LEXINGTON — As Lexington and the nation prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, LexSeeHer and the Lex250 Commission invite the community to step back in time and honor the bold women whose acts of everyday resistance helped shape history.
On Saturday, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Lexington Women’s Monument by the Visitors Center (1875 Massachusetts Ave.), residents and visitors alike are invited to experience “Spinning HERstory” — a vibrant day of history, music, games, crafts, food, and family fun.
The event is part of the Lex250 Commission’s commemoration of the nation’s semiquincentennial, connecting the spirit of the Revolutionary era to modern-day Lexington, where the American Revolution began on April 19, 1775, with the Battle of Lexington.
At the center of Saturday’s celebration is a dramatic reenactment of Anna Harrington’s 1769 Spinning Protest, which was a protest against imported British textiles and championed the patriotic cause of homespun fabric. Forty-five women will participate in the performance, which highlights how fiber arts — spinning, knitting, and weaving — were powerful tools of protest and independence.
“This event brings to life the courage and creativity of women whose contributions are too often overlooked in history,” said LexSeeHer President Jessie Steigerwald. “By recreating the spinning protest and celebrating women leaders today, we are weaving together Lexington’s past, present, and future, and preserving their memories.”
Saturday’s event will include:
- A historic reenactment of Anna Harrington’s 1769 Spinning Protest, at 1 p.m.
- A celebration of 2025 Visibility Banner Honorees, as LexSeeHer shines a spotlight on inspiring women whose leadership, vision, and courage continue to shape the Lexington community today.
- A singalong of protest songs from 1775 to today.
- A live performance by Maya Salafia.
- Children’s activities and a sheep petting area, including colonial games such as hoop rolling, graces, jack straws, and cup-and-ball, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- The LexSeeHer Marketplace: blanket-making, knit-in, crochet-in, demonstrations, vendors, merchandise, and food trucks, including Golden Grillz BBQ and Mo’s Ice Cream Truck.
LexSeeHer’s “Spinning HERstory” is a celebration of community and resilience, reminding us that the Revolution wasn’t just fought on the battlefield, but also in homes and gathering places, where women’s work and voices helped fuel the cause of liberty.
For more information, visit LexSeeHer.com.
About LexSeeHer
LexSeeHer, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Lexington, Massachusetts, the “Birthplace of American Liberty.” Its mission is to make women visible. LexSeeHer, which began its work on International Women’s Day in March 2020, initiated the call for a monument to recognize and honor women’s economic, political, intellectual, social, and cultural contributions to our community and country.
About the Lex250 Commission
The Lex250 Commission was established by the Lexington Select Board to make recommendations and coordinate activities that celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington – the first battle of the American Revolution – and other events related to the founding of our country. The Commission continues to plan Town events, including the 2026 battle re-enactment in April and the nation’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.
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