Minute Man National Historical Park

Saturday, February 21, 2026
10:00 am until 4:30 pm
Hartwell Tavern

In 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.

This event is co-sponsored by Fort Ticonderoga and the Friends of Minute Man National Park

Ceremony 7:45 pm - 8:30 pm
Luminaria 7:30 pm- 9:00 pm
North Bridge, Concord

As darkness descends upon the North Bridge battlefield we invite you to come and reflect on the events of April 19, 1775 and the meaning of liberty. The evening ceremony will feature a lantern-light procession, poetry, music, and a recitation of the names of the soldiers who gave their lives on that “ever-memorable” 19th of April.

The path from the North Bridge Visitor Center to the North Bridge will be lighted with 122 luminaries to honor those who lost their lives in the battle.

Lantern light procession* starts at North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty St, Concord, MA
*To participate in the lantern-light procession, please provide your own REAL candle lantern. The procession will begin at North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty Street, Concord Ma. From there we will march down the quarter-mile path to the North Bridge where the ceremony will take place. Participants are welcome to wear 18th century clothing if they choose, but please do not bring muskets.

This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park

Hartwell Tavern Open House

Saturday, April 18, 2026

10:00 am until 4:30 pm

Hartwell Tavern

Explore the interior of Hartwell Tavern, a restored 18th century home and tavern that sits on a beautifully restored section of the actual "Battle Road." Talk with living history interpreters dressed in eighteenth century attire and learn about the experiences of the Hartwell Family on April 19, 1775.

This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park

Smith House Open House
Saturday, April 18, 2026

10:00 am until 4:30 pm

William Smith House

Explore the interior of the William Smith House a restored 18th century home that sits on a beautifully restored section of the actual "Battle Road." On April 19, 1775 Captain William Smith led his company of Lincoln Minute Men into action at Concord’s North Bridge and along the battle road.

Talk with living history interpreters about the Smith family and the experiences of civilians during the leadup to war in 1774 and 1775.

This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park

Colonel James Barrett House
Saturday, April 18, 2026

10:00 am until 4:30 pm

Explore the interior of the Colonel James Barrett House an 18th century home that sits on a beautifully restored section of the actual "Battle Road." In 1774 and 1775 Colonel James Barrett collected large stockpiles of military supplies at his home and across Concord. On April 19, 1775 British soldiers march to Concord with orders to destory those supplies. 

Talk with living history interpreters about the Barrett family and the experiences of civilians during the leadup to war in 1774 and 1775.

This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park

North Bridge Visitor Center
11:00 am & 1:00 pm (30 Minutes)

Betweeen September 1774 and April 1775, the people of Massachusetts raced British soldiers to secure large quantities of artillery and ammunition. Overall, the Patriot forces moved scores of cannon from the coast of Massachusetts to inland stockpiles including one located in Concord. Come experience the devestating power of artillery in 1775 and learn why the threat of patriot cannon unltimately spurred the British Army into action.

Programs will be held at 11 am and 1 pm. Firing will be dependent on weather and cannon crew.

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of Minute Man National Park

2:00 pm (45 Minutes)
Hartwell Tavern

In the lead up to the American Revolution, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress called for the creation of a provincial army to oppose British Regular forces in Boston. The Provincial Congress knew that a successful army required not just men, but an incredible amount of supplies. Join park staff and living history interpreters as they talk through the incredible efforts of the people to build a Massachusetts Army in 1775.

What did it mean to be a minute man in 1775? How were they trained and armed? Join a park ranger at the historic Hartwell Tavern in Lincoln MA, where John and Isaac Hartwell, two minute men from the town of Lincoln, lived. Discover the motivations and realities faced by those who volunteered to be “ready at a minute’s warning.” This program includes a musket firing demonstration. Visitors with hearing concerns should exercise caution.

10:00 am until 4:30 pm
Minute Man Visitor Center

When British Regular Soldiers arrived in Boston during the summer of 1774, they brought hundreds of civilians and the families of soldiers stationed in North America. Join living history volunteers as they discuss the experiences of civilians following the British Army during its campaigns in North America.

Royal Artillery Firing Demonstration

Sunday, April 19, 2026

3:00 pm (30 Minutes)

Trainor Field near Minute Man Visitor Center

On the afternoon of April 19, 1775 a reinforcement column led by British Brigadier General Hugh Percy arrived in Lexington to rescue the battered British Soldiers retreating from Concord. As Militia soldiers swarmed through Lexington the boom of two 6-pounder British Artillery pieces echoed across the town and sent the militiamen scattering for cover.

Join Park Rangers and Volunteers as they talk through the key role British Artillery played during the afternoon of April 19, 1775. This program will include an artillery firing demonstration from park volunteers portraying Royal Artillery.

This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park