Patriots' Day

 

Battle Road

NPS Photo/ Pollock

What is Patriots' Day?

Patriots' Day is a state holiday in Massachusetts commemorating the first battle of the American Revolution on April 19, 1775. Although Patriots' Day occurs annually on the third Monday of April, Minute Man National Historical Park host special programs and events throughout the month. The following is a schedule of our signature Patriots' Day events for 2025.
Patriots' Day events supported by the Friends of Minute Man National Park

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Signature events at Minute Man National Historical Park include:

 

Open House at Meriam's Corner

Nathan Meriam House
April 12, 2025
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Visit the Nathan Meriam witness house and talk with costumed park staff about the Meriam family and the importance of the crossroad near their home on April 19, 1775. In the early afternoon of that fateful day, Militia soldiers arriving from Reading, Chelmsford, and Billerica attacked retreating British soldiers near this home. From Meriam’s Corner to Charlestown the fighting raged continuously for 8 hours and roughly 16 miles. Today, this important home marks the beginning of the “Battle Road.”

Parking:
Meriam's Corner Parking Lot: 751 Lexington Road, Concord, MA.
Overflow parking available on the day of the event.

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

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Prescott's Ride & The Lincoln Alarm

Hartwell Tavern
Saturday, April 12, 2025
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm


Schedule of Events:
Hartwell Tavern Open House 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Ranger Program 8:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.

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

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Barrett Farm Open House

Colonel James Barrett House
Sunday, April 13, 2025

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

On April 19th, 1775 a contingent of about 120, British Soldiers marched over the North Bridge to Barrett’s farm in search of military arms and supplies. During this open house program explore the interior of this 319 year old home, talk with park staff about military preparations in 1775, and learn the story of Rebeckah Barrett who went toe to toe with the British Soldiers searching her home.

Parking:
Colonel James Barrett House: 448 Barrett's Mill Road, Concord MA 01742

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

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Patriot Vigil

Thursday, April 17, 2025
North Bridge, Concord
Ceremony 7:45 pm - 8:30 pm
Luminaria 7:30 pm- 9:00 pm

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” 19^th 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.

Parking:
North Bridge Visitor Center: 174 Liberty Street, Concord, MA
North Bridge Parking Lot: 280 Monument Street, Concord, MA

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

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Battle Road Tactical Demonstration

April 19, 2025
* Events happening across Minute Man NHP

This is the signature living history event at Minute Man National Historical Park, featuring hundreds of volunteer reenactors. Throughout the day learn about the events of April 19, 1775 from many points of view. Enjoy a full schedule of living history programs and demonstrations, including a fast-paced tactical demonstration along a restored stretch of the original Battle Road! Talk with volunteers portraying colonial civilians forced to leave their homes, minute men who answered the sudden call to arms, British soldiers fighting for king and country and Loyalists who saw the struggle differently from their neighbors.

Detailed Schedule:

Sunrise	Minute Man National Historical Park grounds open
9:00 am	Minute Man Visitor Center open
9:30 am- 11:30 am	Hartwell Tavern open house
9:30 am- 11:30 am	Captain William Smith open house
9:30 am- 4:30 pm	Living History Area at Minute Man Visitor Center
11:30 am	Hartwell Tavern/ Elm Brook Hill Area Closed
11:45 am	Elm Brook Hill Tactical Demonstration
12:30 pm- 4:30 pm	Hartwell Tavern Open House
1:00 pm	Parker's Revenge Tactical Demonstration
1:30 pm- 4:30 pm	Living History Area at Minute Man Visitor Center Open
1:45 pm	Program details coming soon.
3:00 pm	After the Battle program at Hartwell Tavern
3:00 pm- 4:30 pm	Nathan Meriam Open House: Additional program details coming soon.
3:00 pm	Additional program details coming soon.
4:30 pm	Historic Houses closed
5:00 pm	Minute Man Visitor Center closed
Dusk	Minute Man National Historical Park grounds closed

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

 

North Bridge Program

April 21, 2025
North Bridge, Concord
8:30 am

Commemorate Patriots' Day with a National Park Service program marking the "shot heard round the world."

Check back soon for more 2025 details.

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

 

Battle Road Anniversary Hike

Monday, April 21, 2025

Join National Park Rangers for an immersive 5-mile guided Battle Road trail hike to Fiske Hill and follow in the footsteps of the ill-fated British column during the Concord expedition. This experiential program will bring the stories of the battle road to life through guided interpretation and immersive Living History elements. Learn about the trials and triumphs of those who experienced the bloody events of April 19, 1775.

Thanks to Friends of Minute Man National Parkfor managing registration and co-sponsoring this event. Registration coming spring 2025.

Program Logistics:

• Once registered, participants will receive additional details with starting location and a parking pass in a confirmation email.
• Registration is required and reserves one seat on the post-program shuttle bus returning participants from Fiske Hill to the starting point of the program.
• Be advised this program will be an expansive hike over 4-miles of Battle Road Trail on undulating terrain. Sturdy walking shoes/ equipment, weather appropriate clothing, and water are recommended. Park comfort stations at Hartwell Tavern, and the Minute Man Visitor Center will be open.
• Be advised bug spray is recommended
• Be advised this program will feature musket fire along with other immersive living history elements.
• Dogs are not permitted on this tour.
• Though portions of the Battle Road Trail are wheelchair accessible, the entirety of the program from start to finish involves terrain that is inaccessible.
• Sorry, we cannot accommodate non-registered participants on this program.

Parking:
Parking passes will be emailed in advance to registered participants.

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Patriots' Day events supported by the Friends of Minute Man National Park.

Learn more about the Friends of Minute Man National Park by visiting their website Friends of Minute Man National Park

 

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