GREAT MEADOWS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, CONCORD, MA
Join us as The Wayside Inn Foundation hosts Reading Frederick Douglass Together on Saturday, June 25th at 10:00 am. The program is funded, in part, by a grant from Mass Humanities as part of an initiative to bring communities together to read Douglass’s 1852 address, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” On […]
On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist and heroic orator for liberty, delivered one of his most famous speeches in which he asked, “What to the slave is your Fourth of July?” In addressing an Independence Day observance in Rochester, New York, his speech was a blistering indictment of an American idealism that ignored […]
On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist and heroic orator for liberty, delivered one of his most famous speeches in which he asked, “What to the slave is your Fourth of July?” In addressing an Independence Day observance in Rochester, New York, his speech was a blistering indictment of an American idealism that ignored […]
Considered one of the most daring, eloquent speeches in the English language, Frederick Douglass’s fiery 1852 speech, “What to the Slave is the 4th of July?” challenges its audience, then and now, to consider the meaning of freedom, citizenship, and patriotism. After this initial reading, the audience will be invited to join the actors for […]
Edmund Foster, a militiaman from Reading, Massachusetts (portrayed by park volunteer, Ed Hurley), will lead a tour to the Elm Brook Hill (Bloody Angle) Battle Site where he fought on April 19, 1775. He will be joined by Lincoln, Massachusetts historian and author Don Hafner. Note that this event will begin at Hartwell Tavern within […]
Many who fought for liberty and independence from Great Britain also enslaved other people – a contradiction that is at the heart of the American Revolution. At the Old Manse, we see this contradiction embodied in the life of William Emerson, “Patriot Preacher” and slave holder. We also see it deeply impacting the lives of […]
Considered one of the most daring, eloquent speeches in the English language, Frederick Douglass’s fiery 1852 speech, “What to the Slave is the 4th of July?” challenges its audience, then and now, to consider the meaning of freedom, citizenship, and patriotism. After this initial reading, the audience will be invited to join the actors for […]
Take an inside look at the restored 1730s house listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Wheeler-Minot Farmhouse/Henry David Thoreau Birth House. Locally, it is also known as “Thoreau Farm.” Come learn about the birthplace of Henry David Thoreau and consider lessons about living deliberately that we can learn from his legacy. […]
This celebration will feature the ringing of the Paul Revere bell (at 12:00 noon), a tour of The Meeting House, and a celebration of "The Old Groton Meeting House" annual essay contest. Recent Groton-Dunstable Regional High School graduate and valedictorian Sylvia Han will read her inspiring essay "The Power of Civic Engagement" highlighting Marion Stoddart […]
Independence Day is Harvard’s hometown celebration and longest-running tradition. It is run entirely by volunteers. These folks work tirelessly to assure that the celebration continues to be a destination for friends and families. Started in 1906, the event has evolved with the decades, but what has remained the same is the spirit of Harvard and […]
This dramatic presentation, created by Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area, aims to find out how our local towns read and reacted to the Declaration of Independence. Across the colonies, and particularly in Massachusetts, towns debated what freedom meant to them, and grappled with the grievances aired in the official Declaration. What did the words in […]
Visit the Annual Gathering 2022 website for full description, additional details, and registration. Most sessions will be available by Zoom and recorded. The event schedule indicates which sessions are Zoom events. * Some livestream events will be provided for by Minuteman Media Network. Unless you’re a student, non-member rates increase by $55 or the cost […]
