The Commonwealth Museum

Happy National Donut Day!!!
Did you know our state donut is the Boston Cream Donut? 🍩

National Donut Day lands on the first Friday in June every year!
What’s your favorite donut?

This upcoming Monday we will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.
We will open again on Tuesday!

Thank you for the lovely evening tour! Last evening we joined their 1630: From Shawmut to Boston walking tour. On our tour we learned about the journey of how Shawmut became Boston, and the controversies and achievements that came with. Thank you again!!

On Thursday, May 21st from 10:00am-5:00pm the Commonwealth Museum and Massachusetts Archives will be displaying a 1,300-pound cast iron cannon. This cannon is believed to have been seized from HMS Diana during the Battle of Chelsea Creek on May 27-28, 1775. The cannon is in pristine condition and retains its original markings, including a crown seal from the reign of King George III. It was meticulously restored by Groton, MA historian Earl Carter, who received national recognition for the project, including his rebuilding of the wooden carriage using tools and techniques accurate to the era when the cannon was forged. The cannon will be presented by his family, who will speak to visitors about their research into the cannon’s history and Earl’s experience restoring it. Talk times will be scheduled for 10:00am, 11:00am and 2:00pm on 5/21. They will be available to answer questions, and visitors will be welcome to pose for photographs in costume with the cannon.

Guests are also invited to tour the Commonwealth Museum, including the First to Be Free exhibit focused on the evacuation of Boston, exclusively on display through July, 2026.

Throughout the month of May we will highlight individuals in Massachusetts history who have made significant contributions to the study and advancement of treatment of Mental Health.

The first individual we would like to bring attention to is Dorothea Dix. A social reformer of the 19th century, Dorothea revolutionized the treatment of the mentally ill. Responsible for the establishment of over 32 psychiatric hospitals throughout North America. Her work did not only stop in North America- as she influenced the creation and reform of Psychiatric Care centers in Western Europe, Russia, and as far as Japan.

Alongside the establishment of these hospitals, Dix traveled throughout the United States and Europe writing reports and exposing abuses in jails and almshouses in regards to their treatment of the mentally ill. These reports would be submitted to state and national legislatures. She was even able to advocate for Pope Pius IX to visit asylums of Rome with her, to which he was shocked and appalled at the abuses he witnessed.

Following her lengthy career of psychiatric care and reform, she found herself promoted as Superintendent of Army Nurses for the Union Army during the American Civil War.

After her death in 1887, Dix was buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge.

Happy AAPI Heritage Month!
There are many commemorations in the month of May, with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage being one of them. AAPI Heritage month was officially established as an annual month-long observance in the United States, in 1992. This month is spent celebrating and recognizing the culture, history, and influences that people have made in the US, as AAPI month is primarily celebrated in the country!
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Each May, Mental Health Awareness is observed for the entire month. This is to reduce stigma, educate the public, and promote resources for mental wellness. Mental Health Awareness month was first observed in 1949. In America, 1 of every 5 adults suffer yearly with a mental health disorder. The theme for 2026 is “More Good Days, Together” which puts focus on taking small steps to have one good, simple, or calm day at a time. But most importantly, for yourself to define what a good day is!
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Happy Star Wars Day from the Commonwealth Museum! May the 4th be with you 💫

Alonzo Chappel’s massacre painting is seen above. See Paul Revere’s copperplate engraving of the Boston Massacre at the Museum!

Happy Earth Day 🌱
This annual event is celebrated globally! What are you doing on this Earth Day?
Practice sustainability, take a walk, go outside.
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On the night of April 18th, 1775, Paul Revere set out on his famous midnight ride, he was traveling from Boston to the towns of Lexington and Concord. His goal was to alert Colonial leaders such as John Hancock and Samuel Adams of the British advance towards the towns. The British marched upon the towns, on the route that today is Massachusetts Avenue, their goal was reportedly to seize military supplies as well as arrest many colonial leaders.

Along Reveres route through the present-day towns of Somerville, Medford, and Arlington he had met upwards of 40 riders- all of which by the end of the night would carry news of the British advance. Contrary to myth, the famous phrase of “The British are coming!” is not actually what Paul Revere was warning of. He himself, as well as eyewitness testimony reported that he shouted “The Regulars are coming out!” Eventually around midnight of the night of the 18th, Revere made it to the town of Lexington where he was able to meet with Samuel Adams and John Hancock who concluded that the size of the army marching was too large to be sent for just their arrest.

The following day, the battles of Lexington-Concord unfolded. This marked the first major military actions between the British Army and the Patriot Militias, and kick started the American Revolution!