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NPS
Contact: Phil Lupsiewicz, 978-318-7833 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, 2015) and the entire week is celebrated with parades, reenactments and commemorative ceremonies. Admission to all events is free except where noted. For more information, please call (978) 318 - 7825 . Additional information is available at www.battleroad.org. For information on events in Lexington, please visit www. lexingtonma.gov/committees/patriotsday.cfm •Saturday, April 11th 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. Tour the Meriam House from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Paul Revere Capture Ceremony The Lincoln Minute Men and the Town of Lincoln, joined by other reenactment units, observe the historic capture of Paul Revere with fife and drum music and a musket fire salute. •Saturday, April 18th Visit North Bridge and Concord Museum and see Captain David Brown's Company, a nearly full strength recreated minute company, demonstrate drill maneuvers and musket firings. Learn about militia duty in colonial Massachusetts and what it meant to be "armed as according to law." Life on the Battle Road Hartwell Tavern and the Captain William Smith House will be open. Park staff and living history volunteers from the Lincoln Minute Men, the Guild of Historic Interpreters, and the Ladies of Refined Taste will be demonstrating various aspects of life in Massachusetts at the beginning of the American Revolution. Battle Road: Returning to Lexington Hundreds of British and Colonial Reenactors will engage in a tactical weapons demonstration showing the running battle that took place along this deadly stretch of road on the border of Lincoln and Lexington. Junior Ranger Day at Minute Man National Historical Park Earn your Junior Ranger Badge Minute Man Visitor Center, Rt. 2A, Lexington. 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! •Sunday, April 19th The Concord Minute Men and the Concord Independent Battery observe the opening battle of the American Revolution with a 21 gun musket and cannon salute. “America’s Army” featuring soldiers from the 4th Battalion of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment - The Old Guard The 3rd U.S. Infantry, known as The Old Guard, is the oldest active-duty infantry regiment in the U.S. Army, serving our nation since 1784. “America’s Army” will tell a story about America's history, beginning with the Revolutionary War era to the present day, with military music and a proud narrative inspired by the patriotism that fueled the heroic acts celebrated during Patriots Day. Arrival of the Sudbury Militia The Sudbury Companies of Militia and Minute will make their annual march to North Bridge from the Town of Sudbury, in honor of their fellow townsmen who made a similar march on April 19, 1775. They will fire three musket volleys from North Bridge as a soldierly salute. Warlike Preparations at the Barrett Farm In 1775, Colonel James Barrett of Concord was responsible for safeguarding all the military supplies in town and his house was searched by British soldiers during their mission to Concord. Visit the Barrett House and learn about the intense military preparations that helped launch America into the Revolutionary War. •Monday, April 20st The Town of Lexington celebrates the first shots of the American Revolution with a reenactment of the early-morning engagement between the town's militia and the British regulars. Commemoration of the North Bridge Fight and Concord Parade British reenactors will be joined by the Acton Minutemen and other local companies for a special commemoration of the North Bridge Fight featuring musket volleys. The Concord Parade will arrive at North Bridge around 9:30 a.m. NOTE: All of the roads in the center of town are closed to vehicles beginning at 8:30 a.m. •Saturday, April 25th Listen to the personal stories of residents who lived along the Battle Road on April 19, 1775. Join the Guild of Historic Interpreters for a special evening of theater and history. Appropriate for ages 8 and up. Admission: $5.00 per person, $10.00 per family. Children wearing their Junior Ranger Badges may attend the program for free.
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Last updated: March 16, 2015