By Phil Orlandella
As the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution approaches, the Old North Church and Paul Revere House are making preparations, unlike before, one focus on the history of the event with a fresh, inclusive perspective on the legacy of the Revolution.
For decades, the Freedom Trail has predominately focused on the contributions of elite white men, however, Boston is taking bold steps to reshape the narrative.
The story of America’s fight for independence is being reimaged to include the pivotal roles of women, people of color and other often overlooked figures ensuring their recognition in the history of the Revolution.
Old North Church and Historic Site in Boston’s North End holds special significance as the place where on the night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere’s allies signaled British troops movements with lanterns, sparking the Revolution.
Today, 250 years later the Revere House and Old North are adapting their on-site and virtual programs to offer a more expansive view of the Revolution, one that challenges the national myths and embraces the full spectrum of America’s diverse history.
Upcoming 250th anniversary events include:
• April 16-Old North Church and Historic Site’s “Lanterns & Luminaries” Event. An exclusive breakfast in Old North’s Washington Garden that will honor Ken Burns with the Third Lantern Award. The morning includes a dramatic reading of the poem “Paul Revere’s Ride”, remarks by Burns and a preview of his upcoming PBS documentary, “The American Revolution” slated to air this fall.
• April 18-Old North Illuminated’s “Revolution Edge”. A special costumed reading of this original play will mark the final performance open to the public, followed by a reenactment of the lighting of the lanterns that heralded the Revolution.
• April 18-The Paul Revere House’s “Commemoration of Revere’s Ride”. An immersive journey retracing Revere’s steps from his home to the Charlestown shores. This event will take visitors on a historic tour through the Revere House, Old North Church, the Charlestown Navy Yard and the surrounding community offering a multi-layered exploration of the event of 1775.
For information visit www.oldnorth.com.