Are you planning to visit Merrimack Valley this April? If so, you should plan to book your trip around Patriots’ Day. It’s one of the most celebrated times of the year in Lexington and Concord, being a central part of the towns’ histories as well as our nation’s.
What is Patriots’ Day?
For the uninitiated, Patriots’ Day is a state holiday commemorating the first battles of the American Revolution. The Battles of Lexington and Concord, fought on April 19, 1775, were the first major military campaigns of the Revolutionary War, resulting in an American victory and an outpouring of militia support for the original thirteen colonies to separate from the British Empire. They’ve been immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” and in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s poem “Concord Hymn” with the first shot of the battle becoming known as “the shot heard round the world.”
While the battles themselves took place on April 19, since 1969 it’s been observed on the third Monday of April in Massachusetts.
The beginning of the Revolutionary War may have affected the entire nation, Patriots’ Day is only observed as a holiday in six states, including Massachusetts. However, given its origins in Massachusetts and the pride people feel for the state’s role in American history, it’s something of a big deal. The Boston Marathon is always held on Patriots’ Day, and visitors to Merrimack Valley can witness battle reenactments and other special events.
Patriot’s Day Events
Because Patriots’ Day is such an important day in Lexington and Concord, there are lots of events celebrating it that you can participate in and enjoy.
Family Movie Night
This year, the Patriots’ Day festivities begin with a Family Movie Night on April 13. You and your family can join others in watching the 1957 Disney adaptation of the classic Esther Forbes novel, Johnny Tremain. The movie follows the adventures of young Boston patriot Johnny Tremain as he prepares for the coming revolution, joins the Sons of Liberty, and takes part in important historical events.
Organized by the Lexington Historical Society and held at the Depot, this movie showing goes from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-16, and free for children under 6.
Paul Revere’s Ride Reenactment
If you’re staying in Lexington during Patriot’s Day weekend, don’t try to go to bed early. Otherwise, you might find yourself awakened by a midnight rider galloping by shouting “the British are coming!” That’s because April 14 is the date set for Paul Revere’s Ride Reenactment.
From April 14 at 11:30 pm to April 15 at 12:15 am, you could bear witness to a reenactment of Paul Revere riding through town to raise the alarm that the Redcoats had come to suppress the budding revolution. This event is free to the public and held at the Hancock-Clarke House, which was Revere’s final destination as he needed to alert John Hancock and Samuel Adams of the impending British raid.
First Shot: The Day The Revolution Began
The Depot invites those interested in taking a closer look at the Battle of Lexington with their special multi-part program First Shot: The Day The Revolution Began. Each presentation begins with a screening of the Lexington Historical Society’s award-winning short documentary, followed by a Q&A session with historical reenactors. After that, visitors are invited to sing along with the Lexington Historical Society Colonial Singers as they share some of the most popular tunes of the past and share some political music history.
The documentary screenings are set for 9 am, 10 am, and 11 am on April 15. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Revolutionary Scavenger Hunt
What’s better than a self-guided tour of the Lexington Green? The Revolutionary Scavenger Hunt! Beginning and ending at the Depot Building in Lexington Center, children can test their clue-solving and observation skills with a Revolutionary-themed scavenger hunt on April 16 from 10 am to 2 pm.
This self-guided hunt will take them to sites all around Lexington Green. They can find the Parker boulder, learn about the Belfry, and give them a fun, interactive lesson on the Battle of Lexington. This free event for children of all ages will teach them valuable local history. They’ll also earn an official completion certificate as a prize. It’s a great souvenir to bring home to remember Patriots’ Day.
Children’s Reenactment
Calling all aspiring young Patriots and Redcoats! The Children’s Reenactment is a fun, interactive way for kids to learn about the Battle of Lexington. Participants will be trained by members of the Lexington Minutemen or His Majesty’s 10th Regiment of Foot before marching onto the historic Lexington Battle Green. There they’ll reenact the first battle of the American Revolution.
Choose from two times for your child to partake in the battle on April 17; 10-11:15 am or 12:30-1:45 pm. Admission is $10 per child with pre-registration or $15 to sign them up upon arrival, space permitting. Parents and guardians are encouraged to drop off their children at Buckman Tavern for training and return later to view the battle reenactment.
Colonial Fun and Games
It’s important to get kids interested in history and help them understand the past. That’s why the Lexington Historical Society has organized special Colonial Fun and Games events for April 19. Split into two age groups – Kindergarten – Grade 2 and Grades 3-5, children and their parents will get interactive and hands-on with some colonial toys and games. They’ll even get to make and take home some simple toys that the children of the 1700s would have had!
Come to Munroe Tavern on April 19 for this fun and kid-friendly learning experience. Children from kindergarten to grade 2 are welcome from 10-11 am. Children grades 3-5 can come from 1-2 pm. Admission is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers, but adult caregivers get in free.
These events are just a handful of the amazing things you can experience and see around Merrimack in honor of Patriots’ Day! Be sure to check out the calendar and keep an eye out for tours, historical reenactments, and more!
