CONCORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Concord Museum, renowned for its extraordinary collection of Revolutionary War objects and items from literary giants Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, is proud to announce an engaging 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 special exhibitions, a free Community Day celebration, an ongoing Forum speaker series, and a new book by Curator David 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, these rare objects will be on display like never before, offering an unprecedented opportunity to view 200 historical objects related to the Revolution across five galleries.
250th activations include:
- April 19, 1775 Exhibit: See the lantern from Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride and experience the day – April 19, 1775 – when the American Revolution began 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 a groundbreaking 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: Join the Concord Museum on April 19, 2025, for a special Community Day, offering free admission to the Museum, a welcoming, family-friendly encampment of Revolutionary living history on the Museum lawn along with drop-in, revolutionary themed crafting activities, and more.
- Eyewitness to Revolution - 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 10th - April 11th, 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.
“The excitement surrounding the 250th is undeniably building and we know it all starts in Concord with the ‘shot heard round the world,’” says Lisa Krassner, Executive Director of the Concord Museum. “Our galleries, dramatically transformed during our 2021 renovations, offer an enriching and immersive experience that tells the history of the American Revolution. We are proud to offer unparalleled access to this pivotal moment in our nation’s story and are thrilled to produce some unforgettable events and experiences along the way.”
Playing a critical role in the 250th anniversary exhibits is historian, author and curator David Wood. Wood 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. He 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.
“Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution at the Concord Museum is a dream come true,” says Wood. “Sharing my life’s work and passion with the world is truly an honor and this has been years in the making. We look forward to showing off this great and important history to the world.”
To learn more about the Concord Museum and upcoming plans for the 250th please visit: https://concordmuseum.org/250th/
About the Concord Museum
The Concord Museum connects people to Concord’s multi-faceted history and its continuing influence on American cultural, political, environmental, and literary life. Founded in 1886, the Museum houses one of the most notable collections of American material culture and decorative arts in the country, consisting of over 45,000 objects that bring Concord’s past to life. The Museum showcases the many layers of Concord’s remarkable history, including Concord’s pivotal role in the beginning of the American Revolution, the writings of celebrated Transcendentalists, the rich history and continued presence of local Indigenous communities, a strong legacy of social justice activism, and innovations in education and agriculture. A regional leader in object-based learning, the Museum offers cutting-edge school programming and teacher resources, as well as life-long learning opportunities through exhibitions and public programs. In 2024, the Concord Museum received re-accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums – the highest national recognition available to any museum in the US and the gold standard of museum excellence for over 50 years. Only 3% of all museums nationwide hold AAM accreditation.
