Bay Area Marks 250th Anniversary of the Powder Alarm with Historic Reenactments and Tours in Cambridge and Somerville

History in the Bay Area can look forward to events this Labor Day weekend marking the 250th anniversary of the Powder Alarm of 1774. Cambridge and Somerville will host a series of free activities tomorrow until Monday, organized by History Cambridge, the Somerville Museum, and the Cambridge Historical Commission.

The weekend's festivities kick off with the "Spark of the Revolution: Reenactment and Historic Fair" in Somerville's Nathan Tufts Park, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm tomorrow Attendees can witness a reenactment of British soldiers confiscating gunpowder on that date centuries ago, an act that ratcheted up tensions and set Massachusetts on a path to independence. After, families can enjoy a living history fair complete with docent tours of the historic Powder House and scavenger hunts for the kids, according to a press release by the City of Somerville.

On Monday, the observance continues with Rebellion along Tory Row: The 1774 Powder Alarm. From 1:00 to 4:00 pm, the Longfellow House—Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site will host family games and activities. Participants can join a historical walking tour with J. L. Bell or learn about the political climate of 1774 with Prof. Robert J. Allison at History Cambridge.

As the weekend ends, Michele Gabrielson will discuss Revolutionary printers and 18th-century media literacy at 3:30 pm. This event will be held at the Cambridge Public Library and is also supported by the Friends of Longfellow House-Washington's HQ.