241st Lantern Ceremony at Old North Church Set for April 17

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.

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, on Sunday, April 17 Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker will deliver the keynote address.

The Annual Lantern Ceremony event includes:

• Performance by the First 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
• Featured Keynote Speaker Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker
• Honorary Lantern Carriers to be announced

For detail and ticket email Old North Church at development@oldnorth.com