"Woburn's Road to Revolution" on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at Tarky Park

On the west side of Woburn, between Cambridge Road and Briscoe Street, one of Woburn's "hidden treasures" can be found: Woburn's Battle Road. Located alongside the Battle Road Conservation Area, a portion of this historic road remains preserved much as it was in the 18th century. Stone walls that were most likely built before 1670 still stand and outline the road, which was originally called Sawpit Lane. This is the route that the Woburn Militia took on April 19th, 1775, when they marched to Lexington in answer to the alarm. From this road they heard "a great firing" of muskets on Lexington Green as they hurried in that direction.

As part of Freedom’s Way “Hidden Treasures 2016”, the Woburn Historical Commission will present "Woburn's Road to Revolution", on Saturday, May 21st, from 12 noon to 3pm. The program will include narrated walking tours along a portion of Battle Road, beginning at 12 noon at Tarky Park (site of the old Tarky School), 256 Russell St., Woburn MA, 01801. In addition to the tours, reenactors in period dress will be portraying historical characters in scenes from Woburn’s Revolutionary past.

The program is free and open to the public with free, off street parking. For further information, see Woburn's Road to Revolution on Facebook.com/battleroadwoburn, or call 781-933-4976, or email battleroadwoburn@milk.toast.net.

From nature hikes and museum open houses to urban walking tours and art events, Freedom’s Way Hidden Treasures 2016 offers a diversity of activities that highlight the many cultural, historical and natural treasures of our region. This year’s website, www.discoverhiddentreasures.org, is a great resource to plan your regional adventure from the more than 100 activities and free public programs featuring one or more “hidden treasures” in the 45 towns and cities participating in the nine-day regional celebration, Saturday, May 14th through Sunday, May 22nd.

Freedom's Way connects the people, places and communities of the Heritage Area through preservation, conservation and educational initiatives to protect and promote our shared resources and to encourage residents and visitors to explore our landscape, history and culture. The Freedom’s Way Heritage Association works in partnership with the National Park Service to support the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.