Massachusetts 250 Events Calendar

Welcome to our Massachusetts 250 Events Calendar! Explore can’t-miss events, historic experiences, and celebrations across the state. Plus, visit our Celebrate Massachusetts 250 page for additional information and tips.

Arts & Crafts Shows Children & Families Guided Tours Museums Tours

We welcome the events that are open to the public. Click here to Submit your Event for FREE

Arts & Crafts Shows

Myth and Memory: Stories of the American Revolution

May 15, 2026 - Nov 16, 2026 1424 Canton Avenue, Milton, MA 02186

Explore the personal stories, memories, and myths behind the American Revolution in Myth and Memory: Stories of the American Revolution, a compelling exhibition from Historic New England.

Drawing from Historic New England’s extensive collection of artifacts and archival materials, the exhibit examines how the Revolution shaped the lives of everyday people across New England. Through objects connected to individuals, families, and communities, visitors gain an intimate look at the hopes, struggles, loyalties, and sacrifices experienced during the birth of a new nation.

Organized around the themes of Resistance, Loyalty, Liberty, and Memory, the exhibition invites audiences to reflect not only on the events of the Revolution itself, but also on how its stories have been remembered, interpreted, and woven into America’s collective identity over time.

By highlighting deeply personal experiences alongside broader historical narratives, Myth and Memory offers a thoughtful exploration of the Revolution’s enduring legacy and the many voices that helped shape the nation’s history.

Friday - May 15, 2026 - 11:00 am / Monday - November 16, 2026 - 5:00 pm

Children & Families

Calling All Kids, Patriots And Sailors: Revolutionary Summer Saturdays

Apr 4, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026 Custom House Maritime Museum, Water Street 25 Newburyport, MA 01950

Enjoy free indoor and outdoor fun for kids every Saturday through the end of September! Families can explore 15 hands-on activity stations, including crafts, water and sand tables, printmaking with Rolling River Printmakers of New England, a bouncy castle, pirate boat with water guns, and even rideable dolphin and elephant sculptures by local artist Jeff Briggs.

The museum’s popular Discovery Center experience will also expand onto the lawn, creating an exciting day of learning and play for children of all ages. This free program is made possible through the generous support of the Institution for Savings and the Local Cultural Council.

In September, the museum will also partner with Imagine Studios, Darius Coombs of the Mashpee Wampanoag, and Jonathan Petty of the Aquinnah Wampanoag to create a traditional 20-foot mishoon (dugout canoe) over several weekends, with plans to launch it on Indigenous Peoples Day, October 11.

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
978-462-8681

Guided Tours

Yarmouth in Revolution Exhibit: the Captain Bangs Hallet House Museum

Jun 25, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026 Captain Bangs Hallet House & Museum Strawberry Lane 11, Yarmouth, MA 02675

Step back into Revolutionary-era Yarmouth and discover what daily life was like for local residents during one of the most transformative periods in American history. Presented in honor of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, Yarmouth in Revolution explores how townspeople experienced the political, social, and military events of the late 18th century while continuing their everyday lives.

Featuring artifacts from the collections of the Historical Society of Old Yarmouth and private lenders, the exhibit offers a unique glimpse into Yarmouth’s role and experiences during the Revolutionary War era.

Guided tours of the Captain Bangs Hallet House Museum are available Thursday through Saturday at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM.

June 25, 2026 - 11:00 am / October 30, 2026 - 3:00 pm
508-362-3021

Vineyard Preservation Trust Walking Tour: Independence on Foot

Jul 24, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026 Vincent House Main Street 99, Edgartown, MA 02539

Step into Martha's Vineyard's Revolutionary past with Independence on Foot, a 90-minute guided walking tour led by historian Norah Van Riper. Beginning at the Vincent House Museum in Edgartown, the tour explores historic landmarks, local stories, and the Island's role in the American Revolution. Families can also enjoy a President's for Kids activity book, making it a fun and educational experience for all ages.

Friday, July 24, 2026 - 2:00 pm - Saturday, October 10, 2026 - 3:30 pm

Museums

Untold Stories: The Battle of Menotomy, Voices of the Overlooked, & Centennial Commemorations At Arlington Historical Society

Apr 19, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026 7 Jason Street, Arlington, MA 02476

Our new “Untold Stories” exhibition explores the perspectives of often-overlooked communities involved and examines how the people of the Commonwealth commemorated, memorialized, and celebrated the important anniversaries of the first battle of the American Revolutionary War.

See website for more details.

Lost Liberties – Broken Promises

Jun 25, 2026 - Dec 10, 2026 Golden Ball Tavern Museum Boston Post Road 662, Weston, MA 02493

Explore the lesser-known stories of those who experienced the American Revolution from a different perspective in Lost Liberties – Broken Promises. This yearlong exhibit examines the lives of enslaved individuals, Indigenous peoples, displaced Loyalists, and veterans from Weston whose experiences reveal the complexities and contradictions of the nation's founding era.

Through historical interpretation and storytelling, the exhibit sheds light on the promises of liberty that were often denied to many, encouraging visitors to reflect on the diverse perspectives and lasting impacts of the Revolutionary period.

June 25, 2026 - 10:00 am / December 10, 2026 - 4:00 pm
781-897-1751

Tours

Mapping the Past: Lincoln Witness House Project

Jul 24, 2026 - Jul 24, 2027 Lincoln, Massachusetts Lincoln, MA 01773

Step back in time and explore Lincoln's 19 historic Witness Houses, homes that stood on April 19, 1775, the first day of the American Revolution. Through the Lincoln Historical Society's interactive online map, visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour featuring historic and modern photos, fascinating stories, and downloadable resources that bring each property's rich history to life. Whether you're planning a visit or exploring from home, it's a unique way to experience Lincoln's Revolutionary past.

See website for more details.