Sep 17, 2024
The State House, Boston, MA
Today The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) announced the recipients of the Massachusetts 250 Grant Program. This program, awarding a total of $1.5 million, aims to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in a vibrant and engaging way. Awarded projects highlight the themes of revolution and independence and tell a more expansive story of all people who helped build our great nation.
The Town of Concord and Concord 250 was honored to be announced as a recipient and was awarded a total of $25,000 for the project “A Fight for Freedom: Honoring Patriots of Color”. This was one of only 37 projects that was funded out of over 180- applications from communities throughout the state.
Concord’s project is in alignment with the Healey-Driscoll Administration goals of ensuring all peoples stories are celebrated in the upcoming Massachusetts 250 and Concord250 celebrations as with our local Select Board’s charge to have the the work of Cocnord250
“include reference to new historical research and the contributions of Indigenous and Black Concordians in the founding and development of our country”
A Fight for Freedom: Honoring Patriots of Color: Project Overview
Between twenty and forty colonists who fought along the Battle Road on April 19, 1775,
were of African descent or Indigenous people. Although excluded from required militia
service prior to the war, these individuals of color were the first of many to take up arms
between 1775 and 1783. By the end of the conflict, an estimated 5,500 African and
Indigenous men served on the colonial side. Unfortunately, systemic racism and
historical bias have erased or buried many records of Black and Indigenous people who
played a prominent role in the founding of the United States. Through this ongoing
series of programs we will examine the known history and stories of these Patriots of
Color who fought for freedom locally both during the American Revolution and beyond.
Minuteman National Park, Robbins House and Concord Visitors Center and others will
lead these programs examining the incredible stories of individuals who risked
everything during their struggle for liberty, equality, and freedom for all.
were of African descent or Indigenous people. Although excluded from required militia
service prior to the war, these individuals of color were the first of many to take up arms
between 1775 and 1783. By the end of the conflict, an estimated 5,500 African and
Indigenous men served on the colonial side. Unfortunately, systemic racism and
historical bias have erased or buried many records of Black and Indigenous people who
played a prominent role in the founding of the United States. Through this ongoing
series of programs we will examine the known history and stories of these Patriots of
Color who fought for freedom locally both during the American Revolution and beyond.
Minuteman National Park, Robbins House and Concord Visitors Center and others will
lead these programs examining the incredible stories of individuals who risked
everything during their struggle for liberty, equality, and freedom for all.
Program Components
● Opening Fight For Freedom Presentation with a live interactive discussion in Concord venue and available virtually and remotely.
● Program launch and activation of Weekly low cost/no cost walking tours of key sites related to the Fight For Freedom Program through the 2025-2026 celebration season
● Professional production and wide distribution Virtual Video Fight For Freedom Tour available online and at select venues
Gary Clayton , Chair of Concord250 and Joe Palumbo, Chair of the Concord250 Event Planning group were in attendance and were honored that Concord’s good work was recognized and rewarded with the most generous grant from the Commonwealth.
For more info on A Fight for Freedom: Honoring Patriots of Color Project please contact :
Joe Palumbo
Concord 250 Event Planning
617 905 5085
PHOTOS HERE
