Interactive American Revolution Experience Arrives in Lexington to Mark 250th Anniversary of “Shot Heard ‘Round the World”

(Lexington, Mass.) — The American Battlefield Trust has joined with the Massachusetts State Society of Daughters of the American Revolution to bring the innovative American Revolution Experience to Lexington. The travelling exhibit arrives as the town, the country and the world prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of the engagements in Lexington and Concord that ignited the American Revolution on April 19, 1775. Hosted by the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library, the Experience will educate and inspire visitors with the stories of America’s Revolutionary past, helping mark the milestone anniversary.  

“The spirit of the American Revolution wasn’t confined to halls of power where independence was declared — it lived in the Patriot soldiers and the everyday people whose courage shaped the America we know today,” said Trust President David Duncan. “Through this exhibit we hope to connect people in Lexington to those individuals whose sacrifices continue to shape our nation’s spirit as we mark this monumental anniversary.” 

The exhibit comes to Lexington after stops at nearly 100 venues across the nation, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors. It includes 12 panels that spotlight individuals who were deeply touched by the Revolutionary War which are complemented by three digital kiosks containing contextual information about the broader conflict. Both physical and digital iterations of the American Revolution Experience contain custom illustrations by artist Dale Watson.  

“With the 250th anniversary of the Revolution upon us, there is no better time to educate the public about our founding conflict,” said Carolyn Nutt, State Regent of Massachusetts DAR. “We are thrilled to welcome this innovative exhibit to Massachusetts and share these vital stories with visitors from around the world.” 

People across the country will get a chance to visit the American Revolution Experience as it continues touring the United States through 2026, introducing visitors to a cast of diverse historical characters with differing experiences and the roles they took on during the Revolutionary War. New tour dates were just announced, with additional locations for the end of 2025 and 2026 coming soon. A longer-term installation of the exhibit will remain at the DAR’s national headquarters in Washington, D.C.   

The American Revolution Experience first launched online in a digital-only iteration during the summer of 2022. Its success led to widespread recognition, the display winning the Bronze Award in the Education, Art, & Culture division at the second annual Anthem Awards, an initiative of the Webby Awards celebrating purpose and mission-driven work. It was also a finalist in the “People’s Choice” category of the Webby Awards, highlighting its impact among the public. Funding to transform the online product into a physical exhibit suitable for pop-up display at a wide variety of sites came from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and via a matching grant from the federal American Battlefield Protection Program.    

About the Organizations   

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in the 1890s to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With nearly 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations.    

From a grassroots organization started by historians 30 years ago, the American Battlefield Trust has grown into one of the most successful private heritage land preservation organizations in the nation. The Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 58,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War, representing more than 160 sites in 25 states. Its 350,000 members and supporters believe in the power of place and the continued relevance of history as a means to fully understand our rights and responsibilities as Americans.  Learn more at battlefields.org.   

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