Barrett’s Farm Open House
April 13 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
On April 19, 1775 a contingent of about 120 British soldiers marched over the North Bridge in Concord, Mass., to Barrett’s farm. They were searching forf military arms and supplies.
Today Barrett’s Farm belongs to Minute Man National Historical Park, which has scheduled an April 13, 2025 open house program. Visitors can explore the interior of this 319-year-old home. They can talk with park staff about military preparations in 1775. And they can learn the story of Rebeckah Barrett, who went toe-to-toe with the British soldiers searching her home.
Barrett’s Farm
About two miles from the North Bridge, a centuries-old wooden farmhouse stands that was once the home of Colonel James Barrett and his family. Built in 1705 by Benjamin Barrett, James’ father, the farm has been continuously productive. In 2003 Save Our Heritage bought the house and then began a mult-year project to restore the house to its 1775 appearance. It became part of Minute Man National Historical Park in 2012.
Barrett’s Farm, before restoration
On April 19, 1775 British Regulars searched this home looking for stores of artillery and ammunition. They found nothing there, but Colonel Barrett and members of his family played significant roles in the first battle of the American Revolutionary War.
The Program
The program begins at 11:00 a.m. with a lecture, “Supply Masters at Concord: Colonel Barrett & Captain Heywood.”
Before the American Revolution, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress called for the creation of a provincial army to oppose British Regular forces in Boston. The Provincial Congress knew a successful army required not just men, but an incredible amount of supplies.
The Congress then appointed Col. James Barrett and Capt. Jonas Heywood, both of Concord, as supply masters. They would handle all the warlike stores amassed prior to April 19.
Join Antiques Roadshow-featured expert Joel Bohy as he explores the story of these two men and the important work they did to make the American Revolution successful.
This lecture will require prior registration. Check here for more details
Then at 1:00 p.m., the open house begins.
Finally, at 2:00 p.m., the park holds an artillery program. You can see if you have what it takes to be an 18th.century artillerist in this non-firing hands-on experience. Join a Park Ranger for an interactive program about 18th century cannons and their use on the battlefield.
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Learn more about New England’s role in the American Revolution in this complete guide to Revolutionary War sites in New England. Brought to you by the New England Historical Society. Click here to order your copy in paperback, here to order an ebook.
Images: Barret’s Farm, restored, By Historical Perspective – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16152085. Barrett’s Farm before restoration, By nicholas f matranga – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4759229.