Over 40 years ago, park ranger Jon Waterman took his first journey to Alaska’s Noatak River. Astonished by the abundant wildlife, the strange landscape, and its otherworldly light, he spent collective years of his life exploring Arctic North America. After three decades away, he returned with his son, and amid a now-flooded river bereft of the once-plentiful caribou, he was...
Visit over three centuries of Lexington's past on a walking tour of the historic Old Burying Ground. From skulls and crossbones, to willow trees and urns, this is the perfect place to see the history of how our ancestors grappled with the concept of death through beautiful artwork. Discover how mortuary art has changed over...
Visit over three centuries of Lexington's past on a walking tour of the historic Old Burying Ground. From skulls and crossbones, to willow trees and urns, this is the perfect place to see the history of how our ancestors grappled with the concept of death through beautiful artwork. Discover how mortuary art has changed over...
The tavern was dark in the days before electricity! Learn about lighting in the 18th century and roll your own candle. Drop in any time between 1:00 - 4:00 PM to learn! This activity is suitable for ages 6 and up, including adults! Included with museum admission.
On December 13, 1773, three days before the Boston Tea Party, the Lexington Town Meeting concluded a multi-day debate with a resolution to stop purchasing or drinking imported British tea. The crowd spilled out onto the common behind the meeting house and made a bonfire, throwing the entire town's supply of tea into it. Each...
Join us to bring light during the deep, dark time of winter & to celebrate our 250th anniversary spirit. This free workshop for making tin lanterns is presented by the Lexington Historical Society, in partnership with the Munroe Center for the Arts Read more online - munroecenter.org/lexlux Location: 1403 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420 Date and...
Make your way to Depot Square with your lantern or flashlight! There will be a community light sculpture project, LED spirograph portraits, an interactive light display, campfire and hot chocolate, animated projection mapping onto the Depot building, and a group drone photo to capture it all! Saturday night kicks off two weeks of illuminations along our...
The 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War is right around the corner. How will we celebrate it? Whose stories will get told, and how patriotic will we feel in troubled times? These questions have plagued every commemoration since 1875. From massive parades to frozen dinners and political protesters, April 19th commemorations have been elaborate, joyous,...
History. Beer. Friends. What else could you ask for? Buckman Tavern’s official liquor license expired in 1813, but we still open for business on occasion! We’re recreating the 18th century tavern experience: drop in for music, games, snacks, and beer served from our historic bar in Buckman’s original taproom. Mingle with citizens of 1775 Lexington...
Behind any founding father are numerous founding mothers, sisters, and lovers. Benjamin Franklin had a large cast of women in his life, most importantly his wife of 44 years, Deborah Read Franklin. While frequently absent from the historical narrative due to their frequent time apart, Deborah was an important witness to and active participant in the political workings of the early Revolution, running the family businesses and raising a family in tumultuous times with her husband often away.
In April 2025, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, Lexington Historical Society will become Lexington History Museums, and open a new museum in the very center of town! Our new museum, The Lexington Depot, will tell diverse and sometimes surprising stories of people who have lived, worked, and played here. Through displays and interactive exhibits, meet architects, farmers, activists, musicians, and others who have shaped our town through the years. Join us and discover our shared stories.
One of the most iconic duos in Revolutionary history, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson famously worked together through the Continental Congress before feuding for decades. Later, they miraculously rekindled a fierce friendship before dying on the same day, 50 years to the day of the Declaration of Independence’s signing. Their relationship allows us a unique look at how the American Revolution affected those of different social classes and ideologies, and how such disparate ideas were able to exist side by side in the new Republic.
In our last Book Chat of this season, join award-winning Revolutionary War historian Gordon S. Wood in an interactive discussion about these fascinating founding fathers. Reading the book is never required, but adds to the experience!
