250th Anniversary of the American Revolution in Boston

The 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is upon us and the commemoration has already started in the greater Boston area, where many of the major catalytic events took place.

A series of commemorative events will take place in 2025 and 2026 to mark important milestones in the American struggle for independence. These include reenactments, parades, educational programs, and lectures.

Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride & Lantern Signal

18th April 2025

Boston will commemorate the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s historic Midnight Ride to warn the American Minutemen that the British were marching. There will be a free reading of the hit play Revolution’s Edge behind Old North Church on Paul Revere Mall. Old North’s lanterns will light up soon after the play’s conclusion, at the beginning of the reenactment of Revere’s row across the Charles River.

The enduring fame of Old North Church began on the evening of 18th April 1775, when allies of Paul Revere climbed the steeple and held two lanterns as a signal that British forces were marching to Lexington and Concord “by sea” across the Charles River.

Battle of Lexington & Concord

19th April 2025

The towns of Lexington and Concord were the sites of the opening shots of the American War of Independence 250 years ago. Events will span the “Battle Road”, starting with the annual pre-dawn reenactment on Lexington Green, followed by a dawn salute at Concord’s Old North Bridge.

Parades in Concord (8:30 AM) and Lexington (2:00 PM) will honour the day. At 11:30 a.m, Minute Man National Historic Park hosts its “Battle Road Tactical Demonstration” with hundreds of reenactors, covering five miles of the historic road.

250th Anniversary of the Battle of Chelsea Creek

24th – 25th May 2025

Although often overlooked, the Battle of Chelsea Creek was an important event in the American struggle for independence. The commemorations are an innovative reinterpretation of the battle that restores its historical significance in the American Revolutionary process.

250th Anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill

12th – 17th June 2025

17th June marks the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill. Despite being a British victory with heavy losses sustained by the American forces, the battle proved the colonists’ resolve. A series of events will honour the legacy of the battle, bringing history to life through a battlefield archaeological trench, the “Echoes of Charlestown 1775” exhibition and experience, a beer garden, original research, exhibits, and immersive storytelling. These will be anchored by a special commemoration marking the end of colonialism in Charlestown on the morning of 17th June 2025.