Around Town

A Celebration 250 Years in the Making: Watertown’s Treaty Day 2026

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The 2010 Reenactment of Signing of Treaty of Watertown at the Edmund Fowle House. (Courtesy of Historical Society. of Watertown)

In the days after the former 13 colonies declared their independence from Britain 250 years ago, Watertown had a moment. The town outside Boston became the center of government in Massachusetts, and two historic firsts took place right near Watertown Square. However, these occasions got lost in the ether somewhere between George Washington and George H.W. Bush.

Entertainment

Last Tour of Historic Edmund Fowle House Before Summer Coming Up Sunday

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The Edmund Fowle House & Museum with our 2022 Yard Art exhibit on display. (Photo courtesy of Joyce Kelly)

This Sunday is the last chance for a few months to visit Watertown’s second oldest standing home, the Edmund Fowle House. The Historical Society of Watertown will host the last house tours for the season this Sunday June 21 from 1-4 p.m. with the last tour at 3:15 p.m. The next tour is scheduled for Sept. 20, 2026. At the beginning of the American Revolution, the Fowle House served as headquarters for the executive branch of the Massachusetts government from July, 1775, to September, 1776.

Around Town

Catch the Watertown During the Revolution Tour on Sunday

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The Historical Society’s tour of Watertown During the Revolution has become a popular event, and Sunday is the last time to take the tour before the fall. See details in the announcement, below. 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.”

Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 10 a.m. (last chance to take this walking tour- may offer more in the Fall)

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.

Around Town

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Revolution With Historical Tour of Watertown

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Edmund Fowle House, home of the Historical Society of Watertown. The Historical Society of Watertown will host a walking tour focused on Watertown During the Revolution on May 24 and June 7. See more details in the announcement from the Historical Society, below. The Historical Society of Watertown invites you to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the fight forAmerican Independence by taking a walking tour of “Watertown During the Revolution.”

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.

Around Town

Historical Society Hosting Tours of 2nd Oldest Home in Watertown

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The Edmund Fowle House & Museum. (Photo courtesy of Joyce Kelly)

Take a look inside a home in Watertown with loads of history on May 17. The Historical Society of Watertown will conduct tours of the Edmund Fowle House & Museum on Sunday May 17th from 1-4 p.m. The house is located at 28 Marshall St. The last tour begins at 3:15 p.m.

The description of the Fowle House on the Historical Society’s website says:

“Built in 1772, the Edmund Fowle House is the second oldest surviving house in Watertown. At the beginning of the American Revolution it served as headquarters for the executive branch of the Massachusetts government from July, 1775, to September, 1776. The Treaty of Watertown was signed on July 19, 1776, in the Council Chamber on the second floor.

Entertainment

Community Day at Historic House in Watertown: Tours, Music, Games, Family Activities

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The following announcement was provided by Historic New England and the Historical Society of Watertown:

Join Historic New England and local cultural organizations for an afternoon of history, culture, and connection. Explore the Browne House, enjoy family-friendly activities and lawn games, browse books at the mobile library, and meet your neighbors as we celebrate Watertown’s rich heritage. Participating organizations include:

Watertown Free Public LibraryHistorical Society of WatertownWatertown Public Arts & CultureThe Pigsgusset InitiativeCharles River Museum of Industry and InnovationGore PlaceFriends of Mount Auburn

WHEN: Saturday, May 2, 10:00 a.m.– 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Browne House, 562 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

● Parking in the Police Station lot next door or on Main Street is encouraged. There is no parking on site for this event.● There are steps to enter the house, and the site is not equipped with ramps, elevators, or lifts. And there is no public restroom.

Around Town

Watertown Historical Society Event Focuses on True Crime Story from Colonial Times

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The Historical Society of Watertown will host a talk about a historical true crime, and host its annual meeting on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 2 p.m. at the Watertown Library. See more information provided by the Historical Society, below. Annual Members Meeting with Election of Board Members Immediately following slide show and talk by historian Marie Daly: “Incident at Rock Meadow — True Crime Story of Ruth Sawtell & Thomas Loveran.”

Location: Watertown Free Public LibraryWatertown Savings Bank Meeting Room123 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472

In 17th century Watertown, Zachariah Smith fled charges of unlawful relations with neighbor Ruth Sawtell. The ensuing repercussions of his subsequent murder contributed to the outbreak of King Philip’s War. Three years later, an assignation with another neighbor made Ruth Sawtell a repeat offender, and the scene of their crime was the “Great Rock” in Rock Meadow.

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.