Cambridge, MA

Local Events

Reenactments, heritage festivals, and living history programs — experience the Revolution where it happened.

Upcoming This Year

Jul

CeremonyFeatured

Washington Takes Command Ceremony

Cambridge Common, Cambridge, MA

Annual ceremony on Cambridge Common commemorating General George Washington taking command of the Continental Army on July 3, 1775. The event typically features remarks by local officials, historical interpreters in period dress, musket and cannon salutes, and wreath-laying at the Washington Elm site marker. Organized in partnership with local historical organizations and the City of Cambridge.

FreeHeld on or near July 3; sometimes incorporated into broader July 4th weekend festivities. Contact Cambridge Historical Commission to confirm.

Apr

Reenactment

Patriots' Day Observance and Reenactments (Cambridge/Lexington/Concord)

Cambridge Common and regional sites in Lexington and Concord, MA

Each Patriots' Day, the greater Cambridge area comes alive with commemorations of the events of April 19, 1775. In Cambridge, observances may include dawn ceremonies and historical walks retracing militia muster routes. Nearby Lexington and Concord host major reenactments of the Battles of Lexington Green and the North Bridge that draw thousands of spectators and hundreds of reenactors. Many Cambridge residents and visitors participate in the full day of events across the region.

FreePatriots' Day is observed on the third Monday of April in Massachusetts. Lexington reenactment begins at dawn; Concord follows mid-morning. Cambridge-specific events vary by year—contact Cambridge Historical Society.More info →

Jun

Guided Tour

Longfellow House–Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site Programs

Longfellow House–Washington's Headquarters NHS, 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA

The National Park Service operates seasonal ranger-led tours and special programming at Longfellow House, which served as George Washington's headquarters during the Siege of Boston (1775–1776). Summer programs often include guided tours of the headquarters rooms, living history demonstrations, and talks on Washington's command decisions, the enlistment crisis, and daily life of the Continental Army in Cambridge.

FreeOpen seasonally, generally late May through October, Wednesday–Sunday. Special Revolution-themed programs often held around July 3–4. Check NPS website for current schedule.More info →

Date

TBD

Lecture

Cambridge Historical Society Lectures and Revolutionary War Programs

Hooper-Lee-Nichols House, 159 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA

The Cambridge Historical Society hosts an annual lecture series and special programs that frequently focus on Cambridge's pivotal role in the American Revolution, including topics such as the Siege of Boston, Harvard's wartime transformation into barracks and command post, the Knox artillery expedition, and the social history of revolutionary Cambridge. Events are typically held at the Hooper-Lee-Nichols House, one of Cambridge's oldest surviving structures.

Varies; some events free, others require tickets or membershipLectures and programs scheduled throughout the year; Revolution-related events often clustered in spring and summer. Check Cambridge Historical Society calendar for specific dates.More info →

Date

TBD

Guided Tour

Christ Church Cambridge Colonial History Tours

Christ Church Cambridge, Zero Garden Street, Cambridge, MA

Christ Church Cambridge, founded in 1761, offers periodic historical tours and special events highlighting its Revolutionary War history. The church was used as a barracks by Continental Army troops during the Siege of Boston, and Washington and his wife Martha attended services here on New Year's Eve 1775. Tours cover the church's colonial-era architecture, bullet damage, and its connections to Loyalist and Patriot congregants.

FreeTours offered periodically, often during Cambridge Open Houses or by appointment. Contact Christ Church Cambridge to confirm availability and scheduling.More info →