Community Corner
Celebrate American History This Month at Minute Man NHP
In anticipation of the Fourth of July holiday, a look at the month's special programs at the National Park in Lexington, Lincoln and Concord.
Before there were fireworks on the Fourth of July, there was musketfire. And this month, you can travel back to the days when Americans turned July 4 into Independence Day by checking the special programs at Minute Man National Historical Park.
From “Declaring Independence” to “Mrs. Hawthorne and Mrs. Longfellow,” the programs run the gamut from patriotic to literary. The events will be held at park locations in Lexington, Lincoln and Concord.
Here’s the lineup of special programs, as provided by Minute Man NHP:
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Declaring Independence
What: The fighting at North Bridge, on April 19, 1775, set the 13 British Colonies in North America on a path towards independence, which became a reality 14 months later when the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia. Join park rangers and volunteers as we mark the occasion with a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
When: 1 p.m., Thursday, July 4
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Where: The North Bridge, 174 Liberty St., Concord
How Much: Admission is free
Love Letters: The Intimate Correspondence of John and Abigail Adams
What: In April of 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail from Philadelphia, "You bid me burn your letters. But I must forget you first." Whenever John and Abigail Adams were apart, they continued a steady conversation through letter writing, and kept every single letter! "Love Letters" begins with John and Abigail's courtship and continues through some of our nation's most tumultuous times. Enjoy these iconic personalities as they reveal their teasing humor, their pleasure in their children and farm, and their undying love and respect for each other. "Love Letters" is presented by Adams scholars and veteran living history performers Patricia Bridgman and Thomas Macy. We recommend you bring a lawn chair or blanket
When: 1 p.m., Saturday, July 6
Where: Buttrick Garden at the North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty St., Concord
How Much: Admission is free
The British Redcoat
What: Why were the Regulars in Massachusetts? Why did they come to Concord? What happened on April 19, 1775 from the perspective of the King's Army? Join Park Ranger Roger Fuller to explore the answers to these questions.
When: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Sunday, July 7
Where: The Minute Man Visitor Center, Route 2A, Lexington
How Much: Admission is free
Town Meeting: Let Your Voice Be Heard!
What: It's January 1774 and word has reached the Town of Concord about the turbulence in Boston and the destruction of the East India tea. Will the town vote to support the Boston patriots and ban the consumption of tea? Debate revolutionary issues with Concord residents of 1774 (portrayed by The Guild of Historic Interpreters.) In the spirit of a true New England town meeting, you are encouraged to take part and let your voice be heard!
When: 1:30 and 3 p.m., Saturday, July 13
Where: The North Bridge, 174 Liberty St., Concord
How Much: Admission is free
Mrs. Hawthorne and Mrs. Longfellow
What: This program celebrates the parallel lives of Sophia Peabody Hawthorne, wife of author Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Fanny Appleton Longfellow, wife of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This dramatic reading, using primary-source material, emphasizes their similar lives and interactions. Readings will be done by Joan Grassey-Spinazola and Erin Lyncha, and narrated by independent literary scholar, Rob Velella.
When: 5:30 p.m., Saturday, July 13
Where: At the North Bridge Visitor Center in the historic Buttrick Garden, 174 Liberty St., Concord
How Much: Admission is free
If These Walls Could Speak
What: Trace how Jacob Whittemore's family grew and changed, using original documents and the very house they lived in. What you find may surprise you! Ample parking is available at Minute Man Visitor Center on Route 2A. The Jacob Whittemore House is about 150 yards from the visitor center. The Ranger at the front desk will direct you.
When: Saturday, July 21 at 3:00
Where: At the Jacob Whittemore House, 62 Marrett St., Lexington
How Much: Admission is free
The Long Arm of the Law
What: What crimes came before the local Magistrate in the early 1770s? Come to Hartwell Tavern and meet the Magistrate and the Constable as well as a motley group of offenders (portrayed by the Guild of Historic Interpreters.) Will the defendants be fined, sentenced to community service, or exonerated? You will have a say in the matter!When: 12, 1 and 2:45 p.m., Saturday, July 27
Where: At the Hartwell Tavern, 101 North Great Road, Lincoln (parking lot on Route 2A)
How Much: Admission is free
Colonial Music
What: Join Park Volunteer Laura Asson for a program about colonial music. Listen to real 18th-century tunes played on a fiddle and learn about the social and military uses of music and dance in colonial times. Have fun learning about history through music!
When: 2 p.m., Sunday, July 28
Where: At the Hartwell Tavern, Lincoln (parking lot on Route 2A)
How much: Admission is free
These special programs are in addition to a full schedule of daily programs. For more information, please visit the park’s website www.nps.gov/mima or call 978-318-7825.
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