Introduction
As Massachusetts gears up to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, businesses across the state have a golden opportunity to engage with history while boosting their visibility, revenue, and community involvement. The Massachusetts 250 initiative, backed by state funding and strategic marketing efforts, aims to bring thousands of visitors to the Commonwealth over 2025 and 2026 through cultural and community events, reenactments, and educational programs.
For local businesses, from restaurants and hotels to marketing agencies and retail shops, this celebration is more than just an event; it’s a business opportunity waiting to be tapped. Here’s how your business can take advantage.
Planned events
Massachusetts 250 is set to roll out a variety of high-profile events across the state, including historical reenactments, parades, and cultural programs. Some key events that businesses should keep an eye on include:
- Leslie’s Retreat Commemoration (February 2025 – Salem)
A major historical reenactment, educational events, and a Revolution Ball are planned. - Patriots’ Day (April 19, 2025 – Lexington & Concord)
Large-scale reenactments of the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
Thousands of visitors expected, creating high demand for accommodations, food, and event-related services. - Battle of Bunker Hill Anniversary (June 2025 – Charlestown)
Military reenactments, historical tours, and lectures. - Fourth of July Freedom Festival (July 2025 – Boston)
One of the biggest celebrations of the decade, including a massive fireworks show and a special performance by the Boston Pops. - Statewide Revolutionary Weekends
Local municipalities will host themed weekends focused on Revolutionary history, giving businesses across Massachusetts a chance to participate.
These events will attract large numbers of visitors, creating significant demand for tourism-related services, food, and entertainment.
Insights from Connect 351
Connect 351 is the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s annual conference, where local officials and business leaders gather to discuss key initiatives shaping the state. This year, the 250th anniversary celebrations were a major topic of discussion.
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, in her address to municipal leaders, emphasized that the anniversary is not just a historical event but an economic and cultural opportunity. “We want to make sure we tell these revolutionary tales in every community across the Commonwealth, not just in the places that all of us read about in our history books,” she said.
State officials have committed to supporting municipalities and businesses through marketing efforts, grant programs, and promotional campaigns, including advertising Massachusetts 250 in major tourism hubs like Times Square.
For businesses, this means there is state-backed momentum to help drive customers your way; if you position yourself correctly.
How businesses can make the most of Massachusetts 250
This anniversary isn’t just for museums and historical sites; businesses across many industries can find ways to get involved. Below ideas for making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime economic boost.
1. Restaurants & food services
- Themed Menus: Offer “Revolutionary Specials” featuring colonial-inspired meals or drinks with historical names.
- Event Catering: Get listed as a preferred caterer for Massachusetts 250 events. Many municipalities and organizations will need food vendors.
- Pop-Up Food Stalls: Set up mobile food stands near event locations to capture foot traffic.
- Historical Dining Experiences: Consider hosting special dining nights featuring 18th-century cuisine, storytelling, and reenactments.
2. Tourism & hospitality
- Hotel & Airbnb Packages: Develop Massachusetts 250-themed travel packages that include guided tours and local experiences.
- Collaborate with Local Guides: Offer discounts for visitors attending historical events.
- Extend Stays: Offer deals encouraging visitors to stay an extra night before or after major events.
3. Guided tours & experiences
- Historical Walking Tours: Develop new routes centered on Massachusetts’ Revolutionary War history.
- Themed Bus Tours: Partner with tour operators to create multi-stop trips to significant battle sites.
- Scavenger Hunts: Create Revolutionary-themed scavenger hunts for families and groups.
4. Retail & merchandising
- Commemorative Merchandise: Design and sell Massachusetts 250-branded T-shirts, mugs, and posters.
- Local Artisan Collaborations: Feature handmade goods inspired by the Revolution.
- Limited-Edition Collectibles: Offer special-edition products, such as “250th Anniversary” versions of bestselling items.
5. Printing & design services
- Branded Materials: Many organizations will need flyers, banners, and event programs. Be their go-to vendor.
- Event Signage: Offer signage packages for businesses hosting Massachusetts 250-related events.
- Tourist Guides & Maps: Partner with tourism boards to design and print maps highlighting Revolutionary War landmarks.
6. Digital marketing & advertising
- SEO for Tourism Searches: Optimize your website for keywords related to Massachusetts 250 to attract tourists looking for hotels, restaurants, and activities.
- Social Media Campaigns: Create Revolutionary War-themed content to engage history buffs and tourists.
- Local Business Collaborations: Partner with other businesses to cross-promote services during the celebrations.
7. Event production & rentals
- Sound & Lighting: Many town celebrations will need professional AV services.
- Costume Rentals: Provide Revolutionary War-era outfits for reenactments and themed events.
- Temporary Structures: Rent out tents, stages, and seating for large-scale celebrations.
8. Fitness clubs & gyms
- 250-Minute Challenge: Encourage members to complete 250 minutes of exercise over a set period (e.g., a month) to commemorate the 250th anniversary.
- 250-Rep Workout: Create a themed workout (e.g., 250 squats, push-ups, or burpees) and offer incentives for participants who complete it.
- “March Like a Minuteman” Challenge: Track steps or miles walked/runned with a goal of completing the equivalent of a historic march, such as the route from Lexington to Concord (~17 miles).
- Historic Boot Camps: Host pop-up outdoor boot camps in collaboration with historic sites or town centers. (E.g., a “Drill with the Redcoats” military-style workout.)
9. MA250 bingo: A fun way for businesses to engage visitors
Local businesses can collaborate to create a Massachusetts 250 Bingo Challenge, where visitors and residents complete activities across different locations to win prizes.
How it works:
- Create a Bingo Card – Each square represents an activity or location tied to the American Revolution or participating businesses. Examples:
- Visit a historic site (e.g., Bunker Hill, Lexington Green)
- Try a “Revolutionary Special” at a local restaurant
- Stay at a participating hotel offering a MA250 package
- Attend a reenactment event
- Purchase a MA250 souvenir from a local shop
- Business Partnerships – Local restaurants, hotels, museums, and shops can participate by offering discounts or small incentives for completing tasks on the Bingo card.
- Tourism Boost – Encourage visitors to share their Bingo progress on social media using a campaign hashtag (#MA250Bingo), driving visibility and engagement.
- Prizes & Incentives – Participants who complete a row, column, or full card can redeem their Bingo cards for rewards such as free event tickets, discounts, or exclusive MA250 merchandise.
Where Businesses Can Find More Information
There are multiple ways to get involved in Massachusetts 250, whether by applying for grants, attending planning meetings, or reaching out to event organizers. Here are key resources:
- Massachusetts 250 Official Site: massachusetts250.org
Includes event listings, grant opportunities, and business participation guides. - Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT): visitma.com
Provides marketing materials, tourism stats, and partnership opportunities. - Revolution 250 Initiative: revolution250.org
Focused on Revolutionary War history, this site includes educational resources and event collaborations. - State Grant Information: mass.gov
Find funding opportunities for businesses looking to create events or products tied to Massachusetts 250. - Local Chambers of Commerce:
Many regional chambers will be directly involved in planning Massachusetts 250 events. Attend meetings to explore partnership opportunities.
MAIN PHOTO: Lt. Gov Kim Driscoll | Photography by Jared Charney.
CONTRIBUTOR
Inc413 News Team
The Inc413 news team compiles business stories from across Western Massachusetts and beyond. Our primary focus is on stories that have an impact on small businesses, entrepreneurs, and the people they employ.
