Minute Man Celebrates its 50th Anniversary
"Honoring the Past: Inspiring the Future"

Minute Man National Historical Park celebrates its 50th Anniversary with the slogan, “Honoring the Past; Inspiring the Future.” On September 21, 1959, the Congress of the United States of America established Minute Man National Historical Park to preserve and interpret important sites where the opening battle of the American Revolution led to the creation of our country. The Minute Men, defending their rights, ignited a flame of liberty that still burns brightly in the hearts of freedom loving people around the world. Today the park celebrates its sites, landscapes and programs and looks ahead to those who will come after us and protect this national park for generations to come. The upcoming events to celebrate the 50^th year include:

MIDDLESEX COUNTY VOLUNTEERS FIFES & DRUMS – In concert at the historic ButtrickGardens on the hill overlooking NorthBridge in Concord – Sunday September 13, 4:00. Free.

50th ANNIVERSARY GALA – This celebratory event will feature a Historian's Address by noted author Doris Kearns Goodwin, Master of Ceremonies R.D. Sahl, patriotic and colonial music with Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums and Poor Richard's Penny Musical Ensemble, Colonial Dancers & Reenactors, the Lexington Minute Men, Lincoln Minute Men, Captain Brown's Company of the Concord Minute Men, His Majesty's 10th Regiment of Foot, First Squadron, 182 Cavalry Color Guard, Massachusetts Army National Guard and recognition of the park’s key partners and sponsors – Sunday, September 20, at Cary Hall, Lexington, 6:00. NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT AS OF 9/16.

50th ANNIVERSARY DAY– Anniversary ceremony involving school children, guest speakers, and historical reenactors at the NorthBridge at 12:00. The celebrations continue at North Bridge Visitor Center, Hartwell Tavern Historical Area and Minute  Man Visitor Center. Monday, September 21. Free.

BATTLE ROAD OPEN HOUSE – An “Open House” featuring ten of the park’s historic homes, several of which are rarely open to the public. Interpreters in period dress will relate the history of the houses and the lives of the families who lived there in 1775. Experience different trades and talents of the colonial period including leather work, music and agriculture. See the park’s archaeology collection with the park curator. 

Enjoy family programs with your children. Houses will be open in Concord, Lincoln and Lexington and will include Jacob Whittemore House, Captain William Smith House, Hartwell Tavern, Noah Brooks Tavern, Joshua Brooks House, Sam Brooks House, Job Brooks House, Meriam House, The Wayside and Major John Buttrick House.

Start your visit by picking up a park map and a schedule at MinuteManVisitorCenter on Route 2A in Lexington or at NorthBridgeVisitorCenter, 174 Liberty Street in Concord. Walk, drive, or ride your bike from house to house. Saturday, September 26, 10:00 – 4:00. Free admission.

“REALIZING THE VISION” –A photo exhibit on the history of the park and its landscape. At the National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington, through October 18.

Minute Man National Historical Park spans 1,038 acres in the towns of Concord, Lincoln and Lexington and preserves important sites associated with the opening battle of the American Revolution. Citizens stood together and risked their lives to defend their rights; their ideals of liberty and self-determination forged the American identity. Park visitors can discover the landscape they wrought, with its stone walls, fields, orchards, and homes. Their farmsteads became the field of battle that created our nation. 

The park includes the NorthBridge, the Minute Man statue, The Wayside, Home of Authors, and the historic Battle Road from Meriam’s Corner in Concord, through Bloody Angle in Lincoln, to Fiske Hill in Lexington. The five-mile Battle Road Trail for walking, bicycle or wheelchair, follows remnants of the historic road, and visits historic houses, farming fields, wetlands, and forests.

For more information, please visit: www.nps.gov/mima or call 978-369-6993. For tickets to the September 20^th Gala visit friendsofminuteman.org or call 978-318-7822.

Rolling Back Time ~ A Half-Century of Change - The landscapes and structures within Minute Man National Historical Park have been painstakingly restored to evoke their colonial appearance. Below are some images of what we've been able to accomplish in 50 years.