About the Project: Natick in the American Revolution
For over a century, public memory of the American Revolution in Natick, Massachusetts, has been stagnant. While the town’s parks and buildings feature prominent, detailed monuments to the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, the town's Revolutionary War soldiers are recognized by just a a small bronze memorial tablet placed on a rock without an honor roll. Furthermore, the town's definitive list of these soldiers has not been updated since 1913.
"Natick in the American Revolution" is a collaborative initiative by the Natick Historical Society designed to modernize this history. By bringing together a diverse team of researchers, historians, and educators, this project uncovers the forgotten stories of Natick’s Revolutionary War veterans to inspire a more expansive, inclusive vision of our shared past.
Project’s Goals
Modernize the Historical Record: Authenticate and expand the 1913 veteran list using archives and a modern understanding of 18th-century town boundaries in Natick.
Recover Narratives: Uncover and share the life stories of two dozen soldiers, including soldiers of Indigenous and/or African backgrounds. Currently we have profiled more than three dozen!
Engage Local Classrooms: Bring history to life for middle and high school students using hands-on archival reproductions.
Foster Community Connection: Cultivate empathy, stewardship, and open-mindedness by sharing these stories in public spaces.
Thank you to our sponsors!
