Friends of Minute Man National Park
Preserving the Birthplace of the American Revolution
| |
Minute Man Open for the Season | |
|
Welcome Back!
Minute Man National Historical Park is now open for the season. We welcome you to visit our historical sites, memorial landscapes, and Visitor Centers. Rangers are ready to answer questions, provide maps, passport stamps, and Junior Ranger materials at park Visitor Centers.
Minute Man Visitor Center, Rt. 2A, Lexington
Open now, 9am - 5pm, daily
North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty Street, Concord
Open now, 10am - 5pm, daily
North Bridge, Monument Street, Concord
Open dawn till dusk, year-round
Hartwell Tavern, Rt. 2A, Lincoln
Opening on May 28, 2022, 10am - 4pm, Wed-Sunday
Masks are required inside park buildings when the community spread in our area is high. Signage will let you know when masks are necessary. Please remember to pack out any trash, keep pets on a leash, park in designated areas, and most importantly - have fun!
For more information and maps, please visit the park website by clicking on the button below.
| |
"Road to Revolution" is Back
We are pleased to share that the beloved "Road to Revolution" multimedia presentation has been digitally enhanced and is available for viewing at Minute Man Visitor Center. Enjoyed by generations, this 25-minute program offers visitors an introduction to the events of April 18th and 19th, 1775.
Shown on two screens within a stage. . .Read more.
| | |
|
Thank you to all the staff, volunteers, reenactors, donors, and sponsors who made the 2022 Patriots' Day commemoration a success!
Thousands of visitors joined in the week-long festivities. We braved the rain at the Merriam’s Corner Exercises, enjoyed watching the colonial militia engage the British troops along Battle Road, welcomed visitors into the Barrett House, marveled at the deep blue sky at the North Bridge Battle Commemoration, and solemnly lit our candles at the Patriot Vigil. We had an amazing turnout for the new five-mile Battle Road hike that allowed participants to follow in the footsteps of the ill-fated British Column.
But most importantly, we were grateful for the opportunity to gather once again for this cherished holiday and commemorate the first battles of the American Revolution.
Images, clockwise: Civilian evacuation along Battle Road, North Bridge commemoration, canon fire near the North Bridge (by Bill Nickerson), and British Troops retreating along Battle Road.
It's not too late to donate! Click on the button below to make a gift to the Friends of Minute Man Patriots' Day Fund.
| |
Sheep Shearing at Minute Man | |
|
Time to take off that winter coat! Sheep shearing day at Minute Man National Historical Park occurred in late March, just in time for our New England spring weather. Over 30 sheep were sheared in a flash thanks to the excellent work of shearer Aaron Loux. As one volunteer noted, "Aaron managed the sheep gently and assuredly. The sheep appeared surprisingly matter of fact about the day!"
Thank you to our dedicated volunteers for wrangling sheep, collecting wool, and providing health checks on the herd of Ouessant sheep. They are all in good shape and enjoying time outside the barn while grazing on spring clover, orchard grass, and vetch. . . Read more.
Images, clockwise: Aaron Loux shearing a white sheep, volunteers performing a health check on a black sheep while a curious chicken looks on, freshly sheered sheep snack on grain after fasting to prepare for the shearing.
To view step-by-step photos of sheep shearing please click on the button below.
| |
|
Written by Jim Hollister, Minute Man National Historical Park Ranger
Ranger Jim (right) and Ranger Jarrad (left) completed two weeks of training at the NPS Historic Weapons Course this spring. Rangers from across the NPS learn how to safely handle historic firearms for public demonstrations. Ranger Jim is an instructor for 18th century small arms and artillery. Ranger Jarrad has just finished his certification for 19th century arms in addition to his 18th century certification. That's why he's dressed a bit out of the ordinary for Minute Man. It's nice to have options!
Image, left to right: Jim Hollister and Jarrad Andrew pose with a cannon at historic weapons training in Alabama.
| | |
|
Spring Bird Walk
We had a great turnout for the annual Friends spring bird walk at Minute Man National Historical Park. As we walked along Battle Road near Hartwell Tavern we saw and heard dozens of colorful birds including Baltimore oriels, scarlet tanagers, and bluebirds. Warblers were plentiful with green warblers, black & white warblers, and pine warblers making an appearance.
Click here to download a birding checklist.
| | |
|
The seasonal team of interpreters are preparing for a busy spring and summer. Seasonal rangers help supplement Minute Man's regular staff when visitation is high. They provide roving interpretation, give ranger programs, and are ready to assist you with Junior Ranger activities or help your dog become a BARK Ranger.
Seasonal rangers come from all over the United States, and many have worked at other National Parks. While training at Minute Man National Historical Park, seasonal rangers learn about the opening battles of the Revolutionary War and receive historic weapons training. You may find them at our Visitor Centers, North Bridge, and Hartwell Tavern. Stop by and say hello - they look forward to seeing you!
Image: Seasonal rangers hold muskets in front of the Hartwell Tavern during historic weapons training. Rangers Jim (far left) and Ranger Jarrad (far right) provide instruction while wearing historically appropriate clothing.
| |
Beyond Battle Road
Items of interest outside the Park
| |
|
Rev250 Podcast: The Wright Tavern in Concord, Massachusetts with Tom Wilson
Check out the latest podcast from Rev250. Tom Wilson of the Wright Tavern Legacy Trust joins discusses their work to restore this historic building to its 1774-1775 appearance, and the role Wright Tavern has played in Concord, and the nation's, history. Click here to listen.
Freedom's Way "Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History"
Freedom's Way National Heritage Area sponsors a variety of programs that are free and open to the public in the month of May. Click here to explore the available programs.
Thoreau Farm: Tours
Take a free tour of Thoreau's birthplace on weekends from May through September. Can't visit in person? They have virtual tours too! Click here to learn more.
| |
Thank you to our newsletter sponsors! | |
Friends of Minute Man National Park
North Bridge Visitor Center
174 Liberty Street
Concord, MA 01742
P: 978-318-7822
| |
The Friends of Minute Man National Park is an independent, member-based
non-profit 501(c)(3) organization supporting the Park's mission of
preserving and protecting the historic sites, structures, properties, and landscapes associated with the opening battles of the American Revolution.
| | | | | |
