July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This spring and summer, join us at HPL for programs, reading challenges, and more activities that explore themes related to the American Revolution. Check back here for more updates!
PROGRAMS
Printing [as] Paul Revere with Andy Volpe of the Museum of Printing!
Wednesday, April 8 | 3-7 PM
Join us for this all ages, drop-in program with Andy Volpe as Paul Revere!
Andy will bring a rolling press and will be printing copper plates that he has replicated after those of Paul Revere. Visitors will have a chance to see this printing process up-close and can even help him print. He will also have a variety of display items including replicas of historical documents, models of presses, copper plates and tools.
Drop in anytime during this program! Andy will give a brief presentation at 4 PM and 5 PM, and plans to be printing from about 3:30 – 6:30 PM (as supplies last).
All ages welcome. No registration required.
VIRTUAL Printing Created America
Monday, May 11 | 11 AM-12 PM
The newspapers and pamphlets of the American Revolution allowed a handful of people to convince 2 million colonists to challenge the most powerful nation on earth. Hear the story of America like you have never heard it, with Frank Romano of the Museum of Printing!
This program is intended for adults. Register via our Events page for this program. Please note that this is a virtual, podcast-style program with no video.
Revolutionary Haverhill
Wednesday, May 13 | 6-7 PM
Join us for an educational presentation about Haverhill’s role in the American Revolution! Presented by Tom Spitalere.
This program is intended for adults. Register via our Events page for this program.
VIRTUAL The Black Experience of the Revolution with Herstorian Gracia Rich
Monday, July 20 | 7-8 PM
We’re thrilled to welcome Gracia Collins Rich, Independent Scholar, Author, and Avid Reader to our virtual stage. She will be discussing the extraordinary efforts of Black Americans whose invaluable contributions during the Revolutionary War helped bring about U.S. Independence. Gracia discusses ALL things history and all things on the origins of the United States even if it is uncomfortable because she believes that that is what leads to a better understanding of this Country and why some things are the way they are. We hope you can join us for this fascinating and important conversation!
This program is intended for adults. Register via our Events page for this program.
BOOKLISTS
Check out the Reading the Revolution booklist from the Massachusetts Center for the Book! Scroll through lists like Chicano and Latinx Civil Rights, From Rebellion to Early Republic, and much more!
DISPLAYS
Stop in during May to explore our Immigrant and Refugee Stories display, featuring memoirs, biographies, and more nonfiction books. These items are available for check out.
READING THE REVOLUTION CHALLENGE
Read the Revolution with the Haverhill Public Library! Commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution by reading books and completing activities. The first ten readers who complete the challenge will receive a Revolutionary-themed print from the Museum of Printing – and one lucky raffle winner will get a gift certificate for the Freedom Trail! Thank you to the Museum of Printing and the Freedom Trail Foundation for their assistance with prizes.
Visit our Beanstack page to get started!
SHARE YOUR FAMILY’S COMING TO AMERICA STORY
Submit your essay here or in person by June 26, 2026. All submissions will be permanently kept and fully accessible in Special Collections for future generations! Throughout July, Special Collections will be highlighting these submisions.
Submit your essay online or in person!