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X-WR-CALNAME:Freedom's Way National Heritage Area
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Freedom's Way National Heritage Area
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260501
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260511
DTSTAMP:20260407T215133Z
CREATED:20260407T215133Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T215133Z
UID:36322-1777593600-1778457599@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Middlesex Community College's Communication Art & Design Exhibit
DESCRIPTION:Featuring artwork from the Communications\, Art and Design Department at Middlesex Community College\, this exhibition showcases the faculty’s ongoing work as practicing professional artists. Representing a range of disciplines\, the collection reflects the depth of technical mastery and creative vision sustained through their dedicated studio practices and continued contributions to the contemporary art field. \nDATES: Friday\, May 1 – Sunday\, May 10; closed Monday \nTIME: 11 AM – 5 PM \nLOCATION: LexArt\, 130 Waltham Street\, Lexington\, MA 02421 \n  \nArtwork: Garden Of Eve by Angela Alés \nThis program is offered by the Lexington Arts & Crafts Society as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/middlesex-community-colleges-communication-art-design-exhibit/
LOCATION:LexArt\, 130 Waltham Street\, Lexington\, MA\, 02421\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Exhibits
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Angela-Ales_-Garden-Of-Eve.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="LexArt":MAILTO:info@lexart.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260501
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260503
DTSTAMP:20260410T151026Z
CREATED:20260410T151026Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T151026Z
UID:36566-1777593600-1777766399@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:William Drummond Junior Fife & Drum Corps of Lexington Tattoo & Muster
DESCRIPTION:Tattoo: Friday\, May 1\, 6:30-8:30 pm on the Lexington Battle Green\, 1625 Massachusetts Ave.\n\nFree outdoor evening performance of fife and drum music at the scene of the first skirmish in the Revolutionary War. Hosted by the William Diamond Junior Fife & Drum Corps of Lexington and featuring four other corps.\n\nLexington Muster: Saturday\, May 2\, 12:00-4:00 pm at Hastings Park in Lexington (corner of Massachusetts Ave. and Worthen Rd.).\nFree outdoor afternoon of music\, history and entertainment by two dozen fife and drum corps representing different eras including the Revolution\, hosted by the William Diamond Junior Fife & Drum Corps of Lexington. Free parking; walking distance from Lexington’s historic Battle Green\, Visitors Center and historic houses.\n\nRain or Shine Event
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/william-drummond-junior-fife-drum-corps-of-lexington-tattoo-muster/
LOCATION:Lexington Battle Green\, 1625 Massachusetts Ave.\, Lexington\, MA\, 02420\, United States
CATEGORIES:Living History
ORGANIZER;CN="William Diamond Junior Fife &amp%3B Drum Corps":MAILTO:wdj@ezzellwebb.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260501T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260501T160000
DTSTAMP:20260407T160818Z
CREATED:20260407T160818Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T160818Z
UID:36238-1777640400-1777651200@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Imagine What This Prison Wall Would Say? The Legacy of the Concord Prison.
DESCRIPTION:Did you know Concord Prison has a nearly 150-year history featuring experimental psychology\, notable inmates\, and distinctive architecture? \nJoin us on May 1 to learn about the prison’s origins in 1878\, its evolution\, community impact\, and eventual closure in 2025. The story begins with Concord Reformatory and includes other facilities like Charlestown Jail and Rutland Prison Camp. \nCome celebrate May Day\, and have an opportunity to check out the 1\,000 daffodils and hyacinths we planted last year at the Concord Prison Cemetery! Bring your chair and favorite picnic food to share; Ice cream truck will also be available! \nDATE: Friday\, May 1 \nTIME: 1 – 4 PM \nLOCATION: Gerow Pavilion\, 369 Commonwealth Avenue\, Concord\, MA 01742. Directly abutting the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail across from the Concord Prison. Parking is available. \nACCESS: The pavilion is accessible. \n  \nPhoto courtesy of Concord Prison Outreach \nThis program is offered by Concord Prison Outreach as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/imagine-what-this-prison-wall-would-say-the-legacy-of-the-concord-prison/
LOCATION:Gerow Pavillion\, 369 Commonwealth Ave\, Concord\, MA\, 01742\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Talks,Open House
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Image-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260501T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260501T150000
DTSTAMP:20260424T180821Z
CREATED:20260408T161437Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T180821Z
UID:36415-1777644000-1777647600@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Lancaster History Month Lecture: Mary Rowlandson 350 Years Later
DESCRIPTION:When Lancaster resident Mary Rowlandson published her captivity narrative in 1682\, it quickly became a best-seller both in the American colonies and in Britain. But what was it about her story that was so interesting? Why did seventeenth-century readers enjoy a captivity narrative so much? Join our Special Collections and Archives Librarian to learn more about what made captivity narratives popular and what made Mary Rowlandson’s special. \nREGISTRATION REQUESTED: thayermemoriallibrary.assabetinteractive.com \nDATE: Friday\, May 1 \nTIME: 2 – 3 PM \nLOCATION: Reference Room\, Thayer Memorial Library\, 717 Main Street\, Lancaster\, MA 01523 \n  \nThis program is offered by Thayer Memorial Library as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/lancaster-history-month-lecture-mary-rowlandson-350-years-later/
LOCATION:Thayer Memorial Library\, 717 Main St\, Lancaster\, MA\, 01523\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LHM-Captivity-and-Redemption.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260501T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260501T220000
DTSTAMP:20260325T202746Z
CREATED:20260325T202746Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T202746Z
UID:35644-1777663800-1777672800@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:HAIRSPRAY at The Umbrella Arts Center
DESCRIPTION:The Umbrella Stage Company proudly presents HAIRSPRAY\, directed and choreographed by Najee Brown. With big hair\, big laughs\, and even bigger heart\, this joyous\, high-energy musical proves that when we dance together\, anything is possible. \nPreviews: Friday\, April 24 & Saturday\, April 25\, 2026. Playing: Sunday\, April 26\, 2026 through Sunday\, May 17\, 2026 in Theater 144 at 40 Stow Street | Concord\, MA \nHairspray\, the Tony award winner based on the John Waters film\, is a 1960s musical piled bouffant-high with revolutionary joy. Tracy Turnblad’s dream to dance on the Corny Collins Show has come true\, but this determined teen won’t just do the twist and the mashed potato: she’ll use her star power to integrate Baltimore’s TV network to a swingin’ soundtrack! The Color Purple choreographer Najee Brown makes his Umbrella directing debut with this big-hearted celebration of what happens when everyone gets a chance to dance. \nShows run Sunday at 3:00 PM\, Thursday & Friday at 7:30 PM\, and Saturday at 8:00 PM (with an exception for a 6:30 PM performance Sunday\, May 3). \nSpecial KidCare Shows on May 3 and May 17 will allow parents an opportunity to attend a matinee performance while their child(ren) ages 5-12 engage in art activities inspired by the show in one of The Umbrella’s classrooms with an experienced teacher. \nDinner & A Show packages are available for all Thursday night performances.  \nBook by Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan. Music by Marc Shaiman. Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman. Based on the New Line Cinema film\, written and directed by John Waters.  \nHAIRSPRAY is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIshows.org.
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/hairspray-at-the-umbrella-arts-center/2026-05-01/
LOCATION:The Umbrella Arts Center\, 40 Stow Street\, Concord\, MA\, 01742\, United States
CATEGORIES:Performances
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HAIRSPRAY-The-Umbrella-Arts-Center-1080-x-1080.png
ORGANIZER;CN="The Umbrella Arts Center":MAILTO:stewart@theumbrellaarts.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260502
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260504
DTSTAMP:20260408T163623Z
CREATED:20260408T163623Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T163623Z
UID:36434-1777680000-1777852799@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Open Studios
DESCRIPTION:The Umbrella Arts Center in the heart of historic Concord Center cultural district is home to more than 50 working artists skilled in a variety of fine and applied arts including ceramics\, glass\, fiber arts\, jewelry making\, illustration\, mixed-media\, painting\, photography\, printmaking\, illustration\, sculpture\, woodworking\, writing and more. \nSince the organization’s founding Studio Artists have been at the heart of making this facility a community asset and wellspring of creative activity. Our annual Open Studios is an incredible opportunity to meet our artists\, learn about their process\, and share in celebrating their work. \nConcurrently\, our Main Gallery will feature new mixed media work by our Studio Artists\, and work by students and teachers from The Umbrella Ceramics Studio will be available for sale. \nDATE: Saturday\, May 2 & Sunday May 3 \nTIME: 12 – 5 PM \nLOCATION: The Umbrella Arts Center\, 40 Stow Street\, Concord\, MA 01742 \nACCESS: Handicap parking is available in the two adjacent town-run parking lots. The 2019-renovated building is ADA compliant with elevators to access all three floors of artwork and artists’ studios. \n  \nPhoto courtesy of Marian Stanton \nThis program is offered by The Umbrella Arts Center as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/open-studios/
LOCATION:The Umbrella Arts Center\, 40 Stow Street\, Concord\, MA\, 01742\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Open House
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Umbrella-Arts-Open-Studio-April-20259-1.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="The Umbrella Arts Center":MAILTO:stewart@theumbrellaarts.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260502
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260505
DTSTAMP:20260408T210917Z
CREATED:20260408T210917Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T210917Z
UID:36829-1777680000-1777939199@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Blacksmith Demo in Colonial Town
DESCRIPTION:Blacksmithing Demonstration at KeeneMetaling Forge\nThe Village Blacksmith in a Colonial Town \nExperience Fire\, Steel\, and Craftsmanship — Up Close \nStep into the world of traditional blacksmithing at the KeeneMetaling forge in Lexington\, where raw steel is heated\, hammered\, and transformed before your eyes. \nThis live demonstration offers a rare\, behind-the-scenes look at the tools\, techniques\, and artistry of blacksmithing. You’ll learn how everyday objects were once made by hand\, hear stories about the craft’s historical roots\, and watch metal take shape in real time. Perfect for anyone curious about craftsmanship\, history\, or heritage crafts. \nPROGRAM DETAILS\nFormat: Live blacksmithing demonstration (demo only; no hands-on participation)\nDuration: 45 minutes to 1 hour\nGroup Size: Extremely limited — maximum 4 attendees per session\nLocation: Private KeeneMetaling forge (address provided upon registration)\nRegistration Required \nDue to the size of the forge and safety considerations\, advance registration is required.\nSpots are very limited and expected to fill quickly. \n👉 Reserve your time slot here: signupgenius.com/ \nWEATHER POLICY\nThis is an outdoor/shed-based experience and is weather dependent. While participants will be inside\, In the event of inclement weather\, sessions will be rescheduled to a designated rain date or an alternate time. Registered participants will be notified in advance of any changes. \nWHO SHOULD ATTEND\nCurious beginners and craft enthusiasts\nHistory lovers and those interested in early American trades\nAnyone looking for a unique\, small-group experience \nA NOTE ON THE EXPERIENCE\nThis is an intimate\, small-group setting – not a large event. You’ll be standing just feet away from the forge\, hearing the ring of hammer on steel and feeling the heat of the fire. It’s a chance to slow down\, observe\, and connect with a craft that has shaped human history for centuries. \nDATES & TIMES: Numerous options throughout May \nLOCATION: Lexington\, MA 02420. Address provided upon registration. \n  \nThis program is offered by KeeneMetaling.com as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!  \n 
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/blacksmith-demo-in-colonial-town/2026-05-02/
LOCATION:KeeneMetaling.com\, Lexington\, MA\, 02420\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Living History
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/forge-craft-hot-industry-craft-05bdf3-1024.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260502T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260502T110000
DTSTAMP:20260407T223536Z
CREATED:20260407T223536Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T223536Z
UID:36341-1777716000-1777719600@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Park Serve Day
DESCRIPTION:Join this family activity to help build homes for our local Eastern bluebirds and plant spring flowers at Stillwater Farm. \nLearn about bluebird habitat\, attracting and keeping bluebirds\, and how to maintain and predator-proof a bluebird house. Build a nesting box to take home for your own backyard. \nREGISTRATION REQUIRED\, SPOTS ARE LIMITED. \nDATE: Saturday\, May 2 \nTIME: 10 – 11 AM \nLOCATION: Stillwater Farm Interpretive Center\, 228 Redemption Rock Road\, Sterling\, MA 01564 \nACCESSIBILITY: Limited accessibility. For ADA/reasonable accommodations\, please call (617) 645-0358\, or email moneesha.dasgupta2@mass.gov \nIMPORTANT NOTES: Dogs are not allowed on water supply protection lands. Service and medical support animals\, when acting within their service capacity\, are welcome. \n  \n  \nThis program is offered by MA DCR Division of Water Supply Protection as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/park-serve-day/
LOCATION:Stillwater Farm Interpretive Center\, 228 Redemption Rock Rd\, Sterling\, 01564\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Volunteer Opportunities,Workshops & Classes
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/stillwater-farm.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260502T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260502T160000
DTSTAMP:20260202T155601Z
CREATED:20260202T155601Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T155601Z
UID:34386-1777719600-1777737600@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Sudbury Witness House Tour
DESCRIPTION:In celebration of America250\, the Sudbury Historical Society (SHS) will proudly present the Sudbury Witness House Tour on Saturday\, May 2nd! \nExperience some of the oldest homes in Sudbury that witnessed 1776: the momentous year of the ratification of the United States Declaration of Independence and one that recalls the town spirit in Sudbury through its famous 01776 zip code. \nThe Sudbury Witness House Tour will begin at the first stop: the Loring Parsonage. The home was built for Reverend Israel Loring (1682-1772)\, stood through the American Revolution\, and is now the home of the Sudbury History Center and Museum. There\, attendees will receive their tour booklet and begin their journey to a group of impressive Witness Houses—homes that have been in Sudbury since 1776 or earlier—that are now private residences for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. \nTo secure your spot for this amazing event at the early-bird rate\, click here for tickets.
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/sudbury-witness-house-tour/
LOCATION:Sudbury History Center & Museum\, 288 Old Sudbury Road\, Sudbury\, MA\, 01776\, United States
CATEGORIES:Exhibits,Tours,Open House
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Sudbury-Witness-House-Tour-Flyer-1-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Sudbury Historical Society":MAILTO:info@sudbury01776.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260502T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260502T160000
DTSTAMP:20260226T191330Z
CREATED:20260226T191330Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T191330Z
UID:34369-1777719600-1777737600@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Sudbury Witness House Tour
DESCRIPTION:In celebration of America250\, the Sudbury Historical Society (SHS) will proudly present the Sudbury Witness House Tour on Saturday\, May 2nd!\n\nExperience some of the oldest homes in Sudbury that witnessed 1776: the momentous year of the ratification of the United States Declaration of Independence and one that recalls the town spirit in Sudbury through its famous 01776 zip code.\n\nThe Sudbury Witness House Tour will begin at the first stop: the Loring Parsonage. The home was built for Reverend Israel Loring (1682-1772)\, stood through the American Revolution\, and is now the home of the Sudbury History Center and Museum. There\, attendees will receive their tour booklet and begin their journey to a group of impressive Witness Houses—homes that have been in Sudbury since 1776 or earlier—that are now private residences for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.\n\nTo secure your spot for this amazing event at the early-bird rate\, click here for tickets.
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/sudbury-witness-house-tour-2/
LOCATION:Sudbury History Center & Museum\, 288 Old Sudbury Road\, Sudbury\, MA\, 01776\, United States
CATEGORIES:Exhibits,Tours,Open House
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Sudbury-Witness-House-Tour-Flyer-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Sudbury Historical Society":MAILTO:info@sudbury01776.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260502T113000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260502T123000
DTSTAMP:20260407T224127Z
CREATED:20260407T224127Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T224127Z
UID:36343-1777721400-1777725000@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Who’s Whoo in the Watershed Forest
DESCRIPTION:Step into the meadow and forest to uncover the secrets of local wildlife! On this ½ mile habitat hike\, search for owl pellets and other wildlife clues. Learn about animal diets by examining replica skulls. After the hike\, you’ll have the opportunity to see what an owl eats by dissecting a sterilized owl pellet. \nDATE: Saturday\, May 2 \nTIME: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM \nLOCATION: Stillwater Farm Interpretive Center\, 228 Redemption Rock Road\, Sterling\, MA 01564 \nACCESSIBILITY: Limited accessibility. For ADA/reasonable accommodations\, please call (617) 645-0358\, or email moneesha.dasgupta2@mass.gov \nIMPORTANT NOTES: Dogs are not allowed on water supply protection lands. Service and medical support animals\, when acting within their service capacity\, are welcome. \n  \n  \nThis program is offered by MA DCR Division of Water Supply Protection as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/whos-whoo-in-the-watershed-forest/
LOCATION:Stillwater Farm Interpretive Center\, 228 Redemption Rock Rd\, Sterling\, 01564\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Walks & Hikes
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20190328_151852-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260502T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260502T200000
DTSTAMP:20260513T155810Z
CREATED:20260408T203800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T155810Z
UID:36485-1777746600-1777752000@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Hidden Gems from Guitar Museum of New England
DESCRIPTION:Special spring special pop-up exhibition and events series previewing the design\, approach and exhibitions of the future Guitar Museum of New England in West Concord\, the first and only permanently installed museum in the Americas exclusively dedicated to the guitar and find luthier craft. \nEvents range from master luthier and curator talks\, musical performances\, examples drawn from several distinctive guitar collections\, and architectural and animated renderings of the future museum building. \nSpace is limited for some events and require RSVP online. Updates and event registration available at GuitarMuseum.org/events \nDATES & TIMES\nMay 2 | 6:30 – 8 PM— Celtic harp performed by Jaimee Joroff\nMay 9 | 6:30 – 8 PM — Hidden Gems opening reception with live music by the Goodwin String Thing\nMay 16 | 10 AM – 3 PM* — Meet the Curator with Wilson Schünemann (*Note time change)\nMay 23 | 6:30 – 8 PM — TBD \nLOCATION: Guitar Museum of New England\, 129 Commonwealth Avenue\, West Concord\, MA 01742 \nACCESS: Building is not wheelchair accessible but inquire about portable ramp accommodation. \n  \nImage: Klein & Kauffman pair of acoustics | Medium: Wood (Bharat Parmar\, photographer) \n  \nThis program is offered by the Guitar Museum of New England as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/hidden-gems-from-guitar-museum-of-new-england/2026-05-02/
LOCATION:Guitar Museum of New England\, 129 Commonwealth Avenue\, West Concord\, 01742\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Performances,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Klein-Kauffman-acoustics.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Guitar Museum of New England":MAILTO:media@guitarmuseum.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260502T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260502T223000
DTSTAMP:20260325T202747Z
CREATED:20260325T202747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T202747Z
UID:35645-1777752000-1777761000@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:HAIRSPRAY at The Umbrella Arts Center
DESCRIPTION:The Umbrella Stage Company proudly presents HAIRSPRAY\, directed and choreographed by Najee Brown. With big hair\, big laughs\, and even bigger heart\, this joyous\, high-energy musical proves that when we dance together\, anything is possible. \nPreviews: Friday\, April 24 & Saturday\, April 25\, 2026. Playing: Sunday\, April 26\, 2026 through Sunday\, May 17\, 2026 in Theater 144 at 40 Stow Street | Concord\, MA \nHairspray\, the Tony award winner based on the John Waters film\, is a 1960s musical piled bouffant-high with revolutionary joy. Tracy Turnblad’s dream to dance on the Corny Collins Show has come true\, but this determined teen won’t just do the twist and the mashed potato: she’ll use her star power to integrate Baltimore’s TV network to a swingin’ soundtrack! The Color Purple choreographer Najee Brown makes his Umbrella directing debut with this big-hearted celebration of what happens when everyone gets a chance to dance. \nShows run Sunday at 3:00 PM\, Thursday & Friday at 7:30 PM\, and Saturday at 8:00 PM (with an exception for a 6:30 PM performance Sunday\, May 3). \nSpecial KidCare Shows on May 3 and May 17 will allow parents an opportunity to attend a matinee performance while their child(ren) ages 5-12 engage in art activities inspired by the show in one of The Umbrella’s classrooms with an experienced teacher. \nDinner & A Show packages are available for all Thursday night performances.  \nBook by Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan. Music by Marc Shaiman. Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman. Based on the New Line Cinema film\, written and directed by John Waters.  \nHAIRSPRAY is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIshows.org.
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/hairspray-at-the-umbrella-arts-center/2026-05-02/
LOCATION:The Umbrella Arts Center\, 40 Stow Street\, Concord\, MA\, 01742\, United States
CATEGORIES:Performances
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HAIRSPRAY-The-Umbrella-Arts-Center-1080-x-1080.png
ORGANIZER;CN="The Umbrella Arts Center":MAILTO:stewart@theumbrellaarts.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260503
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260504
DTSTAMP:20260414T162625Z
CREATED:20260406T120239Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T162625Z
UID:36156-1777766400-1777852799@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:“A-Town Tiny Shed” Series
DESCRIPTION:Discover Arlington’s Cultural District at the Visitor Center on the Minuteman Bikeway\, site of the birthplace of the real “Uncle Sam\,” with pop-up music\, exhibits\, workshops\, table chats and self-guided audio tours. \nPlanned programs include:\nSunday\, May 3: ArtsArlington Public Art Table with live jazz\nSaturday\, May 9: Arlington Cultural District Self-Guided Audio Tour\nSunday\, May 10: Mother’s Day live jazz\nSaturday\, May 16: Arlington Cultural District Self-Guided Audio Tour\nSunday\, May 17: David Lamson and Black Patriots of Menotomy poster display\, with live music by Better Late Boston\nSaturday\, May 23: Arlington Cultural District Self-Guided Audio Tour\nSunday\, May 24: ArtsArlington’s “People\, Plants & Revolution” public art pop-up with arts and crafts by Mystic Open Studio\nSunday\, May 31: Arlington250’s meet midnight rider William Dawes\, with live jazz \nSee https://ArtsArlington.org/TinyShed for details and updates \nLOCATION: Arlington Visitor Center\, 4 Mystic Street\, Arlington\, MA 02474 \nACCESS: ADA parking is available in the adjacent Town parking lot; an accessible walkway connects to a ramp at the rear of the Visitor Center. \n  \nPhoto courtesy Ed Blundell\, ArtsArlington \n  \nThis program is offered by ArtsArlington and the Arlington Tourism and Economic Development Committee\, with support from Mirak Properties and the Mass Cultural Council\, as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/a-town-tiny-shed-series/2026-05-03/
LOCATION:Arlington Visitor Center\, 4 Mystic Street\, Arlington\, 02474\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Performances,Tours,Open House
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PXL_20250921_161809848_resize-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260503
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260506
DTSTAMP:20260408T210917Z
CREATED:20260408T210917Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T210917Z
UID:36830-1777766400-1778025599@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Blacksmith Demo in Colonial Town
DESCRIPTION:Blacksmithing Demonstration at KeeneMetaling Forge\nThe Village Blacksmith in a Colonial Town \nExperience Fire\, Steel\, and Craftsmanship — Up Close \nStep into the world of traditional blacksmithing at the KeeneMetaling forge in Lexington\, where raw steel is heated\, hammered\, and transformed before your eyes. \nThis live demonstration offers a rare\, behind-the-scenes look at the tools\, techniques\, and artistry of blacksmithing. You’ll learn how everyday objects were once made by hand\, hear stories about the craft’s historical roots\, and watch metal take shape in real time. Perfect for anyone curious about craftsmanship\, history\, or heritage crafts. \nPROGRAM DETAILS\nFormat: Live blacksmithing demonstration (demo only; no hands-on participation)\nDuration: 45 minutes to 1 hour\nGroup Size: Extremely limited — maximum 4 attendees per session\nLocation: Private KeeneMetaling forge (address provided upon registration)\nRegistration Required \nDue to the size of the forge and safety considerations\, advance registration is required.\nSpots are very limited and expected to fill quickly. \n👉 Reserve your time slot here: signupgenius.com/ \nWEATHER POLICY\nThis is an outdoor/shed-based experience and is weather dependent. While participants will be inside\, In the event of inclement weather\, sessions will be rescheduled to a designated rain date or an alternate time. Registered participants will be notified in advance of any changes. \nWHO SHOULD ATTEND\nCurious beginners and craft enthusiasts\nHistory lovers and those interested in early American trades\nAnyone looking for a unique\, small-group experience \nA NOTE ON THE EXPERIENCE\nThis is an intimate\, small-group setting – not a large event. You’ll be standing just feet away from the forge\, hearing the ring of hammer on steel and feeling the heat of the fire. It’s a chance to slow down\, observe\, and connect with a craft that has shaped human history for centuries. \nDATES & TIMES: Numerous options throughout May \nLOCATION: Lexington\, MA 02420. Address provided upon registration. \n  \nThis program is offered by KeeneMetaling.com as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!  \n 
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/blacksmith-demo-in-colonial-town/2026-05-03/
LOCATION:KeeneMetaling.com\, Lexington\, MA\, 02420\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Living History
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/forge-craft-hot-industry-craft-05bdf3-1024.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260503T093000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260503T113000
DTSTAMP:20260408T204659Z
CREATED:20260408T204659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T204659Z
UID:36492-1777800600-1777807800@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Veteran and First Responder Hike
DESCRIPTION:Hidden Battles Foundation’s Sunday morning ruck and hikes are community-based gatherings designed to bring veterans\, first responders\, and supporters together through purposeful movement and connection. \nHeld at Mine Falls Park\, Nashua these outings typically cover 3–5 miles and include handicap-capable accessible routes\, ensuring the experience is welcoming and inclusive for all ability levels. We hike rain or shine. \nThe hikes create a supportive\, low-pressure environment where participants can build camaraderie\, strengthen both body and mind\, and engage in meaningful conversation while enjoying the outdoors. By combining physical activity with peer support\, the Sunday rucks and hikes promote positive mental health\, resilience\, and a strong sense of belonging—reminding participants that no one has to walk their journey alone \nDATE: Sundays\, May 3\, 10\, 17\, 24\, 31 \nTIME: Meet-up between 9 – 9:30 AM; Estimated end time: 11:30 AM \nMEET-UP LOCATION: Skate Park near the Nashua YMCA\, 24 Stadium Drive\, Nashua\, NH 03062. Hikes take place within Mine Falls Park. \nACCESS: Most trails are mobility impaired accessible. We will chose a route that accommodates everyone’s needs. \n  \nThis program is offered by the Hidden Battles Foundation as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/veteran-and-first-responder-hike/2026-05-03/
LOCATION:Mine Falls Park\, Whipple Street\, Nashua\, NH\, 03060\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Walks & Hikes
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sunday-ruck-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260503T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260503T160000
DTSTAMP:20260407T214441Z
CREATED:20260407T214441Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T214441Z
UID:36315-1777802400-1777824000@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:LexArt Outdoor Artisan Market
DESCRIPTION:During the warmer months\, LexArt will be hosting outdoor artisan pop-up markets in our Parking Lot. These markets will have vendors that are selling one of kind handmade arts and crafts. LexArt is inviting local artists to come set up a tent to sell their unique and well-crafted artwork. \nDATE: Sunday\, May 3 (Rain Date: Saturday\, May 9\, same time) \nTIME: 10 AM – 4 PM \nLOCATION: LexArt\, 130 Waltham Street\, Lexington\, MA 02421 \n  \nThis program is offered by the Lexington Arts & Crafts Society as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/lexart-outdoor-artisan-market-3/
LOCATION:LexArt\, 130 Waltham Street\, Lexington\, MA\, 02421\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Open House
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/lexart-market.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="LexArt":MAILTO:info@lexart.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260503T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260503T140000
DTSTAMP:20260429T163412Z
CREATED:20260429T163412Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T163412Z
UID:37162-1777806000-1777816800@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Fells Natural Dye Workshop with Elizabeth James-Perry
DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Middlesex Fells for a natural dye workshop led by Elizabeth James-Perry\, Aquinnah Wampanoag Artist and Educator. \n\n\n\n\nPlease join us on Sunday\, May 3rd from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM for a natural dye workshop and Wampum art showcase in the Middlesex Fells. Elizabeth James-Perry will use natural plants and earth elements to create sustainable dyes for clothing coloring. This event is part of the Friends of the Fells Native Land Learning Series honoring the deep knowledge and contributions of our Indigenous community members\, led by Elizabeth James-Perry. Check out our Eventbrite Calendar to learn more and register for our other programs in this series. \nCLICK HERE TO REGISTER. \nThis program is offered in partnership with Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Learn more at freedomsway.org. \nSpeaker: Elizabeth James-Perry \nAbout Elizabeth James-Perry: Elizabeth James-Perry is an Aquinnah Wampanoag Culture Bearer\, Educator\, and restorative Native gardener who is dedicated to the revival and continuity of valuable Indigenous knowledge. She is a Wampum artist\, guided by community mentors\, who explores themes of Northeastern Woodlands\, maritime traditions\, and Native identity and sovereignty. Jewelry and textile work will be available for purchase for attendees. Learn more about Elizabeth James-Perry at her website: elizabethjamesperry.com. \nLocation: Please meet at the Botume House Visitor Center (Google Maps location here). Parking is available at the Botume House Visitor Center Parking lot and Spot Pond Boating lot (Google Maps location here). \nAppropriate for: All are welcome! Children 10 years and older must be accompanied by an adult. \nContact: Please reach out to andrea.robles@fells.org with questions about this event. \nDogs: While we love experiencing the outdoors with our dogs\, this program is not suitable for dogs. We ask that you please leave your furry friends home while attending this program. \nCheck out our calendar for dog-friendly events! \nImage: Tim Pich\, elizabethjamesperry.com \nPlease note: Emails from Eventbrite may end up in your spam folder. Please check your spam folder if you have registered for the waitlist to ensure that you are receiving the email notifications. We also suggest removing Eventbrite from your spam sender list.
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/fells-natural-dye-workshop-with-elizabeth-james-perry/
LOCATION:Botume House Visitor Center\, 4 Woodland Rd\, Stoneham\, MA\, MA\, 02180
CATEGORIES:Workshops & Classes
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/elizabeth_james-perry.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260503T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260503T133000
DTSTAMP:20260430T150001Z
CREATED:20260430T145152Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T150001Z
UID:37209-1777809600-1777815000@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:GO FISH! – a community mural
DESCRIPTION:This Spring\, be a part of ArtsArlington’s new public art project celebrating valiant fish\, a healthy ecosystem\, clean water\, and Arlington’s vibrant community! \nHelp paint 2\,000 fish for a mural on the Fox Library and neighborhood storefronts. Come to a free workshop with friends\, family\, or on your own. Open to adults\, kids (ages 6 and up) and families. All levels of experience welcome – just bring your imagination!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/go-fish-a-community-mural/2026-05-03/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Workshops & Classes
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-01-at-8.56.16-AM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260503T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260503T160000
DTSTAMP:20260429T162815Z
CREATED:20240425T200308Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T162815Z
UID:21311-1777813200-1777824000@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:1776 and Beyond
DESCRIPTION:  \n\n		\n			\n				\n			\n			\n		 \n		\n			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.
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/1776-and-beyond/2026-05-03/
LOCATION:Medford Historical Society Museum\, 10 Governors Avenue\, Medford\, MA\, 02155\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Exhibits,Open House
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/medford-historical-society_logo-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Medford Historical Society & Museum":MAILTO:medfordhistorical02155@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260503T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260503T161500
DTSTAMP:20260406T131959Z
CREATED:20260403T195652Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260406T131959Z
UID:36096-1777820400-1777824900@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Historical Piano Concerts from The Frederick Collection: Yuan Sheng
DESCRIPTION:Historical Piano Concerts’ 40th Spring season presents performances on Sundays in May. The four concerts pay homage to the pianist-composers associated with the Collection’s historical original pianos. You’ll find detailed information on all events and the instruments at FrederickCollection.org. \nOn Sunday\, May 3rd\, Yuan Sheng plays Brahms’s late works\, Op.116 through 119: Romances\, Intermezzi\, Caprices\, Ballades\, Rhapsodies. The piano is by Streicher\, Vienna\, 1868\, from The Frederick Collection. \nREGISTRATION REQUIRED: To reserve your free concert tickets during the month of May\, please call 978-827-6232 or email piano.fred@juno.com with the number of adult tickets you’d like—remember to reference Hidden Treasures! Concerts are always free of charge to students and children. \nTours of the Frederick Historical Piano Collection\, on which the concerts are based\, are available by appointment\, on non-concert days. The collection focuses on the kinds of pianos owned and played in concert by the great composers\, letting modern musicians and listeners hear the music in its exciting true colors. Call 978-827-6232 or email piano.fred@juno.com to book a tour; there is no set fee for guided tours of the Piano Collection. \nDATE: Sunday\, May 3rd \nTIME: 3 – 4:15 PM \nLOCATION: New Dawn Arts Center\, 84 Main Street\, Ashburnham\, MA 01430 \n  \nThis program is offered by Historical Piano Concerts\, Inc. as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/historical-piano-concerts-may-3/
LOCATION:New Dawn Arts Center\, 84 Main Street\, Ashburnham\, MA\, 01430\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Performances,Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Yuan-photo-with-Bach-score_resize.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Historical Piano Concerts%2C Inc.":MAILTO:piano.fred@juno.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260503T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260503T161500
DTSTAMP:20260422T164836Z
CREATED:20260408T195248Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T164836Z
UID:36470-1777820400-1777824900@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:The Concord250 Poetry Project: Reimagining America's 1776 Declaration of Independence
DESCRIPTION:The winning poets of a statewide contest will read their powerful original works and share the stories behind them\, followed by a reception with light refreshments. Massachusetts poets were invited to bring their joy of language and resourceful imagination to reflect on America’s 1776 Independence and create an original poem that acknowledges America’s past while addressing the continuing pursuit of justice\, equity\, and inclusion for all. \nRecordings of the awarded poets’ poems will be broadcast on the West Concord Poetry Phone\, located off of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail on Beharrell Street in West Concord\, MA\, in front of the Brookside Square Apartments. \nDATE: Sunday\, May 3 \nTIME: 3 – 4:15 PM \nLOCATION: Goodwin Forum\, Concord Free Public Library\, 129 Main Street\, Concord\, MA 01742 \nACCESS: The Concord Library is accessible and so is the West Concord Poetry Phone booth. \n  \nPhoto courtesy of The Concord Bridge \nThis program is offered by Concord 250\, West Concord Cultural District Committee and the Concord Free Public Library as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/the-concord250-poetry-project-reimagining-americas-1776-declaration-of-independence/
LOCATION:Concord Free Public Library\, 129 Main St\, Concord\, MA\, 01742\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Exhibits,Performances
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SpringIntoWestConcord_02-1.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Town of Concord 250th Committee":MAILTO:250celebration@concordma.gov
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260503T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260503T210000
DTSTAMP:20260325T202747Z
CREATED:20260325T202747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T202747Z
UID:35646-1777833000-1777842000@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:HAIRSPRAY at The Umbrella Arts Center
DESCRIPTION:The Umbrella Stage Company proudly presents HAIRSPRAY\, directed and choreographed by Najee Brown. With big hair\, big laughs\, and even bigger heart\, this joyous\, high-energy musical proves that when we dance together\, anything is possible. \nPreviews: Friday\, April 24 & Saturday\, April 25\, 2026. Playing: Sunday\, April 26\, 2026 through Sunday\, May 17\, 2026 in Theater 144 at 40 Stow Street | Concord\, MA \nHairspray\, the Tony award winner based on the John Waters film\, is a 1960s musical piled bouffant-high with revolutionary joy. Tracy Turnblad’s dream to dance on the Corny Collins Show has come true\, but this determined teen won’t just do the twist and the mashed potato: she’ll use her star power to integrate Baltimore’s TV network to a swingin’ soundtrack! The Color Purple choreographer Najee Brown makes his Umbrella directing debut with this big-hearted celebration of what happens when everyone gets a chance to dance. \nShows run Sunday at 3:00 PM\, Thursday & Friday at 7:30 PM\, and Saturday at 8:00 PM (with an exception for a 6:30 PM performance Sunday\, May 3). \nSpecial KidCare Shows on May 3 and May 17 will allow parents an opportunity to attend a matinee performance while their child(ren) ages 5-12 engage in art activities inspired by the show in one of The Umbrella’s classrooms with an experienced teacher. \nDinner & A Show packages are available for all Thursday night performances.  \nBook by Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan. Music by Marc Shaiman. Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman. Based on the New Line Cinema film\, written and directed by John Waters.  \nHAIRSPRAY is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIshows.org.
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/hairspray-at-the-umbrella-arts-center/2026-05-03/
LOCATION:The Umbrella Arts Center\, 40 Stow Street\, Concord\, MA\, 01742\, United States
CATEGORIES:Performances
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HAIRSPRAY-The-Umbrella-Arts-Center-1080-x-1080.png
ORGANIZER;CN="The Umbrella Arts Center":MAILTO:stewart@theumbrellaarts.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260504T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260504T193000
DTSTAMP:20260407T170146Z
CREATED:20260407T170146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T170146Z
UID:36252-1777919400-1777923000@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Henry David Thoreau Reads "Civil Disobedience"
DESCRIPTION:Step back in time\, as American author Henry David Thoreau reads his essay\, “Civil Disobedience\,” courtesy of Gloucester actor and teacher Jay DiPrima! Dr. DiPrima will perform the lecture in character\, as he would have delivered it in the 1800s. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A discussion. \nSpace is limited. Please register by calling 978-829-1780 (option 2) or online at https://bit.ly/FPLThoreau \nThis program is supported in part by a grant from the Fitchburg Cultural Council\, a local agency\, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council\, a state agency. \nDATE: Monday\, May 4 \nTIME: 6:30 – 7:30 PM \nLOCATION: Fitchburg Public Library (temporary location)\, 166 Boulder Drive\, Suite 108\, Fitchburg\, MA 01420 \n  \n  \nThis program is offered by Fitchburg Public Library\, with support from the Fitchburg Cultural Council\, as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/henry-david-thoreau-reads-civil-disobedience/
LOCATION:Fitchburg Public Library (Temporary Location)\, 166 Boulder Drive\, Suite 108\, Fitchburg\, MA\, 01420\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Living History
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/May-Civil-Disobedience-Social.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Fitchburg Public Library":MAILTO:fplref@cwmars.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260506T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260506T193000
DTSTAMP:20260505T172422Z
CREATED:20260408T161747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260505T172422Z
UID:36418-1778092200-1778095800@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:CANCELLED: Lancaster History Month Lecture: Small Towns\, Big Ideas
DESCRIPTION:NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. \nWhat can small New England towns teach us about the meaning of independence—250 years later? \nIn this engaging talk\, local historian and teacher Tim Castner explores how town meetings became a training ground for democracy in the years leading up to the American Revolution. Starting with the story of Mary Rowlandson\, we’ll look at how shared experiences of conflict and survival shaped community life and political decision-making. \nAlong the way\, we’ll consider both the promise and the limits of these early democratic practices—and what they still mean today. \nNOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. \nDATE: Wednesday\, May 6 \nTIME: 6:30 – 7:30 PM \nLOCATION: Reference Room\, Thayer Memorial Library\, 717 Main Street\, Lancaster\, MA 01523 \n  \nThis program is offered by Thayer Memorial Library as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/lancaster-history-month-lecture-small-towns-big-ideas/
LOCATION:Thayer Memorial Library\, 717 Main St\, Lancaster\, MA\, 01523\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LHM-Small-Towns-Big-Ideas.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260507T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260507T190000
DTSTAMP:20260407T220838Z
CREATED:20260407T220838Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T220838Z
UID:36325-1778176800-1778180400@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:History of the Construction of the Wachusett Reservoir
DESCRIPTION:Take a deep dive into the history of the Wachusett Reservoir! Includes a look at historical photographs\, annual reports\, and archived scrapbooks showing the engineering marvel of the reservoir system. \nREGISTRATION REQUESTED:  bigelowlibrary.assabetinteractive.com \nDATE: Thursday\, May 7 \nTIME: 6 – 7 PM \nLOCATION: Bigelow Free Public Library\, 54 Walnut Street\, Clinton\, MA\, 01510 \n  \nPhoto courtesy of MA DCR Division of Water Supply Protection \nThis program is offered by the MA DCR Division of Water Supply Protection and Bigelow Free Public Library as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/history-of-the-construction-of-the-wachusett-reservoir-2/
LOCATION:Bigelow Free Public Library\, 54 Walnut St\, Clinton\, 01510\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/MWW_N_05666_image_primary.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260507T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260507T193000
DTSTAMP:20260407T204058Z
CREATED:20260407T204058Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T204058Z
UID:36306-1778178600-1778182200@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:American Art at 250: Masterworks of a Nation
DESCRIPTION:Join us in celebrating America’s extraordinary artistic legacy as we commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary with a curated exploration of the masterworks that have defined our cultural identity. \nFrom the luminous landscapes of the Hudson River School to the bold innovations of Abstract Expressionism\, this program showcases the diverse voices and revolutionary spirits that have shaped American art across two and a half centuries. Discover how American artists have continuously redefined not only our visual culture\, but art itself on the world stage. \nPresented by Jane Oneail of Culturally Curious. \nREGISTRATION REQUESTED: hollislibrary.org \nDATE: Thursday\, May 7 \nTIME: 6:30 – 7:30 PM \nLOCATION: Hollis Social Library\, 2 Monument Square\, Hollis\, NH 03049 \n  \nThis program is offered by the Hollis Social Library as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/american-art-at-250-masterworks-of-a-nation/
LOCATION:Hollis Social Library\, 2 Monument Square\, Hollis\, NH\, 03049\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Libcal-calendar-event-template-36.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260507T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260507T203000
DTSTAMP:20260407T195820Z
CREATED:20260407T195820Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T195820Z
UID:36293-1778178600-1778185800@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Rand Wentworth at the Groton Conservation Trust Annual Meeting
DESCRIPTION:The Groton Conservation Trust is delighted to have Rand Wentworth as the keynote speaker. Rand is an adjunct lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School teaching climate leadership. He also serves as president emeritus of the Land Trust Alliance\, the organization that accredits land trusts like the GCT. He will speak on the history of land trusts\, what citizens can do for environment protection\, and talk about an exciting land and water protection ballot initiative coming up in November. \nREGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://forms.gle/JgHNVAYhc7UFj78N8 \nDATE: Thursday\, May 7 \nTIME: 6:30 – 8:30 PM \nLOCATION: The Groton Inn\, 128 Main Street\, Groton\, MA 01450 \nThis event is made possible in part by a grant from the Town of Groton Lecture Fund\, and a donation in kind from The Groton Inn. \n  \n  \nThis program is offered by the Groton Conservation Trust as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/rand-wentworth-at-the-groton-conservation-trust-annual-meeting/
LOCATION:The Groton Inn\, 128 Main Street\, Groton\, MA\, 01450\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rand-Wentworth.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T220000
DTSTAMP:20260325T202748Z
CREATED:20260325T202748Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T202748Z
UID:35647-1778182200-1778191200@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:HAIRSPRAY at The Umbrella Arts Center
DESCRIPTION:The Umbrella Stage Company proudly presents HAIRSPRAY\, directed and choreographed by Najee Brown. With big hair\, big laughs\, and even bigger heart\, this joyous\, high-energy musical proves that when we dance together\, anything is possible. \nPreviews: Friday\, April 24 & Saturday\, April 25\, 2026. Playing: Sunday\, April 26\, 2026 through Sunday\, May 17\, 2026 in Theater 144 at 40 Stow Street | Concord\, MA \nHairspray\, the Tony award winner based on the John Waters film\, is a 1960s musical piled bouffant-high with revolutionary joy. Tracy Turnblad’s dream to dance on the Corny Collins Show has come true\, but this determined teen won’t just do the twist and the mashed potato: she’ll use her star power to integrate Baltimore’s TV network to a swingin’ soundtrack! The Color Purple choreographer Najee Brown makes his Umbrella directing debut with this big-hearted celebration of what happens when everyone gets a chance to dance. \nShows run Sunday at 3:00 PM\, Thursday & Friday at 7:30 PM\, and Saturday at 8:00 PM (with an exception for a 6:30 PM performance Sunday\, May 3). \nSpecial KidCare Shows on May 3 and May 17 will allow parents an opportunity to attend a matinee performance while their child(ren) ages 5-12 engage in art activities inspired by the show in one of The Umbrella’s classrooms with an experienced teacher. \nDinner & A Show packages are available for all Thursday night performances.  \nBook by Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan. Music by Marc Shaiman. Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman. Based on the New Line Cinema film\, written and directed by John Waters.  \nHAIRSPRAY is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIshows.org.
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/hairspray-at-the-umbrella-arts-center/2026-05-07/
LOCATION:The Umbrella Arts Center\, 40 Stow Street\, Concord\, MA\, 01742\, United States
CATEGORIES:Performances
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HAIRSPRAY-The-Umbrella-Arts-Center-1080-x-1080.png
ORGANIZER;CN="The Umbrella Arts Center":MAILTO:stewart@theumbrellaarts.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260508
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260511
DTSTAMP:20260408T210917Z
CREATED:20260408T210917Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T210917Z
UID:36831-1778198400-1778457599@freedomsway.org
SUMMARY:Blacksmith Demo in Colonial Town
DESCRIPTION:Blacksmithing Demonstration at KeeneMetaling Forge\nThe Village Blacksmith in a Colonial Town \nExperience Fire\, Steel\, and Craftsmanship — Up Close \nStep into the world of traditional blacksmithing at the KeeneMetaling forge in Lexington\, where raw steel is heated\, hammered\, and transformed before your eyes. \nThis live demonstration offers a rare\, behind-the-scenes look at the tools\, techniques\, and artistry of blacksmithing. You’ll learn how everyday objects were once made by hand\, hear stories about the craft’s historical roots\, and watch metal take shape in real time. Perfect for anyone curious about craftsmanship\, history\, or heritage crafts. \nPROGRAM DETAILS\nFormat: Live blacksmithing demonstration (demo only; no hands-on participation)\nDuration: 45 minutes to 1 hour\nGroup Size: Extremely limited — maximum 4 attendees per session\nLocation: Private KeeneMetaling forge (address provided upon registration)\nRegistration Required \nDue to the size of the forge and safety considerations\, advance registration is required.\nSpots are very limited and expected to fill quickly. \n👉 Reserve your time slot here: signupgenius.com/ \nWEATHER POLICY\nThis is an outdoor/shed-based experience and is weather dependent. While participants will be inside\, In the event of inclement weather\, sessions will be rescheduled to a designated rain date or an alternate time. Registered participants will be notified in advance of any changes. \nWHO SHOULD ATTEND\nCurious beginners and craft enthusiasts\nHistory lovers and those interested in early American trades\nAnyone looking for a unique\, small-group experience \nA NOTE ON THE EXPERIENCE\nThis is an intimate\, small-group setting – not a large event. You’ll be standing just feet away from the forge\, hearing the ring of hammer on steel and feeling the heat of the fire. It’s a chance to slow down\, observe\, and connect with a craft that has shaped human history for centuries. \nDATES & TIMES: Numerous options throughout May \nLOCATION: Lexington\, MA 02420. Address provided upon registration. \n  \nThis program is offered by KeeneMetaling.com as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature\, Culture & History\, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places\, objects\, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!  \n 
URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/blacksmith-demo-in-colonial-town/2026-05-08/
LOCATION:KeeneMetaling.com\, Lexington\, MA\, 02420\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hidden Treasures,Living History
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/forge-craft-hot-industry-craft-05bdf3-1024.webp
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END:VCALENDAR