"We trust in God, that should the state of our affairs require it,
we shall be ready to sacrifice our estates and everything dear in life,
yea, and life itself in support of the common cause.”
- The Minute Man Oath
we shall be ready to sacrifice our estates and everything dear in life,
yea, and life itself in support of the common cause.”
- The Minute Man Oath
The Lexington Minute Men Company, originally known as the Lexington Training Band, has been committed to the pledge above since December 13, 1773.
Our members join together to form an organization dedicated to increasing knowledge and understanding of our Country’s birth.
Through school visits, reenactments, and speaking engagements, the Lexington Minute Men keep alive the memory of our Country’s founding. Whether outfitted in their authentic colonial clothing, or their official uniform, these emissaries are able to explain a piece of history that goes beyond that taught in classrooms, or national media.
Members research the character they are assigned to portray, often times spending untold hours in the pursuit of the smallest details.
We welcome all people 18 years of age and older with a desire and passion to participate and ‘live the history’ with the actual unit that gave the first armed resistance to the British Crown at the beginning of America’s war of independence, April 19, 1775.
If you want to learn if you would make a good candidate please direct your inquiry to one of the members below and read the FAQ’s below to know more of what it takes to be a member of the Lexington Minute Men.
Contact James Roberts, Membership Committee Chair and Steve Cole, Executive Officer at NewMember@lexingtonminutemen.com.
Our members join together to form an organization dedicated to increasing knowledge and understanding of our Country’s birth.
Through school visits, reenactments, and speaking engagements, the Lexington Minute Men keep alive the memory of our Country’s founding. Whether outfitted in their authentic colonial clothing, or their official uniform, these emissaries are able to explain a piece of history that goes beyond that taught in classrooms, or national media.
Members research the character they are assigned to portray, often times spending untold hours in the pursuit of the smallest details.
We welcome all people 18 years of age and older with a desire and passion to participate and ‘live the history’ with the actual unit that gave the first armed resistance to the British Crown at the beginning of America’s war of independence, April 19, 1775.
If you want to learn if you would make a good candidate please direct your inquiry to one of the members below and read the FAQ’s below to know more of what it takes to be a member of the Lexington Minute Men.
Contact James Roberts, Membership Committee Chair and Steve Cole, Executive Officer at NewMember@lexingtonminutemen.com.
Frequently asked questions....
Where will I find the most complete and up to date source on Company events and information?
Right here on our website! Take a look around and get to know us better!
What is expected of me as a new member?
Prospective members should contact one of the membership committee indicated above wherein an interview will be scheduled.. This interview is an opportunity to cover all aspects of being a member of Lexington.
Is there a mentor assigned to help me?
Yes, the Company will assign a mentor to help you with the various aspects of becoming a Lexington Minute Man. Normally this mentor is a longtime member.
Does the Company have a chain of command?
Absolutely! The chain of command is detailed in the Company by-laws contained in our handbook which will be reviewed during your membership interview.
How do new members get a dress uniform?
New members need to contact the First Lieutenant who will discuss costs and any deposits needed. The First Lieutenant will make arrangements with the Company tailor to have you fitted for a dress uniform.
Do I contact the company tailor on my own? What if I want to make my own uniform?
No, the First Lieutenant makes contact with the Company tailor who has our patterns and material. Discuss the making of your own uniform with the First Lieutenant before you begin as the Company has strict standards for uniformity and acceptance!
Until I get my own uniform, and civilian clothing made, are there loaners?
Yes, the Company has several uniforms to lend on a temporary basis. Members may be found who will temporarily lend civilian clothing until yours are complete.
How about reenactment or civilian clothing, how to I go about getting them?
Detailed information is contained in our handbook. Make sure you confirm what you want to buy with one of our Officers assigned for that purpose before you buy.
Does the Company provide a firearms safety course?
No, nothing formal, however the Company does have safety guidelines contained in our handbook. It is highly recommended that new members apply for an F.I.D. card upon purchase of a musket.
Where do I purchase the proper firearm?
See the ‘Approved sources and prices for muskets’ section of the Lexington Training Band Official Clothing and Equipment Guidelines contained in our handbook. Again this information should be confirmed with our assigned Officers responsible for this activity.
Who will help me understand the cleaning and maintenance of my new or used firearm?
Our Officers will guide you through the cleaning and maintenance aspects of owning an 18th Century replica firearm.
I want to jump into this hobby as quickly as possible! Why shouldn’t I buy as much of my reenactment kit now rather than wait until I meet with the 1st Lieutenant and 1st Sergeant?
It is important that you work with the First Lieutenant and First Sergeant in putting together your reenactment kit so you do not waste your money by purchasing the wrong items or clothing. Our organization’s authenticity standards are high and the last thing we want you to do is purchase the wrong things or purchase the right things from the wrong supplier.
But if a piece of clothing or equipment existed in the 18th Century, shouldn’t I be able to wear or carry it?
No. Just because an item existed in 18th Century America does not mean it existed in 1775 Massachusetts. We portray a Massachusetts militia company between the months of April and October, 1775. As a result, items that were not introduced until after October 1775 (for example regimental French Lottery Coats and hunting shirts) are prohibited. Likewise, an item or piece of clothing not native to 1775 Massachusetts (for example a Kentucky rifle, war paint or moccasins) cannot be worn or carried.
Can I make my own reenactment clothing or equipment?
Absolutely! So long as you follow authentic patterns, you are welcome and encouraged to make your own clothing and equipment.
How much money should I expect to invest in purchasing a reenactment kit?
Reenacting is NOT a cheap hobby. Nevertheless, the First Sergeant will work with you to compile a reenactment kit that is within your budget. That being said, a basic kit, including musket, clothing, and field equipment is approximately $1100. The dress uniform which is required is an additional $800 complete.
Where do you go for reenactment events?
We attend many local events in New England as well as travel to various historical sites each year, including Fort Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Quebec City, Yorktown, and Monmouth. Each February, the members vote on what events to attend for the year. On average, we attend five to six events per year.
What type of reenactments or historical events do you attend each year?
It is our goal to ensure the events our members attend are quality events that are enjoyable and memorable. As a result, we place an emphasis on battle reenactments and living history events that provide us with an opportunity to interact with the public.
How physically fit should I be to participate in reenactments and living history events?
At historical events, especially battle reenactments, we are often highly mobile and subject to rapid deployment in front or flanks of the main American battle line on the field. You may have to run or move very quickly while carrying full equipment and gear. As a result, members are encouraged to be reasonably physically fit to participate in reenactments and living history events.
Where will I find the most complete and up to date source on Company events and information?
Right here on our website! Take a look around and get to know us better!
What is expected of me as a new member?
Prospective members should contact one of the membership committee indicated above wherein an interview will be scheduled.. This interview is an opportunity to cover all aspects of being a member of Lexington.
Is there a mentor assigned to help me?
Yes, the Company will assign a mentor to help you with the various aspects of becoming a Lexington Minute Man. Normally this mentor is a longtime member.
Does the Company have a chain of command?
Absolutely! The chain of command is detailed in the Company by-laws contained in our handbook which will be reviewed during your membership interview.
How do new members get a dress uniform?
New members need to contact the First Lieutenant who will discuss costs and any deposits needed. The First Lieutenant will make arrangements with the Company tailor to have you fitted for a dress uniform.
Do I contact the company tailor on my own? What if I want to make my own uniform?
No, the First Lieutenant makes contact with the Company tailor who has our patterns and material. Discuss the making of your own uniform with the First Lieutenant before you begin as the Company has strict standards for uniformity and acceptance!
Until I get my own uniform, and civilian clothing made, are there loaners?
Yes, the Company has several uniforms to lend on a temporary basis. Members may be found who will temporarily lend civilian clothing until yours are complete.
How about reenactment or civilian clothing, how to I go about getting them?
Detailed information is contained in our handbook. Make sure you confirm what you want to buy with one of our Officers assigned for that purpose before you buy.
Does the Company provide a firearms safety course?
No, nothing formal, however the Company does have safety guidelines contained in our handbook. It is highly recommended that new members apply for an F.I.D. card upon purchase of a musket.
Where do I purchase the proper firearm?
See the ‘Approved sources and prices for muskets’ section of the Lexington Training Band Official Clothing and Equipment Guidelines contained in our handbook. Again this information should be confirmed with our assigned Officers responsible for this activity.
Who will help me understand the cleaning and maintenance of my new or used firearm?
Our Officers will guide you through the cleaning and maintenance aspects of owning an 18th Century replica firearm.
I want to jump into this hobby as quickly as possible! Why shouldn’t I buy as much of my reenactment kit now rather than wait until I meet with the 1st Lieutenant and 1st Sergeant?
It is important that you work with the First Lieutenant and First Sergeant in putting together your reenactment kit so you do not waste your money by purchasing the wrong items or clothing. Our organization’s authenticity standards are high and the last thing we want you to do is purchase the wrong things or purchase the right things from the wrong supplier.
But if a piece of clothing or equipment existed in the 18th Century, shouldn’t I be able to wear or carry it?
No. Just because an item existed in 18th Century America does not mean it existed in 1775 Massachusetts. We portray a Massachusetts militia company between the months of April and October, 1775. As a result, items that were not introduced until after October 1775 (for example regimental French Lottery Coats and hunting shirts) are prohibited. Likewise, an item or piece of clothing not native to 1775 Massachusetts (for example a Kentucky rifle, war paint or moccasins) cannot be worn or carried.
Can I make my own reenactment clothing or equipment?
Absolutely! So long as you follow authentic patterns, you are welcome and encouraged to make your own clothing and equipment.
How much money should I expect to invest in purchasing a reenactment kit?
Reenacting is NOT a cheap hobby. Nevertheless, the First Sergeant will work with you to compile a reenactment kit that is within your budget. That being said, a basic kit, including musket, clothing, and field equipment is approximately $1100. The dress uniform which is required is an additional $800 complete.
Where do you go for reenactment events?
We attend many local events in New England as well as travel to various historical sites each year, including Fort Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Quebec City, Yorktown, and Monmouth. Each February, the members vote on what events to attend for the year. On average, we attend five to six events per year.
What type of reenactments or historical events do you attend each year?
It is our goal to ensure the events our members attend are quality events that are enjoyable and memorable. As a result, we place an emphasis on battle reenactments and living history events that provide us with an opportunity to interact with the public.
How physically fit should I be to participate in reenactments and living history events?
At historical events, especially battle reenactments, we are often highly mobile and subject to rapid deployment in front or flanks of the main American battle line on the field. You may have to run or move very quickly while carrying full equipment and gear. As a result, members are encouraged to be reasonably physically fit to participate in reenactments and living history events.