What happened in Weston?
Complete Video Series Now Available
All eight episodes of “One Town in the American Revolution” are now available to watch.
These short (three-to-four-minute) videos focus on Weston people and events in 1774 and 1775, the two tumultuous years leading up to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. Written by Pam Fox of the Weston Historical Society, the videos were produced by Alanna Muldoon of Weston Media Center and narrated by Alanna Muldoon (episodes 1–5) and Tim Armour (episodes 6–8).
Weston Declaration Day Celebrations
Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Reading of the Declaration of Independence in the Town of Weston
In the summer of 1776, the Massachusetts Bay Council ordered the Declaration of Independence read aloud in every parish across the state—ensuring that from Boston to the smallest country towns, the founding document reached the ears of the people. On Sunday, September 8, Reverend Samuel Woodward proclaimed it from the pulpit of First Parish Church in Weston. Two hundred and fifty years later, we are planning two occasions to hear it again.
Benefit Cocktail Party
Tuesday, September 8 | 5:30–7:30 PM
Weston Town Hall auditorium
Come hear a lively reading of the Declaration of Independence — the very words that rang out here a quarter-millennium past — and enjoy Colonial-era hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Proceeds benefit the Weston Historical Society. Dress: Festive Colonial (or just festive!)
Tavern Stroll
Sunday, September 13 | 12:00–4:00 PM. Stroll begins at 1:00 PM. Declaration reading at 2:00 PM.
Free and open to all — no tickets necessary. Bring the entire family!
Step back in time and stroll through Weston’s historic landscape, beginning with a visit to the Golden Ball Tavern — our “Tory Tavern” — before joining a parade led by George Washington and other revolutionary figures down Boston Post Road past the historic Burgoyne Elm site to the Josiah Smith Tavern, where visitors can enjoy a lively reading of the Declaration of Independence on the steps of the Josiah Smith Tavern, followed by colonial games and revolutionary entertainments. Food, local arts and crafts, and horse-drawn carriage rides available for purchase.
Come celebrate Weston’s place in the founding of the nation.
Declaration Day events are being organized by a Declaration Day Committee chaired by Diana Chaplin and Artemis Willis for the benefit of the Weston Historical Society. Committee Members: Alli Achtmeyer, Kristin Batejan, Avery Chaplin, Julia Chaplin, Em Dickson, Ted Dickson, Pam Fox, Alix Keating, Kate McGovern, Kathryn Miller, Elizabeth’O’Connell, Tom Paine, Molly Varnau, and Gardi Willis.