[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6390929,"mediaKeyId","2111753-c4e1f7e984bf99746bee0021b2f970df","parentId",2111753,"title","Revolution 250 and local groups preview statewide 250th events from Salem to Gloucester","audioSeconds",601,"startMs",3837000,"endMs",4438000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111753-c4e1f7e984bf99746bee0021b2f970df&start=3837&end=4438","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111753-c4e1f7e984bf99746bee0021b2f970df/thumbnail_3837000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6390929/Massachusetts/Revolution-250-and-local-groups-preview-statewide-250th-events-from-Salem-to-Gloucester","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6390929-310ce89715188605e2efc5e0697db9d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771209859&Signature=Qt45YPgzJZt2Izr8~Skh-RiXATNCcZ5624avdbLDwbpn2gSB~mvGCw5QVE~9iRIENf9sxcHdZFwps7PT9tYrcQqDj0L55Yd8oGipAVqppgbNiDQXpGwfeEpp809~ujpDAjpvd2cdhn5HgTfz5wOs7pgaLYTSEG459M8STLDT7AQrS0Gay~bti3c6VPeLbQtHC~Jzz4cRbo-yGRkht4j3YA2k6EMET63iHNmFTc8NAM7KvhNHlKbIqkZIVVWPcOJfiWG9eiNMj0IcV5f0u-6szq-1wpwxHqgeSpU7lUNgcI6YU2pqLPWBnECfGApKCV1M-boZevfWvJ4xfuMYCvQTmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution","date","2025-01-07T00:00:00Z","article","Jonathan Lane of Revolution 250 told the commission that community organizations across Massachusetts are actively scheduling programs for 2025 and 2026 and that public interest is strong.

Lane said that many groups have already sold hotel room blocks and that organizers’ most frequent question is how attendees will move between events and where they will park. He noted that Leslie’s Retreat in Salem (February 25) will be an early large event and that Bunker Hill commemorations are planned for mid-June (June 14–17) with a June 17 program on the monument site. He also said Gloucester expects 700–800 reenactors for its event and that organizers across the state are coordinating reenactor schedules to allow participation in multiple towns.

Lane listed other local efforts: Acton 250 and Westford Rev 250 are running recurring programs; Hingham has a yearlong slate including its Lincoln Day commemoration; Cape Cod historical organizations plan a 250th symposium on July 26; and Benedict Arnold/Arnold’s march to Quebec commemorations and Knox Trail preparatory programs are scheduled later in 2025, leading into Knox Trail and evacuation-day events in 2026.

Lane summarized the state of planning plainly: “People are really excited about everything 250, and I know this because of our constant stream of questions coming in through the website. I know a number of groups who are coming in have, you know, they set up room blocks and hotels in the metro west, and they're all sold out. So, the people are coming. That's the good news. The bad news is people are coming.” He encouraged attendees to consult town-specific event websites and organizers for details about parking and transportation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution - 1-7-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Jonathan Lane of Revolution 250 and multiple local organizers reported a slate of 2025 events including Salem’s early February Lesley’s Retreat, large Battle Road activities on April 19, Gloucester reenactments, Bunker Hill commemorations in June, and planning for Knox Trail and evacuation-day programs into 2026.","taxTitle","Special Commission on 250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution, Commissions, Legislative, Massachusetts","taxId",24858,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6390934,"Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism outlines marketing push and grants for 250th",385,3085000,3470000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111753-c4e1f7e984bf99746bee0021b2f970df&start=3085&end=3470","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111753-c4e1f7e984bf99746bee0021b2f970df/thumbnail_3085000.jpg","/articles/6390934/Massachusetts/Massachusetts-Office-of-Travel-Tourism-outlines-marketing-push-and-grants-for-250th","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6390934-34dbc2a7623aac43725ee9fc23689aeb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771209859&Signature=Ie2tmjUGgLWAoD-zHrlAREp3e09~IaLzYmqq4FGN4p~~RYpwNYthlccsmyrNsu51N65hC6EsDcnwYrvk1sz-4qWOAb7LoctMRunsh8Kk4dAf01PHQ4ozoymjQXf5vhRMp0ffkAXmTPYTw2CZ-m0CozX6KKb17Pa6JjSdAPKdKO74YBAbTXnfJmFV9dzFSmcItBiS~b1JU2qLomje0WecnXwwaaifflJ6HTBhy42JKlJb4VNFMauy~9vGyjLDLuhjvHr7uyxDF60kkvgchYNLLePnYi005ebGcpXlLuV5XF0ZMu5W-fmyUUykejr8bUvpJa1apxG8lqa-wxXsC4GViw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kate Fox, director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT), told the commission that the office is using the 250th commemoration as a marketing catalyst and to support local events statewide.

Fox said MOTT has created branded programs including Museums 250 (museum partners using MA 250 marketing materials), Revolutionary Weekends (monthly theme weekends in 2025 and 2026) and a series of noon “lunch and learn” webinars for organizers. She said staff will post guidance on massachusetts250.org and circulate information through industry newsletters and social channels.

On grants, Fox said MOTT awarded $1,500,000 in the fall to 37 projects; 34 had contracted and spent funds by the time of the meeting and the remaining awards were close to contracting. She said a second round of MA 250 grants will be released shortly and that funds for that round will be available through fiscal 2026 without the typical June 30 spending deadline.

Fox described MOTT’s marketing investments—paid social media, print/digital ads, a National Geographic Traveler UK insert and targeted radio and TV advertising—and noted a new director of marketing joined the team. She also said an executive committee of public- and private-sector leaders organized by the Executive Office of Economic Development will provide private-sector perspective on statewide marketing, corporate engagement and a special-event plan; Fox said the committee met once and will meet again later in the month.

Fox invited event organizers to submit listings to massachusetts250.org and to the MA 250 industry newsletter, and said MOTT can cross-post information and offer promotional support. She also said MOTT will attend national travel-industry events to promote Massachusetts attractions for the 250th.","Director Kate Fox said Mass Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) has launched marketing programs (Museums 250, Revolutionary Weekends, lunch-and-learn webinars), awarded $1.5 million to 37 projects and convened an executive committee with private-sector partners to advance statewide participation.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6390939,"Mass Humanities urges community-led programming for 250th, highlights 'Expand Massachusetts Stories' results",1156,1812000,2968000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111753-c4e1f7e984bf99746bee0021b2f970df&start=1812&end=2968","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111753-c4e1f7e984bf99746bee0021b2f970df/thumbnail_1812000.jpg","/articles/6390939/Massachusetts/Mass-Humanities-urges-community-led-programming-for-250th-highlights-Expand-Massachusetts-Stories-results","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6390939-2b8ba5da3fbe5e609edcdcaa34af911e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771209859&Signature=ai81tDnSROXSFCUAySr-cSpAXfsDZGutnzlZAp1TtEzXQcIAuBbW5ZEwc~k6wCldEVI83IaS81pSjzxl~0LvlvCxkh3yPuQ9l6VXFReXOadjDSzbwBk3PZ00b4X5dGutmH4f3KLU9dgnjSNDfRTIj2m8QPVWpmrGn~pVsiBU3BJ8osqgv6yKH9wjlNgJAy7IaDQZNSmRlBirVbaBAWxps-~LG9RomSFC9wZ8YjAOYHWayTVIbTo0H9JoEhEc1paZNtndIUhzI7dDNs8xl8XmwWsSQlfsAnd6u~UW7RLc075YIg9G0TGTOv68vkPlC251EhZB9pe5BTGcEvotCjINMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brian Boyles, executive director of Mass Humanities, told the commission that the 250th commemoration is an opportunity to broaden which Massachusetts stories are told and who tells them.

Boyles described lessons from the nonprofit’s recent grantmaking, including a strategic emphasis on community-driven projects and accessibility. He said Mass Humanities’ Expand Massachusetts Stories initiative required projects to center the experiences of Massachusetts residents and that the foundation prioritized new applicants and small local organizations to reduce barriers to participation.

“We said there are tradition bearers. There are people with lived experience. Not only should they be funded, they should be part of the decision making,” Boyles said. He framed the work as an effort to make public history feel relevant and accessible to audiences who have historically been underrepresented in museums and archives.

Boyles gave summary figures for the foundation’s recent work: he said Mass Humanities distributed about $3,000,000 in story projects (funding provided in part by Mass Cultural Council and the Barr Foundation) and also noted the organization distributed $1,600,000 in grants in 2024. He described the pandemic-era expansion of grantmaking and a three-year strategy that foregrounded narrative inclusion, translation, and funding for smaller groups without professional grant writers.

Boyles recommended that the commission consider accessibility standards, statewide distribution of programming and support for reimagined forms of expertise—beyond academic historians—to include community leaders, oral-history projects, podcasts and other media. He said these approaches can help bring people “into the story of Massachusetts” and urged commissioners to support programming that centers community leadership during the 250th.","Brian Boyles of Mass Humanities told the commission that recent grantmaking and research emphasize community leadership, accessibility and broader storytelling; the organization's Expand Massachusetts Stories initiative distributed roughly $3 million for story projects and prioritized small and first-time grantees.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6390944,"Officials outline transit, safety and regional bus plans for April 19 Battle Road events",817,463000,1280000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111753-c4e1f7e984bf99746bee0021b2f970df&start=463&end=1280","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111753-c4e1f7e984bf99746bee0021b2f970df/thumbnail_463000.jpg","/articles/6390944/Massachusetts/Officials-outline-transit-safety-and-regional-bus-plans-for-April-19-Battle-Road-events","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6390944-d4337fa1501b2017ce9c100868bedefa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771209859&Signature=UgYkEtyUSIMe~fQ~6Kc6YY9BP-8sE~IR0dQ4yRzC5QU24zVspfNacR67fZ4ixDlC7-zvsugobz0G5TTQLjnBYKRSFCb3mrPsISErckVai2L94dG4T4dcK6nrXlzOm8S8u6kh1rtHGkxjjX-g-zrVaB1LDELwI9yEsVCQMYhraeKw0M6crxBHN1V6rBEZDDhsT8ClRY9AZDX2ETyKBamLLmqdcqHLOngCw0uDi9-6~z7KuwDq8lAfcUXUFasx9GpB7i2eB16Ek~DE0CnrPeItEYLm4cg9KwnaUC28FRGrc3bc2MLcbLFv2x3nIrhYwHZn46YJ6FMxNpH0P1aNFRgtvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MassDOT and MBTA officials told the Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary that transportation and public-safety planning for the Patriot’s Day weekend is underway but still in preliminary stages.

MassDOT deputy director of emergency management McKinley Theobald said district offices and state police are identifying potential road-closure areas and locations for variable message signs, but that “this is pretty early in the planning stage” and many operational decisions are not yet finalized.

Adam (MBTA, State & Municipal Relations) said the authority is coordinating with municipalities on two types of service enhancements, including commuter rail increases that require months of lead time because of scheduling, operator assignments and labor agreements. Jay Maddox (MBTA policy team) said MBTA planning has focused on where schedule enhancements can run on the Saturday of the Battle Road weekend and on improving service to nearby towns not served by commuter rail.

Rob Monroe, representing Concord 250 and the intermunicipal agreement among Arlington, Lexington, Lincoln and Concord, outlined a Battle Road region plan for Saturday, April 19. Monroe said the schedule will begin with a dawn salute at 6:00 a.m., a parade that will march at 8:30 a.m. on a roughly 4-mile loop and is expected to conclude in Concord between about 1 and 2 p.m. He said more than 1,000 people have already signed up for the parade and planners expect large crowds across the four towns.

To ease inter-town movement, Monroe said the Battle Road towns are launching an invitation-for-bid this week to secure charter bus service. The plan calls for two continuous-loop routes on Saturday: one linking Concord, Minute Man National Historical Park and Lexington; a second linking Arlington and Lexington. Monroe said some buses have been specified as ADA accessible and that the MBTA has agreed to double commuter rail service to Concord for the event. He added the towns are “still working” to secure additional funding beyond municipal budgets and that transportation costs have forced organizers to scale back some plans.

On public safety, Theobald said MassDOT staff are participating in planning meetings with MEMA and local public-safety agencies and that a Unified Command Center will be activated close to the event date; she declined to disclose the UCC location. Monroe said the towns plan to mobilize local volunteers—Concord aims to recruit up to 250 “ambassadors”—to assist event attendees and to help manage minor incidents until public-safety responders arrive.

Commissioners and officials repeatedly flagged budgeting and final road-closure decisions as outstanding items. Adam (MBTA) asked municipalities with questions about service to contact MBTA state-and-municipal relations staff directly for intake and coordination.

Votes at a glance: the commission approved minutes from the previous meeting and later approved a motion to adjourn. The transcript records a motion to approve the minutes, a second and the minutes being approved; it also records a motion to adjourn, a second and the motion passing by voice vote. Specific roll-call vote tallies are not recorded in the transcript.","MassDOT, MBTA and Battle Road towns described early transportation and public-safety planning for April 19 Patriot’s Day activities, including bus loop proposals, enhanced commuter rail service and a unified command center; organizers said budgeting and final road-closure decisions remain unsettled.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Revolution 250 and local groups preview statewide 250th events from Salem to Gloucester

Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism outlines marketing push and grants for 250th

Mass Humanities urges community-led programming for 250th, highlights 'Expand Massachusetts Stories' results

Officials outline transit, safety and regional bus plans for April 19 Battle Road events