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Commonwealth Museum   Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin
Commonwealth Museum Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin

First to be Free – The Evacuation of Boston
March 5 – July 4, 2026

To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the evacuation of British troops from Boston, we are unveiling a special exhibit highlighting the singular role Massachusetts played in the American Revolution.

Opening to the public on March 5, 2026, “First to be Free – The Evacuation of Boston,” will display treasured Revolutionary War artifacts from our Archives. Visitors will learn about:

  • The Siege of Boston
  • The seizure of Fort Ticonderoga
  • The journey of Henry Knox, who delivered the cannon George Washington used to drive the British from Boston
  • The evacuation of British forces on March 17, 1776

This exhibit also examine the aftermath of Evacuation Day, as Massachusetts, once free from British control, took its first steps toward creating a new form of government.

Highlights of the exhibit include:

  • Letters from George Washington – Letters from George Washington, written March 21-22, 1776, concerning defense of Boston Harbor and the evacuation of Boston
  • Letters to Benedict Arnold – A May 1775 letter from the Provincial Congress to Benedict Arnold, applauding the conduct of his troops and the acquisition of Fort Ticonderoga; a June 1775 letter from Joseph Warren noting “great satisfaction in the acquisitions” at Ticonderoga
  • Military Orders – Written military orders for the week of March 15-20, 1776 containing passwords used by Revolutionary troops, including “Liberty” and “St. Patrick”
  • Resolves to Round Up Tories – A January 1776 Resolve to arrest royalists in Boston who joined British troops; a March 19, 1776 Resolve ordering the procurement of a list of Tories still in Boston
  • Letter from Henry Knox – A 1777 letter to James Bowdoin requesting cannons from Boston, which were “much wanted” at Ticonderoga

This exhibit will be in display through July 4, 1776, the 250th anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of Independence. The Commonwealth’s original copy of the Declaration of Independence, signed by John Hancock, is on permanent display in our Treasures Gallery.

General Order for March 15-20, 1776. The passwords issued to the army in daily orders reflect the army's jubilation at ending the British occupation of Boston. These include Liberty, The Congress, and St. Patrick, commemorating the day the evacuation took place.
General Order for March 15-20, 1776. The passwords issued to the army in daily orders reflect the army's jubilation at ending the British occupation of Boston. These include "Liberty," "The Congress," and "St. Patrick," commemorating the day the evacuation took place.
Payroll for the crew of the sloop Enterprise, which sailed on Lake Champlain, May - July 1775. Submitted by Benedict Arnold.
Payroll for the crew of the sloop Enterprise, which sailed on Lake Champlain, May - July 1775. Submitted by Benedict Arnold.