Statewide Initiative will Commemorate Massachusetts’ Pivotal Role in America’s Founding; Launch Included Announcement of $1.5 Million in Grants for Revolutionary War Cultural Programming

Boston - On September 17, 2024, Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll joined Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, state officials, legislators, and representatives from the Massachusetts arts, culture, and tourism industry at the State House to launch Massachusetts 250, a statewide initiative to celebrate 250 years of America’s independence and Massachusetts’ revolutionary legacy. The initiative will highlight the state’s rich history and amplify untold stories of the Revolution through hundreds of cultural and community events over the next two years.  

Today’s event included a grand display with reenactors, dignitaries, and historic militia personnel joining the celebration on the steps of the State House. During the event, Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll also announced $1.5 million in grants to 37 organizations through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) to support the development of projects that promote Massachusetts’ Revolutionary War history.  

“Massachusetts is where the Revolution began and where the Revolution continues. We are first in freedom, first in education, first in health care and first in innovation. And with Massachusetts 250, we’re leading commemorations of the Revolutionary War for the next two years,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Massachusetts 250 is a statewide, ongoing celebration of our history and everything that makes our state special. We’re excited to launch this campaign which will draw visitors, drive local economies, and share the whole story of Massachusetts and our nation through the voices of every community.” 

“Massachusetts 250 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate Massachusetts’ history and showcase the state as a top destination for visitors from across the country and worldwide,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Statewide partnerships and events will commemorate our revolutionary spirit, highlighting the far-reaching impacts of Massachusetts in revolutionary history and the many other firsts that originated here, creating a powerful celebration of our civic pride.” 

The Massachusetts 250 Grant Program, administered by MOTT within the Executive Office of Economic Development, will fund projects that highlight historic themes of revolution and independence, celebrate significant "firsts" in Massachusetts history, and take a creative or innovative approach to commemorating the state’s past 250 years.?A full list of grant recipients is available online. ?  

“The Semiquincentennial is a tremendous economic opportunity for Massachusetts businesses and cultural institutions that will offer world-class experiences to visitors eager to participate in these historic occasions,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “We're excited to see the creative campaign drive economic activity within our local and regional economies and thrilled to see grant recipients showcase the iconic stories of Massachusetts’ revolutionary past.” 

“This campaign captures the significance of Massachusetts as a force for innovation, a cultural cornerstone, and a foundation of our nation,” said MOTT Executive Director Kate Fox. “Massachusetts 250 is an incredible opportunity to elevate the contributions and assets of our state, allowing visitors to experience how Massachusetts has played a pivotal role in America’s independence while engaging with all of our natural beauty and historical and cultural institutions. We look forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate this national milestone here in Massachusetts.”  

The Massachusetts 250 creative campaign will collaborate with municipalities, community groups, businesses, and local organizations to commemorate the state’s revolutionary history over the next two years. Statewide partnerships and programs will engage locals and visitors in experiences that narrate iconic historical moments like the Shot Heard Around the World, Battle of Bunker Hill, Boston Tea Party, and Paul Revere’s Ride. Library programs, Revolutionary Weekends, and signature events will highlight the untold stories of Native Americans, women, and people of color who played crucial roles in shaping America and Massachusetts. The creative campaign, spearheaded by the Boston-based creative marketing firm Proverb, will include billboards in Times Square in New York City and other out-of-state markets, as well as digital and social media ads.   

"Massachusetts 250 builds on the work that has been done by the Special Commission on the 250^th Anniversary of the American Revolution and historic organizations throughout the Commonwealth to launch Massachusetts forward as we highlight our contributions to the founding of the United States over the next two years,” said Senator Paul Mark, Co-Chair of the Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. “The grants being awarded today will help support the collaborative efforts that will ensure that Massachusetts successfully showcases our amazing history and attractions while also demonstrating our leadership and potential for the future." 

"This Massachusetts250 campaign will help to highlight Massachusetts' pivotal role as the birthplace of the American Revolution and showcase the Commonwealth’s legacy of courage, independence and leadership," said Representative Mindy Domb (D-Amherst), Co-Chair of the Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and House Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. “This campaign has an opportunity to highlight how Massachusetts continues to embrace revolution, change and our commitment to create a more equitable and just commonwealth and country. I’m looking forward to the cross-commonwealth celebration and eager to learn the untold stories of those whose struggles and resilience continue to shape and strengthen our commonwealth and nation."

Massachusetts 250 Grant Awardees:

- 1Berkshire, Pittsfield  
- Boston 4 Foundation, Boston  
- Carlisle Historical Society< Carlisle
- Charlestown Historical Society, Boston
- City of Cambridge, Cambridge
- City of Chelsea, Chelsea
- City of Fall River, Fall River
- City of Salem, Salem
- Congregational Library & Archives, Boston  
- Essex National Heritage, Inc., Salem
- Explore New Bedford, New Bedford
- Framingham History Center, Framingham
- Freedom Trail Foundation, Boston  
- Freedom’s Way Heritage Association, Devens
- Friends of Doherty Park, Boston
- Hingham Historical Society, Hingham  
- Historic New England, Haverhill
- Lexington Historical Society, Lexington  
- Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston
- Museum of African American History, Boston and Nantucket
- Museum of Old Newbury, Newburyport  
- North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Salisbury  
- Plimoth Patuxet Museums, Plymouth
- Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum, Hadley
- Somerville Museum, Somerville  
- Springfield Preservation Trust, Springfield
- The Concord Museum, Concord  
- The Innovation Trail of Greater Boston, Boston  
- The Museum of Printing, Haverhill  
- Town of Arlington, Arlington   
- Town of Concord, Concord  
- Town of Visitors Center, Lexington  
- Town of Weymouth, Weymouth  
- USS Constitution Museum, Boston  
- Visit North Central Massachusetts, Fitchburg  
- WBUR, Boston  
- White Snake Projects, Brookline 

Visit massachusetts250.org for more information and follow the campaign on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. 
 

About Massachusetts 250 

The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) commemorates Massachusetts’ role in the American Revolution with the Massachusetts 250 campaign, celebrating 250 years of the country’s independence and the state’s revolutionary spirit. The statewide campaign highlights often-told stories like Paul Revere’s ride while uplifting underrepresented voices and unveiling untold stories with hundreds of events presented across the Bay State. For more information, please visit massachusetts250.org and follow the campaign on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. 

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism 

Massachusetts is made for nights on the town, days on the trails, and everything in between. The mission of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) is to promote Massachusetts as a four-season leisure and business travel destination for domestic and international travelers and contribute to the state’s economic growth. MOTT offers assistance with itinerary planning, familiarization trips, images, and photographs and offers support in providing information to the travel trade, press, and media. To plan your trip to Massachusetts, please go to visitma.com.