Treaty Day 250

During the Revolutionary War, General Washington was anxious to secure our northern border. In February, 1776, he wrote a letter to the Mi’kmaq Grand Chief asking for his nation’s aid in the war against the British. A letter was also sent in October, 1775, from the General Court of Massachusetts Bay. Seven Captains of the Mi’kmaq Nation and three St. John’s (or Maliseet) Nation Captains responded and arrived in Watertown on July 10th, 1776. Major Shaw “brought them in his sloop from Machias to Salem, from whence they rode hither in carriage which were provided for them.” They were asked to come in person, for, not understanding each other’s language, it would have been too difficult to communicate in writing.
–Historical Society of Watertown

Two indigenous people playing drums — Drummers at a Treaty Day commemoration, Edmund Fowle House (Photo: Watertown News)

A bas-relief depicting an indigenous leader and a Colonial leader signing a treaty — Drummers at a Treaty Day commemoration, Edmund Fowle House (Photo: Watertown News)

Treaty Day 250 Events

For more than six years, a group of indigenous leaders, historians, and Watertown residents have been researching the history of the Massachusett people who lived in this area long before the English colonists arrived. The result of their research is an interactive storymap that recovers details of their history. For example:

When English arrived in the region, they reported that the Massachusett called it “Pigsgusset,” meaning meadow at the widening of the river. However, it is likely that both “Pigsgusset” and “Pequossette” are flawed English interpretations of the words they heard spoken by Massachusett people.

Research Presentation

June 17 | Time TBD
Watertown Free Public Library (123 Main St)

Join this free presentation to learn more of the history, see the storymap revealed, and learn how to use it!

Join Watertown resident and co-founder of Pigsgusset Initiative, Mishy Lesser, Chris Newell (Passamaquoddy author, educator, musician, and culture-keeper), and Graham Marshall (Mi’kmaq educator, musician, and culture keeper) for a conversation about Indigenous Views on the Origins of the American Revolution and a screening of Upstander Project’s short documentary, Bounty. Learn about the scalp laws that terrorized Native peoples in this region and how this influenced the decision by many to side with the American Patriots against the British.

Indigenous Views on the Origins of the American Revolution

July 15, 2026 | 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Watertown Free Public Library (123 Main St)

Indigenous Views on the Origins of the American Revolution: Drumming, Short Film Screening, and Panel Discussion

The event will start promptly at 7:00pm with drumming and singing.

Learn More & RSVP

*Carving honoring Ambrose Bear, a Maliseet ancestor and signer of the Treaty of Watertown, with a Maliseet flag.*

Ceremonial drumming by Mi’kmaq women

Remarks by leaders from the Massachusett, Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, and Watertown

Hands-on workshops: wampum and corn husk dolls

Documentary of Mi’kmaq perspectives on the Treaty of Watertown

Exhibition of current Indigenous artwork

Military salutes to honor Mi’kmaq and Maliseet veterans of the US Armed Forces

Performances of “Sma’knis,” composed by Sgt. Will Basque, Vietnam veteran and Mi’kmaq ancestor, and “Lamentation Over Boston,” a contemporary song by William Billings (1778) that recalls the Siege of Boston from a vantage point in Watertown.

Readings from the Treaty itself and commentary on its impacts from both American and Indigenous perspectives, both historical and contemporary

Associated Organizations

Historical Society of Watertown

Built in 1772, the Edmund Fowle House is the second oldest surviving house in Watertown. At the beginning of the American Revolution, it served as headquarters for the executive branch of the Massachusetts government from July, 1775, t0 Sept, 1776.

Associated Venues

Mosesian Center for the Arts

The Mosesian Center for the Arts is a performing and visual arts venue on the Charles River in Watertown, Massachusetts. The 30,000 square foot facility, located in an historic 1894 manufacturing shop on a former U.S. Army …