With the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution not far off, Concord, Massachusetts is preparing for a year in which history will be honored and celebrated. The town, famously known as the birthplace of the Revolution, will be hosting an array of events throughout 2025 leading up to Patriots Day on April 19. But the fun really begins in April: already in full-swing, Concord’s Concord250 celebrations offer points of connection to the past while celebrating that spirit of community and patriotism that defined the birth of the United States. From musical performances to educational talks, and historical reenactments to hands-on community projects, Concord250 promises something for everyone. Whether one desires to attend an event or simply hope to revel in the celebratory atmosphere from the comfort of a local inn, there are myriad of ways to tap into the history of this iconic town in the coming year.
Lift Up the Light: A Musical Celebration of Reconciliation
The first big event of the Concord250 celebration will be on December 14, 2024, when the Concord Chorus presents their winter concert, titled “Lift Up the Light,” in honor of this milestone year. This special 2 and 5 P.M. performance at Middlesex School Memorial Chapel will observe the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord by focusing on the musical legacies of both sides of the conflict.
This will be a concert of beautiful music from both the British and American sides, in a sense a celebration of the decades of peace and collaboration between the two countries since their adversarial conflict. Audiences will hear music from such composers as William Byrd, Henry Purcell, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Charles Ives set against works by Errollyn Wallen and John Rutter.
Unraveling the Full Scope of the Revolution: Historians and Hidden Stories
While Concord and the surrounding communities are well-known for their focus on the April 19th battles, the American Revolution didn’t end there. The war was a long-eight years-and tumultuous; Concord played a critical role in that broader history. To give greater context to this era, Beth van Duzer, independent historian and co-chair of the Concord250 History & Education Subcommittee, will speak in a special talk about the lives of those Concordians who fought in the war, their sacrifices, and where they are buried. Her presentation, which will be included in the Concord250 event, has also already unveiled the town’s current to develop a comprehensive database of those soldiers serving from Concord. This project-which invites community members to contribute their own knowledge and research-is part of Concord250’s greater mission: to involve residents in their work, both in preserving and sharing their town’s rich history.
Hands-on History: Help Rebuild the Iconic Minute Man Statue
Celebration of the American Revolution doesn’t have to be only backward-looking; it is creation, too. One of the most interactive and exciting projects for participants in the Concord250 celebrations is the 3D printing (Re)Make of the Minute Man statue. In this collaborative project, makers of all ages are encouraged to print pieces of the iconic statue by Daniel Chester French, standing for the courage and patriotism of the era.
Through local partnerships, including with Dr. Linda Booth Sweeney, the participants will be able to go to the Library’s Workshop and 3D print parts of the statue, or go to building sessions to help put the completed work together. All contributors’ names will be part of the project that will be revealed in 2025 at the Concord Library. This is an original, active way to participate in the anniversary and brings the community together into one lasting piece of Concord’s revolutionary legacy.
Where to Stay during the Concord250 Celebration
With the events of Concord250 getting into full swing, visitors will want to book places to stay well in advance, notably around the Patriot’s Day weekend in April 2025. Demand is already high at popular local inns like the North Bridge Inn and the Colonial Inn. Heidi Godbout of the North Bridge Inn said “bookings for Patriots Day weekend were coming in as early as 2020,” and a waitlist was long. The rates during this period have been running from $225 to $275 per night, so early reservations are advisable if you want to be right in the middle of things. Those still seeking accommodations with the choice of a more modern option can potentially find vacancies as well in The Residence Inn by Marriott in Concord. Reservations at the hotel are taken up to one year in advance. Visitors may also want to look into nearby towns like Lexington and Bedford for more options to stay.
A Year of Reflection and Celebration
More than a series of events, the celebration of Concord250 offers an opportunity for reflection on the birth of our nation, to honor the sacrifices made by the people of Concord, and to come together as a community in celebration of freedom, liberty, and democracy. Whatever your interests may be in history, music, or hands-on activities, Concord has something for everyone.
SOURCES:
https://visitconcord.org/concord-250/#blogs-sec
https://concordlibrary.org/events/concord-250-monumental-remake
