Friends of Minute Man National Park

Preserving the Birthplace of the American Revolution

Enjoy Minute Man this Fall

Join us this fall at Minute Man National Historical Park! As always, all park programs are free and supported by the Friends of Minute Man National Park.

North Bridge Visitor Center: open seven days a week from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Minute Man Visitor Center: open Wed-Sun from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Save the date for Halloween at the Wayside on Saturday, October 19th, and Halloween at Hartwell Tavern on Saturday, October 26th. Stay tuned for more information in our October newsletter.

North Bridge Trail Closures

Trail improvement work on both sides of Concord’s North Bridge will require temporary trail closures through late October. During this time, the North Bridge can be viewed from the Buttrick Gardens outlook; the North Bridge Visitor Center and parking lots will remain open. Thank you for your patience as we get ready for the 250th anniversary.

Click here for more information and trail updates.

"Behold, The Guns Were Gone"

Sat, Sept 14, 2024

10:00 am - 4:00 pm North Bridge Visitor Center

1:00 pm Lecture by John Bell at Minute Man Visitor Center

Join us for a special 250th commemoration of the infamous Powder Alarm and learn how patriot militia stole four brass cannons from the British Boston garrison in Sept 1774. One of the cannons is on display at the North Bridge Visitor Center.

Click here to learn more about this free program.

North Bridge Ranger Programs

Tues - Sun at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm

Even though the North Bridge area is temporarily closed off for trail restoration, there’s still lots to see and learn! Meet a Park Ranger at North Bridge Visitor Center to learn about this fascinating battle from multiple points of view!

Click here to learn more about this free program

Witness Houses

Meriam House: Wed, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Barrett House: Thurs & Fri, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Explore houses that witnessed the battle of April 19, 1775. These Colonial-era houses have kept solemn watch over the landscape and have a unique history associated with the events of April 19th, 1775.

Click here to learn more about this free program.

Plan Your Visit

Join the 250th Anniversary!

Become a Member Today

As we approach the 250th anniversary of April 19, 1775, the birth of our nation, your membership in Friends of Minute Man National Park is more important than ever. With thousands of visitors expected at the April 2025 Patriot’s Day and other free public events, the Park needs extra support this year to make the most of this historic commemoration.

Perhaps you can step up to join the new $250 Minute Man level, the Battle Road Leadership Circle, or the 1775 Society. Whatever level you choose, your support makes a difference! All members receive our e-newsletter, invitations to special events, and 15% off at Park stores.

To give online by credit card, just click the button below. Or send your check, payable to Friends of Minute Man National Park, to 174 Liberty Street, Concord, MA 01742. For stock gifts or Donor-Advised Funds, please contact me at director@friendsofminuteman.org.

Your support helps make possible all of this year’s special 250th Anniversary events and the Park's ongoing preservation, interpretive, and educational work. Thank you!

Kathleen Fahey

Executive Director

Membership

Historic Ironwork and Hidden Paths

The elegant ironwork in the Buttrick Gardens is featured in the fall edition of the Discover Concord Magazine. Learn about the preservation of the historic wrought-iron gates, balustrades, and railings that adorn the gardens and explore the recently discovered hidden pathways. Read the full article by Friends of Minute Man's Executive Director, Kathleen Fahey, on the Discover Concord website by clicking the button below.

Historic Ironwork

Friends Welcome New Board President

The Friends of Minute Man National Park Board of Directors announces that Paul O’Shaughnessy has been appointed as the next Board President.

As Board President, Paul will oversee the strategic direction of the Friends, the official non-profit partner of Minute Man National Historical Park. The Friends of Minute Man National Park have supported historic preservation, educational events, and advocacy at the Park for over 35 years. In 2025, the Friends will play an essential role in helping the Park commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the beginning of the American Revolution.

“The team at Minute Man National Historical Park is excited to welcome Paul as the new President of the Friends. Paul’s extensive ties as a member of the Living History community, a resident of Lexington, and a longtime advocate for the Park make him an excellent choice to lead the Friends into the future. I look forward to working with Paul in his new role,” said Simone Monteleone, Superintendent of Minute Man National Historical Park . . . read more.

In the photo above (left to right), Paul O'Shaughnessy is welcomed as the new president by Bob Morris. Inset: the Friends board, Simone Monteleone, Park Superintendent, and Kathleen Fahey, Friends Executive Director, celebrate Paul's appointment in the North Bridge Visitor Center.

To read more and view more photos, please click the button below.

Board President

Pollinator Studies at Minute Man

Intern Grace Kowalski inventoried pollinators at Minute Man National Historical Park to determine how land management practices can support the diversity and health of ecological communities. Learn how pollinator studies at the park may change mowing practices to benefit bees and butterflies. Photo: A golden northern bumble bee feeding on red clover at the park by Grace Kowalski.

Click here to read the full article.

Beyond Battle Road

Items of interest outside the Park

Old North Illuminated: Cradle to Revolution: The Hidden History of America’s Children

Learn about the often-overlooked role of children in shaping the course of early American history on Sept. 25, 2024, with this online lecture with Dr. Anna Mae Duane of the University of Connecticut. By donation. Click here to learn more.

Essex National Historical Area: Trails and Sails

Over two weeks of free programs around Essex County, MA. Check out the in-person lecture "Battle of Menotomy: Myth, Lore, & History on Sept. 28, 2024. Click here to learn more.

Do you have a free event or online resource you’d like us to include in Beyond Battle Road? Please get in touch with Kathleen Fahey at director@friendsofminuteman.org with your listing.