Learn from world-renown storytellers Rochel Coleman and Valerie Tutson how to mine the archives and weave primary sources into an engaging story that brings history to life.

Learn how to bring the stories of the Black men and women who played important roles in the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. Also, help to build their 18th century community by learning to tell the stories of the men and women, Black, White, and Indigenous Caribbean who were their family members, friends, patrons, and enslavers.

Learn storytelling techniques and frameworks to identify, craft, and share stories to inspire audiences.

And learn the business of storytelling and reenacting from professionals with decades of experience.

ABCL’s Black Patriots of Lexington is a multi-pronged project that includes a nine-part series that explores the lives of 5 soldiers who fought in Lexington on April 19, 1775; three Black men who witnessed the battle as Lexington residents and later enlisted in the Continental Army; and two Black women and one Black man who witnessed the first day of war. Of the 8 soldiers, 3 were born into land-owning, tax-paying families and 5 were born into enslavement. All served their nascent country well and 7 of the 8 are known to have died free men.

The project also includes portrait banners of the 11 featured Black Patriots and two workshops to help create a community of storytellers and reenactors that can bring these amazing 18th century lives to a 21st century audience.

ABCL’s Black Patriots of Lexington is supported by a Community Endowment of Lexington grant.

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This event explores our region’s revolutionary past! Learn about Freedom’s Way 250 and discover the many ways the Heritage Area and its partners are commemorating and celebrating our nation’s semiquincentennial anniversary.