May 17, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Join us as we celebrate the 15th anniversary of a milestone in Concord’s history—the relocation of the Robbins/Garrison family home and the opening of The Robbins House museum. The program begins at 11:00 AM with a panel discussion featuring those involved in the relocation, sharing firsthand stories and reflections on this important chapter in the site’s history—while also looking ahead to the next chapter of work at The Robbins House and the stories still to be explored and shared. A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony with cake will follow to mark the occasion. From 12:00–2:00 PM, the Concord Minute Men will host a mini encampment on the lawn of The Robbins House. Join them for pipe and drum performances, musket demonstrations, and more. The Robbins House will also be open during this time, with interpreters available for tours and to answer questions. Everyone is welcome to this free event. Looking Back, Moving Forward Originally built in the early 1820s, the house was home to members of the Robbins and Garrison families, descendants of formerly enslaved people who established lives rooted in independence, land ownership, and community. After standing for decades at a different location, the house was saved from demolition in 2010 and carefully moved to Monument Street, where it was restored and opened to the public as a museum in 2011. That move on May 21, 2011, was more than a feat of preservation—it marked the beginning of a new chapter. Today, The Robbins House is a place where visitors can learn about Concord’s African American history and the lives of the Robbins and Garrison families, whose stories connect local history to broader struggles for freedom and civil rights. This anniversary is a chance to look back on how far the project, originally called The Drinking Gourd, has come—from saving a historic structure to creating a space for learning, dialogue, and community engagement. It’s also a moment to look ahead. As The Robbins House continues to expand its programs, partnerships, and public history initiatives, ongoing support will help ensure these stories remain visible and accessible for years to come. “The stories of The Robbins House are not just local history; they are American history.” Maria Madison, Co-Founder of The Robbins House, remarks on May 21, 2011.
Bringing African American & Antislavery History to Light: A historic home that tells the story of free African American families in Concord, MA.
