Sadly, we are unable to safely hold the festival this year due the COVID-19 pandemic. But we will be celebrating virtually throughout the month of October so be sure to check out the events below and to keep an eye on our social media pages, @oldcolonyhistory for more Liberty & Union fun. Get started by telling us what Liberty & Union means to you... We are compiling interviews, videos, and photos to create a virtual Liberty & Union celebration. Send us your flag proudly flying anywhere in the world! Record a clip of your favorite L&U memory. Share a picture from a past festival. We want it all, and our friends at
Taunton Community Access & Media, Inc.
will help create our digital commemoration for 2020.
Taunton Community Access & Media, Inc.
will help create our digital commemoration for 2020.
Thursday, October 15
7:00 - 8:00 pm
Online Lecture: Mike Tougias on Mayflower to King Philip’s War
November of 2020 marks the 400th Anniversary of the Pilgrims’ landing in Plymouth and establishing the first permanent colonial settlement in the New World. Crucial to their success was the friendship of Wampanoag leader Massasoit. Later, Massasoit’s son Metacom, also known as Philip, went to war with the colonies to try and regain their tribal land. While most Americans understand the significance of the landing of the Mayflower and the first Thanksgiving with Massasoit, King Philip’s War and its ramifications are much less well-known.
The presentation will shed a light on the Indian way of life pre-contact, the landing of the Mayflower, the growing Colonial settlements, and the events leading up to the war as well as the battles and the strategy during this cataclysmic war, which on a per capita basis was the bloodiest conflict in our nation’s history.
Please note, this is an online lecture. Register via Eventbrite and after registration, you will be emailed information about accessing the program.
This event is free but donations are always appreciated!
Online Lecture: Mike Tougias on Mayflower to King Philip’s War
November of 2020 marks the 400th Anniversary of the Pilgrims’ landing in Plymouth and establishing the first permanent colonial settlement in the New World. Crucial to their success was the friendship of Wampanoag leader Massasoit. Later, Massasoit’s son Metacom, also known as Philip, went to war with the colonies to try and regain their tribal land. While most Americans understand the significance of the landing of the Mayflower and the first Thanksgiving with Massasoit, King Philip’s War and its ramifications are much less well-known.
The presentation will shed a light on the Indian way of life pre-contact, the landing of the Mayflower, the growing Colonial settlements, and the events leading up to the war as well as the battles and the strategy during this cataclysmic war, which on a per capita basis was the bloodiest conflict in our nation’s history.
Please note, this is an online lecture. Register via Eventbrite and after registration, you will be emailed information about accessing the program.
This event is free but donations are always appreciated!
Saturday, October 17
11:00 am- 12:00 pm
Liberty and Union Trail Walking Tour
For the last time in 2020: Come walk the Liberty and Union Downtown Walking Tour! Join us for a free, one-hour guided tour of Historic Downtown Taunton. Our one-mile walking tour highlights some of the important architectural, cultural, and commercial sites between Church Green and Taunton Green. A great way to learn about the city, from its earliest days through the present, these tours leave from the front steps, rain or shine!
To ensure the health and safety of our visitors, we ask you to register so that we can maintain social-distance for all attendees.
Virtual Liberty and Union Flag Raising (details TBD)
Liberty and Union Trail Walking Tour
For the last time in 2020: Come walk the Liberty and Union Downtown Walking Tour! Join us for a free, one-hour guided tour of Historic Downtown Taunton. Our one-mile walking tour highlights some of the important architectural, cultural, and commercial sites between Church Green and Taunton Green. A great way to learn about the city, from its earliest days through the present, these tours leave from the front steps, rain or shine!
To ensure the health and safety of our visitors, we ask you to register so that we can maintain social-distance for all attendees.
Virtual Liberty and Union Flag Raising (details TBD)
