Lexington Minute Men Seek to Enlist Next Generation of Members Through New Recruitment Campaign

“We Know Their Names”

Keeping History Alive for America250 and Beyond

LEXINGTON — After the wildly successful reenactment of the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and the commemoration of the start of the American Revolution, the Lexington Minute Men are thrilled to announce that one of the nation’s longest serving independent military organizations is launching a new recruitment campaign to enlist the next generation of men and women who will proudly serve to keep the history of American liberty alive for the 275th and 300th anniversaries, and beyond.

As part of the fabric and vital history of the Town of Lexington and America, the Lexington Minute Men are entrusted to preserve the stories of our nation’s first veterans who fought and died during the Battle of Lexington on April 19, 1775. Every member of the Lexington Minute Men portrays an actual member of Captain John Parker’s Lexington Company or a woman of Lexington who answered the call on that fateful day, hence our motto: “We Know Their Names.”

The Lexington Minute Men currently have approximately 60 volunteer members who have dedicated themselves to helping keep Lexington’s place in American history alive by educating the public through reenactments, living history programs, community events, and more. Their premier event each year is the reenactment of the Battle of Lexington, where the ‘Shot Heard Round the World’ rang out on April 19, 1775. This event brings thousands of visitors and spectators to Lexington each year.

Over the next year, the 501(c)3 non-profit volunteer-run organization will invest in its recruitment efforts through a campaign that will seek to enlist 25 men and women to support the cause of liberty. Anyone age 18 and older with a love of history can apply for membership. The Lexington Minute Men will also be posting short interviews with various members explaining why they have joined, as well as historical facts, and information about upcoming events.

“Our mission has and will always be to preserve the story of the Battle of Lexington, and the brave men and women who rallied for our Independence,” said Captain Commanding Stephen D. Cole Jr. “This campaign is essential to bolster the Minute Men ranks and to help ensure that our mission stays alive for future generations. Many of us won’t be around or active for the next major milestone anniversaries, which is why we want to bring in young people who are passionate about the preservation and retelling of American history, so that they may continue the legacy of those who came before us here in Lexington.”

As one of the most historically accurate American Revolutionary reenactor groups in the nation, the Lexington Minute Men are dedicated to authenticity and therefore have strict uniform and equipment standards based on verified historical research.

The cost to acquire the mandatory clothing, musket, and other campaign gear to join the group is significant and can be as high as $7,000 per person. To help alleviate this financial burden, new members will now have the option of utilizing starter kits with all the major accoutrements needed to join. Through this new program, members can pay for the starter kits over a period of time that works best for their own budgets. To help establish these kits and to support various other recruitment efforts, we have kicked off a fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $250,000. We are thrilled to report that we have already reached 50% of this target. To help raise the remaining funds, the Lexington Minute Men will be hosting a gala dinner on Nov. 6 at Heritage Hall in Lexington. More information on the event will be announced later this month.

In support of this recruitment campaign, the Lexington Minute Men have launched a new website: lexingtonminutemen.com, and have simplified the membership inquiry process with an online application form. Please visit our website to learn more.

Earlier this month, the Lexington Minute Men organized and were one of the host units for the Redcoats and Rebels reenactment event at Old Sturbridge Village. This event had hundreds of colonial and British reenactors engaged in battles and living in military-style encampments. During this event, members staffed a recruiting table to answer questions from potential recruits, and as a result, over 10 people have already applied for membership. Clearly, even after 250 years, the enthusiasm and passion for American independence are still very high in Massachusetts and throughout New England.

For those who would like more information about joining the Lexington Minute Men, visit our enlistment page and FAQ page on our website.

To donate to the Lexington Minute Men, please visit lexingtonminutemen.com/donate/.

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