Did Melrose Have an American Revolution?
Did Melrose Have an American Revolution? with Jim Bennett
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
7:00 – 8:30 PM, Lower Level Meeting Room
Register online to reserve your seat!
In this year that marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this presentation aims to spark conversations in the community on what the local historical experience of 250 years ago might mean today.
In 1818, John Adams wrote “But what do We mean by the American Revolution? Do We mean the American War? The Revolution was effected before the War commenced. The Revolution was in the Minds and Hearts of the People.” Melrose’s experience of the American Revolution as a war is a well-documented chapter of our history. But to what extent was there a revolution in the hearts and minds of Melrose’s people?
In this presentation, Jim Bennett will examine late 18th century primary sources from Melrose to shed light on how the people of Melrose experienced political change during the tumultuous years of the revolutionary and early national periods.
Jim Bennett is the former chair of the Melrose Historical Commission. While serving on the MHC he wrote over 100 online articles on Melrose history. He has worked for many years as a museum educator and tour guide on Boston’s Freedom Trail.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Melrose Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
