1775: Rebels, Rights & Revolution
Major Massachusetts events in the first year of the American Revolution told through letters, diary accounts, and artifacts from the MHS collection.
The Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS) proudly presents 1775: Rebels, Rights & Revolution, an immersive exhibition exploring the pivotal events and personal stories that ignited the American Revolution. Featuring letters, diary entries, and artifacts from MHS collections, the exhibition offers a dynamic and engaging look at how and why Massachusetts residents chose revolution as the path forward.
The exhibition commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution by offering a unique and personal perspective on the events of 1775. It delves into the tensions, choices, and consequences that defined this pivotal year, providing a deeper understanding of the people who shaped America’s fight for independence.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride. Explore Revere’s handwritten account of his daring ride, along with Dawes and Prescott, to alert the Colonial militia and protect Revolutionary leaders.
- Interactive Storytelling. Follow Sarah Winslow Deming’s dramatic escape from Boston during the siege of the city, in her own words.
- Revolutionary Artifacts. View powder horns, medals, and a cannonball that bring the critical year of 1775 to life.
- Eyewitness Perspectives. Read letters and diaries capturing the daily lives and challenges of those who lived through and shaped the Revolution’s early days.
- Major Battles. Explore key moments in the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the Siege of Boston.
WHEN:
The exhibition is open 28 March through 19 December 2025. Galleries are open Monday, and Wednesday through Friday, from 10:00 AM to 4:45 PM; Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 7:45 PM (galleries open at 12:00 PM the second Tuesday of the month); and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The last admission for exhibition visitors is 45 minutes prior to closing.
