The Concord Museum, renowned for its collection of Revolutionary War objects and items from literary giants Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, has announced a series of commemorative initiatives to mark the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in Concord, MA. The museum will offer a host of immersive programs and experiences, including three new exhibitions, a free Community Day celebration, an ongoing Forum speaker series and a new book by curator David F. Wood. Through these initiatives, the museum will serve a leading role as the nation marks its Semiquincentennial, offering an important cultural gathering space for critical reflection, dialogue and engagement as Americans consider the legacy and continued relevance of the Revolution today.
The Concord Museum stewards one of the largest and most significant collections of objects directly linked to the events of April 19, 1775—the day “the shot heard round the world” ignited the American Revolution. These objects include the original lantern that was used as a signal on the night of Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride, as well as muskets, powder horns, flints and supplies that give an hour-by-hour account of this pivotal day in history. For the 250th anniversary, these rare objects will be on display, offering visitors an opportunity to view 200 historical objects related to the Revolution across five galleries.
Planned activations for the Semiquincentennial include:
- April 19, 1775 Exhibit – See the lantern from Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride and experience the day (April 19, 1775) through rare objects that witnessed the start of the American Revolution.
- The First of Three New Exhibitions: Whose Revolution? (Opening March 28, 2025) – This spring, the Concord Museum will debut an exhibition, “Whose Revolution?,” which explores the different meanings of “revolution” for individuals, families and communities in the years leading up to the American Revolution.
- Free Community Day (April 19, 2025) – Enjoy free admission to the museum and a welcoming, family-friendly encampment of Revolutionary living history on the Museum lawn along with drop-in, revolutionary themed crafting activities, and more.
- Book release (March 2025) – Through beautiful photography and narrative written by Concord Museum curator, David F. Wood, “Eyewitness to Revolution” parallels the immersive galleries in the museum that address the events of April 19, 1775
- 1775: A Society on the Brink of War and Revolution (April 10–11, 2025) – In partnership with the David Center for the American Revolution, the American Philosophical Society and the Massachusetts Historical Society, Concord Museum will host a “1775” themed conference exploring the challenges New England society faced at the moment fighting broke out 250 years ago.
- 250th Midnight Ride Celebration (April 26, 2025) – An unforgettable evening of festive food, entertainment and dancing as the museum commemorates this milestone in Concord’s history.
Playing a critical role in the 250th anniversary exhibits is historian, author and curator David Wood. He has served as curator at the Concord Museum since 1985, bringing over 40 years of expertise in collecting, exhibiting, interpreting and preserving objects of historical significance. Wood is a recognized authority on the history of the American Revolution, with a deep knowledge of Concord’s leading role in the beginning of the war in 1775. Wood is joined by Associate Curator and Director of Exhibitions Reed Gochberg, PhD, who brings her expertise in American material culture and museum studies to her role as project director for the 250th special exhibitions.
For more information, visit www.concordmuseum.org.
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