Massachusetts State Seal An official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Here's how you know

Official websites use .mass.gov

A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts.

Secure websites use HTTPS

A lock icon or https:// means you've safely connected to the official website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News

News  Exhibit Collection Spotlight: Establishing the Minutemen!

On Display September 29 through November 3
10/01/2026
  • State Library of Massachusetts
Detail from Broadside 37: Establishing Town Militia, 1774
Broadside 37: Establishing Town Militia, 1774

Establishing Town Militia, 1774

Broadside 37

In October 1774, colonists established their own governing structure in response to escalating frustrations with the King and British Parliament. This became the Provincial Congress, with John Hancock as Chair. This broadside was issued following a meeting on October 26 in Cambridge, where the main resolution was to authorize towns to establish their own local militias, or, minutemen.

As a complement to our new exhibit, Raising the Alarm: Revolutionary Broadsides at the State Library, each month a broadside from that exhibit is on display in our Collection Spotlight case. This month’s broadside is on exhibit from September 29 through November 3. Visit us to see it and read more about it and the Provincial Congress in our blog.

  • State Library of Massachusetts

    The State Library supports the research and information needs of government, libraries, and the public through innovative services and access to a comprehensive repository of state documents and other historical items.
  • Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

    Please do not include personal or contact information.
    Feedback