To commemorate Boston’s (and Massachusetts’) 250th birthday, the city has extended an open invitation to celebrate our ambitious and exuberant history through a series of events, exhibits, special tours, programs, festivals, and performances statewide. The festivities kicked off Friday, April 18, with the lighting of Old North Church in commemoration of Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride.
Following a performance of “Revolution’s Edge,” a dramatic reenactment of hours leading up to the British approaching, by Plays in Place, NBC 10 anchor Latoyia Edwards introduced a panel of speakers including Mayor Michelle Wu, Governor Maura Healey, Indigenous leader Jean Jean-Luc Pierite, State Representative Aaron Michlewitz, State Senator Lydia Edwards, and City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata.
“As this nation faces modern struggles for justice and equality, Revere’s story reminds us that ordinary people can step up in extraordinary times,” said Zapata. “This anniversary is more than just a commemoration, it’s a recommitment to liberty, to civic duty, to remembering that democracy is built not just by those in power, but those willing to act boldly in moments of uncertainty.”
“Let this celebration stand as a reminder that Boston’s identity as the cradle of liberty is not inherited, but it is earned.”
As the stage was cleared, attendants were pointed toward Hanover Street, where Revere soon rode by. The crowd followed him with a suspicious, though historically accurate, lack of enunciating the exact location of the British army.
Newly elected Sons of The American Revolution (SAR) State President, Christopher Tourtellot, was hard to miss despite the commotion.
In a parade of tricorns, bonnet, the bright blues and golds the Sons of The American Revolution’s (SAR) continental uniforms stood apart. On top of the occasional reenactment, the brothers make up a fraternal society tracing their lineage back to colonists who fought in support of independence during the Revolutionary War. They strive to inspire communities with the principles on which this nation was founded by appearing at public events.
“It took a lot of courage for those men back then to do what they did,” said newly elected SAR State President Christopher Tourtellot. “Fighting a foreign power to become a sovereign nation – to rule and govern ourselves.”
The first leg of Revere’s land-route ended at the Charles River. While he rowed across, onlookers were greeted with a drone show depicting the state, the nation, and even. Revere himself.
By 9 p.m., Revere remounted his horse on Main Street and rode off as the Bunker Hill Monument was illuminated.
Boston 250 is part of a series of 250th anniversary programs including MA 250 and Everyone 250. Events will run through the rest of the year with upcomings including the Patriot’s Day parade on April 21, and 1965 Freedom Rally Commemoration on April 26.
More information on upcoming events and partners can be found here.
Jacob Downey is a contributor to Caught in Dot. He is formerly of The Clock, Plymouth State University’s award-winning student newspaper. He enjoys spending time with his two kittens – Gin and Tonic – reading Uncanny X-Men and writing about local government meetings.
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