DCR Celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution

Join us in celebrating the spirit of 1776 in the places where history happened

Throughout 2025 and 2026, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation is proud to commemorate the 250^th anniversary of the American Revolution by highlighting the pivotal role our state parks, forests, watersheds, and more played in the fight for independence. From the rugged paths of the Knox Cannon Trail in the Berkshires to the fortified shores of the Boston Harbor, DCR properties preserve the landscapes where patriots stood, fought, and shaped history. We invite you to explore these historic sites and take part in Revolution 250 programs, where you can walk in the footsteps of revolutionaries and uncover the stories of Massachusetts’ vital contributions to America’s founding. Join us in celebrating the spirit of 1776 in the places where history happened. See below for highlighted properties and upcoming events.

Start Your Own Revolution!

Head out to the parks this summer and honor the revolution by completing any two of the activities listed and earn a special MA250 sticker and be entered to win a grand prize of a Family 4 pack of ferry tickets to Boston Harbor Islands!  

This initiative will be offered throughout 2026 with drawings on held August 2, 2025 and 2026.   To redeem your sticker and be entered for the grand prize please complete the  Prize Form & Survey.

Did you know?  Although the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, it wasn’t until August 2, 1776 that it was engrossed on parchment paper and signed by John Hancock, the President of Congress and other delegates in Philadelphia.

MA 250: Join the Revolution Poster

July 4th Celebrations for MA 250

City of Waltham July 4th Celebration

DCR’s Charles River Reservation, Boston MA

Sunday, June 29^th @9pm

On Sunday, June 29^th, the City of Waltham will be hosting a firework display and celebration in honor of the 4^th of July. This event will be held at the Charles River Reservation, firework display will begin at 9PM. Various vendors including Pete’s Pushcarts chicken fingers & fries, Russ Kassalty novelty items, and an ice cream truck. Please visit City of Waltham for more information.

Lynn Fireworks Display

DCR’s Lynn Shore & Nahant Beach Reservation, Lynn MA

Thursday, July 3^rd @6pm

On Thursday, July 3^rd, the city of Lynn will be hosting a firework celebration along Lynn Shore Drive. The firework display will begin around 9PM. Lynn Shore Drive will be closed for traffic from Nahant Road to Swampscott line starting at 6PM. Concert free of charge and Boston Pushcart will be serving food such as fried dough, hot dogs, corn dogs, sausages, cotton candy, ice cream. Please visit Home - City of Lynn for more information.

City of Fall River Fourth of July Celebration

DCR’s Fall River Heritage State Park, Fall River, MA

Friday, July 4^th @5PM

The City of Fall River will be hosting its annual Fourth of July firework display over the Taunton River. We will be bringing in food trucks and vendors such as; Supa Dupa, FanCheezical, Black Dog Donuts, Turner Brothers, Friskie Fries, Blount, Cool Licks Ice Cream to the path outside the meadow and the stage will host a DJ. Please visit Welcome to Fall River, Massachusetts for more information.

Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra 4^th of July Concert & Celebration

DCR’s Pilgrim Memorial State Park, Plymouth MA

Friday, July 4^th starting @7:30

On Friday, July 4^th, the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing at Pilgrim Memorial Park across from Cole’s Hill, starting at 7:30PM. In collaboration with Plymouth 4^th of July events/fireworks. Free of charge. Please visit the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra for more information.

Upcoming Events

Exhibit: Road to Revolution: The Boston Tea Party

Exhibit: Road to Revolution: The Boston Tea Party

DCR’s Fall River Heritage State Park, Fall River, MA

April 1, 2025 to October 1, 2025

The Boston Tea Party has captured the imagination of school children and inspired protests around the world. This special exhibit tells the backstory of one of the most iconic events in the nation’s history using period documents from the Massachusetts Archives collection. 

Exhibit: Road to Revolution: The Occupation of Boston

Exhibit: Road to Revolution: The Occupation of Boston

DCR’s Fall River Heritage State Park, Fall River, MA

June 16, 2025 – September 5, 2025

On September 28, 1768, British warships anchored in Boston Harbor and began the occupation of an American city in rebellion. This special exhibit tells the backstory of one of the most iconic events in the nation’s history using period documents from the Massachusetts Archives collection. 

Revolution 250-Themed New Year’s Eve on the Waterfront

December 31, 2025

Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with the annual New Year’s Eve Waterfront Ice Sculpture Stroll themed: We the People Information Will Be Posted Here

Featured Properties

Roxbury Heritage State Park

Step into history at Roxbury Heritage State Park, where the story of the American Revolution comes to life. Overlooking Boston, this site played a critical role in the Siege of Boston (1775-1776), as colonial forces fortified the high ground of Roxbury to challenge British control. Today, the park and its centerpiece, the Dillaway-Thomas House, offer a window into the lives of those who fought for independence – soldiers, civilians, and revolutionaries alike. As we mark the 250^th anniversary of the Revolution, visit the park to explore exhibits, walk the historic landscape, and uncover the legacy of Roxbury’s patriots. Discover how this neighborhood shaped the birth of a nation and how its spirit of resilience endures.

Old hemlock on the Clam River in Otis SF. By Ray Asselin

Paul Revere Park

Paul Revere Park serves as a tribute to one of the most iconic figures of the American Revolution, whose legendary midnight ride helped spark the fight for independence. Located near the Charlestown waterfront, the park sits at the gateway to Paul Revere’s fateful journey on the night of April 18, 1775, when he rode to warn the colonial militias that British troops were advancing. Just across the water, the battles of Lexington and Concord would soon unfold, marking the start of the Revolution. As we commemorate the 250^th anniversary of the America Revolution, visit Paul Revere Park to reflect on the courage and urgency of that historic night and to connect with the enduring legacy of freedom and resistance that shaped our nation.

Otis State Forest

Otis State Forest holds a quiet but powerful link to the American Revolution through the Knox Cannon Trail, a route that helped change the course of history. In the harsh winter of 1775-1776, General Henry Knox led a daring expedition to transport 60 tons of captured British artillery from Fort Ticonderoga in New York state to General Washington’s forces outside Boston. The journey crossed the rugged terrain of the Berkshires, passing through what is now Otis State Forest. These cannons would soon force the British to evacuate the city, marking a turning point in the war. As we honor the 250^th anniversary of the Revolution, visit Otis State Forest to walk in the footsteps of this incredible journey of determination and ingenuity, where the landscape still whispers the story of an unlikely victory.

Fort Revere Park

Fort Revere Park in Hull stands on a site that played a crucial role in the American Revolution, guarding the entrance to Boston Harbor. During the war, colonial forces fortified this strategic high ground to help protect the coastline from British naval attacks. The location provided a vital lookout, ensuring that patriot forces could monitor enemy movements and defend against potential invasions. As we mark the 250^th anniversary of the Revolution, visit Fort Revere to explore its historic earthworks, enjoy panoramic harbor views, and walk in the footsteps of the soldiers who stood watch over a young nation’s fight for freedom.

More information

MA 250 - A History of Possibility