Commemorating the 1775 Expedition to Québec in Newburyport
There are multiple events on the schedule. It looks like the Custom House Maritime Museum at 25 Water Street is the main base, open 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. all three days, but the Museum of Old Newbury and several churches are involved.
Friday, 19 September, 12 noon
Newburyport’s Bells Ring Out!
Three of the town’s oldest churches will ring their bells to herald the coming of the Continental troops.
Friday, 19 September, 7 to 8:30 P.M.
Through a Howling Wilderness: 1775 March to Quebec
Tom Desjardin
St. Paul’s Church, Newburyport
In September 1775, Arnold commanded eleven hundred Colonial soldiers on a daring, top-secret mission: to march and paddle nearly 200 miles through the untamed wilderness of Maine and Quebec to seize British-held Quebec City. It was a journey marked by hypothermia, disease, starvation, hurricanes, and blizzards. Dozens perished; survivors endured eating everything from dogs to lip salve before reaching their target. Though the attack ultimately failed, Arnold’s expedition helped pave the way for America’s eventual victory. Through a Howling Wilderness tells this gripping story of endurance, sacrifice, and leadership before Arnold’s name became synonymous with treason.
Tom Desjardin holds a Ph.D. in U.S. History and is the author of multiple acclaimed books. A former archivist and historian at Gettysburg National Military Park, he has taught at Bowdoin College, advised film and television productions (including Gettysburg and Gods and Generals), and appeared on the History Channel, A&E, Discovery, PBS, and CSPAN. He is a former Commissioner of Education for Maine and director of the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.
Saturday, 20 September, 10 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Revolutionary Living History Experience: Bringing 1775 to Life
Downtown Newburyport
A special one-day living history event featuring reenactors, tactical demonstrations, and engaging historical interpretation, this immersive celebration brings 1775 to life and honors the city’s pivotal role in America’s fight for independence. The day’s schedule will begin with Col. Arnold reviewing his troops. He will address them about their orders at around 3:30 P.M.
Saturday, 20 September, 10:30 A.M.
A Moment of Resolve: Reenactment of the Dedication Service
First Parish Church, 20 High Road
Commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Quebec Expedition with a powerful reenactment of the 1775 dedication service for departing troops. Reverend Samuel Spring, portrayed by Edward Speck, delivers the historic sermon that inspired courage and faith, honoring the spiritual strength that sustained Newburyport’s patriots on their journey to liberty.
Saturday, 20 September, 11 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Revolutionary Newburyport
Museum of Old Newbury, 98 High Street
Tours starting every hour highlight objects linked with the American Revolution not usually on display. Buy tickets and reserve spaces through this page.
Saturday, 20 September, 1:00 P.M.
DAR America 250 Patriots Marker Dedication
Old South Presbyterian Church, 29 Federal Street
The Brigadier General James Brickett–Old Newbury Chapter, N.S.D.A.R., will dedicate an America 250 Patriots Marker in Newburyport. This ceremony honors Revolutionary War patriots with reflections from civic leaders and descendants, preserving their legacy for generations to come.
Saturday, 20 September, 1:30 P.M.
Walk to the River: A Tribute to Newburyport’s Revolutionary Departure
Federal Street to Water Street
Following the dedication of the America 250 Patriots Marker, attendees are invited to join a commemorative walk through downtown Newburyport to the riverfront. The walk will conclude near the original embarkation site with brief remarks honoring the 1775 departure of local patriots on their daring expedition to Quebec.
Saturday, 20 September, 2 to 4 P.M.
Discover Your Family’s Story: Genealogy Drop-in Clinic
Museum of Old Newbury, 98 High Street
Discover your roots and deepen your community connection at this engaging genealogy workshop. Participants will learn how to trace family history, uncover ancestral ties to early settlers and patriots, and explore Newburyport’s revolutionary and colonial past. Trained genealogists will be available to assist with family history research.
Sunday, 21 September, 10:00 A.M.
Burying Ground Tour: Old Hill and Newburyport’s Road to Revolution
Old Hill Burying Ground, 25 Greenleaf Street
Join Newburyport historian Ghlee Woodworth on a captivating cemetery tour honoring Revolutionary War patriots. Explore gravestones, hear stories of bravery and sacrifice, and discover how these local heroes shaped America’s fight for independence. A fascinating journey connecting past to present through tales of courage, resilience, and Newburyport’s rich revolutionary heritage.
Sunday, 21 September, 11 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Revolutionary Newburyport
Museum of Old Newbury, 98 High Street
Tours starting every hour highlight objects linked with the American Revolution not usually on display. Buy tickets and reserve spaces through this page.
Sunday, 21 September, 1 P.M.
Faith and Freedom: Old South Presbyterian Church and the Revolution
Old South Presbyterian Church, 29 Federal Street
Explore Old South Presbyterian Church and uncover its rich Revolutionary War history on this guided tour. Learn about its role in 1775 as a gathering place for patriots, hear stories of prominent figures connected to the church, and discover how faith and freedom intertwined in Newburyport’s fight for independence.
Sunday, 21 September, 3 P.M.
The 1775 Quebec Expedition from Newburyport: Following Their Footsteps
Central Congregation Church, 14 Titcomb Street
On September 19, 1775, over 1,100 men departed Newburyport on a secret mission to capture Quebec—led by Benedict Arnold and planned with George Washington. Join Jack Santos as he recounts the stories of Newburyport’s patriots on this daring expedition through the wilderness as we celebrate its 250th anniversary.
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