Monday, April 20 is Patriots Day in Massachusetts, a state-wide holiday created in 1894 to commemorate the Revolutionary War battles in Lexington and Concord.

The battlefield reenactments that typically take place each year are cancelled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.   Instead enjoy these virtual activities that capture the spirit of Patriot’s Day.

Monday April 20, 11a.m.: First Shot!: The Day the Revolution Began, movie screening, reenactor Q&A, and colonial music with Diane Taraz. Many of us know the story of the Battle of Lexington – that the plucky band of local militia faced off against the mighty British army on the town common on April 19, 1775. But what actually happened on the Battle Green that day, and how did we get to that point? Join us for a deeper dive into the story of that day as we show our award-winning short film First Shot! The Day the Revolution Began. Following this viewing, local reenactors with experience recreating the battle will be available to answer your questions about the history of the battle, the context of the Revolutionary War, and what it is like to step back in time and relive the past. Rounding off the program will be a performance by Diane Taraz, founder and leader of the Lexington Historical Society Colonial Singers.

Monday, April 20, 11 a.m. – Discovering Lexington’s Lost Battlefield
Jim Hollister will interview with historian Joel Bohy and archaeologist, Dr. Meg Watters covering the exciting and eye-opening Parker’s Revenge Archaeology Project, and how they, with a team of volunteers and professionals discovered Lexington’s lost battlefield.

Monday, April 20, 3-4 p.m.: Battle Damage Talk with Joel Bohy. Join Joel Bohy, Director of Historic Arms & Militaria at Skinner, Inc. and Antiques Roadshow appraiser, as he shares his current research project to locate and assess damage to local buildings incurred during the Battle of Lexington. In this program, Bohy will discuss musket ball damage to the front door of Buckman Tavern. Bohy, a lifelong resident of Concord, Massachusetts, began collecting at an early age and developed a passion for the arms, equipage, and uniforms of the common soldier from the American Revolutionary War through World War II. Bohy has published articles on the American Revolutionary War, including “The Arms of Lexington and Concord” in The American Rifleman, with co-author and longtime collaborator Don Troiani. He is currently writing a book documenting extant objects related to the events of April 19, 1775, and the Battle of Bunker Hill.

In addition, visit BostonUSA for other ways to virtually celebrate Patriot’s Day.

Learn more about the illustrious Revolutionary War history in Massachusetts by visiting Rev250.org

For information on visiting Massachusetts, go to MassVacation.com.