Events
Special Public Program
Watertown During the Revolution
A Walking Tour led by Lynne O'Connell and Beth Houston
Sunday, May 11, 2025
10:00 AM
tour departs from Zussman Memorial Park adjacent to the 66 Galen Street building
66 Galen Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Join HSW tour leaders Lynne O'Connell and Beth Houston for a 90-minute walking tour to learn about the important role that Watertown played during the American Revolution. After the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, the Provincial Congress assembled in the town's Meeting House, making Watertown the seat of the Massachusetts government for 18 months. As a result, many prominent Revolutionary War figures boarded in town, including Paul Revere and Joseph Warren.
Sites visited will include important dwellings (many of which are no longer standing), public spaces, monuments and plaques as the tour moves toward a final destination of the 1772 Edmund Fowle House, where the Executive Council of the Provincial Congress met. Participants will be invited to enter the Fowle House and view the current exhibit that celebrates the 250th anniversary of both the Fowle House and the flight for American independence.
There will be a $10 fee (cash or check only) for the tour. This program is open to the public, but registration is requested. For more information or to register, please contact Joyce at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Note that this tour will be canceled in case of inclement weather, but is also being offered on June 1, 2025.
Annual Members Meeting and May Public Program
The Legacy of Cornelius Lenox
A slideshow lecture by Marilynne K. Roach
Sunday, May 4, 2025
2:00 PM
Watertown Savings Bank Meeting Room
Watertown Free Public Library
123 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
This presentation will unveil the tales of three generations of the Lenox family, beginning with Cornelius, a valiant Revolutionary War veteran, and traversiing through the entrepreneurial and abolitionist spirits of his children and grandchildren, including the esteemed Sgt. Charles Lenox of Watertown, who bravely fought with the Glory regiment at Fort Wagner.
Marilynne K. Roach, in addition to being the President of the Historical Society of Watertown, has written several books, is an expert on the Salem Witch Trials and works as a free-lance writer, illustrator, researcher and presenter of talks on historical subjects.
This event is free and open to the public. Parking is free in the library lot on Sundays. For more information, please contact Joyce at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Special Public Program
Community on the Lawn at the Browne House, Watertown
Saturday, May 3, 2025
1:00 - 4:00 PM
Browne House
562 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Join Historic New England and local cultural organizations for an afternoon of history, culture and connection. Explore the Browne House, enjoy family-friendly activities and lawn games, browse books at the mobile library and meet your neighbors as we celebrate Watertown's rich heritage.
Participating organizations will include:
Watertown Free Public Library
Historical Society of Watertown
Watertown Public Arts & Culture
The Pigsgusset Initiative
Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation
Gore Place
This event is free and open to the public.