Patriots’ Day commemorates the first battle of the American Revolution on April 19, 1775, bringing to life “the shot heard round the world.”
There are a number of commemorative events throughout Concord on Patriots Day weekend and throughout the month. Planning to attend? Send us your photos and we will feature them in the April 24 edition and online!
Saturday, April 8
1 p.m. Meriam’s Corner Exercise
The Town of Concord, joined by local fife and drum ensembles, minute men and the Concord Independent Battery commemorate the fighting that occurred at Meriam’s Corner on April 19, 1775. The Nathan Meriam House will be open 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
3 p.m. Paul Revere Capture Ceremony, Paul Revere Capture Site, 180 North Great Road, Lincoln.
The Lincoln Minute Men, joined by other reenactment units, observe the historic capture of Paul Revere with historic music and a musket fire salute.
Friday, April 14
6-8 p.m. A Celebration Honoring Ellen Garrison, Educator, and Activist – Inaugural Event for Concord250 at the Holy Family Church, First Universalist Meeting House, Concord Townhouse and Monument Square.
For the first time in 200 years, Concord will publicly honor and celebrate the birth of one of its most inspirational daughters, Ellen Garrison. Ellen was born in Concord daughter of a self-emancipated man Jack Garrison and granddaughter of the formerly enslaved man and revolutionary soldier Ceasar Robbins. Just as her grandfather fought for freedom, Ellen worked as a teacher in the Freedman’s Schools and served as a powerful activist around local and national questions demanding civil rights for all people. Her work on the long struggle took her from Concord to Boston, Rhode Island, Maryland, Kansas, and finally Pasadena, California where she rests.
6-7 p.m. Holy Family Parish/First Universalist Church
A program of music and celebration that honors and teaches about the events that took place in this space in support of the work for the long struggle for Civil Rights that was so much a part of Ellen’s and her family ‘s life.
7-8 p.m. Town House
A group procession from the steps Holy Family Parish/First Universalist Church to the grand public meeting space on the 2nd floor of the Town House . There invited guests will make brief remarks/announcements about ways the community is honoring Ellen and the Garrison family in celebration of this important anniversary. Music, poetry will be a part of this. Finally a time to visit and socialize with cake and refreshments for all those in attendance.
Saturday, April 15
12:45 p.m. Battle Road, Minute Man National Historical Park
Watch hundreds of British Regulars and Provincial Militia engage in a Tactical Demonstration of the running fight that occurred on April 19, 1775. Viewing areas will be designated near Minute Man Visitor Center. Be advised this demonstration will feature musket fire along with other immersive living history elements. After the demonstration you will have the opportunity to get up close and talk with these amazing volunteers about the events of April 1775.
Sunday, April 16
1:30-4:30 p.m. The Search of the Barrett Farm, Colonel James Barrett House, 448 Barrett’s Mill Road
Visit the home of Colonel James Barrett and talk with costumed park rangers and volunteers about colonial military preparations.
Monday, April 17
8:30 a.m. North Bridge Fight Commemoration, North Bridge
Commemorate Patriot’s Day with a dramatic tactical demonstration involving Colonial minute men, British regulars, and musket fire, marking the “shot heard round the world.” Roads in Concord close near 8:30 a.m. and remain closed until the ceremony and parade conclude.
9 a.m. Patriot’s Day Annual parade
The Patriots’ Day Parade goes forward rain, snow or muck and covers a route of approximately 2.5 miles. At the North Bridge a wreath-laying ceremony is held to commemorate the engagement between the Minuteman companies and British troops on April 19, 1775. The parade continues across the North Bridge and returns to Concord Center, with Dignitaries participating from neighboring towns, the state, the nation, and foreign countries with ties to Concord.
10:30 a.m. -4 p.m. Patriots’ Day Minuteman Encampment, Concord Museum
Visit the brave Acton Minutemen company in an encampment outside the Concord Museum on Patriots’ Day and see them drilling with muskets to prepare for battle, cooking over a firepit, and demonstrating colonial spinning and sewing.
Tuesday, April 18
7:45 p.m. Patriot Vigil, Old North Bridge
Reflect on the events of April 19, 1775 with a lantern-light procession, poetry, music, and a recitation of the names of the soldiers who gave their lives on that “ever-memorable” 19th of April. To participate in the lantern-light procession, please provide your own REAL candle lantern. The procession will begin at North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty Street, Concord. Participants are welcome to wear 18th century clothing if they choose, but please do not bring muskets.
