Aug 7, 2025
If You Reenact It, They Will Come: Reflections on 250th Anniversary Events in and Around Massachusetts
Join us Friday morning at the 250 Commemoration Summit to hear from Jonathan Lane, Executive Director at Revolution 250, who will give background to major events of the Massachusetts 250th so far. Learn about the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Massacre, the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, the 250th Anniversary of Lexington & Concord, and the 250th Anniversary of Bunker Hill.
This presentation will focus on the planning of these events, the prat-falls and pit-falls in their execution, and what will be done differently for the 300th.
Why you should attend this session:
As a national leader in planning the 250th Anniversary of our Nation’s founding, Revolution 250 and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are uniquely positioned to share lessons learned, strategies tested, and experiences gained—insights that can benefit communities across the country.
Key Takeaways:
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How to identify and build relationships with partners you can truly rely on.
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Why embracing spectacle can amplify your message and engagement.
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How to leverage your network, and more importantly, your network's network for maximum impact.
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Practical fundraising strategies—because you will never have enough resources without asking widely.
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How to navigate the inevitable moments of challenge by remembering your vital role as a bridge between the past and the future.
About Jonathan
Jonathan Lane, Executive Director of Revolution 250 has more than 30 years’ experience in public history, tourism and cultural programming. Revolution 250 is a consortium of more than 70 organizations across the Commonwealth, working together on the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. While his employment has led him to many leading institutions, including Plimoth-Patuxet, the American Antiquarian Society, Berklee College of Music and the Massachusetts Historical Society, his historical studies have taken him to libraries and archives throughout the U.S. and United Kingdom. He is the author of a monograph on songs for British Soldiers in the 18th century, and is the editor of "From the Potomac to the Etowah, the Civil War Correspondence of Alonzo Hall Quint". Mr. Lane was awarded the “Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism Revolutionary Achievement Award” from Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy in March of 2024, the DAR America 250! Commendation medal from the Massachusetts Daughters of the American Revolution and the National Sons of the American Revolution 250th Anniversary Gold Medal. Jonathan is a member of the Society of the Cincinnati, the Sons of the American Revolution, the Colonial Society of Massachusetts and the Alden Kindred of America.
Jonathan Lane
Revolution 250
E: jlane@revolution250.org
P: 508-789-0335
About Revolution 250
Revolution 250 is a consortium of organizations in New England focused on commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. They aim to explore the history of the Revolution and its lasting impact on society through various events, public programs, and educational initiatives. Revolution 250 is not just a single organization but a collaborative effort involving non-profits, for-profits, corporate partners, individuals, residents, visitors, planners, educators, artists, and students. Their goals include helping to produce meaningful commemorations of important historical events on the road to American Independence; provide quality educational opportunities, programming and collaterals to help educators teach the history of this momentous period in American history; advocate for more funding and support of preservation activities including structures and material culture, but most importantly of the thousands of pages of historical records that are found in town halls and archives all across Massachusetts.