Events

Find out what’s happening in the Heritage Area.
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Declaring Independence: Then & Now

Lexington Depot 13 Depot Square, Lexington, MA, United States

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 […]

Free

Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour Visits Lexington, MA

Lexington Battle Green 1625 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, MA, United States

In 1824, the people of Lexington awaited a major milestone: the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and the Revolutionary War. Also anticipating this occasion was one of the last surviving war heroes of that generation: General Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette. The celebrated soldier made one last visit back to the United […]

Free

Douglass Day Transcribathon

Simon W. Robinson Masonic Lodge 3 Bedford Street, Lexington, United States

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 […]

Free

Tavern Night

Buckman Tavern 1 Bedford Street, Lexington

Have you ever wanted to step back in time for a day? Now is your chance! Buckman Tavern's official liquor license expired in 1813, but we still open for business on occasion. We're recreating the 18th century tavern experience in Lexington's most popular 18th century entertainment venue - drop in for colonial music, games, snacks, […]

$20 – $25

Tavern Night

Buckman Tavern 1 Bedford Street, Lexington

Have you ever wanted to step back in time for a day? Now is your chance! Buckman Tavern's official liquor license expired in 1813, but we still open for business on occasion. We're recreating the 18th century tavern experience in Lexington's most popular 18th century entertainment venue - drop in for colonial music, games, snacks, […]

$20 – $25

Lighting the Way: An Apprentice Historian Program for Grades 3-5

Buckman Tavern 1 Bedford Street, Lexington

In the past, labor and daily routines were planned around when the sun rose and set. So how did people see at night before electric light? Explore a historic tavern to find out! We’ll uncover how we learn about the past from the writing and objects people left behind, and learn how to make a […]

$15 – $20

Science and Medicine: An Apprentice Historian Program for Grades 6-7

Munroe Tavern 1332 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA, United States

People of the past used science just like we do every day, even on an 18th century farm! Learn how simple chores like writing a letter, working in the barn, or caring for a sick person utilize chemistry and physics. As we explore a historic tavern, we’ll become household scientists: making medicine by grinding herbs […]

$15 – $20

Hands-On History: Button Spinners

Buckman Tavern 1 Bedford Street, Lexington

18th century kids had toys too, but most were simple and homemade, using household items as materials. Button spinners were popular and fun to play with. Make one of your own to take home! Included with museum admission - drop in any time between 1:00 - 4:00 PM to participate!

$8 – $14
Recurring

18th Century Music at Buckman Tavern

Buckman Tavern 1 Bedford Street, Lexington

Drop in to meet Historical Society guide and musician Darlene Wigton as she demonstrates 18th century guitar music. You can even learn a song and join in! Included with museum admission. https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/REV-STORIES_logo-mark_square.png 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 […]

Alarmed in Lexington

Hancock-Clarke House 36 Hancock Street, Lexington, MA, United States

Step back in time to experience the anxious hours before the start of the American Revolution. It's past midnight on April 19th, 1775, and Paul Revere has just left the home of Lexington's minister, Jonas Clarke, with news of an impending British attack. This leaves the home's occupants to take in the news and prepare […]

$20 – $25

Hands-On History: Clay Marbles

Buckman Tavern 1 Bedford Street, Lexington

18th century life wasn't just about chores - kids had fun too! Drop by the Buckman Tavern to make your own clay marbles, just like colonial kids did. Drop in any time between 1:30 - 3:30 PM to learn! This activity is suitable for ages 6 and up, including adults! Included with museum admission. https://freedomsway.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/REV-STORIES_logo-mark_square.png […]

Book Chat on Poor Richard’s Women

Munroe Tavern 1332 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA, United States

Behind any founding father are numerous founding mothers, sisters, and lovers. Benjamin Franklin had a large cast of women in his life, most importantly his wife of 44 years, Deborah Read Franklin. While frequently absent from the historical narrative due to their frequent time apart, Deborah was an important witness to and active participant in […]

$10 – $15