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This July 4th marks the 250th anniversary of the Continental Congress’s ratification of the Declaration of Independence. To commemorate this historic milestone, we’ll spend the day in Concord, Massachusetts, exploring how the Revolution has been remembered and reinterpreted at pivotal moments throughout our nation’s history. En route, Curator of History Elizabeth Kapp will share engaging stories from the exhibition Declaration of Innovation: Springfield’s Revolutionary Ideas at the Wood Museum of Springfield History, highlighting Springfield’s legacy as a center of bold invention and transformative ideas.
In Concord, enjoy a guided tour of the Concord Museum, where the enduring legacy of the American Revolution comes to life through special exhibitions featuring rare artifacts, commemorative objects, and personal items connected to this defining moment in history. The museum also showcases treasures related to Concord’s celebrated transcendentalist authors, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
Following a group lunch at the historic Concord Colonial Inn, we’ll visit the Old Manse for a guided tour of Home to Two Revolutions. This experience traces the story of the house and its residents—from the American Revolution of 1775 to the literary and cultural revolutions of the 19th century—revealing how both well-known figures and lesser-known individuals shaped and responded to a rapidly changing nation.
Built in 1770 for patriot minister William Emerson, the Old Manse overlooks the North Bridge, site of the pivotal battle on April 19, 1775. After the tour, enjoy time to explore the scenic grounds, including centuries-old stone walls and easy walking paths connecting the Old Manse to the North Bridge.
Guide: Jeanne Fontaine
Friday, July 24; 8 am- 6 pm
Includes guided tour, lunch, bus travel and driver gratuity.
