Shot Heard 'Round the World Commemoration and the Museum's Birthday Celebration

Join the Museum on-site and online to commemorate the anniversary of the “shot heard ‘round the world,” as Ralph Waldo Emerson later called it, that ignited the Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775. More than 240 years later, on April 19, 2017, the Museum of the American Revolution officially opened its doors to the public and has since welcomed nearly a million visitors to experience the tumult and transformation of the Revolutionary era. Join us as we celebrate our fourth birthday!

10-Minute In-Gallery Talks: Battles of Lexington and Concord
On-site | Daily
Enjoy a 10-minute pop-up talk to learn more about the “shot heard ‘round the world” at the Old North Bridge in Concord, Mass., in our gallery featuring objects from the battle, including an original beam from the Old North Bridge, as well as a newly installed powder horn, which has a hole in it matching the size of a British musket ball; a sword; and a hatband.

Birthday Giveaway
On-site | April 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visitors to the Museum will receive a free lapel pin inspired by George Washington’s Standard, the flag that marked his presence on the battlefield during the Revolutionary War, and will have the chance to win other prizes.

History Explorers Club: It's Our Birthday!
Online | April 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Join in our family-friendly virtual birthday party for the Museum as we celebrate our fourth birthday and learn about our most famous object, General George Washington’s Headquarters Tent.

Case Study: Witnesses of the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World”
Online | Anytime
Dive deeper into the Museum’s gallery focusing on the “shot heard ‘round the world” with an online “case” study examining several objects that witnessed the battles.

Reading List: Shot Heard 'Round the World
Online | Anytime
Commemorate the anniversary of "the shot heard 'round the world" with five suggested books from our Read the Revolution series.

Final Week: When Women Lost the Vote Exhibit
Don’t miss the Museum’s current special exhibition When Women Lost the Vote: A Revolutionary Story, 1776-1807 before it closes on April 25! The exhibition explores the little-known story of women and free people of color voting in Revolutionary-era New Jersey. It is integrated within the Museum’s core exhibition and connected with a free audio tour.