This Independence Day, the entire country will be celebrating the semiquincentennial anniversary of the American Revolution, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Arlington, however, has already been celebrating the anniversary through its Arlington250 initiative – multi-year, town-wide events celebrating the historic role the town played in the founding of America.
This Patriots Day weekend, Saturday, April 18 through Monday, April 20 (Patriots Day holiday), several free and family-friendly events have been planned for residents to learn about Arlington’s history. Formerly known as Menotomy, Arlington was the site of some of the fiercest fighting on the opening day of the American Revolution.
- Free Guided Tours: Jason Russell House and Museum (April 18 through 20, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Explore the site of the largest battle in Menotomy and view preserved bullet holes from April 19, 1775.
- Menotomy Beer Hall (Saturday, April 18, noon to 6 p.m., Arlington Town Hall, 730 Mass. Ave.)
A lively indoor gathering featuring craft beer from Arlington Brewing Company, live music, games and family activities.
- Foot of the Rocks Exhibition (Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) on view in Old Schwamb Mill upstairs gallery (17 Mill Ln).
- Family Day at the Jason Russell House (Sunday, April 19, actual Patriots Day, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
A collaborative outdoor event hosted by the Arlington Historical Society, Cyrus Dallin Art Museum, and Old Schwamb Mill with hands-on activities for all ages.
- Patriots Day Celebration at Whittemore Park (Monday, April 20, 10 a.m.)
A program of live readings, historical storytelling, and reflections on Arlington’s revolutionary past.
- Reenactment: Arrival of Paul Revere and William Dawes (Monday, April 20, Arlington Town Hall)
Family activities begin at 11 a.m., with the National Lancers’ reenactment ride arriving at approximately noon.
The full town announcement of Patriot’s Day events is available on the town website.
