News Release

Minute Man National Historical Park turns 60 in September

Concord Band

Courtesy, Concord Band

News Release Date: August 26, 2019

Contact: Phil Lupsiewicz, 978-318-7833

CONCORD, MA – On September 21, 1959, the Congress of the United States established Minute Man National Historical Park to preserve and interpret important sites where the opening battle of the American Revolution led to the creation of our country so this year marks the park’s 60^th anniversary. Earlier this year, the park surpassed a milestone of 50 million visitors since its establishment! The park and community partners have planned a number of public events and programs to commemorate this 60^th anniversary.
 
To kick off the anniversary weekend, on Friday, September 20, Lou Sideris, former Chief of Interpretation and Park Planner (ret.) at Minute Man will give a special presentation on the founding and ongoing development of Minute Man National Historical Park at The Depot, (31 Depot Square, Lexington). This program is co-sponsored by the Lexington Historical Society and the Friends of Minute Man National Park. Admission is free, but space is limited so reservations are required. Please email your name and number in your party to e-mail us.
 
As 2019 is also the 60^th Anniversary of the Concord Band, the park and the band have teamed up to present a concert of patriotic inspired music on the field overlooking the North Bridge. This free program will take place on Saturday, September 21, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. The public is invited to bring a blanket or lawn chairs and a picnic while enjoying the performance. As parking is limited, local community members are invited to walk to the park. The Friends of Minute Man National Park will present a special birthday cake to the park during the event. Ken Troup, President of the Concord Band said “The Concord Band is honored to be playing at the Minute Man National Historical Park’s 60th anniversary celebration. The concert is a great way for the Band to transition from our own 60th anniversary to the new 2019-2020 season of band music in Concord.  The Band was formed to march in the Patriot’s Day parade in 1959. This anniversary concert is especially meaningful and appropriate for me, because back in the 1970s and early 1980s when I was first in the Concord Band, we used to play every Thursday evening in the summer beside the North Bridge Visitors Center. And I remember playing at the dedication of the Battle Road Visitors Center during that era. I’m happy we’re continuing the close relationship between the park and the Concord Band.”
 
During this visitor season, The Umbrella Community Art Center, artist Nancy Millikin Winship, and the park have embarked on a pilot “artist-in-residence” project. During the months of September and October, the “Earth Press Project: Witness” will be on display on the grounds of Minute Man Visitor Center (Route 2A, Lexington, MA). As part of the anniversary weekend events, on Sunday September 22, 2019 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm the public is invited to come meet the artist at the installation and learn about this publicly generated sculpture. Nancy Lippe, Director, Musketaquid Arts & Environment, The Umbrella Community Art Center said, “This project shows the wonderful and surprising things that can happen when you invite the public to be a part of an art installation – and when you work with professionals such as artist Nancy Winship Milliken (and her interns and collaborators) and Superintendent BJ Dunn (and his fabulous staff) who gracefully shepherded along what became a pretty dynamic process. We are so grateful for the opportunity to partner with Minute Man National Historical Park in hosting this inspiring inaugural Art-in-Park installation.”
 
Regarding the anniversary, Superintendent BJ Dunn said, “The park staff are excited for all of these special events. There is something for everyone – history, art, and music and of course the recreational use of the park and the Battle Road Trail. This park belongs to everyone, and we are excited to host our visiting public from around the world along with our local community neighbors to join us in marking this birthday of the park. We are particularly thankful for the support of the Friends of Minute Man National Park, Lexington Historical Society, Revoultion 250, Umbrella Community Art Center and the Concord Band for assisting with special programming on what we know will be a busy foliage weekend.”
 
Friday, September 20^th   “Realizing the Vision”  At Lexington Historical Society, Depot Building 7:00 pm. Join park staff, and program co-sponsors The Friends of Minute Man National Park and Lexington Historical Society, for a special evening program celebrating Minute Man’s 60th anniversary. Our speaker for the evening is Lou Sideris, former Chief of Interpretation and Park Planner (ret.) at Minute Man who will reflect the founding and ongoing development of Minute Man National Historical Park. Reception to follow. RSVP required – email e-mail us with your name and # of guests in your party.
 
Saturday, September 21^st  Threads of Resistance: Revolutionary Roles of Women at the Whittemore House (near Minute Man Visitor Center) 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. In 1769 colonial women protested British policies by making cloth in the home, reducing reliance on British imports. Experience the process and learn about political impact of home manufacturing! This program is offered as part of Revoltution 250, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Learn more at revolution250.org 

Saturday, September 21^st Historic Trades Day at Hartwell Tavern 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Our 18th century forebears knew how to get the job done. Learn about various hands-on trades of the period and see skilled artisans at work.
 
Saturday, September 21^st Patriotic Music with the Concord Band at the North Bridge 4:00 - 6:00 pm. Minute Man and the Concord Band are both turning 60 this year! Bring a blanket or lawn chair and a picnic and enjoy good company and good music in the field overlooking the North Bridge. The Rain location with limited seating, so first come first serve is at the Walden Performing Arts Center, 51 Walden St. Concord.

Sunday, September 22^nd “Earth Press Project: Witness” - Meet the Artist,  Minute Man Visitor Center 10:30 am - 1:30 pm. Meet the artist, Nancy Winship Milliken, and collaborators, make your own “witness” brick, and engage in conversation around the themes of witness and change and learn more about this publicly generated sculpture.

For general park information, please call 978-396-6993 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/MIMA.
(NPS)