Charlie Breitrose
Colonial reenactors fire muskets to celebrate the reading of the Declaration of Independence, which was first done in Massachusetts in Watertown on July 18, 1776.
Watertown history goes well past to the beginnings of the United States, and it hosted two major events in 1776 – the first reading of the Declaration of Independence in Massachusetts and the signing of the FIRST EVER treaty made by the United States.
The Historical Society of Watertown will host a reenactment and celebration of both of these events on Treaty Day 2016, on Saturday, July 16, 2016 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The event will be held at the Edmund Fowle House and Museum, at 28 Marshall St. in Watertown. The home is home to the Historical Society and dates back to 1772.
The Historical Society sent out the following information:
Come to this annual event marking the first time the Declaration of Independence was read to the citizens of our new nation in Watertown on July 18, 1776. We will also celebrate the July 19, 1776 signing of the first Treaty negotiated by our new nation with a foreign power, namely the St. John’s (aka Maliseet) and Mi’kmaq Tribes of Nova Scotia.
The Nugumij (Grandmother) Drum from the United Native American Cultural Center will be present. Drummers/Singers will perform several songs to mark the occasion. Members and guests, dressed in their Native regalia, and colonial reeanactors will be present to share their stories.
The Edmund Fowle House will be open for free tours.
A donation basket for non perishable food will be available for the Watertown Food Pantry. The event is partially funded by the Watertown Community Foundation.
For further information and directions see www.HistoricalSocietyofWatertownMA.org or call Audrey Jones Childs at 617-926-2577.