People in colonial clothing mingle with modern visitors in a field with trees in autumn color

Preparing for Winter, Preparing for War!

Minute Man National Historical Park

Special Event
  • Oct 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM
  • Free

October 11
Hartwell Tavern
9:30 am – 4:30 pm

 

Autumn in Colonial New England was a time of change and transition when many gathered to share the fruits of summer labor and prepare for the coming winter. In 1776 it was also a time of scarcity as the war moved south from New England. Join park staff and living history volunteers for two days of programming at Minute Man’s Historic Hartwell Tavern covering the experiences of everyday people as they prepared for winter and for war in 1776

 

Schedule of Events:

 

 

Program Schedule 

11am – Neighbors in Arms / Their War: Military Service in 1776 and Beyond 

  • April 19, 1775, was just the beginning. As the war dragged on and moved into other theaters those who had answered the call to arms on the war’s first day were called upon to do so again and again. How did militia service change once the war started? How enthusiastic were people about enlisting in the Continental Army?  

2pm – Neighbors in Arms / Their War: Military Service in 1776 and Beyond 

  • April 19, 1775, was just the beginning. As the war dragged on and moved into other theaters those who had answered the call to arms on the war’s first day were called upon to do so again and again. How did militia service change once the war started? How enthusiastic were people about enlisting in the Continental Army? 

3pm (Sunday) - Support for Independency 
In early 1776, after months of war, people began to whisper a dangerous word – Independency. How did political and community leaders make the case for this drastic measure? Was reconciliation even still possible? Join a park ranger for a discussion of the issues that took place in town meetings, taverns and kitchen tables.  

This event is co-sponsored by Minute Man National Historical Park and the Friends of Minute Man.

More information

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

Hartwell Tavern. 112 North Great Road, Lincoln MA

Latitude and Longitude 42.453822, -71.293255

Schedule

Date:

Oct 11, 2026

Time:

10:00 AM

Duration:

6 hours and 30 minutes

10:00 am-4:30 pm Sunday.

Contact Information

Visitor Services
978 369 6993
Contact Us

Event Type

  • Living History
  • Other
  • Partner Program
  • Talk
Tags: minute man national historical park, living history, hartwell tavern, autumn programs