THE REVOLUTION COMES TO BELL ROCK PARK

Experience a Colonial Muster, Music, and Craft Demonstrations Throughout the Day

MALDEN, MA – On Saturday, May 16, Malden’s Bell Rock Memorial Park will transform into a Revolutionary-era militia encampment.  Members of the Stow Minutemen and other period re-enactors will conduct militia drills, deliver musical performances, and demonstrate late eighteenth-century crafts.  The Malden Historical Society invites people of all ages to come to the park and watch drills and demonstrations, ask questions, listen to music, and enjoy (we hope) good weather.  “In Revolutionary times, men between the ages of 16 and 60 were required to participate in their town’s militia,” explained Stow Minuteman Captain Ryan Hayward. “On muster days they would practice drilling and using their muskets, so as to be prepared for whatever challenge came their way.  Their families might also come out to work on home crafts outdoors or just enjoy the day. We hope to replicate that spirit on May 16.”

Musical performances will take place at 10:00 am and at 1:00 pm, followed by militia drills at 11:00 and 11:30 pm.  Period demonstrations of firearms and everyday crafts will take place throughout the day, which will wrap up around 3:00 pm. (Residents of the area should keep in mind that they may hear musket fire periodically, during and between the drill times. Don’t worry—it’s only blanks!)  Everyone in the family will find something to enjoy as they learn about life in Revolutionary times. Come for the morning, or the afternoon, or bring a picnic lunch and blanket and make a day of it!  (Only heavy rain will cancel this event. Militias still had to perform in less-than-perfect weather!)

More Malden’s Revolution 250 Events in May

This Revolutionary Muster Day is presented as part of Malden’s Revolution 250, commemorating events leading up to American Independence. Other upcoming events include:

• May 21, “The Malden Instructions in Context: Myth and Reality” – a historical talk by Malden Historical Society President Linda Thorsen. 7:00 pm, Maccario Room, Malden Public Library. Why did Malden write these instructions? Where did they go?  What did other towns do? What was the result?

• May 25, “A Lively Celebration of Malden’s Revolution 250 and the Malden Instructions” – 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the Rising Eagle Tavern in Melrose. Mark Linehan and others lead trivia, toasts, and more. Lots of fun, with food, drink, and T-shirts available for purchase.

• May 27, The Official 250^th Anniversary of the Malden Instructions (in cooperation with the Malden Public Library) including reading of the Malden Instructions, confirmed at a Malden Town Meeting on May 27, 1776; fife and drum music; and dedication of a new sculpture in Bell Rock Park to commemorate the semi-quincentennial. 5:30 pm Bell Rock Park.

These events, free to the public, are made possible by a 2025-2026 Malden Community Connections grant from the City of Malden and support from the Malden Historical Society, the Malden Public Library, and the Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation.

About the Malden Historical Society

Founded in 1886 and incorporated in 1887, the Malden Historical Society is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that is always looking for new members as well as volunteers to help with our collections, exhibits, and other projects. Anyone with an interest in history who wants to learn more can attend one of our meetings, visit www.maldenhistoricalsociety.org or call 617-863-6038.