Around Town

Lafayette Celebrated (Again) in Watertown for Contributions to American Revolution

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Watertown officials celebrated the new historical marker in honor of General Lafayette. From left, Council Vice President Vincent Piccirilli, Council President Mark Sideris, Marilynne Roach of the Historical Society, City Manager George Proakis, Julien Icher of the Lafayette Trail, Joyce Kelly from the Historical Society, and City Councilor Caroline Bays. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

On a drizzly, cool morning, a small crowd of Watertown history buffs came out to celebrate a Frenchman who played an important role in winning the American Revolution. During the ceremony, Watertown’s newest historical marker was unveiled, honoring the Marquis de Lafayette, who served as a general in the American Army. On Sunday, April 19, the red sign with a blue border and white lettering was presented by Julien Icher, Founder & President of The Lafayette Trail Inc.

The marker celebrates a visit by Lafayette, said Marilynne Roach from the Historical Society of Watertown.

Around Town

Cook With Greens Grown in the Watertown School’s Farm at the Next Eat Well Watertown Program

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Produce growing in the Watertown Public Schools’ Freight Farm. (Contributed Photo)

Watertown High School has a farm in a freight container, and the next Eat Well Watertown event features cooking demonstrations using the greens grown by WHS students. See details in the announcement from Live Well Watertown, below. There are still spaces open for our spring Eat Well Watertown program, happening next Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.! Register today and bring a friend (all ages welcome).

Around Town

Swap Shop Returns to Watertown Recycling Center in May

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The following information came from the City of Watertown:

The Watertown Swap Shop will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the First Saturday of every month unless otherwise noted (weather depending) from April through October. The hours of operation will be dependent upon the availability of volunteers to oversee the program. Closed during the winter months. 

The 2026 dates are:

May 2

June 6

July 11

August 1

September 5

October 3

November 7

The Swap Shop is located at the Watertown Recycle Center, 76 Stanley Ave. You must park on the street on Green River Way or Stanley Avenue if you are shopping at the Swap Shop. If you have donations, you can pull your car into the Recycle Center up to the Swap Shop to unload.

Around Town

You’re Invited to Raider’s Birthday Party, the WPD’s Comfort Dog is Turning 2

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Raider, the Watertown Police Department’s comfort dog when he was a puppy, with Officer Anna Margaryan. (Courtesy of the City of Watertown)

Raider, the Watertown Police Department’s comfort dog, will be celebrating his second birthday, and the public is invited to the party. See details provided by the WPD, below. Guess Who’s Turning 2? In honor of Autism Awareness Month, join us in celebrating Raider’s second Birthday on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Watertown Police Department, 552 Main St.

Around Town

Parts of Mt. Auburn to be Repaved in Week of April 21-24

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The City of Watertown provided the following Mount Auburn Street Update for the week of  April 21 – April 24, 2026. No work will be performed on Monday, 4/20/2026, due to the holiday. Milling and Paving

Milling (removal of the top layer of pavement) and paving will occur on Mount Auburn Street between Boylston Street and Chauncy Street and on School Street between Porter Street and Adams Avenue. Detours will be in place for this work. Please see details belowTraffic and Sidewalk Impacts

Starting 4/21/2026 through 4/24/2026, a detour will be in place on School Street for milling and paving operations.

Around Town

Historical Tours Focuses on Watertown During the Revolution

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The following announcement was provided by the Historical Society of Watertown:

The Historical Society of Watertown invites you to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the fight for American Independence by taking a walking tour of “Watertown During the Revolution.”

Dates: Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 10:00amSunday, May 24, 2026 at 10:00amSunday, June 7, 2026 at 10:00am(3 chances to take this walking tour)

Meeting Place: Zussman Memorial Park beside 66 Galen St. (The tour will be cancelled for rain.)

Join Historical Society of Watertown walking tour leaders Lynne O’Connell and Beth Houston for a 90-minute walking tour to learn about the important role that the town 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. On the tour, we’ll visit the sites of important dwellings (many of which are no longer standing), public spaces, monuments and plaques as we make our way to the 1772 Edmund Fowle House, where the Executive Council of the Provincial Congress met.

Around Town

Recreation Department Starting Youth Field Hockey in Fall, Registration Open

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Registration is open for a new program offering from Watertown Recreation: Youth Field Hockey. See more information in the announcement from Recreation Department, below. Get ready for a fun, team-focused fall season with the Watertown Recreation Youth Field Hockey Program! Whether your child is new to the game or looking to build on their skills, this league provides a positive, instructional environment centered on development, sportsmanship, and fun. We proudly compete in the Baystate Youth Field Hockey League, offering a consistent and supportive experience for all players.

Around Town

See What City Buildings Will be Closed for Patriots Day & How Trash Collection Will be Impacted

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Multiple City facilities will be closed on Patriots Day, and trash and recycling will be impacted by the holiday. See more information from the City of Watertown, below. Watertown City Hall, Parker Building, Senior Center, Department of Public Works Offices, and the Watertown Free Public Library are closed in observance of Patriots Day on Monday, April 20, 2026.Please note that due to Patriots Day on Monday, April 20, 2026, trash and recycling pickup will be delayed one day. The pickup schedule is Tuesday, April 21 through Saturday, April 25, 2026. A holiday postpones Trash and Recycling collection by one day.