March 9, 2026 marks the 300th anniversary of Methuen’s first Town Meeting. To commemorate that historic landmark, a committee – Methuen300 – has been working for several months to plan a series of events to recognize and celebrate Methuen’s tricentennial. The events kick off March 6 and continue through June. The goal of the committee is to provide a diverse set of events that offer something for everyone in the city. Methuen300 is chaired by Methuen state Rep. Ryan Hamilton.
“I’m very proud of Methuen,” said city native and Methuen High School grad Hamilton. “Personally, I think it’s very important for our community to come together to celebrate such an historic accomplishment. We plan to use this Tricentennial Celebration to remind all of us of the truly unique history that we share in Methuen.”
According to Hamilton, the events are designed to meet the diverse interests of the city – combining both education and entertainment opportunities. While some will be ticketed events, others will be complimentary.
Mayor DJ Beauregard was quick to embrace plans for the celebration.
“Three hundred years ago, a dedicated group of Methuen citizens with names that echo in our community today – Sargent, Swan, Osgood, Bodwell, Davis, Cross and Whittier – marked the beginning of the community we call home,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working with the committee and other community groups to provide a memorable celebration of our 300th birthday!”
Tricentennial events include:
*Kick-Off Luncheon: Friday, March 6 at noon in The Great Hall at Nevins Library. $40 per person. The program will include a summary of the historical events that led to the founding of Methuen. Gov. Maura Healey has been invited as a special guest.
*Methuen’s Tricentennial Concert: Saturday, March 7 at 5pm in the Methuen High School Auditorium. $25 per person (concert only) or $40 per person (including a post-concert reception). Enjoy a fun-filled night out with the Firebird Pops Orchestra. This fabulous ensemble will bring the stage to life with bright melodies you know and love from movies including “Harry Potter,” “Star Wars,” “Jurassic Park” and others. The music will be accompanied by stunning visuals and aims to be a memorable evening for the whole family. Tickets are on sale now at Methuenbusiness.com.
*A Tricentennial Gala – Friday, May 9 from 6-10pm at Methuen Memorial Music Hall. $100 per person. A wonderful evening of music and food to celebrate Methuen’s 300th anniversary. Enjoy the sound of a local quartet during dinner followed by the music of The Great Organ, built by E.F. Walcker and Company of Ludwigsburg, Germany, all in the setting of Methuen’s grand music hall. Throughout the evening, guests will hear from James Paul Archibald Methuen Campbell, the current direct descendent of the namesake of our city.
*A Day of History – Celebrating 300! Saturday, May 30 from 10am-4pm at the Methuen Museum of History at the Tenney Gate House. Complimentary admission. With the Methuen Museum of History and Greycourt State Park as the backdrop, this day will feature historic tours of Methuen, exhibits and demonstrations of historic crafts and entertainment. The Day of History will be proceeded by four unique historic lectures focusing on the American Revolution, the Civil War, Women of ’76, and Suffragettes. Each lecture is complimentary but will require registration.
*Celebrating Methuen Festival: Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20 along Pleasant View Street. Times to be determined. Complimentary admission. The Celebrating 300 Festival is an opportunity for family fun and entertainment that celebrates the city’s people, history and vibrant community with music, family-friendly activities, rides, food, community-interest activities and all-day entertainment.
With words, photos and artifacts, the public is invited to learn about Methuen’s past! Through the “Celebrating 300 Years of History” storytelling series, you can expect engaging reminiscing, exhibits of rare photos and artifacts, insight into historical events and culture, and a Q&A session with each presenter. Events are free, but registration is required. Save your spot by contacting Historic Methuen President Joy Karpowicz at myteamof5@gmail.com. *”The Rise of the Merrimack Valley Minutemen: Heads of Families and Men of Substance”: March 12, 7pm at St. Andrew’s Church, 90 Broadway. Speaker Alex Cain. *“Methuenites at the Battle of Gettysburg”: April 8, 7pm at Nevins Memorial Library, 305 Broadway. Speaker Christopher Gwinn. *”Women of ’76”: April 16, 7pm at Nevins Memorial Library, 305 Broadway. Waterfall Productions’ theatrical tribute to the women of the American Revolution. *”Massachusetts in the Woman Suffrage Movement”: April 30, 7pm at Nevins Memorial Library, 305 Broadway. Speaker Barbara Berenson.
