Old North Church 239 Annual Lantern Ceremony Set for April 20

The 239th annual Lantern Ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, April 20 with a reception at 6:30pm and the ceremony at 8pm.

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.

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, the event is honoring the survivors of last year’s marathon bombings and those first responders who so courageously came to their aid.

The Annual Lantern Ceremony event includes:

•              Exclusive court yard reception (tickets required).

•              For performance by the First Michigan Fife & Drum Corps.

•              Reading of Longfellow’s poem, Paul Revere’s Ride.

•              Recitation Paul Revere’s personal account of his historic ride on April 18, 1775.

•              Representatives from local colonial militia.

•              Color Guard from the USS Constitution and so much more!

The annual Lantern Ceremony is the Old North Foundation’s premier event. The Old North Foundation is the secular, nonprofit organization dedicated to the operation, restoration and preservation of the Old North Church historic site. The foundation relies on the generosity of donors and the proceeds from special events to continue to offer engaging historical tours and educational programs. Proceeds from 2014 Old North Lantern Ceremony will help the Foundation continue to successfully carry on this mission.

Interested in sponsoring this event or purchasing an entire pew for you and your family? The Old North Foundation is offering sponsorship directly. For more information call 617-523-4848.