5 August, 2014
Worcester, MA — July 28, 2014 — Worcester Revolution of 1774, a consortium of historical and cultural organizations, is planning a day-long festival of activities celebrating Worcester County’s role in starting the American Revolution. Programming will take place on September 7, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at various locations in and around Institute Park in Worcester, Massachusetts. The event is free, family oriented, and open to the public with activities for all ages.
A Call to Action is a short film that features American Revolution war hero Timothy Bigelow as it dramatically describes the historical significance of Worcester County's role in the Revolution and the daylong festivities planned for September 7, 2014. This film is available in 30 second, 60 second and three minute versions in both English and Spanish. The film is available for download and rebroadcast at no charge atwww.revolution1774.org.
Nearly eight months before the American War of Independence began with the battles of Lexington and Concord, 4,622 militiamen from 37 towns of Worcester County marched down Main Street in Worcester, shut down the Crown-controlled county courthouse and, for the first time ever in the American colonies, effectively overthrew British authority. The date was September 6, 1774 — nine months before Lexington and Concord. Not a shot was fired.
It was Worcester County's militiamen that set the stage. Revolts followed in every single county in Massachusetts outside Boston in the fall of 1774 as a result. It was these revolts that truly ended British rule in the colony and opened the door for citizens to form their own government. The following spring, when General Gage wanted to retaliate against Worcester, his spies warned him not to attack there, where arms and powder were stored and where patriots were too strong. He decided to go after Concord instead.
No one is sure why this story has been untold for so long, but Worcester Revolution of 1774 is out to change that. Across downtown Worcester where the event happened 240 years ago, the American Antiquarian Society, First Congregational Church, Institute Park, North Main Street, Rural Cemetery, Salisbury Mansion, The Oaks, and Tuckerman Hall will be filled with stories, dramatic presentations, children's activities, period craftsmen, colonial militia, interpreters, historical documents, and a reenactment of the Worcester Revolution itself. Please join the event.
Interested parties can learn more about Worcester Revolution 1774, the day's events, and how they can support the project as volunteers or donors by going to the project website at http://www.revolution1774.org.
