This upcoming long weekend of April 19 through 21 is always called Patriot’s Day weekend in Boston and it remains “the Hub’s” favorite weekend on the calendar. Patriots’ Day is a Massachusetts holiday that commemorates the start of the Revolutionary War, and it is also noted for the Boston Marathon along with a Red Sox baseball home game at Fenway Park. The weekend also coincides with the yearly enactment of the battle of Lexington Concord in nearby Concord, Mass. This year is special as not only does it occur with Passover ongoing this week as well as Easter Sunday, but we also commemorate the 250th celebration of the American Revolution this year. Many of our towns and cities are involved in marking this historic year and the historic date of April 19, including Salem and the neighboring town of Marblehead.
Plenty to See and Do
Leslie’s Retreat
Salem
Everyone knows Salem for the 1692 Witchcraft Trials, but we say that without Salem, the United States may not be the same United States we know today. Salem Patriots played an incredible role in the start of our country and made significant contributions to the American Revolution. The shot heard round the world almost happened here, and Salem was known for our Privateers (legal Pirates), who were the most successful against the British, and British Governor General Thomas Gage encountered some of his biggest challenges to his authority in Salem. On April 19, from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Salem Historical Tours, located at 8 Central Street Salem, MA will walk us back in time to the days of the American Revolution and offer up some exciting historic anecdotes.
Additionally, the National Park Service exhibit in Salem will explore why Crown soldiers under Lt. Col. Alexander Leslie came to Salem on February 26, 1775, who were the major players in the event, and how this event has been remembered and celebrated in Salem in the last 250 years. This free exhibit will be on display through April 27th at the Salem Armory Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem. The Salem Armory Visitor Center is open Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm.
Marblehead
Nearby Marblehead will host events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, including walking tours led by Judy Anderson and live historical performances. A walking tour focusing on “Col. J. Lee & His Covert Revolutionary Acts” is scheduled for May 9 and 10, and another tour on April 25-27 will explore the history of Fort Beach. Additionally, there will be a performance series called “Headers in the Revolution,” which will take place in September 2025.
Additionally, on April 16, the Marblehead Museum is hosting an event closely tied to Salem history called “When Redcoats Marched in Marblehead: Leslie’s Retreat” program, which explored the history of the British march through Marblehead during the Revolution, including a celebration of the Acton Minute Men.
Boston
The Boston Marathon will take place on the 250th Anniversary of Patriots’ Day. It is the world’s oldest annual marathon, and it has been held on Patriots’ Day since its first race in 1897, except for a few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This 129th running of the Boston Marathon is also a time to mark a date on the calendar, which is One Boston Day on April 15. This is a day to reflect on the unity and strength of the city, honor the first responders and everyday heroes who rushed toward danger 12 years ago, remember those who we lost, and commit ourselves to kindness and service towards our friends and neighbors.
And, finally, another cherished Boston tradition is the Boston Red Sox who have been playing a home game on Patriots’ Day in Fenway Park every year since 1959. The game is often scheduled to start early, around 11:00 am, to allow fans to watch the end of the Boston Marathon, which finishes near Fenway Park.
Lexington and Concord
Finally, for those who want to re-live history, there is no better place than Concord and Lexington, Mass. The 250th anniversary of the historic battles of Concord and Lexington is approaching on April 19, 2025. Concord250 commemorates the semi-quincentennial, or 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, which began here in New England.
