrounding countryside.

With few routes of response available, radical ideology spread amongst the local population. On June 1, 2024, join us as we explore the political upheaval that put Massachusetts on the path toward rebellion this day, 250 years ago.

Schedule:
Hartwell Tavern Open House 10am - 4:30pm

• Special lectures and living history throughout the day. Check back soon for a more detailed schedule. 

 

Learn More!

• 

  Welcome to your National Park

  Welcome to your National Park

  Plan your visit with park information and hours

• 

  Experience the park with a ranger!

  Guided Programs

  Ranger Programs Return! If you visit between Memorial Day weekend and the end of October, you may catch one of our daily Ranger programs.

• 

  Follow the story!

  April 19, 1775: The First Battle

  Learn about the people and events of April 19, 1775!