Massachusetts 250 Commission Holds First Official Meeting, Eyes Worcester and Evacuation Day Events

BOSTON — January 27, 2026 — Massachusetts's Joint Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution held its first meeting with quorum on January 27, receiving reports on $3.5 million in state grants to 96 organizations, upcoming Knox Trail commemorations, and Sail Boston 2026. Sheila Green of the Office of Travel and Tourism told the panel the Massachusetts 250 website lists more than 600 events and 300 attractions and briefed members on three national programs: a time capsule requiring one state contribution by approximately September, a synchronized national reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, and an "America's Potluck" event on July 5 engaged by 46 states. Revolution 250's Jonathan Perry reported that the Knox Trail commemoration in Worcester was relocated from the 100-seat American Antiquarian Society to the AC Marriott after earlier events drew more than 300 people in Alford and filled a 600-seat theater in Great Barrington. Dusty Roads previewed Sail Boston 2026, now tracking more than 50 ships from 21 countries for a July 10-15 event that has previously drawn 7 million visitors, and John Hollister of Great Barrington pitched "Rebel Town," a Boston Tea Party musical seeking a Boston venue and roughly $500,000 in production funding for 2026. The commission closed without formal votes, agreeing to revisit the time capsule selection process — and who holds final authority over it — at its next meeting in early March.