Events to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Boston’s liberation from British occupation in 1776 swung into high gear last weekend as Mayor Michelle Wu, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, state and local officials, community leaders, and historians assembled at First Church in Roxbury following a ceremonial procession through the neighborhood featuring cannons, Clydesdale horses, and Revolutionary War re-enactors.
The event highlighted Roxbury’s role in the final stages of the siege of Boston, which culminated on March 17, 1776, when British troops evacuated the city.
“We’re celebrating not only revolutionary history, but also the everyday revolutionaries whose stories weren’t always told,” Wu said, pointing to the contributions of Black patriots such as Salem Poor and Abel Benson.
The mayor also announced a $650,000 Historic Markers Community Grants Program, which will fund new historical markers across Boston neighborhoods highlighting under-represented stories. An initial $300,000 in grants will support community groups researching potential sites.
Evacuation Day observations continue this weekend in South Boston with the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which starts at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday (March 15) in Andrew Square.
The traditional breakfast and political roast hosted by state Sen. Nick Collins precedes the parade at the Ironworkers Union Hall. The event will be broadcast on NECN starting at 9 a.m. Musical performers will include The Irish Tenors, the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, Curragh’s Fancy, the Woods School of Irish Dance, and the Tryder Sisters.
More coverage:
What was Dorchester like in 1776? Historical Society offers a ‘recollection’
