Two hundred fifty years ago this April, Lynnfield and about 30 other towns and villages helped ignite the American Revolution, leading to independence a year later.
Led by Capt. Bancroft, the local militia company, fought British troops in Menotomy, now the town of Arlington.
This April, those events will be commemorated with two days of observances.
On Friday, April 18, at 7 p.m., the Lynnfield Historical Society and its Revolution 250 subcommittee will present an original play telling the stories of local militia members. The program, titled Shadows of 1775, will take place in the chapel of Centre Congregational Church.
The next morning, Saturday, April 19, beginning at 11 a.m., several events will take place. Activities include children’s tricorn hat making and storytelling at the library, as well as a Patriots’ Gallery on the Common, featuring stories of the 38 men who marched to the Lexington Alarm.
Lynnfield’s own midnight rider, Martin Herrick, will arrive with word directly from Paul Revere that the Regulars are out. The militia will then perform a ceremonial march toward the battle at the Jason Russell House and present the “Mourn Arms.” The day will also feature a patriotic music concert and more.
Meanwhile, the Lynnfield Historical Society’s YouTube channel will host a series of three-minute videos providing historical context leading up to the battle. Seven episodes will be released between now and April 19.
All events are free and open to the public. Seating for the play is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, visit LynnfieldHistoricalSociety.org and follow the organization’s Facebook page for updates. To get involved, email TheLynnfieldHistoricalSociety@gmail.com.
