Friends of Minute Man National Park Preserving the Birthplace of the American Revolution

Covid-19 Update: Cancellations and Delayed Opening

April is usually a busy month at the Minute Man Historical Park. Along with spring bulbs in bloom, we normally look forward to the Visitor Centers opening and a packed schedule of events. This year the park is following CDC and state guidelines in deciding the cancellation of our beloved Patriots' Day programs. We regret to announce some cancellations and delayed openings: The Town of Concord and the park have cancelled the April 11th Merriam's Corner Parade and Program, April 19th Dawn Salute, and April 20th Patriots' Day Parade and Program. The Lincoln Minute Men and the park have cancelled the April 11th Paul Revere Capture Program. The park has cancelled the April 18th Parker's Revenge Battle Demonstration. The North Bridge Visitor Center and the Minute Man Visitor Center will have delayed seasonal openings (tentatively April 6th, but subject to change so please check park's website for up-to-date information). Park staff are working hard behind the scenes to bring a new Patriot's Day program via Facebook Live and/or other streaming platforms. We'll provide links and more information as it becomes available. You are still welcome to enjoy the many miles of trails, the North Bridge and outdoor historic sites at the Minute Man National Historical Park! The grounds and trails are open sunrise to sunset. The park is a great place to have family walks and practice #socialdistancing outside. You can help the park staff by remembering our park is carry in/carry out for trash (leave no trace). Please help us keep the park and trails clean!

Support Your Park

What's Going on at the Visitor Center?

This winter, workers have been busy completing a $1.3 preservation project on the historic Buttrick Mansion. Built in 1911, the building was first home to Stedman Buttrick and his family and has served as the North Bridge Visitor Center for over 50 years. (Stedman Buttrick is a descendant of Major John Buttrick - see the article below!) The preservation project at the North Bridge Visitor Center includes exterior work such as slate roof repair, copper gutter replacement, front door restoration, loggia and column repairs, as well as interior work including painting, plastering, window restoration, bathroom upgrades, and floor updates. Visitors will also enjoy modern amenities such as central air conditioning on the first floor, water bottle refilling stations, and baby-changing facilities. Click on the link below to read more and view preservation photos.

Historic Preservation

Visit the Park from Home!

Learn more about the Major John Buttrick House, built c.1710-1717 at the Minute Man National Historical Park website or by watching this Facebook Live video by Park Ranger Jim Hollister. One of the many Witness Houses at the Park, this house was present in April 19, 1775 and "witnessed" the opening battles of the Revolution. The home was owned by Major John Buttrick, the colonial officer who led the advance at Concord's North Bridge and gave the order to fire.

Witness Houses

Stone Wall Lecture Postponed

“Stone Walls of Minute Man National Historical Park” Robert Thorson, Professor at University of Connecticut Sunday, March 29, 2020 Postponed In accordance with state guidelines, we regretfully cancel our upcoming lecture. Professor Thorson plans to reschedule and we look forward to announcing the new date once it is finalized.

The Winter Lecture Series is supported in part by a grant from the Lincoln Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Lecture Series

Thank You to our Patriots' Day Sponsors

Sponsors

Friends of Minute Man National Park Old North Bridge Visitor's Center 174 Liberty Street Concord, MA 01742 P: 978-318-7822 info@friendsofminuteman.org

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The Friends of Minute Man National Park is an independent, member-based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization supporting the Park's mission of preserving and protecting the historic sites, structures, properties, and landscapes associated with the opening battles of the American Revolution.