GLOUCESTER, MA - Essex Heritage, in partnership with Revolution 250, the City of Gloucester, Battle of Bunker Hill 250 Committee, Discover Gloucester, North of Boston CVB, Maritime Gloucester, and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism proudly announces the national reenactment commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 21-22, 2025, at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, MA. This landmark event will bring to life one of the most pivotal battles of the American Revolution through tactical demonstrations, historic lectures, presentations, and living history displays featuring hundreds of reenactors from across the United States and Canada.

Why Gloucester, Not Charlestown?

While the Battle of Bunker Hill was originally fought in Charlestown, the urban development over the last two centuries makes it impossible to use the original battlefield for a large-scale reenactment. Gloucester's historic Stage Fort Park provides an ideal seaside location with terrain features that allow for an authentic recreation of the battle fought on both land and sea. "Gloucester's Stage Fort Park offers key elements that perfectly capture the topography needed to tell the complete story of the Battle of Bunker Hill," explains Jonathan Lane, Executive Director of Revolution 250. "The park's beaches allow us to recreate the British landing, while the natural elevation provides space for the fortified redoubt that was so central to the battle."

Gloucester’s Pivotal Role and Essex County Connections to Bunker Hill

Gloucester holds a special place in the story of the Battle of Bunker Hill, with numerous local citizens who answered the call to defend American liberty in June 1775. This coastal community’s maritime heritage and strategic location make it an ideal setting to commemorate the battle’s 250th anniversary.

“Gloucester sent dozens of its sons to fight at Bunker Hill, including members of the Tarr, Riggs, and Lane families whose descendants still call the city home today,” says Essex Heritage CEO, Annie Harris. “The Gloucester community’s sailors, fishermen, and tradesmen brought valuable skills to the provincial forces. Many served in Captain John Row’s Company, while others joined various Essex County units that fought valiantly that day.”

The broader Essex County region also played a crucial role in the battle. “Many people don’t realize the significant role Essex County played in the Battle of Bunker Hill,” says Ms. Harris. “Frye’s Battalion, composed of men from the Merrimack Valley, was positioned in the redoubt throughout the fight and suffered some of the highest casualties of the day. The battle could be heard as far north as Newburyport, Haverhill, and Amesbury, while Andover residents gathered on Holt Hill to watch the distant fight, unaware that their townsmen were in the thick of combat.”

She adds, “Stage Fort Park in Gloucester provides the perfect setting to honor the sacrifice of our region’s men and women to the cause of American Independence. The park’s natural harbor, beaches, and elevated terrain closely resemble the Charlestown Peninsula where the original battle was fought, allowing us to create an authentic experience that brings this pivotal moment in American history to life.”

Jabez Tarr: Gloucester's Young Revolutionary Hero

Among the local connections to the battle is the remarkable story of Jabez Tarr, a 15-year-old Gloucester resident who fought in the redoubt at Bunker Hill in 1775. The teenage patriot represents the often-overlooked contributions of young people to the revolutionary cause. "Jabez Tarr's story reminds us that the American Revolution was fought by people of all ages, including teenagers who risked everything for liberty," notes Brent (Ringo) Tarr, a direct descendant of the young soldier. "As his descendant, I'm particularly proud that Gloucester is hosting this reenactment that will bring to life the courage and sacrifice of my ancestor and his fellow patriots."

The reenactment committee will be working with local students to bring to life the contributions of all who contributed to the cause of the American Revolution, including young people, women, Indigenous communities, and free and enslaved
Black soldiers, making the event particularly meaningful.

Tourism Boost for the North Shore

The reenactment is expected to draw between 5,000-7,000 visitors over the weekend, providing a significant economic boost to Gloucester and the surrounding North Shore communities. "Similar events like Old Sturbridge Village's Redcoats & Rebels bring in 3,000-5,000 visitors each day," notes Brittany DiCologero, Marketing Director at Discover Gloucester. "With Essex County's convenient location near I-95 and its proximity to Boston, Portsmouth, and Portland, we expect an even larger turnout, with a large projected economic impact for the local economy."

Visitors are encouraged to extend their stay to explore Gloucester's rich maritime heritage, beautiful beaches, vibrant arts scene, and culinary offerings, along with other North Shore attractions just minutes away.

What Visitors Will Experience

The two-day event will feature:

- Historical Encampments: Separate American Provincial and British Regular camps where visitors can interact with living historians
- Staged Battle Recreations: Multiple battle scenarios culminating with three assaults on the recreated, fortified Bunker Hill
- Amphibious Landing: British troops landing on Half Moon Beach with support from period ships
- The 1775 Marketplace: A recreation of a Boston marketplace with sutlers, reenactor suppliers, and North Shore vendors
- Civilian Life Demonstrations: Living historians depicting the lives of soldiers, women, children, and marginalized groups
- Educational Programs: Tours, lectures, and presentations by historians and historical interpreters

The event aims to provide an immersive, educational experience that brings history to life for visitors of all ages.

Chartering the Maritime Experience: A Key Fundraising Priority

What makes this event unique is the opportunity to provide a rare maritime reenactment component. Efforts are currently underway to charter period-appropriate vessels, including local schooners, that will dramatically enhance the visual experience for spectators. This authentic recreation of the British siege and landing offer a rare opportunity for the public to purchase charters aboard local Gloucester schooners during the event, witnessing reenactment history as it unfolds.

"The amphibious landing of British troops is a central element of the battle reenactment," says Michael DeKoster, Executive Director of Maritime Gloucester. "Having traditional ships in Gloucester Harbor will not only create a spectacular visual element of cannon fire and maritime troop movement but will allow us to accurately portray how the British forces arrived at Charlestown. I can think of no better opportunity to be part of the action than aboard these ships during the morning events.”

The committee is actively seeking sponsors to help make this crucial aspect of the event possible, including some pre-event opportunities for corporate or private sails with reenactors. Several sponsorship levels are available, ranging from the "General Joseph Warren's Circle" ($10,000+) to the "Champions of Liberty" (under $500). Each level offers various benefits including VIP reception tickets, seating at battle reenactments, logo placement, and social media exposure. Restaurant sponsorship opportunities are also available. Full details on sponsorship packages can be found on the event website.

Support the Event with Commemorative Challenge Coins

The organizing committee is actively fundraising to bring this landmark event to life. For a $25 donation, supporters will receive a limited-edition Battle of Bunker Hill 250th Anniversary Challenge Coin. These collectible coins feature the official event logo and commemorate this once-in-a-lifetime historical reenactment.

"These challenge coins make perfect keepsakes and help us fund essential event logistics like emergency services, water supplies, and site preparation," explains Eric Chetwynd of the 2nd Massachusetts Regiment. "Every donation brings us closer to creating an authentic, memorable experience worthy of this milestone in American history."

Challenge coins can be purchased on the event website at www.BattleOfBunkerHill250.com.

Event Information
What: The 250th Anniversary Reenactment of the Battle of Bunker Hill
When: June 21-22, 2025
Where: Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA
Website: www.BattleOfBunkerHill250.com
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/15rcXwcMAa/
For more information, contact:
Battle of Bunker Hill 250 Reenactment Committee
Eric Chetwynd
echetwynd@comcast.net

Revolution 250:
Jonathan Lane
jlane@revolution250.org

Essex Heritage:
Annie Harris
annieh@essexheritage.org

Media Contact:
Ryan Conary
Program & Event Manager
ryanc@essexheritage.org
603-686-2253

About the Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought on June 17, 1775, marking the third Massachusetts military engagement of the American Revolution. Although technically a British victory, the battle demonstrated that colonial militia could stand against professional British troops and inflicted heavy casualties on the British forces. Nearly 1,000 British troops were killed or wounded, compared to approximately 400 American casualties. This battle marked a turning point that showed the British crown that the colonies would not be easily subdued and erased any notion that the unrest in Massachusetts would not lead to a greater war.

About Essex Heritage
Essex National Heritage Commission (Essex Heritage) is a non-profit organization that has been federally authorized to manage and oversee the unique heritage resources of the Essex National Heritage Area. Their mission is to preserve and enhance the historic, cultural, and natural resources of Essex County, Massachusetts. With over 25 years of experience in heritage preservation and education, Essex Heritage works collaboratively with communities throughout the region to promote and protect the area's distinctive character and ensure its stories remain accessible for future generations.

About Revolution 250
Revolution 250 is a consortium of more than 75 organizations across Massachusetts working on commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. The organization advocates for the preservation of historic sites, homes, spaces, and documents that detail Massachusetts' rich revolutionary history. Revolution 250 promotes education about the arguments, thoughts, ideals, resolves, and events that led to American independence, connecting contemporary audiences with the founding principles of the nation through engaging programming and authentic historical experiences.