Massachusetts 250 is a statewide initiative led by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) to commemorate the anniversary of the American Revolution. In some towns and cities, reenactments of events will occur, such as the Battles of Lexington and Concord and the Boston Tea Party. Special tours and exhibitions are also planned across Massachusetts, telling the stories of the history of the Revolution.  Significantly, MOTT has positioned Massachusetts 250 to be more than a commemoration solely of the American Revolution. They view this initiative as a celebration of our stories of independence, a platform for lesser-known stories, a look at innovation made possible by the creativity of Massachusetts’ people, and learning from our past to inspire a more sustainable and equitable future. 

Massachusetts 250 in New Bedford

There are a few significant stories of New Bedford’s involvement in the American Revolution, which we will share on our blog so stay tuned! In thinking of this project in terms of New Bedford, we can’t help but think of the revolutionary people who have shaped our history through activism and innovation. Some of their stories are well known even outside of New Bedford; however, in our research, we have found that often New Bedford is left out of their stories or is merely a brief mention. Along with the lesser-known stories from our history, we seek to highlight the impact of the city and region as a place that inspired artists like William Bradford and Herman Melville, inventors like Lewis Temple and Emily Noyes Vanderpoel, and activists like Frederick Douglass and Mary Equi.

Explore Visionary Voices in New Bedford

In addition to sharing New Bedford’s Visionary Voices, we invite you to come and celebrate them here in our city. Through walking tours, public art, museum and gallery exhibitions, festivals, concerts, culinary experiences, and other special events, you can be a part of New Bedford’s culture in the present and help us shape its future. If you are not able to visit us, we can share ways you can engage with New Bedford’s story virtually.

Follow along on Facebook and Instagram, at our blog, and for updates to our Visionary Voices webpage. 

Please accept our Visionary Voices campaign as an open dialogue, not a closed circuit. Lesser-told stories often come with a shortage of readily available and sometimes inaccurate and/or incomplete information. We encourage contacting us if you feel that any information presented here is incorrect or if you have any additional information to impart to ensure that we are accurately representing the legacies of the people we are showcasing. We hope that in the process of sharing these stories, we can all learn more about the diversity of voices that shape New Bedford’s culture.

Visionary Voices: Lighting the Way is funded by a Massachusetts 250 grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.