Experience Patriots’ Day at Minute Man National Historical Park

Saturday, April 13, 2024
* Events happening across Minute Man NHP

This is the signature living history event at Minute Man National Historical Park, featuring hundreds of volunteer reenactors. Throughout the day learn about the events of April 19, 1775 from many points of view. Enjoy a full schedule of living history programs and demonstrations, including a fast-paced tactical demonstration along a restored stretch of the original Battle Road! Talk with volunteers portraying colonial civilians forced to leave their homes, minute men who answered the sudden call to arms, British soldiers fighting for king and country and Loyalists who saw the struggle differently from their neighbors.

Detailed Schedule:
Hartwell Tavern Open House
9:30 am- 11:30 am
Explore the interior of Hartwell Tavern and talk with living history interpreters dressed in eighteenth century attire. Learn about the experiences of the Hartwell Family on April 19, 1775 or talk about the civilian evacuation that preceded fighting along the Battle Road!

Smith House Open House
9:30 am- 11:30 am
Explore the interior of the William Smith House and talk with living history interpreters dressed in eighteenth century attire. Learn about the experiences of civilians caught in the storm of war on April 19, 1775!

Caught in the Storm of War: The Civilian Evacuation
11:00- 11:20
Learn about the experiences of non-combatants on April 19, 1775 at a special program presented at the Smith House by a interpreter dressed in historical clothing.

Parker’s Revenge Tactical Demonstration
1:00 pm
Parker’s Revenge Battle Site (Near Minute Man Visitor Center)
Watch as hundreds of volunteer reenactors demonstrate the complex tactics used by Militia Soldiers and British Regulars along the Battle Road on April 19, 1775. This program includes musket firing demonstrations. Visitors with hearing concerns should exercise caution. Click here to check out pictures from previous events!

Parking:
Parking will be available at various parking lots and overflow fields on the day of the event.
If you wish to view the events at Hartwell Tavern: Park at the Hartwell Tavern Parking Lot: 112 North Great Road, Lincoln MA
If you wish to view the events at Parkers Revenge, park at the Public Parking Lot at Minute Man Visitor Center: 250 North Great Road, Lincoln MA
If you wish to view BOTH events, we suggest walking from Hartwell Tavern event to Parker’s Revenge (A distance of 1.2 miles). We cannot guarantee parking at the Minute Man Parking lot once the event begins. There is no shuttle back to the Hartwell Parking Lot.

Photo courtesy of NPS/Amanda Pollock