Massachusetts is not just the birthplace of American independence—it’s the living canvas for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, and 2025–2026 marks the grand celebration known as MA 250. From historic sites to vibrant events on Cape Cod, here’s your guide to exploring this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
A Statewide Salute to Freedom
The Massachusetts 250 (MA 250) commemoration spans the entire state, honoring pivotal battles and untold stories that shaped our nation—from the Berkshires and Blackstone Valley to the North and South Shores, and yes, including Cape Cod. This multifaceted initiative invites visitors to experience the state's revolutionary legacy through exhibits, guided tours, educational programming, festivals, performances, and more.
Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) is bringing history into the landscape by spotlighting parks, trails, forests, and watersheds that served as Revolutionary backdrops. Walk in the footsteps of revolutionaries on the Knox Cannon Trail or visit Paul Revere Park, all while participating in special programs—including earning an MA 250 sticker and entry in a ferry-ticket raffle.
Cape Cod’s Role in Revolution and Celebration
Cape Cod also carries revolutionary stories waiting to be uncovered during MA 250. Falmouth, in particular, is at the forefront of the commemoration with a significant new exhibition at the Falmouth Museums on the Green, located in the heart of one of Cape Cod’s most historic towns.
Spotlight: Resistance & Resilience: The Road to the American Revolution in Falmouth, Massachusetts
Falmouth Museums on the Greens’ exhibit Resistance & Resilience invites visitors into the world of Falmouth’s Revolutionary War era. Housed in the museum’s Cultural Center through May 2026, the exhibit takes an innovative approach by presenting the struggle for independence through diverse perspectives—Quakers, Wampanoags, African Americans, women, and men.
With 30 artifacts from the museum’s permanent collection, guests will discover how ordinary people in Falmouth navigated war, shifting allegiances, and coastal defense while grappling with freedom, resilience, and community identity. Highlights include stories of enslaved African Americans seeking liberty, women adapting to wartime responsibilities, and indigenous residents confronting upheaval. The exhibition brings to life the town’s early committees of correspondence, preparations for conflict in 1775, and the endurance that carried residents through turbulent times.
A second phase of the exhibition, scheduled for June 2026, will spotlight the pivotal Battle of Falmouth (1779) and the town’s post-war years.
👉 For a full list of statewide MA 250 events, visit massachusetts250.org.