Parades & Other Special Events

The 2nd Mass participating in a July 4th parade in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA

The 2nd Mass does many parades throughout the year.  There is a fee to hire the unit for a parade, and this income provides much-needed support for the non-profit Regiment's operating expenses.  Our fee is dependent upon the venue, length, and expectations, and is negotiated with the organizer for each event.

We prefer at least a two (2) months' advance notice in order to present the idea to the membership, and determine if it is in the best interest of everyone involved, in order to provide a sufficient enough number of participants.

NOTE: Our July 4th Independence Day is typically booked with a recurring string of three (3) parades - Manchester-by-the-Sea, Beverly Farms, & Wakefield - that encompass the entire day. These parades are contracted many months in advance for this particular day, but we are open to consider other parades during the remainder of the year.  

We are also available for special events such as Masonic honor guards, corporate presentations, educational presentations, and for various other historical purposes.

As a guide, please check our online Event Calendar for a listing of open dates. Having that information will help you determine if we might be available at that time. However, since not every member attends every event, we do have the ability to book simultaneous events on the same day.

Civilian Militia (circa 1770 – 1775)

Prior to the start of the War for American Independence, the civilian militia was gathered and regularly trained (i.e. well regulated) as the first line of defense for the colonies.  Each state assembled a militia for this purpose. In this impression, we are fitted with civilian clothing, and accoutrements appropriate for the period before the war.  Some of the annual events in which we participate in this fashion are:

• The Boston Massacre (1770)
• The Boston Tea Party (1773)
• The Battles of Lexington & Concord (1775)

The 2nd Mass at "Battle Road" in Lexington & Concord (left & center) and the Boston Tea Party (right)

Continental Army (circa 1777 – 1783)

In this impression, we recreate Col. Bailey’s 2nd Massachusetts Regiment, Maxwell’s Company (circa 1777 – 1780). The uniform of that period, for this unit, was a brown “lottery coat” with red facings. These colors were determined by the state in which the unit was organized.

The lottery coats in action - at the graveside of Capt. Judah Alden, at Gore Place, and at Old Sturbridge Village.

Civilian Professions (circa 1770 – 1783)

This impression provides an opportunity for our members to expand their knowledge and show their skills at a few of the everyday professions of the period.  Our members have varied interests and can provide sessions on aspects such as woodworking, spinning, leather-craft, music, blacksmithing, hearth cooking, laundry, tailoring, midwifery and various medical professions.

2nd Mass members as their personas (left to right) as a field doctor, a midwife, and a military chaplain.