Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution

In 2025, Central Massachusetts joins our state and the nation to commemorate the people, destinations, and events that led to America’s independence. Experience the birthplace of American Liberty, where history was made, and the future was forged. In Central Massachusetts, we're highlighting the untold and little-known stories; we are celebrating our independence and innovations from the past 250 years. We are showcasing the destinations that enlighten today's visitors about what life was like during this critical period of history. When you visit Central Massachusetts, you'll learn more about our region's revolutionary history, and all the revolutionary firsts that came after, from the world's first successful liquid-fueled rocket launch, to the birthplace of the modern-day smiley face.

A Revolutionary 24-Hours in Central Massachusetts

Breakfast, with a Side of History Start your day in Worcester with one of these three great options, from historic diner…

Patriots' Day: Worcester's Role in the American Revolution

Source: Worcester Magazine, 2014 Worcester Revolution of 1774 Worcester, MA is home to "the most successful and…

Henry Knox Noble Train of Artillery Arrives in Central Massachusetts

Central Massachusetts is home to two exciting events in honor of Henry Knox this winter. Knox Trail 250 in Worcester On…

Host Your Event Where Revolutions Begin and Innovation is Ongoing

Central Massachusetts is home to bold ideas, rich history, and modern amenities in the heart of New England. If your…

Featured Events

Explore Historic Attractions

Central Massachusetts to packed full of history, and destinations across the region have curated experiences to help you put that history in context. Whether through art and ephemeral collections, living history experiences, or interactive exhibits, these destinations are entertaining and enriching.

Museum of Worcester

30 Elm St.
(508) 753-8278

The Museum of Worcester is the only institution devoted to local history. It includes a research library of over 7,000 titles, an archive that houses thousands of…

Old Sturbridge Village

1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd.
(800) 733-1830

Old Sturbridge Village, the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast, depicts a rural New England town of the 1830s. Step inside more than 40 original…

American Antiquarian Society

185 Salisbury St.
(508) 755-5221

The American Antiquarian Society (AAS) is a national research library and community of learners dedicated to discovering and sharing a deeper understanding of the…

Samuel Slater Experience

31 Ray St.
(508) 461-2955

Webster Museums Incorporated was founded in 2017 as a 501 (c) (3) to foster public knowledge about the history of the American Industrial Revolution in New England…

Salisbury Mansion

40 Highland St.
(508) 753-8278

The Salisbury Mansion at 40 Highland Street is Worcester's only historic home museum. The home, built in 1772, has been restored to reflect life in Worcester in the 1830s. The public is invited…

Waters Farm Preservation, Inc.

53 Waters Road
(508) 865-0101

Come see the way life used to be. Waters Farm; a hilltop homestead built in 1757 by Stephen Waters and now a living history museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With a…

American Heritage Museum

568 Main St.
(978) 562-9182

The American Heritage Museum at the Collings Foundation which features the Jacques M. Littlefield Collection which explores major historic conflicts, ranging from…

Willard House & Clock Museum

11 Willard St.
(508) 839-3500

THE WILLARD FAMILY Benjamin Willard began making clocks in his small, rural Massachusetts workshop in 1766. His three younger brothers, Simon, Ephraim, and Aaron…

Worcester Art Museum

55 Salisbury St.
(508) 799-4406

Founded in 1896, the Worcester Art Museum's encyclopedic 37,500-piece collection covers 51 centuries of art. Highlights include the Medieval Chapter House…

EcoTarium

222 Harrington Way
(508) 929-2738

About the EcoTarium EcoTarium is New England’s leading museum of science and nature, an indoor-outdoor experience dedicated to inspiring a passion for science and…

Historic Taverns & Diners

Salem Cross Inn

260 West Main St.
(508) 867-2345

RESTAURANT ON SITE The Salem Cross Inn is a restaurant that specializes in preparing delicious food using the freshest ingredients available to us in each season of…

Hitchcock Tavern

7 East Main St.

A 263-year-old tavern at 7 East Main St. in West Brookfield reopened the establishment under its original name, Hitchcock Tavern We chose to return to the original…

The Publick House Historic Inn

277 Main St.
(508) 347-3313

Publick House Historic Inn, Sturbridge, MA, is nestled on acres of beautiful countryside in the heart of New England. It is where delicious homemade food and…

Miss Worcester Diner

300 Southbridge St.
(508) 753-5600

Classic old-fashioned diner from the 1940s complete with comfort food & a bustling lunch counter. The Miss Worcester Diner or Worcester Lunch Car # 812 is a historic…

People Who Made History

Treasures in the Salisbury Cultural District: New Trailblazers Trail

Oct 25

5 years ago

Treasures in the Salisbury Cultural District: New Trailblazers Trail

7 minute read

Let’s talk trailblazers. With this specific trail, you’ll get to know the disruptors, heroes, inventors, artists and visionaries whose ingenuity shaped Worcester. Here, we break it…

The Life and Legacy of Worcester Hero Major Taylor

Mar 01

6 years ago

The Life and Legacy of Worcester Hero Major Taylor

6 minute read

Mural by Max Sansing / Photo by Ian Lundie Taylor had to fight prejudice just to get on the starting line. In the Jim Crow era of strict racial segregation, he faced closed doors and open…

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