Commemoration of the 1775 Quebec Expedition

September 19-21, 2025

Follow the footsteps of Revolutionary soldiers, research your Revolutionary roots, and tour historic sites
and burying grounds, join a voyage on the Merrimack River, and much more!

Upcoming Events

September 19-21, 2025

Events in Newburyport and Newbury, Massachusetts

Road to Revolution:
Custom House Maritime Museum

Custom-House-Maritime-Museum

Explore the Road to Revolution exhibit to discover Newburyport’s bold path to independence, from privateers and frigates to President Washington’s 1789 visit, alongside a compelling look at Revolutionary‑era women, including “Real Daughters” and their founding of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Custom House Maritime Museum
25 Water Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
September 19-21, 2025
10 am – 4 pm

Events on Friday, September 19, 2025

Revolutionary Tidings:
Newburyport’s Bells Ring Out!

Revolutionary-Tidings-3-Churches-Event

Using the social media of 1775, the church bells of Newburyport will ring out with the latest news of the Road to Revolution! The anticipation builds as Benedict Arnold’s troops assemble in Newburyport and prepare for a top secret campaign to conquer Quebec.

Friday at 12 pm

FRS Unitarian Universalist
26 Pleasant St.
Newburyport, MA 01950

Central Congregational Church
14 Titcomb Street
Newburyport, MA 01950 

Old South Church
29 Federal St
Newburyport, MA 01950

The 1775 Quebec Expedition from Newburyport:
Following Their Footsteps

On September 19, 1775, over 1,100 men departed Newburyport on a secret mission to capture Quebec—led by Benedict Arnold and planned with George Washington.

Join Jack Santos as he recounts the stories of Newburyport’s patriots on this daring expedition through the wilderness as we celebrate its 250th anniversary.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
166 High Street 
Newburyport, MA 01950
at 7-8:30 pm

Events on Saturday, September 20, 2025

Revolutionary Newburyport:
Tours of the Museum of Old Newbury

Tours-of-Museum-of-Old-Newbury
Objects linked with the American Revolution, not usually on display, are highlighted during tours of the 1808 Cushing House museum. Experience the history of Newbury(port) through art, artifacts, and archives on a guided tour through Newburyport’s only National Historic Landmark.

Tours from 11-5 on the hour, last tour at 4 p.m.

Museum of Old Newbury
98 High St.
Newburyport, MA 01950

Revolutionary Living History Experience:
Bringing 1775 to Life

Revolutionary-Living-History-Experience-Bringing-1775-to-Life

Experience Revolutionary Newburyport during a special one-day living history event downtown, commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Quebec Expedition. Featuring reenactors, tactical demonstrations, and engaging historical interpretation, this immersive celebration brings 1775 to life and honors the city’s pivotal role in America’s fight for independence.

Downtown Newburyport
10:00 am – 4:00 pm

A Moment of Resolve:
Reenactment of the Dedication Service with Reverend Spring

We commemorated the 250th anniversary of the Quebec Expedition with a powerful reenactment of the 1775 dedication service for departing troops. In this video, Reverend Samuel Spring, portrayed by Edward Speck, delivers the historic sermon that inspired courage and faith, honoring the spiritual strength that sustained Newburyport’s patriots on their journey to liberty.

First Parish Church
20 High Rd
Newbury, MA 01951
at 10:30 am

DAR America 250 Patriots Marker Dedication:
Honoring the Legacy of Newburyport’s Revolutionary Heroes

Revolutionary-War-Patriots

As part of the 250th Anniversary of the Quebec Expedition, the Brigadier General James Brickett–Old Newbury Chapter, NSDAR, will dedicate an America 250 Patriots Marker in Newburyport. This ceremony honors Revolutionary War patriots with reflections from civic leaders and descendants, preserving their legacy for generations to come.

Old South Presbyterian Church
29 Federal St
Newburyport, MA 01950
at 1:00 pm

Walk to the River:
A Tribute to Newburyport’s Revolutionary Departure

Federal-Street-to-Water-Street-Walk

Following the dedication of the America 250 Patriots Marker at Old South Presbyterian Church, attendees are invited to join a commemorative walk through downtown Newburyport to the riverfront. The walk will conclude near the original embarkation site with brief remarks honoring the 1775 departure of local patriots on their daring expedition to Quebec.

Federal Street to Water Street
Newburyport, MA at 1:30 pm

Discover Your Family’s Story:
Genealogy Drop-in Clinic

Genealogy-Drop-in Clinic-Museum-Old-Newbury

Discover your roots and deepen your community connection at this engaging genealogy workshop. Participants will learn how to trace family history, uncover ancestral ties to early settlers and patriots, and explore Newburyport’s revolutionary and colonial past in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Embarkation for the Invasion of Quebec. Trained genealogists will be available to assist with family history research.

Museum of Old Newbury
98 High Street
Newburyport, MA
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Events on Sunday, September 21, 2025

Revolutionary Newburyport:
Tours of the Museum of Old Newbury

Tours-of-Museum-of-Old-Newbury
Objects linked with the American Revolution, not usually on display, are highlighted during tours of the 1808 Cushing House museum. Experience the history of Newbury(port) through art, artifacts, and archives on a guided tour through Newburyport’s only National Historic Landmark.

Tours from 11-5 on the hour, last tour at 4 p.m.

Museum of Old Newbury
98 High St.
Newburyport, MA 01950

Old Hill Burying Ground Tour:
Old Hill and Newburyport's Road to Revolution

Old Hill and Newburyport's Road to Revolution

Join Newburyport historian Ghlee Woodworth on a captivating cemetery tour honoring Revolutionary War patriots. Explore gravestones, hear stories of bravery and sacrifice, and discover how these local heroes shaped America’s fight for independence. A fascinating journey connecting past to present through tales of courage, resilience, and Newburyport’s rich revolutionary heritage.

Old Hill Burying Ground
25 Greenleaf Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
at 10:00 am

Faith and Freedom:
Old South Presbyterian Church and the Revolution

Old South Presbyterian Church and the Revolution

Explore Old South Presbyterian Church and uncover its rich Revolutionary War history on this guided tour. Learn about its role in 1775 as a gathering place for patriots, hear stories of prominent figures connected to the church, and discover how faith and freedom intertwined in Newburyport’s fight for independence.

Old South Presbyterian Church
29 Federal Street
Newburyport, MA
at 1:00 pm

About Us

Newburyport’s Road to Revolution explores the events and decisions, from the Battle of the Plains of Abraham and its links to Newburyport’s legendary Wolfe Tavern, to public “tea party” protests, that led inexorably to Newburyport’s early and ardent support of the Revolutionary cause.

Funded, in part, by the Massachusetts Office of Tourism