ArtsArlington - ArtsArlington 250

There once was a town called “Menotomy.”

ArtsArlington is a proud partner in Arlington 250, a multi-year commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and Declaration of Independence. With “Untold Stories of Menotomy”, Arlington 250 celebrates our town’s little-known but critical role in the War’s very first day, April 19, 1775. In signature projects and special events, grants to artists, and partnerships with organizations town-wide, ArtsArlington uses the lens of arts and culture to tell the stories of our town over the past 250 years, and look ahead to the next 250! Through July 4, 2026.

Patriots’ Day Weekend 2026 Events

Menotomy Beer Hall at Town Hall
Saturday, April 18
12 pm – 6 pm

Visit Town Hall for live music, games, and arts and crafts for children, and food and beverages for purchase.

Jason Russell House Free Tours
Saturday – Monday, April 18-20
11 pm – 4 pm

Free tours offer a glimpse into the 1775 Battle of Menotomy.

Family Day at Jason Russell House
Sunday, April 19
11 am – 2 pm

Enjoy an afternoon of free outdoor fun and local history.

Dallin Museum Patriots’ Day Celebration
Monday, April 20
10 am – 11 am

Readings of Paul Revere themed poems, plus the history of Dallin’s famous monument to Paul Revere.

The Ride of Revere and Dawes
Monday, April 20
12 pm – 1 pm

Welcome the riders reenacting the arrival of Paul Revere and William Dawes as they arrive in Menotomy at Town Hall, and enjoy arts and crafts and lawn games in Robbins Memorial Garden.

Arlington 250 Projects Sponsored by ArtsArlington

UNSEEN/
UNFORGOTTEN

Artist Chris Frost has created five sculptural pedestals inscribed with common colonial occupations – farmer, midwife, carpenter, miller and teacher. Cast in cement, the pedestals serve as a reminder that ordinary folk were behind the heroes of the Revolution.

PEOPLE PLANTS & REVOLUTION

Welcome to People, Plants and Revolution, a multimedia public art project organized by ArtsArlington to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution in Arlington. We explore colonial life and some of the stories, legends, and history surrounding the revolutionary events of April 18 and 19, 1775 – all through the lens of plants.

THEN & NOW

An accomplished artist, designer and storyteller, Nilou Moochhala set out to highlight a variety of significant moments in her hometown’s evolution over the centuries. Drawing inspiration from the work of Arlington historians and the Arlington Historical Society, Moochhala has chosen 25 key events for her timeline.

PAYING HOMAGE

The Princeton Sankofa Stitchers Modern Quilt Guild (PSSMQG) honors the legacy of African American quilting by celebrating Harriet Powers (1837-1910), a Black quilter and folk artist born enslaved in Madison County, Georgia.

More to Explore

Riding Through History

Two installations of life-sized horse sculptures visually represent parts of Arlington’s early landscape and remind us of the town’s untold stories.

Project Credits

Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, for grant support that made some of these projects possible. Thanks also to the Arlington 250 Committee, and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce for their collaboration and assistance.

ArtsArlington 250