Making the 250th anniversary of our founding matter
sponsored by The Boston Foundation The Best of CommonWealth Beacon OPINION Making the 250th anniversary of our founding matter March 23, 2025 By Brian Boyles Next month, the eyes of the world will turn to Lexington and Concord. April 19 marks the first battle of the Revolutionary War -- the shot heard 'round the world -- and this year kicks off commemorations of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, events that will unfold across the nation through 2026. Recent questions about Massachusetts’s readiness for the Semiquincentennial have focused on who bears responsibility for the preparations, how we compare to other states, and where and when the biggest celebrations will take place. The milestone anniversary is a significant opportunity for economic development. The tourism industry in Massachusetts employs more than 150,000 people, and the coming year should benefit the residents and businesses who depend on trav...