Events

In October 1774, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress instructed towns throughout the colony to prepare for imminent conflict with England. In response, the Merrimack Valley, in particular, shifted into a wartime stance, forming minute companies, stockpiling weapons, ammunition, and supplies, and setting up a defense network ready to mobilize if British forces advanced from Boston. Join...

Join us as we approach the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution by learning about our local revolutionary heroes buried in North Andover's First and Second Burial Ground. Who were they? What was their previous fighting experience? What drove them to war? NA Historical Society Educator, David Blauvelt, will speak on the character and actions...

On May 10, 1775, the once formidable life of Colonel Jeremiah Lee of Marblehead came to an abrupt end, due to his covert acts on behalf of independence. Judy Anderson leads this illustrated presentation to honor Lee’s life and contributions to the revolutionary cause, which have remained nearly unrecognized for two and a half centuries....

Lunchtime History Films, bring your lunch! Massachusetts Community Militias A casual discussion and a 20-30 minute film. Presented by Heritage Films, Dan Tremblay, a volunteer and member of DHS. Free Admission. Donations appreciated.  Danvers Historical Society: 978-777-1666 or E-mail to connect@danvershistory.org

Join linguist and NAHS facilities manager, Antoine Trombino-Ponte, as he explains his reconstruction of the voice of James Stevens, through James’ diary, which he began on April 19th, 1775. Antoine Trombino-Aponte is the Facilities Manager at the North Andover Historical Society as well as an Educator at the JFK Library, Boston. Doors at 6:00/Presentation Begins...

A decade before 1776, changes in the social and political hierarchies of Salem paved the way for its Revolutionary and post-Revolutionary roles. Dr. Donna Seger, professor of history at Salem State University and co-author of the forthcoming Salem's Centuries. New Perspectives on the History of an Old American City, leads us through some of the major...

Based on shared research about their families, cousins Rich Pitra and Kathleen Osgood will bring their ANCESTRY CLUB research to North Andover on the eve of the 250th anniversary of our town’s involvement in the early days of the American Revolution. From the “shot heard round the world” on April 19, 1775, to September 3,...

Hosted by Lynnfield Historical Society Shadows of 1775 An original play. Hear the words of those who represented Lynn end (what Lynnfield was known as) The play is led by a narrator who calls on various characters sitting in the audience; Characters (who are real people from 1775 Lynnfield) tell their individual stories, which, in...

**THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT** Join us on April 19th for the Revolutionary History Tour Shuttle, a special collaboration between the North Andover Historical Society and the Andover Center for History and Culture! Embark on an adventure through our shared heritage as we bring our two towns, once united during the American Revolution, back together...

Every year on Patriots Day, the members of the Danvers Alarm List Company gather to honor the brave men from Danvers who made the ultimate sacrifice at the Jason Russell House on April 19th, 1775, by participating in a special mini-marathon. This year, in commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of Patriots Day, we’re expanding our...

In the two and a half centuries since American Independence was declared and secured, little attention has been spent looking into the roles of communities other than those who participated in significant events or were centers of population. Boston, Lexington, Concord, & Bunker Hill play an outsized role in the public memory of the American...

How, why & where the first battle of the American Revolution could have happened at Salem’s North Bridge in February 1775 instead of in Lexington and at Concord’s North Bridge on April 19th. Less than two months before April 19th in 1775, the American Revolution’s first land battle could have taken place in Marblehead and/or...

With images & visuals, social historian Judy Anderson of Marblehead will talk about the confrontation in Salem on February 26, 1775, and where the British Regular Army troops are said to have landed in Marblehead. The program will emphasize the historical background of Marblehead at that time, and the distinctive differences between Salem & Marblehead,...

Salem Maritime National Historic Site is telling the story of a key but lesser-known voyage across the Atlantic Ocean 250 years ago to deliver news of rebellion in Massachusetts. In April 1775, after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the race was on to control the narrative of the rebellion. Leaving from Derby Wharf onboard...

This talk shows how Andover helped plant the seeds of the American Revolution. We will see old Andover’s role in the fight for Independence and our legacy in shaping the birth of the nation. Scott W. Dianis is a longtime resident of Andover with a keen interest in local history, particularly in the stories that...