On April 18, 1775, two lanterns were hung from the steeple of the Old North Church, launching what would become the American Revolutionary War. Signaling the departure of British regulars “by sea,” the two lanterns have come to represent the resolve and ingenuity of the American spirit. Today, Old North welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to learn about the history and values of Boston’s early revolutionaries. Every year since 1875, on the eve of Patriot’s Day, Old North has commemorated the hanging of the lanterns by inviting guests to join a prominent member of the community at the Lantern Ceremony.
This year, we are delighted to announce that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker will deliver the keynote address.
The Annual Lantern Ceremony event includes:
- Performance by the 1st Michigan Fife & Drum Corps
- Private reception in tented courtyard
- Reading of Longfellow’s poem, Paul Revere’s Ride
- Recitation of Paul Revere’s personal account of his historic ride on April 18, 1775
- Representatives from local colonial militia
- Color Guard from the USS Constitution
- Honorary lantern carriers will be National Park Service Rangers as the NPS celebrates their 100th birthday in 2016!
The Lantern Ceremony is the Old North Foundation’s premier event. Each person in attendance will not only share in this wonderful celebration of our nation’s history, but they will also learn about the Old North Foundation, its mission and the generosity of our supporters and partners.
Click here to RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW
Donor Tickets: $250 each include pre-ceremony reception and pew seating. The reception begins at 6:30pm in the tented Washington Garden courtyard adjacent to the church.
General Admission Tickets: $40 each include balcony seating for the ceremony (reception not included). Doors to the church open at 7:15pm.
THANK YOU to our event sponsors: Related Beal, Walmart, and Elkus-Manfredi Architects.
