NEWBURYPORT — Looking to celebrate the origin of America’s independence, the Custom House Maritime Museum and Museum of Old Newbury are partnering together to present the Road to Revolution Parade later this month.
“We are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution,” parade co-Chair Bob Cronin said.
Set to begin on June 28 at 10 a.m., the parade kicks off on lower Federal Street and Water Street, and marches up Federal to High Street before turning right on High and proceeding to the Bartlet Mall.
It will then loop the frog pond and march down State Street to a review stand at Market Square.
“It’ll be a parade of reenactors, some local floats from the museums, Lowell’s Boat Shop, the Custom House and Plum Island Light. We’ll have some things for the kiddos, decorating your bikes if you want to be in the parade,” Cronin said.
In attendance will be members of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, as well as state and local officials, including Gov. Maura Healey, Newburyport Mayor Sean Reardon, state Rep. Dawne Shand, D-Newburyport; state Sen. Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester; and U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Salem.
“They all may say a few words,” Cronin said.
To those confused why the celebration is being held in 2025 when the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, Cronin explained that most of the fighting around Massachusetts concluded by early 1775.
“So we are celebrating our part in the beginning, in the roots of the revolution, from the Tea Party in 1773 all the way up,” Cronin said.
Museum of Old Newbury Executive Director Bethany Dorau said she was “blown away” learning about how important Newburyport was to the revolution.
“It’s literally every block, especially here in the South End, every block has five or six Revolutionary War stories right there,” Dorau said.
She said that she hopes that those who come out to enjoy the parade pick up a passion for local history.
“ This was a really strong patriot community,” Dorau said.
On June 26, two days before the parade, the Custom House is planning to open a Road to Revolution exhibit. Cronin said he was looking through some of the weaponry for the exhibit including a sword captured from the French during the French and Indian War when he took a moment to appreciate the history he was holding.
“So it’s dating back to the 1750s, and you’re holding it in your hand and realizing that some French officer either surrendered or lost their life from that sword, and it was brought back to Newburyport,” Cronin said.
Cronin and Dorau thanked the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism for the $65,000 grant that is being used to fund the parade.
“And thanks to the city of Newburyport for helping us out with this, too” Cronin said.
Matt Petry covers Amesbury and Salisbury for The Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: mpetry@northofboston.com.