Tom recounts the rising tensions in colonial Massachusetts leading up to April 19, 1775, when British troops marched toward Concord to seize hidden military supplies. What followed—skirmishes on Lexington Green and the iconic confrontation at North Bridge—ignited a daylong battle involving thousands of local militiamen and civilians, marking the official start of the Revolutionary War.

Listeners will also get a preview of the upcoming 250th anniversary reenactment of Battle Road, a large-scale living history event featuring nearly 900 participants. Tom shares what it’s like to walk in the footsteps of his own hometown militia from Billerica, and how these reenactments help keep lesser-known stories alive—from loyalist guides and civilian evacuees to the emotional toll on families caught in the chaos.

Whether you’re a lifelong history buff or someone revisiting these events for the first time since grade school, this episode offers a compelling blend of historical insight and personal connection.