To build momentum for the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, a forum on the question: “How should Massachusetts celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday in 2025/2026?” was held on November 30th at Old North Church. A panel of five leading local historians and preservationists discussed how the 1976 Bicentennial celebrations impacted Massachusetts and explored ways that the Sestercentennial can benefit our region, educate future generations, and preserve our national heritage.
Our nation’s 250th birthday is only ten years away. Years of advance planning are required to gather the civic and financial resources required to celebrate a major milestone. The Revolution 250 effort will also recognize anniversary events in the years leading up to 2026.
In addition to the financial challenges, a theme of the discussion was how to relate the Revolution’s historical anniversaries to today’s generation, reflecting Boston’s diverse population, needs and priorities.
Panelists: William Fowler, Northeastern University; Martha McNamara, Wellesley College; Robert Allison, Suffolk University; Greg Galer, Boston Preservation Alliance, Representative Byron Rushing. Introduction by host Stephen T. Ayres, Executive Director, Old North Foundation.
Revolution250 is a consortium of Boston area historic sites, parks, libraries, historians, and others. More information at www.revolution250.org.
Watch the above one-hour video for the complete Revolution 250 panel discussion.
