Events
WWII VICTORY DANCE
Saturday MAY 10, 6:00-10:00 PM
War Memorial Building, Shirley, MA
Party Like it’s 1945
Tickets $40 individual / $75 couple
Celebrate the 80th anniversary of V-E Day with a WWII USO-style dance. Live music, food, dancing, and more. Period dress in encouraged. This is a fundraiser to support the mission of the Fort Devens Museum, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Celebrate with us and:
Fill up on 1940s eats: Dagwood Sandwiches (from Marty’s), potato chips, and cookies
Enjoy music by Compaq Big Band with vocalist Aviana Gedler
Join a dance lesson by Francis Floyd Ballroom Dance
Swing yourself to victory during our dance contest
Browse the War Memorial Building’s display of military patches, insignia, and medals
Additionally:
Buy raffle tickets for a chance at one of our WWII-themed prizes
Two bars for your beverage of choice *CASH ONLY*
WWII and Korean War Veterans are welcome as our guests. Please email info@fortdevensmuseum.org for more information.
Address: American Legion
War Memorial Building
8 Church Street
Shirley, MA 01464
“The War Memorial Building was built in 1935 and expanded in 1941. With WWII in progress, the U.S. government contracted with the town of Shirley to make it a USO, with an addition. A roomy function hall upstairs included a raised stage, where USO shows and big band-style dances were held during the war years. The basement, which now houses the Legion’s office, kitchen and bar, was a drop-in social center for soldiers stationed at nearby Fort Devens, who came there to read, write letters home and relax.” (source)
This event is in collaboration with the Greater Boston Vintage Society
Thanks to our Sponsor(s): Devens Enterprise Commission and Toreku Tractor
April 19, 1775: The British View Point
Saturday April 19, 1:00 PM
Fort Devens Museum, 94 Jackson Road, Devens, MA
Although the events and story of Lexington and Concord are well known, the British side is too often dismissed or ignored. What did the British know about the supplies at Concord and the countryside? How was the march to Boston conducted? This presentation will explore the British side through the use of first person documents and accounts to provide a new and complimentary account of the days events.
Mark Nichipor is a local historian interested in the Colonial and Revolutionary History of New England. He was a National Park Service Ranger at Revolutionary War sites until retiring after nearly thirty years. He served as an instructor in the NPS Historic Weapons Safety Program and ran The Staff Ride Programs for military visiting Minute Man and Bunker Hill parks. He has a number of published articles on Revolutionary War history.
The museum is open to the public from 10 to 3 on this day with the program at 1:00.
Free and open to the public. Wheelchair accessible.
Fort Devens Museum Book Group Discussion
Friday April 25, 12:00 PM
Fort Devens Museum, 94 Jackson Road, Devens, MA
Please join the Fort Devens Museum Book Group to discuss their latest read:
The FDM Book Group always welcomes new members. Please stop by for their discussion or email info@fortdevensmuseum.org for more information.
Battle of Bunker Hill: A Tactical View
***POSTPONED FROM MAY 17th***
NEW DATE: Saturday August 16, 2025
Fort Devens Museum, 94 Jackson Road, Devens, MA
The Battle of Bunker’s Hill is a milestone in American history; but also a terribly misunderstood battle. Far too often folklore and myth have replaced fact so that today most narratives are confused and misleading. Why didn’t the British outrank the Americans on Charlestown neck? Were there really three frontal assaults? Did the British outnumber the Americans? And did the Americans really only lose the battle when they ran out of ammunition?
This presentation will look at why the leaders made the decisions they did based on facts at the time. Rather than British arrogance and American inexperience, most decisions were based on sound reasoning at the moment.
Mark Nichipor is a local historian interested in the Colonial and Revolutionary History of New England. He was a National Park Service Ranger at Revolutionary War sites until retiring after nearly thirty years. He served as an instructor in the NPS Historic Weapons Safety Program and ran The Staff Ride Programs for military visiting Minute Man and Bunker Hill parks. He has a number of published articles on Revolutionary War history.
The museum is open to the public from 10 to 3 on this day with the program at 1:00.
Free and open to the public. Wheelchair accessible.