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Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll Administration launched “Massachusetts Revolutionaries: Bold Stories, Bright Legacies,” where students in K-12 schools across Massachusetts are encouraged to submit a project of their choosing that tells the story of a particular ‘revolutionary’ figure from Massachusetts. Students are encouraged to highlight stories that have not often been told in the state’s history. Entries can take whatever format best fits the student or group of students’ voice(s) and talents, including a visual product like artwork with brief description, a narrative essay, a brief documentary video or a performance piece.
This announcement was made during Massachusetts Civic Learning Week at Manomet Elementary School in Plymouth, where Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler and other state and local officials observed a 5th grade Investigating History lesson. The theme for this year’s Civic Learning Week is “Civic Learning for a Strong Democracy.”
“We know that a strong democracy starts with people, especially our young people, who are informed, engaged and empowered. I was proud to sign a proclamation making this week Massachusetts Civic Learning Week,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our new Revolutionaries project aims to inspire students to explore the stories of our state’s historical leaders and carry these legacies into the future, as well as inspire them to make their own legacies here in Massachusetts.”
“The 250th anniversary is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring people together and showcase what makes Massachusetts revolutionary,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re excited to engage students who are our next generation of leaders to celebrate our history and continue making change into the future.”
In September, the administration launched Massachusetts 250, a statewide initiative to celebrate 250 years of America’s independence and Massachusetts’ revolutionary legacy. The initiative highlights the state’s rich history and amplifies untold stories of the Revolution through hundreds of cultural and community events over the next two years. Today’s announced education project is part of Massachusetts 250’s initiatives to get young people involved in learning from Massachusetts Revolutionary history so that they can be the leaders of today and tomorrow, carrying forward these incredible legacies.
“As a former history teacher, I am thrilled to open up this opportunity during Civic Learning Week for students across Massachusetts to learn about our state’s rich history,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Our students today are our leaders tomorrow, and I encourage them to get involved with local and state governments on projects like this because when they get involved, they can make a difference, not only for themselves, but for their communities.”
DESE’s freely available Investigating History curriculum, which Manomet Elementary uses, provides Massachusetts students in grades 5–7 with high-quality, civically relevant social studies learning. Investigating History represents one of the first times a state education agency has taken on the work of developing a comprehensive social studies curriculum. The curriculum is currently used in over 125 districts across Massachusetts.
“Investigating History is designed to engage students more fully in their learning,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Acting Commissioner Russell D. Johnston. “Asking students to identify and research revolutionary historical figures is a great way to make the 250th anniversary of our nation more meaningful.”
“Through inquiry-based learning and real-world experiences, the Plymouth Public School district aligns its learning approach with the Massachusetts History and Social Science Framework, ensuring that students are not only learning about civics, but living it,” said State Representative Michelle Badger.
“A strong society is built on engaged citizens who understand their history and their power to shape the future. The ‘Massachusetts Revolutionaries: Bold Stories, Bright Legacies’ initiative gives students the chance to explore the people and movements that have defined Massachusetts,” said State Senator Dylan A. Fernandes. By investing in civic education, we are not just teaching history, we are preparing the next generation to lead. As we commemorate Massachusetts 250, Plymouth is the perfect place to reflect on where we’ve been and inspire young people to shape what comes next.”
“Massachusetts 250 is the perfect time to dive into the stories that shaped our state—and the ‘Massachusetts Revolutionaries: Bold Stories, Bright Legacies’ project invites students and families to both discover those stories and experience them firsthand,” said Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Executive Director Kate Fox. “From historic sites and museums to walking tours and reenactments, there are so many ways to explore Massachusetts’s revolutionary past. This project gives young people a chance to connect with that history in a fun, creative way—and maybe even leave their own revolutionary mark along the way.”
After reviewing submissions over the summer, the Executive Office of Education will announce a series of statewide winners, culminating in a celebration in tandem with MA 250 in the Fall of 2025. Students should submit their entries by June 30th at Massachusetts250.org.
“As Superintendent of Plymouth Public Schools, I want to thank Secretary Tutwiler for visiting our amazing community today. It was an honor to host them during such an exciting time for our state and students. The ‘Massachusetts Revolutionaries: Bold Stories, Bright Legacies’ project is a great opportunity to inspire our students to explore Massachusetts' rich history and engage with underrepresented stories. At Plymouth Public Schools, we are committed to civic education, empowering all students to understand and shape their future. This initiative helps reinforce that mission, encouraging students to actively participate in our democracy,” said Plymouth Public Schools Superintendent Christopher Campbell.
“The Massachusetts Civic Learning Coalition (MCLC) is excited to join the Healey-Driscoll Administration in announcing this new initiative as we believe that for all students to become active and informed participants in our democracy, they must have a firm grasp of the history of the nation and frequent practice with the skills that make thoughtful engagement possible. MCLC is a non-partisan coalition of over 60 nonprofits, educators, universities, and other partners committed to renewing our democracy by ensuring that all students gain the knowledge and experience of civic engagement to become thoughtful and active participants in building a better tomorrow. We believe that civic education has a vital role to play in the health of democracy and that everyone has a stake in the civic life of our communities, state, and nation,” said Massachusetts Civics Learning Coalition Director David Buchanan.
