Freedom's Way National Heritage Area

Amherst Community Reading: "What to the Slave is your Fourth of July?"
2022-07-01 12:00 - 13:30 UTC | Congregational Church of Amherst, 11 Church St, Amherst, NH, 03031, United States
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 and accepted the inhuman treatment of enslaved African Americans as part of the country’s identity and economy. Ironically, even though Douglass’ words spoke directly to this moment in history, they still ring with an unsettling power today.
For the past several years, on July 3rd, the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire (BHTNH) has collaborated with community leaders around the Granite State to bring people together to read Douglass’ historic protest speech and to reflect on its meaning.
While reading Frederick Douglass’ work is a powerful experience for many, it is only one piece of the long-overdue conversations that our communities need to have. We hope that these readings will be a starting point for these difficult dialogues and that they will provide an opportunity for us to engage in deeper conversations that will lead to actions to help build more inclusive and just communities today.

Nashua Community Reading: "What to the Slave is your Fourth of July?"
2022-07-01 12:00 - 13:30 | Nashua Public Library, 2 Court St, Nashua, NH, 03060, United States

Concord: Reading Frederick Douglass Together
2022-07-02 11:00 - 13:00 | The Robbins House, 320 Monument Stree, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
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 a community reading of Frederick Douglass’ speech. A facilitated audience dialogue will follow the readings. Kid’s activities will be available throughout the program. Visitors are welcomed to bring folding chairs and picnic blankets. Tours of the Robbins House will be available before and after the program.
Hosted by the Robbins House. Sponsored by Mass Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services

Explore the Elm Brook Hill (Bloody Angle) Battle Site with Edmund Foster
2022-07-02 13:00 - 13:45 | Minute Man National Historical Park, 174 Liberty Street, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
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 Minute Man National Historical Park.
Photo courtesy of Minute Man National Historical Park via TheHistoryList.com

American Contradictions: Slavery and the American Revolution at the Old Manse
2022-07-02 14:30 - 15:30 | The Old Manse, 269 Monument Street, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
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 Cate, Phyllis, and Frank, three people enslaved by the Bliss-Emerson family. In this tour, the stories of the Old Manse at the time of the American Revolution serve to tell a broader story of American freedom and enslavement.
Space on this tour is limited and pre-registration is recommended to secure your spot.

Reading Frederick Douglass Together
2022-07-03 10:00 - 12:00 | The Robbins House, 320 Monument Stree, Concord, MA, 01742, United States

Tours of Thoreau Farm, the birthplace of Henry David Thoreau
2022-07-03 11:00 - 16:00 | Thoreau Farm, 341 Virginia Road, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
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.
Tour includes the lovingly restored second-floor room where Henry David Thoreau was born in 1817. Visits to the house are by guided tour only.
Saturdays & Sundays
May through October
11:00 am, 1:00 pm, & 3:00 pm
Admission is free. Suggested Donation $5/person
You do not need to take a tour to visit the grounds.

Celebrate July 4th at the Old Groton Meeting House
2022-07-04 11:30 - 13:00 | Old Groton Meeting House, 1 Powderhouse Road, Groton, MA, 01450, United States
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 and her life-long campaign of cleaning up and preserving the Nashua River.
Program is hosted by The Old Groton Meeting House Preservation Fund

Town of Harvard's Independence Day Celebrations
2022-07-04 17:00 - 22:30 | Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard, MA, 01451, United States
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 our celebration of family, community, and country.
The concert and fireworks celebrating our Independence Day is a favorite. Referred to as the “Esplanade of the West”, it has become one of the highlights of the town’s celebration. Spectators are fortunate to enjoy the event while sitting on the hillside of Fruitlands Museum, listening to music, watching the sun set and waiting for the fireworks to begin. Bring your own picnic or enjoy food prepared by Dean’s Concessions.
We start the evening with The Rafters joined by Don Sugai from Bare Hill Band and Joel Skoletsky from The DOTS, to deliver a high energy mix of acoustic based folk rock favorites to get everyone into the celebrating mood!. Next up are the BarnBurners, a group of rockin’ dads, who will entice you with the rhythms of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and The Grateful Dead. Then it is onto Harvard’s own award winning, Grammy-nominated, country rocker, Ashley Jordan as this year’s headliner. She will be performing original songs with her band.
Park in the fields of Fruitlands or take a shuttle bus from The Bromfield School.
Admission per car to park at Fruitlands (includes passenger admission to Fruitlands): $40
Admission to Fruitlands (Walk-ins/Bus riders) for Adults + Children 3 yrs and older: $10
Round Trip Bus Ride (Does not include Admission to Fruitlands) for Adults + Children 3 yrs and older: $5. For departure, please make your way to the bus line no later than 10:15PM for departure. You will be dropped off at the Harvard General Store. Take the walkway from the Congregational Church to the Bromfield parking area.
Children under 3 yrs: FREE
****Admission to Fruitlands and bus fare is cash only please. Thank you!
Gates open at 5:00PM. Go to our schedule page for more information.
On July 4th, our town gathers to celebrate our independence and long standing traditions such as a bike decorating contest for kids, a downtown parade, an antique car show, and an afternoon of field events which is fun for all ages. Food by the Lion’s Club is always a hit! If you are looking for family fun, this is the place to be.
The 2022 program is supported in part by a grant from the Harvard Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Declaring Independence: Then & Now
2022-07-04 19:00 - 22:00 | The Depot, 13 Depot Square, Lexington, MA, 02420, 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 the final document mean to them?
Costumed reenactors will bring life to the words of the past, with narration by former Massachusetts State Representative Jay Kaufman. Rounding out our evening will be a performance by the Lexington Historical Society Colonial Singers. Some of our favorite tunes from the 18th century were highly political, and many of them were also taken from popular English military music!
And, as always, don’t forget your free Hoodsie cup on the way out!

Annual Gathering 2022: The Global Thoreau
2022-07-06 - 2022-07-10 | Multiple Locations
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 of an annual membership.
Early Live-event Registration is $275 by June 17 (includes Virtual-event Registration) and then $300 by July 1 and $325 at event for Regular Live-event Registration. Your live-event registration entitles you to watch the Zoom webinars and the recordings of the Zoom webinars once they become available. You can also, of course, attend the in-person programs. $100 Student Live-event Registration.
Virtual-event Registration is $150. If you decide to attend in-person events, you can upgrade to the Live-event Registration. A $150 fee will apply (you’ll save $25 if you decide to upgrade after July 1). Your virtual-event registration entitles you to watch the Zoom webinars and the recordings of the Zoom webinars once they become available. It’s $55 for a Student Virtual-event Registration.
We do not want to turn anyone away because of financial need. To request a confidential fee reduction, please contact info@thoreausociety.org.

Henry Hikes to Fitchburg Book Reading and Storywalk
2022-07-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Fitchburg Public Library, 166 Boulder Drive, Suite 108, Fitchburg, MA, 01420, United States
North County Land Trust and the Fitchburg Public Library present a reading of Henry Hikes to Fitchburg at the Fitchburg Public Library by the author, DB Johnson.
The reading will begin at 11am at the Fitchburg Public Library, please register on the library website HERE.
As an added bonus, there will be a story walk set up of the book at Crocker Conservation Area on the Overlook Trail. Take a self-paced hike and enjoy the story while hiking the wide, easy trail and taking in the nature that Fitchburg has to offer.
Thank you to the Fitchburg Cultural Council for making this program possible!

Sustainable Solutions: Documentary Photographers Explore the Climate Crisis
2022-07-08 - 2022-07-31 | The Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow Street, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
July 5 – through July 31
The Umbrella Arts & Environment and The Umbrella Visual Arts programs, in partnership with the Concord, MA-based Social Documentary Network/ZEKE Magazine, present an exciting new exhibition of world-class documentary photography emphasizing long-term sustainable solutions to the climate crisis including the Indigenous People’s Burn Network in the western United States; Nemo’s Garden in Italy — the world’s first underwater greenhouse; the African Women Rising’s Permagarden Program in Uganda, and others. The exhibition is inspired by the Spring 2022 issue featuring projects by Kiliii Yuyan, Giacomo d’Orlando, Sarah Fretwell, and veteran climate journalist Antonia Juhasz.
Opening reception Friday, July 8, 6:00–7:30PM
Featured Artists:

Giacomo d’Orlando
Kiliii Yuyan
Sarah Fretwell
Carolyn Monastra
Roberto Nistri
Lauren Owens Lambert
Mark Phillips
Chris Trinh

Curated by: Glenn Ruga
Presented by: Social Documentary Network and The Umbrella Arts Center
Sponsors: The Foundation for Systemic Change, Digital Silver Imaging, Hahnemühle

Happy Birthday, Henry!
2022-07-12 12:00 - 14:00 | Walden Pond State Reservation, 915 Walden Street, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Celebrate Henry David Thoreau’s 205th birthday! Meet “Henry David Thoreau,” portrayed by Richard Smith. Discuss his adventures and daily life at Walden Pond. At the Thoreau house replica, by the main parking lot.

A Saunter with Peter Alden at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
2022-07-16 08:00 - 10:30 | Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Concord Unit, Monsen Road, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Walk on easy trails near the Concord River and beside a wonderful freshwater marsh.
Take Rte 62 north towards Bedford from Concord Center. Turn left on Monsen Road to refuge parking lot.
Peter Alden is a Concord author and naturalist. For 55 years, he has led birders and travelers to over 100 countries on the seven continents and the seven seas. He is the author of more than 15 books on North American and African wildlife, including the National Audubon Society’s Regional Field Guide Series. On July 4, 1998 — commemorating the 153rd anniversary of Thoreau moving to the cabin he built at Walden Pond — Peter and the late Dr. E.O. Wilson organized the world’s first bioblitzes at Walden. Hundreds of specialist field biologists verified 3,600 species of vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, mosses, lichen and fungi in 3 days! Peter serves on the Thoreau Farm Trust board of directors and is part-time at the Thoreau Society Shop at Walden Pond.

A Walk in Thoreau’s Concord
2022-07-16 11:00 - 12:30 | Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Henry David Thoreau is known for the two years he spent living at Walden Pond. Did you know that he lived in other homes in Concord throughout his life? Take a tour of the domestic side of Thoreau’s wholly human life visiting the homes where he lived and hearing the stories told of him by family and friends.

“My vicinity affords many good walks”; A Saunter Exploring Thoreau Farm’s Biology & History
2022-07-23 11:00 - 12:30 | Thoreau Farm, 341 Virginia Road, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Although Henry Thoreau spent only the first 8 months if his life living in his grandmother’s farmhouse, he would return to Virginia Road time and again throughout his life to visit the scenes of his early childhood.
Join Biologist Amity Wilczek and Historian Richard Smith for a walk around the Thoreau Farm property as they explore the biological and historical importance of the Virginia Road landscape. How has the area changed since the pre-Colonial era? What plants and animals did Thoreau see in the 19th Century and how have invasive plants and climate change altered the world that Thoreau knew?
Amity Wilczek is an evolutionary ecologist and educator who taught at Harvard and Brown before transitioning to Deep Springs College, where over 10 years she served as Herbert Reich Chair of Natural Sciences, Academic Dean, and Vice President. Her work on plant responses to changing environments has appeared in Science, PNAS, Ecology, American Naturalist, and Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society among others. Nearly all of her research involves substantial collaboration with undergraduate and pre-PhD co-authors. Amity currently lives in Concord, Massachusetts and serves as a trail steward of the Emerson-Thoreau Amble for the town.
Richard Smith has lectured on and written about antebellum United States history and 19th-century American literature since 1995. He has worked in Concord as a public historian and Living History Interpreter since 1999 and has portrayed Henry Thoreau at Walden Pond and around the country. Richard has written six books for Applewood Books and is the current Scholar in Residence at Longfellow’s Wayside Inn in Sudbury.

Open House at Jones Tavern and Jones-Faulkner Homestead
2022-07-24 15:00 - 17:00 | Faulkner Homestead, 5 High Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
The Iron Work Farm‘s two historic house museums will be open to the public. Jones Tavern, 128 Main Street, was the home of generations of the Samuel Jones family, and housed a 1750 tavern and store. At the Jones-Faulkner Homestead, 5 High Street, members of the Nashoba Valley Weavers’ Guild will be on hand to demonstrate their craft and work on the 19th-century “barn-frame” loom.
