BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Freedom's Way National Heritage Area - ECPv6.18.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Freedom's Way National Heritage Area X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://freedomsway.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Freedom's Way National Heritage Area REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20240101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251206T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260314T160000 DTSTAMP:20260218T145236Z CREATED:20260218T145236Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T145236Z UID:32118-1765015200-1773504000@freedomsway.org SUMMARY:The Road Where It Happened: Revolution Comes to Menotomy DESCRIPTION:The Road Where It Happened: Revolution Comes to Menotomy \nOpening Reception: Saturday\, December 6\, 2:00 to 3:30 pm \nExhibit runs through Saturday\, March 14\, 2026 \n  \nThe Old Schwamb Mill is reopening its Arlington 250 exhibit\, The Road Where It Happened: Revolution Comes to Menotomy\, which includes an interactive gallery for families. The exhibit examines the landscape and people of Menotomy and their role in the founding of America. Informative panels answer questions including how prehistoric geological forces created the landscape of Menotomy and how the narrow corridor of Battle Road between steep hillsides at the Foot of the Rocks in Arlington Heights influenced the outcome of the American Revolution. The exhibit also identifies some of the people in Menotomy who played a role on that critical day of April 19\, 1775. \n  \nArlington 250 is a multi-year commemoration\, recognition\, and celebration of our history from its colonial beginnings to the present. A variety of programs at the Mill and other historic sites in the region recount the history we know and some stories previously untold as our ancestors battled for the rights and freedoms of everyone. The “Road” exhibit was originally shown at the Mill from December 2024 through May 2025 and at Arlington Town Hall from September to November 2025. \n  \nMill Hours: Tuesday and Saturday\, 10 am-4 pm. Open for guided tours of our living history museum; viewing of the exhibition in our second-floor galleries; and sales of our custom-made\, museum quality\, oval and circular picture and mirror frames. \n  \nThe Old Schwamb Mill\, 17 Mill Lane\, Arlington\, MA\, 02476\,  www.oldschwambmill.org. \n781-643-0554 or info@oldschwambmill.org \n  \n  URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/the-road-where-it-happened-revolution-comes-to-menotomy-3/ LOCATION:Old Schwamb Mill\, 17 Mill Lane\, Arlington\, MA\, 02476\, United States CATEGORIES:Revolutionary Stories,Exhibits ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/British-retreat-Menotomy-map-Fleming.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Old Schwamb Mill":MAILTO:info@oldschwambmill.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260112T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260322T210000 DTSTAMP:20260218T145238Z CREATED:20260218T145238Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T145238Z UID:33876-1768212000-1774213200@freedomsway.org SUMMARY:Ancient Light: Celestial Photography by Marsha Wilcox DESCRIPTION:“There is art in the science\, and science in the art.” – Marsha Wilcox \nAncient Light transforms the Allie Kussin Gallery from Jan 12 – Mar 22 with celestial photography by Marsha Wilcox. Join us for a joint opening reception on Jan 28 at 6 PM celebrating Ancient Light and Carl Ristaino’s Inspirational Jam (RSVPs appreciated). \nCelestial photographer Marsha Wilcox has been passionate about outer space since her childhood when her father taught her about celestial navigation. Like so many before her\, Marsha has wondered about the cosmos: its beauty\, mystery\, and immensity. \nAncient Light invites you to look up and explore the worlds beyond our own. Through long-exposure photography\, Marsha is able to capture the night sky high above Concord. What will these celestial bodies tell us about ourselves? How can we reconnect with our past\, present\, and future by connecting with the cosmos? \nExplore Additional Programming \nGalaxy Walks (gallery tours with Marsha Wilcox\, ~one hour long): \n\nTuesday\, February 3\, 11:00 AM\nSaturday\, February 28\, 1:00 PM\nThursday\, March 5\, 11:00 AM\nSaturday\, March 21\, 2:00 PM\n\nRSVPs appreciated \nArtist Talk (both Marsha Wilcox and Carl Ristaino of Inspirational Jam): February 21\, 2:00 PM\, Black Box Theater. RSVPs appreciated URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/ancient-light-celestial-photography-by-marsha-wilcox/ LOCATION:The Umbrella Arts Center\, 40 Stow Street\, Concord\, MA\, 01742\, United States CATEGORIES:Exhibits ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ancient-Light-1080-x-1080.png ORGANIZER;CN="The Umbrella Arts Center":MAILTO:stewart@theumbrellaarts.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260126T090000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260309T220000 DTSTAMP:20260202T155654Z CREATED:20260202T155654Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T155654Z UID:34273-1769418000-1773093600@freedomsway.org SUMMARY:Inspirational Jam: Paintings by Carl Ristaino DESCRIPTION:Carl Ristaino’s imagination comes alive through dynamic jazz scenes and whimsical cityscapes in Inspirational Jam\, on view in the Wedge Gallery from Jan 26 – Mar 29. Join us for the opening reception on Jan 28 at 6 PM celebrating Inspirational Jam and Marsha Wilcox’s Ancient Light (RSVPs appreciated).  \nWorking in acrylics\, Ristaino builds layers of bold color that capture the transcendence of live music and fantastical worlds. In his jazz series\, Ristaino’s canvases become stages where musicians lean into their instruments\, vocalists throw their heads back in ecstatic song\, and the audience communes over the pleasure of spontaneous creativity. His paintings don’t just document performance; they are improvisations themselves. \nRistaino’s Ancient Cities take us to unknown\, and yet familiar\, places. He combines castles and pirate ships with UFO’s and ancient pyramids to build a world of pure creativity. Each Ancient City invites the viewer to imagine a new story and to look closely at the canvas\, and within themselves\, to discover new corners of imagination. \nArtist Talk (both Carl Ristaino and Marsha Wilcox of Ancient Light): February 21\, 2:00 PM\, Black Box Theater\, RSVPs appreciated URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/inspirational-jam-paintings-by-carl-ristaino/ 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/2026/01/INSPIRATIONAL-JAM-INSTAGRAM-POSTS-2.png ORGANIZER;CN="The Umbrella Arts Center":MAILTO:stewart@theumbrellaarts.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260201T140000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260201T153000 DTSTAMP:20260106T155757Z CREATED:20260106T155757Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T155757Z UID:33686-1769954400-1769959800@freedomsway.org SUMMARY:Robert Treat Paine - Signer of the Declaration of Independence for Massachusetts DESCRIPTION:Learn about Paine’s ideas promoting independence as well as his distinguished career in law and government in Massachusetts.  A special topic will be his time spent in the new District of Shirley in 1755 and in neighboring towns. \nSunday\, February 1\, 2026 at 2 pm\nShirley Historical Society Museum\n182 Center Rd\, Shirley\, MA \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/robert-treat-paine-signer-of-the-declaration-of-independence-for-massachusetts/ LOCATION:Shirley Historical Society Museum\, 182 Center Road\, Shirley\, MA\, 01464\, United States CATEGORIES:Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Robert_Treat_Paine_by_Edward_Savage_and_John_Coles_Jr._1802–1823.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Shirley Historical Society":MAILTO:mail@shirleyhistory.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260203T193000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260203T213000 DTSTAMP:20260202T155637Z CREATED:20260202T155637Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T155637Z UID:34278-1770147000-1770154200@freedomsway.org SUMMARY:The Umbrella Film Series presents Torn Curtain DESCRIPTION:Enjoy the best of classic\, independent\, and foreign films curated by The Concord Film Project at The Umbrella Arts Center\, with pre-show dinner options.  \nThis February\, join us for TORN CURTAIN (1966\, dir. Alfred Hitchcock)\, a suspenseful Cold War spy thriller starring Paul Newman and Julie Andrews. This film is rated PG and runs 2 hours and 8 minutes. \nOptional pre-show dinners from Saltbox Kitchen are available; order before Mon\, Feb 2 at 12 PM. Film tickets are $12.50\, meals are an additional $25. Concessions are available for purchase at the event. URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/the-umbrella-film-series-presents-torn-curtain/ 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/2026/01/Torn-Curtain-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:20260207T110000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260315T170000 DTSTAMP:20260218T145241Z CREATED:20260218T145241Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T145241Z UID:34476-1770462000-1773594000@freedomsway.org SUMMARY:2026 Annual Regional High School Exhibit DESCRIPTION:30th Annual Regional High School Exhibit \nFeb 7\, 2025 – Mar 15\, 2025 \nExhibit hours: 11-5pm Tue-Sun \nNote: The gallery will be closed from Feb 23 – 27 for artwork exchange \n \nReception: Feb 12 from 4pm-6:30pm \n-Artwork on view from Feb 7 to Feb 22 \nBurlington High School\, Bedford High School\, and Winchester High School \n \nReception: Mar 6 from 3pm-6pm \n-Artwork on view from Feb 28 to Mar 15 \nWaltham High School\, Lexington High School\, Minuteman High School and Concord-Carlisle High School \n \nFeaturing the work of students from Bedford\, Burlington\, Concord-Carlisle\, Lexington\, Minuteman\, Waltham\, and Winchester high schools\, this exhibit showcases the creativity and innovation of area students and high school art programs and helps raise funds for our high school scholarship program. \n \nTo donate to the LexArt High School Scholarship Program\, please click on the link: https://www.lexart.org/scholarship-awards URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/2026-annual-regional-high-school-exhibit/ LOCATION:LexArt\, 130 Waltham Street\, Lexington\, MA\, 02421\, United States CATEGORIES:Exhibits ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/HS2026square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LexArt":MAILTO:info@lexart.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260207T150000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260207T180000 DTSTAMP:20260202T153712Z CREATED:20260202T153712Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T153712Z UID:34402-1770476400-1770487200@freedomsway.org SUMMARY:Robert H. Hawkins Storytelling Event with acclaimed historian Sean Osborne DESCRIPTION:Join Rediscover Mapledale at Stow Acres Country Club\, 58 Randall Road Stow\, MA Saturday\, February 7th\, 2026 starting at 3pm\n\n\n\n3pm Storytelling Event\nRobert H. Hawkins – For most of the 20th century successful Black businessmen and their families did not have equal access to recreational facilities in the United States of America. This civil rights infringement was also a business opportunity. Hear how Robert H. Hawkins used his love of golf to become the first African American to design\, operate\, and manage a country club in the United States. Starting in 1926\, his Mapledale Golf Club in Stow\, Mass. hosted three straight national championships for Black golfers.\n\n\n\nStoryteller\nSean Osborne is a public historian and storyteller who enjoys sharing his research through stories\, documentaries\, animated shorts and exhibitions. He has performed in schools\, museums\, and the workplace.\n\n\n\nAnnual Meeting\nFollowing the storytelling event about Robert H. Hawkins\, join us for Rediscover Mapledale’s Annual Meeting where we discuss new business\, vote in advisory positions on our board\, and welcome new members.\n\n\n\nThis event was made possible thanks to Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area and the Mass Cultural Council. Hosted by Rediscover Mapledale\, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with the long-lasting vision to continue to commemorate Black history in Stow\, Massachusetts. URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/robert-h-hawkins-storytelling-event-with-acclaimed-historian-sean-osborne/ LOCATION:Stow Acres\, 58 Randall Rd\, Stow\, MA\, 01775 CATEGORIES:Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/779c4cf5-3603-969d-769c-14b61f2836b6.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260208T140000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260208T160000 DTSTAMP:20260202T154355Z CREATED:20260202T154355Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T154355Z UID:34408-1770559200-1770566400@freedomsway.org SUMMARY:Nashobah Praying Indian/Deer Island Commemoration Exhibit Opening DESCRIPTION:The Littleton Historical Society is opening a new exhibit in commemoration of the 350 year anniversary of the three months the Nashobah Praying Indians spent interred on Deer Island and Long Island during King Philip’s (Metacom’s) War of 1675-76. \nThe exhibit will feature timeline and text\, pictures and maps\, artifacts\, and Native handcrafted items. \nThe exhibit will open on Sunday\, February 8\, from 2:00 pm through 4:00 pm at the Littleton Historical Society\, 4 Rogers Street\, Littleton MA 01460. \nBoth Sagamore Strong Bear Medicine and historian Daniel V. Boudillion will be there for the opening on February 8th\, as will Historical Society staff. Strong Bear indicated he will likely have some of his handcrafted Native jewelry with him for sale. \nAll proceeds of jewelry sales go to the Nashobah Praying Indians charitable organization for community programs such as the yearly Strawberry Moon Powwow. URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/nashobah-praying-indian-deer-island-commemoration-exhibit-opening/ LOCATION:MA CATEGORIES:Exhibits ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/625298356_1377120541126860_3896612590310457077_n.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260213T120000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260213T150000 DTSTAMP:20260218T145241Z CREATED:20260218T145241Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T145241Z UID:34175-1770984000-1770994800@freedomsway.org SUMMARY:Douglass Day Transcribathon DESCRIPTION:Join the Lexington Lyceum\, Association of Black Citizens of Lexington\, and Lexington Historical Society as we host the Lexington contingent for this national event\, organized by the Douglass Day Organization and the Library of Congress. The annual Douglass Day program honors Frederick Douglass with an online crowd-sourcing transcription project intended to make primary Black history resources more widely accessible.\n\nFree! More information coming soon!\nlexlyceum.org URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/douglass-day-transcribathon-2/ LOCATION:Simon W. Robinson Masonic Lodge\, 3 Bedford Street\, Lexington\, 02420\, United States CATEGORIES:Volunteer Opportunities ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/douglas-day.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Lexington History Museums":MAILTO:programs@lexingtonhistory.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260214T193000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260214T213000 DTSTAMP:20250903T153749Z CREATED:20250903T153749Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250903T153749Z UID:30379-1771097400-1771104600@freedomsway.org SUMMARY:Celebrating Coexistence concert — Lexington Symphony DESCRIPTION:CELEBRATING COEXISTENCE\nSATURDAY\, FEBRUARY 14\, 2026 | 7:30PM\nPRE-CONCERT CONDUCTOR’S TALK AT 6:30pm \n\n\n\nSheng | China Dreams: II. Fanfare\nAnger | Morin Khuur Concerto No. 2\n—Monkho\, morin khuur\nMcPhee\, Colin | Tabuh-Tabuhan Toccata for 2 pianos and orchestra\nStravinsky | Petrushka \nThis concert offers a culturally rich and exhilarating evening that you won’t want to miss! The international Mongolian morin khuur soloist\, Monkho will perform a concerto featuring that ancient national instrument. Colin McPhee’s composition was inspired by melodies played on the Balinese gamelan. We will remain in the Far East as Igor Stravinsky’s Petrushka tells us the magical story of three puppets that come to life in a Russian street fair. \n\n\n\nTickets at https://www.lexingtonsymphony.org/ \nConcerts are performed at Lexington’s historic Cary Hall\, 1605 Massachusetts Ave\, Lexington\, MA 02420 URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/celebrating-coexistence-concert-lexington-symphony/ LOCATION:Lexington’s Cary Hall\, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue\, Lexington\, 02420\, United States CATEGORIES:Performances ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/newcelebratincoexistence.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Lexington Symphony":MAILTO:info@lexingtonsymphony.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260215T160000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260215T173000 DTSTAMP:20260218T145242Z CREATED:20260218T145242Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T145242Z UID:34501-1771171200-1771176600@freedomsway.org SUMMARY:Wayside Inn Revisited: Rare Images and New Perspectives DESCRIPTION:For the past two years\, Brian Plumb (Inn historian\, author\, and member of the Sudbury Ancient Fyfe & Drum Companie) has been gathering historic images of the Wayside Inn from archives and collections across the country. Many of these images have never before been publicly seen and\, for the first time ever\, have been brought together in one place\, offering a fresh and compelling perspective on the history of our beloved Inn. Carefully restored\, thoroughly researched\, and sensitively colorized\, these images bring the Inn’s past vividly to life in this presentation and the author’s new book. \n  \nA grand assemblage containing no fewer than eighty splendid depictions & curiosities. \n  URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/wayside-inn-revisited-rare-images-and-new-perspectives/ LOCATION:Fairbank Community Center\, 40 Fairbank Rd\, Sudbury\, MA\, 01776\, United States CATEGORIES:Revolutionary Stories,Living History,Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Wayside-Inn-Revisited_250-event_png-scaled.png ORGANIZER;CN="Sudbury 250 Committee":MAILTO:radhagargeya@yahoo.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260216T110000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260216T120000 DTSTAMP:20260218T145243Z CREATED:20260218T145243Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T145243Z UID:34180-1771239600-1771243200@freedomsway.org SUMMARY:John Adams: The Voice Heard 'Round the World DESCRIPTION:John Adams was a powerhouse politician long before he became president: trial lawyer for soldiers in the Boston Massacre\, delegate to the Massachusetts and Continental Congresses\, Commissioner to France –  he and his wife Abigail made history every day for decades! Join living historians Steve and Hannah Carlson for an interactive presentation bringing John and Abigail’s story to life\, including excerpts from Hannah’s children’s book\, John Adams: The Voice Heard ‘Round the World\, told from the perspective of John Quincy Adams and narrated by David McCullough. Original symphony music enhances the narration of the Adams’ story. This presentation is suitable for all ages.\n  \nSuggested donation $10 adults\, $5 children URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/john-adams-the-voice-heard-round-the-world/ LOCATION:Lexington Depot\, 13 Depot Square\, Lexington\, MA\, 02420\, United States CATEGORIES:Revolutionary Stories ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/john-adams-gettyimages-3246312.png ORGANIZER;CN="Lexington History Museums":MAILTO:programs@lexingtonhistory.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260221T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260221T163000 DTSTAMP:20260202T154945Z CREATED:20260202T154945Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T154945Z UID:34410-1771668000-1771691400@freedomsway.org SUMMARY:Knox Trail 250: Henry Knox & the “Noble Train” of Artillery DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, February 21\, 2026\n10:00 am until 4:30 pm\nHartwell Tavern \nIn late January 1776\, a “Noble Train\,” of artillery commanded by Colonel Henry Knox\, arrived outside of Boston. These cannon played a key role in breaking the siege and providing the continental army with their first campaign victory in the war. We invite you to join us on February 21\, 2026 at the Hartwell tavern to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Knox’s Train arriving and outfitting for battle. Come witness history come to life as the artillerists of Washington’s army transport their guns via ox drawn wagons\, demonstrate historic trades\, and of course… conduct artillery firing demonstrations. We also welcome you to warm up in the tavern and learn about the experiences of civilians during the siege of Boston. \nSchedule of events:\n10:00 am~ Living history encampment at Hartwell Tavern opens.\n10:00 am~ Arrival of artillery via oxen.\n11:00 am~ Demonstration of moving cannons with oxen.\n2:00 pm~ Artillery firing demonstration.\n3:00 pm~ Demonstration of moving cannons with oxen.\n4:00 pm~ Artillery firing demonstration.\n4:30 pm~ Site closes \nThis event is co-sponsored by Fort Ticonderoga and the Friends of Minute Man National Park URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/knox-trail-250-henry-knox-the-noble-train-of-artillery/ LOCATION:Hartwell Tavern\, 112 North Great Road\, Lincoln\, MA\, 01742\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ff0066eb-779d-bea2-380c-e1c395c86e70.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260221T140000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260221T150000 DTSTAMP:20260202T155209Z CREATED:20260202T155209Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T155209Z UID:34412-1771682400-1771686000@freedomsway.org SUMMARY:Tea and Talk: Enslavement in the Puritan Village with Local Historian Jane Sciacca DESCRIPTION:Join us for a series of winter lectures at Fruitlands Museum. We’ll be gathering in the Museum cafe to enjoy some hot beverages and lively discussions about the history of the site and its collections. \nIn honor of Black History Month\, local historian Jane Sciacca will be giving a talk on the history of enslavement in the colonial north. Published in 2025\, Jane’s book\, Enslavement in the Puritan Village\, examines the previously untold stories of the men\, women\, and children who were enslaved in colonial towns such as Sudbury\, Concord\, and Framingham. Using church records\, bills of sale\, and military documents\, Jane’s research sheds new light on the pervasive impact of slavery across colonial Massachusetts. This program invites community members to learn and engage with the often-overlooked history of enslavement in Massachusetts. \nAbout the speaker: Jane Sciacca is a retired national park ranger with a degree in history education from Simmons University. Her work as an interpreter for the National Park Service in Concord\, Boston and Cambridge led to her interest in researching enslavement and abolition in her own community of Wayland\, where she has lived with her family for more than fifty years. As chair of the Wayland Historical Commission\, she oversaw the 1981 publication of the first history of Wayland as a separate town\, The Puritan Village Evolves. More information about Jane and her book can be found here. \nREGISTRATION REQUIRED URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/tea-and-talk-enslavement-in-the-puritan-village-with-local-historian-jane-sciacca/ LOCATION:Fruitlands Museum\, 102 Prospect Hill Road\, Harvard\, MA\, 01451\, United States CATEGORIES:Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/69402a4d74e15.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Trustees | Fruitlands Museum":MAILTO:cshortliffe@thetrustees.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260221T140000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260221T160000 DTSTAMP:20260226T191338Z CREATED:20260226T191338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T191338Z UID:33886-1771682400-1771689600@freedomsway.org SUMMARY:Artist Talk for Ancient Light and Inspirational Jam DESCRIPTION:Join us for an Artist Talk with Marsha Wilcox (Ancient Light) and Carl Ristaino (Inspirational Jam) on February 21 at 2 PM in the Black Box Theater. Through their talks\, the artists will speak on their process\, inspiration\, and artistic journeys. RSVP appreciated. \nAbout the exhibitions: \nAncient Light: Celestial Photography by Marsha Wilcox | The Allie Kussin Gallery | January 12 – March 22\, 2026 \nCelestial photographer Marsha Wilcox has been passionate about outer space since her childhood when her father taught her about celestial navigation. Like so many before her\, Marsha has wondered about the cosmos: its beauty\, mystery\, and immensity. \nAncient Light invites you to look up and explore the worlds beyond our own. Through long-exposure photography\, Marsha is able to capture the night sky high above Concord. What will these celestial bodies tell us about ourselves? How can we reconnect with our past\, present\, and future by connecting with the cosmos? \nInspirational Jam: Paintings by Carl Ristaino | The Wedge Gallery | January 26 – March 29\, 2026 \nWorking in acrylics\, Carl Ristaino’s imagination comes alive through dynamic jazz scenes and whimsical cityscapes. He builds layers of bold color that capture the transcendence of live music and fantastical worlds. In his jazz series\, Ristaino’s canvases become stages where musicians lean into their instruments\, vocalists throw their heads back in ecstatic song\, and the audience communes over the pleasure of spontaneous creativity. His paintings don’t just document performance; they are improvisations themselves. \nRistaino’s Ancient Cities take us to unknown\, and yet familiar\, places. He combines castles and pirate ships with UFO’s and ancient pyramids to build a world of pure creativity. Each Ancient City invites the viewer to imagine a new story and to look closely at the canvas\, and within themselves\, to discover new corners of imagination. \nAdmission is free and the galleries are open to all. Explore additional programming and learn more at TheUmbrellaArts.org/current-exhibition URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/artist-talk-for-ancient-light-and-inspirational-jam/ LOCATION:The Umbrella Arts Center\, 40 Stow Street\, Concord\, MA\, 01742\, United States CATEGORIES:Exhibits,Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ancient-Light-Artist-Talk-1500x1000-3.png ORGANIZER;CN="The Umbrella Arts Center":MAILTO:stewart@theumbrellaarts.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260222T140000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260222T160000 DTSTAMP:20260106T160342Z CREATED:20260106T160342Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T160342Z UID:33097-1771768800-1771776000@freedomsway.org SUMMARY:A Journey to Find an Ancestor and Honor His Faith in Diversity DESCRIPTION:While researching her Revolutionary War ancestor\, General John Glover\, Jane Woolsey Gropp of Lexington learned about the Marbleheaders\, a group of fishermen and sailors from the coastal town of Marblehead who played a crucial role in several key military operations during the war.  They were a diverse group\, including free African Americans and Native Americans\, and were the first integrated institution in America. \nGropp’s intention to have a painting depict General Glover\, who commanded the Marbleheaders\, led instead to a painting honoring both her ancestor\, a somewhat forgotten hero\, and the Black Patriots\, who were mostly unknown heroes of the American Revolution. \nIn recognition of Black History Month\, Gropp will describe her journey that led her to commission the painting called An Appeal to Heaven\, the interrelationships among the people in the painting (Washington\, one of his enslaved men\, others)\, and the Black Patriots who fought and secured a freedom that was not yet theirs. \nDoors open at 2 PM for a social period and refreshments\n2:15 PM – Brief Society announcements followed by the Guest Speaker \nThis event is free and open to the public. URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/a-journey-to-find-an-ancestor-and-honor-his-faith-in-diversity/ LOCATION:Bedford Old Town Hall\, 16 South Road\, Bedford\, MA\, 01730\, United States CATEGORIES:Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-08-19-171717.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Bedford Historical Society":MAILTO:info@bedfordmahistory.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260226T190000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260226T203000 DTSTAMP:20260226T191332Z CREATED:20260226T191332Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T191332Z UID:34190-1772132400-1772137800@freedomsway.org SUMMARY:Henry Knox’s Trek from Ticonderoga: Myths\, Realities\, and Results for Boston DESCRIPTION:In early 1776\, the young Continental Army colonel Henry Knox moved dozens of heavy cannons and mortars from Lake Champlain to the siege lines around Boston; one of the most famous stories from the Revolutionary War. And like many famous stories\, it embodies a fair amount of legend and lore. This talk sorts out what we know\, what we only think we know\, and what we should know about how Knox brought this “noble train of artillery” that helped to make all of Massachusetts independent. \nJ.L. Bell maintains the Boston1775.net website\, offering daily helpings of history\, analysis\, and unabashed gossip about Revolutionary New England. He is the author of “The Road to Concord: How Four Stolen Cannon Ignited the Revolutionary War.” John is working on a new book about the difficult first year of the Continental artillery force. \nRemote Participation: You can watch live on YouTube at Acton TV http://tinyurl.com/Acton-TV. Recordings will be available at Acton TV https://actontv.org/ and on our website https://www.actonma.gov/250 where you’ll find all programming information and a link to our commemorative store. URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/henry-knoxs-trek-from-ticonderoga-myths-realities-and-results-for-boston/ LOCATION:Acton Town Hall\, 472 Main Street\, Acton\, MA\, 01720\, United States CATEGORIES:Revolutionary Stories ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Bell-Head.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260227T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260227T220000 DTSTAMP:20260226T191337Z CREATED:20260226T191337Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T191337Z UID:34120-1772220600-1772229600@freedomsway.org SUMMARY:TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD at The Umbrella Arts Center DESCRIPTION:The Umbrella Stage Company proudly presents TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD\, directed by Scott Edmiston and dramatized by Christopher Sergel based on the book by Harper Lee.  \nPlaying in Theater 144 at 40 Stow Street\, Concord\, MA from Friday\, February 27 – Sunday\, March 22\, 2026 | Previews: Friday\, February 27 & Saturday\, February 28 | Press Opening: Sunday\, March 1.  \nAdapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel\, To Kill a Mockingbird opens in a sleepy Alabama town in the midst of the Great Depression\, where Scout and her brother\, Jem\, live with their widowed father\, lawyer Atticus Finch. While the children act out stories and muse about their mysterious neighbor\, Boo Radley\, the facade of their seemingly peaceful town begins to crack when a young black man is accused of a terrible crime. Driven by an unshakeable moral conviction\, Atticus defends the man in a trial that sends violent waves through the community\, teaching young Scout about prejudice\, compassion and the courage to do what is right. This hard-hitting work is an all-new production of Harper Lee’s story that is timeless\, lingering\, and searingly relevant. \nShows run Sunday at 3:00 PM\, Thursday & Friday at 7:30 PM\, and Saturday at 8:00 PM. The show’s anticipated run time is 2 hours\, 15 minutes long\, with a 15 minute intermission. A special KidCare Show on Sunday\, March 15 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. Talk Backs are scheduled following the Sunday\, March 8 and Sunday\, March 15 performances. \nTO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is produced by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing\, Woodstock\, Illinois.  URL:https://freedomsway.org/event/to-kill-a-mockingbird-at-the-umbrella-arts-center/2026-02-27/ 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/2026/01/TKAM-1500-x-1000-The-Umbrella-Arts-Center.png ORGANIZER;CN="The Umbrella Arts Center":MAILTO:stewart@theumbrellaarts.org END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR