Programs at the Wright Tavern
Learn more about upcoming programs happening at the Wright Tavern and register to attend below.
October 11, 2024
The 250th Anniversary of the First Massachusetts Provincial Congress
The 2024 Massachusetts Provincial Congress
“Exploring Democracy – Our Rights and Our Responsibilities”
October 11, 2024
9:30am - 4:30pm
First Parish in Concord and The Wright Tavern
*Register below to attend*
In October 1774, the political conflict between Great Britain and Massachusetts reached a crisis. Parliament enacted the “Intolerable Acts” to punish the province for the Tea Party, and they revoked the charter of 1691 by which the popularly elected House of Representatives joined with the Council and Crown-appointed Governor to rule the Bay Colony. In the ensuing furor, county conventions protested the changes; crowds closed courts, Patriots took over county militias, and encouraged towns to resist the new regime of the General Court. Royal Governor Thomas Gage called the Court to meet in Salem, but the Assembly never convened.
Although Gage canceled the session, the representatives decided to meet behind closed and locked doors and reorganize as the Massachusetts Provincial Congress. Its first session opened a week later, on October 11th, in Concord, safe from the control of British authorities. The gathering was a landmark in the history of self-government. The Congress set the colony on a collision course with Britain and an eventual road to independence. Even as it proclaimed loyalty to the Crown, the Congress mobilized the province in a struggle to reclaim the rights and liberties Massachusetts had enjoyed. Without declaring independence, the popularly elected body seized the reins of power, charted a new future for Massachusetts, and set a model of self-government.
October 11, 2024, marks the 250th Anniversary of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress. To commemorate this occasion and honor our forebearers, the Wright Tavern Legacy Trust is sponsoring a gathering in Concord’s First Parish Meetinghouse and the Wright Tavern next door, where the delegates to the Congress met. This will be a day-long, engaging program. With noted historians to guide us, we will return to this crucial moment in the history of the American Revolution and ask what we can learn from the past. With state legislators joining us, we will examine the state of democratic governance in Massachusetts and the United States today. And, with students and teachers from Massachusetts schools, we will collaboratively explore the future of democracy. Come join us for this remarkable day.
Register to Attend
Past Program Highlights
200th Anniversary of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour of America.
Lafayette’s Farewell Tour in 2024
September 2, 2024
On September 2, 2024, Concord, Lexington, Boston, and other towns will celebrated the 200th Anniversary of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour of America. Here is a description of the purpose and plans for this opportunity to recognize this major event as an integral part of the 250th celebrations of the start of the American War for Independence.
Why This Is Important
In 1824, President James Monroe invited General Lafayette of France to come to America and honor those who fought for and supported the War for Independence. France’s role was critical to George Washington and the American forces in the defeat of the British. Without their aid, it is unlikely we would have prevailed. Like now, those times were full of serious political polarization, and President Monroe wanted Lafayette to bring unity through our recognition and appreciation of the French’s contributions. This will also be an opportunity to broaden historical perceptions of the Revolution to be more inclusive of the contributions of African Americans, women, immigrants, and indigenous peoples. This commemorative event gives us the impetus for reflection and discussion of Concord’s legacy and future. According to historian David Hackett Fischer, “With much encouragement from his friend the Marquis de Lafayette, Washington’s thinking on race and slavery changed.” Lafayette had a profound impact on the early development of the United States.
Overview of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour in 2024 – September 2
The American Friends of Lafayette (AFL) is planned and organized this twenty-five-day (August 16 – September 9) tour, including reenactors and events in over 40 towns. Each town, including Concord, created its own ceremonies and coordinated the entry and exit of Lafayette's entourage. Concord’s visit was on Monday, September 2, 2024, (Labor Day Holiday). Lafayette arrived from Lexington. Our program for this day included:
Concord’s militia greeted him and marched with him to First Parish/Wright Tavern.
Tents and a welcoming party greeted Lafayette with a welcome statement from Samuel Hoar, descendent of the original greeter of Lafayette to Concord.
Wreath-laying ceremony by the Daughters of the American Revolution
Presentations in First Parish reflecting Lafayette’s vision and values for America:
Robert A. Gross, historian and author,
Jen Turner, Executive Director of the Robbins House, and
Sam Williams, Executive Director of the Prison Outreach Project.
Music provided by Anderson Manual of First Parish in Concord
A reception in the Wright Tavern