We are excited to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s birth with you in 2026! Please visit the Minute Man National Historical Park website for additional programs sponsored by the Friends of Minute Man, including Guided Programs, Special Events, and Patriots’ Day listings.
Event: “To Win the Siege: The Noble Train Arrives”
Saturday, February 21, 2026
10:00 am until 4:30 pm
Hartwell Tavern
112 North Great Road, Lincoln MA
Free and open to the public
In late January 1776, the “Noble Train of artillery” commanded by Colonel Henry Knox, arrived outside of Boston from Fort Ticonderoga. These cannon played a key role in successfully ending the siege that began the previous April of 1775. This action served to break the incredible stress forced upon the common people of Massachusetts from 1774 until 1776.
We invite you to join us on February 21, 2026 at the Hartwell Tavern to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Knox’s Noble Train of Artillery arriving and outfitting for battle. Witness history come to life as the artillerists of Washington’s army haul cannon via oxen, prepare supplies, and conduct artillery firing demonstrations.
Inside Hartwell Tavern, we welcome you to enjoy the warmth and learn how everyday people confronted the immense difficulties of surviving a siege of their own.
Schedule of events:
10:00 am: Living history encampment at Hartwell Tavern opens.
11:00 am: Demonstration of moving cannons with oxen.
2:00 pm: Artillery firing demonstration.
3:00 pm: Demonstration of moving cannons with oxen.
4:00 pm: Artillery firing demonstration.
4:30 pm: Site closes
To learn more, please visit the Park Special Events website.
This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park, Minute Man National Historical Park, and Fort Ticonderoga.
Winter Lecture Series
“Bullet Strikes From the First Day of the American Revolution” with Joel Bohy
February 21, 2026
2:00 pm
Concord Free Public Library
129 Main St, Concord, MA
Free and open to the public
Using forensic techniques straight out of CSI, Joel Bohy and co-author Douglas Scott have located the surviving bullet holes and bullet-struck artifacts from the battle that started the American Revolution. Learn what these violent scars of conflict and patriotism can tell us about what really happened on that fateful day when the redcoats marched on Lexington and Concord.
Joel Bohy is the owner of J. Bohy Historical Consulting, a historic arms specialist at Blackstone Valley
Auctions, and a frequent appraiser of Arms & Militaria on the PBS series Antiques Roadshow. He is an instructor for Advanced Metal Detecting for the Archeologist, and a technical advisor for American
Veterans Archaeological Recovery as well as the City of Boston Archaeology Bunker Hill project.
This program is free and open to the public, no registration is required. Please visit the Concord Free Public Library website for accessibility and parking information.
The Winter Lecture Series is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park, Minute Man National Historical Park, Concord Free Public Library, Community Foundation for MetroWest, and Middlesex Bank. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Concord Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Virtual Coffee with the Superintendent
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
7:00 pm EST / 6:00 CST / 4:00 pm PST
Online via Zoom
Free, register below.
Pour yourself a cup of coffee and join us for a virtual conversation with Simone Monteleone, Superintendent of Minute Man National Historical Park. Simone will share the latest updates and news from the Park, followed by time for questions. Kathleen Fahey, Executive Director of the Friends of Minute Man, will also provide an update on the Friends.
This is a great opportunity for our friends from near and far to catch up on the Park news!
Register here to join this free virtual program.
Winter Lecture Series
“American Calliope: Mercy Otis Warren and the Writings of a Revolutionary” with Michele Gabrielson
March 7, 2026
2:00 pm
Concord Free Public Library
129 Main St, Concord, MA
Free and open to the public
On the eve of the 250th anniversary celebrations of the Declaration of Independence, step back in time with a founding mother, Mercy Otis Warren! Often described as the “muse of the revolution,” Warren brilliantly used her passion for poetry and prose to persuade others to join in the revolutionary cause. Listen and discuss with historian and award-winning educator Michele Gabrielson as she tells the story of how Warren rejected the conventional expectations of women in the 18th century and became the first female historian of the American Revolution.
Michele Gabrielson is a local history teacher and historic interpreter of the 18th century. Michele serves as the secretary for the Mercy Otis Warren Society, is a member of the Authenticity Standards Committee for Minuteman National Historic Park, and is the coordinator for the Battle Road Guides for the annual reenactment of the Battle of Lexington and Concord.
This program is free and open to the public, no registration is required. Please visit the Concord Free Public Library website for accessibility and parking information.
The Winter Lecture Series is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park, Minute Man National Historical Park, Concord Free Public Library, Community Foundation for MetroWest, and Middlesex Bank. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Concord Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Past 2026 Events
The Hive: A Symposium for Living History Interpreters
January 24 – 25, 2026
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Massachusetts National Guard Museum and Archives
91 Everett Street, Concord, MA
Free, registration required
Join us for The Hive: A Symposium for Living History Interpreters! This two-day symposium is perfect for reenactors, living history interpreters, educators, and anyone interested in learning more about the early period of the American Revolution. Get ready for the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s birth with displays, presentations, and hands-on activities.
A limited amount of 250th Anniversary Commemorative Coins will be on sale to participants of The Hive on Saturday, January 24th, for the discounted price of $20 plus tax (regular price is $25). Cash is appreciated, but cards are also accepted. Learn more or order online for home delivery.
Learn more or register here for this free program. Don’t wait to register! Tickets are on sale until Thursday, January 22 at 10:00 am, but we expect this event to sell out before then.
The Hive is co-sponsored by Minute Man National Historical Park, Friends of Minute Man National Park, Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati, and the Massachusetts Army National Guard.
Past 2025 Events
Click here to view past events at the Friends of Minute Man National Park and Minute Man National Park.
Mass Card To Culture Program
We are proud to participate in Mass Cultural Council’s Card to Culture program in collaboration with the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Department of Public Health’s WIC Nutrition Program, the Massachusetts Health Connector, and hundreds of organizations by making cultural programming accessible to those for whom cost is a participation barrier. See the complete list of participating organizations offering EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare discounts.