Friends of Minute Man National Park

Preserving the Birthplace of the American Revolution

Minute Man's Year in Review

Dear Friends,

Thank you for being a part of the Minute Man National Historical Park community! Our newsletter readers are some of our most dedicated supporters, including neighbors, visitors from near and far, volunteers, reenactors, educators, scholars, and students.

Many come to experience the history of the American Revolution and stay to enjoy the natural beauty. Whatever your interest in Minute Man, I hope you enjoyed our newsletter this year.

Please scroll down to revisit our most popular stories of 2025. These are the stories that YOU and other readers clicked on the most! On your way, consider donating to the Friends of Minute Man year-end appeal. Your donation helps us plan for free events and new memories in 2026.

I look forward to sharing with you all that Minute Man has to offer in 2026. Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!

Sincerely,

Kathleen Fahey

Executive Director

director@friendsofminuteman.org

Standout Stories of 2025

Patriots' Day 250th Anniversary

Is it any surprise that the 250th Anniversary of Patriots' Day was the top story of 2025? Thousands clicked to learn about the Battle Road reenactments, the Patriot Vigil, while the Anniversary Hike was one of the hottest tickets in town, selling out in seconds. Rain caused a few cancellations, but didn't dampen our spirits!

Relive the memories with this look back at the 250th Anniversary events.

Defending Our National Parks

Shifting federal funding priorities brought unprecedented challenges to the Park in 2025, including a hiring freeze, staff reductions, and looming budget cuts. In March, we asked you to contact your members of Congress to show your support for Minute Man and the National Park Service—and you rose to the occasion!

Read our full statement and contact your congress members today to help ensure the Park’s future.

The Hive

The Hive was buzzing with activity in February 2025 as reenactors, living history interpreters, educators, and community members came together to learn about the American Revolution. This year saw record attendance, with participants enjoying engaging lectures, dynamic demonstrations, hands-on sewing circles, and good company. Huzzah!

Get ready for The Hive 2026. Registration opens on Jan 3, 2026.

Milkweed and Monarchs

Minute Man stretches across three towns, covering more than 1,000 acres and supporting a rich array of plants and wildlife. Articles highlighting the Park’s natural history are consistently among the most popular in our newsletter. This year, it was a tight race between features on turtles, amphibians, and pollinators—but Milkweed and Monarchs emerged as the clear favorite.

Read this article again or for the first time!

Dressed for Success

With the help of supporters like you, the Friends of Minute Man is proud to supply the Park's historical clothing workshop with historically appropriate patterns, fabric, and notions. Ranger Tse Yang was outfitted with this suit of 18th-century clothing, including wool breeches, a waistcoat, and a coat. The coat features "death head" thread-covered buttons, see above.

Learn more about the historical clothing workshop.

Honorable Mention

New Online Store

It all began with the Minute Man edition of our 250th Anniversary commemorative coin. Its popularity—and its success as a fundraiser for the park—led us to add the North Bridge coin to the series. Then, after many of you asked for t-shirts, we expanded our 250th logo collection to include shirts and hats.

Click here to purchase your 250th Anniversary coin, shirt, or hat today!

Thank You

Sponsors, Donors, and Members

We could not do this work without you!

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Friends of Minute Man National Park

North Bridge Visitor Center

174 Liberty Street

Concord, MA 01742

978-318-7822

info@friendsofminuteman.org

www.friendsofminuteman.org

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