Throughout 2025, the Paul Revere House and other organizations will be hosting a variety of events to commemorate and reflect on the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The exact details of some of these planned events are still under development. Please check back frequently for updates!
These programs are funded in part by generous grants and sponsorship from Anonymous, Freedom Trail Foundation, Massachusetts Cultural Council, Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati, Lowell Institute, and Hub Town Tours.
April 18, 2025 – 250th Anniversary of the Midnight Ride
Historical Talks Illuminate the Midnight Ride 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM, recurring throughout the day. Included with admission!
Join Paul Revere House staff people as they review the story of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride on the 250th anniversary of his now famous adventure. Learn new angles to the story that you may have never learned in school and discover how the humble silversmith became famous long after his death at the venerable age of 83, thanks to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow!
Paul Revere’s Ride to Revolution: A Commemoration of Revere’s Legendary Departure from Boston on April 18, 1775
5:30 – 10:00 PM
Various locations, all elements FREE
Honor the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride with a variety of events happening at the Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Langone Park, the Charlestown Navy Yard, USS Constitution, the USS Constitution Museum, Boston Harbor and Charlestown’s City Square throughout the evening. For a complete listing of the evening’s activities see: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/250-pr-ride.htm on the National Parks of Boston website.
Paul Revere Bids Farewell 5:30 – 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM Departure for Waterfront
Encounter Paul and Rachel Revere in their home as he prepares to depart on his Midnight Ride. Tour the museum’s Visitor Center, where museum staff will share the full story of Revere’s adventures on April 18th, 1775.
As the evening progresses, gather in North Square to witness Revere’s departure from his home, and follow in his footsteps as he makes his way stealthily to the waterfront.
Revolution’s Edge: A Free Theatrical Reading of the Hit Play 6:30 – 8:00 PM Old North
Illuminated event at the Paul Revere Mall/Prado
Attend a special costumed reading of Old North Illuminated’s original theatrical work, written by Patrick Gabridge of Plays in Place. Mayor Michelle Wu and other local officials will attend the play and give remarks to commemorate this historic anniversary and kick off Boston’s Patriots’ Day weekend celebrations.
Lantern Service at Old North Church 7:00–8:00 PM
Hear from historian Heather Cox Richardson, a renowned American historian and professor of history at Boston College, as the Old North congregation hosts a special Lantern Service at the iconic Old North Church.
Lantern Workshops 6:30–8:00 PM
Create your own paper lantern at The Prado (Paul Revere Mall) before following Paul Revere on the first leg of his journey through the North End to the waterfront. A Wooden Lantern Hub will also be available at the USS Constitution Museum in Charlestown for those who want to join in welcoming Paul Revere at Pier 1 of Charlestown Navy Yard.
Accompany Paul Revere to his Row 8:00 – 8:15 PM
Walk with Paul Revere to the US Coast Guard Station where he will begin his trip across the Charles River.
The Reasons for Paul Revere’s Ride 8:00 – 8:30 PM
Broaden your understanding of the famous ride with J.L. Bell, a respected author and historian specializing in the American Revolution. Bell will speak to the context of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride, helping us to understand why it happened and its importance.
Two if By Sea: Evening Harbor Cruise 8:00 – 9:00 PM Long Wharf
Embark on a captivating one-hour cruise through Boston Harbor with the National Parks of Boston and Boston Harbor Now to witness Paul Revere’s legendary midnight crossing to Charlestown. The trip will begin at Long Wharf and end at Long Wharf after cruising to the site where Paul Revere crossed Boston Harbor.
Lantern Signal from Old North Church 8:15
Public View of the Crossing of Paul Revere 8:00 – 8:30 Langone Park
Boston Harbor Now, DCR, & the City of Boston invite you to a public viewing of the dramatic reenactment of Paul Revere’s legendary crossing of Boston Harbor. Experience the sights and sounds of colonial America with fife and drum music, family-friendly activities, and a dazzling display of lanterns lighting up the night. Boston Harbor Now.
Welcome Paul Revere to Charlestown ~8:30 PM
Various gatherings in the community
Accompany Paul Revere to retrieve a Horse 8:45 – 9:30 PM
Walk with Paul Revere from the Charlestown Navy Yard to the site of John Larkin’s home where he will borrow a horse and set off upon his now immortal ride.
Meet Deacon John Larkin at City Square 8:30–9:15 PM
Wait in anticipation in City Square with Deacon Larkin and the Charlestown militia for Paul Revere to arrive in Charlestown. Joe Bagley, City of Boston Archaeologist, will talk about Larkin’s role in the events leading up to the Revolutionary War and the Midnight Ride, offering insights into Charlestown’s critical position in American history.
Race to Tell the Minutemen on Main Street in Charlestown 9:00–9:30 PM
Observe as Paul Revere races down modern-day Main Street in Charlestown to tell Minutemen north of Charlestown that the “Regulars are out!” The National Lancers will portray Paul Revere and Larkin’s horse, Brown Beauty.
Bunker Hill Monument Illuminated 9:30 PM
As Paul Revere’s figure fades into the distance, the National Park Service will illuminate the pyramidion of Bunker Hill Monument to reveal likenesses of the two flags Bunker Hill Monument Association flew from the monument at its grand opening in 1843. The monument will be illuminated nightly through July 4, 2025 – inviting us to reflect on lives lost in service to the nation’s founding ideals and the monument’s timeless significance as a beacon of hope and possibility.
April School Vacation Week Programs at the Paul Revere House:
Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Midnight Ride
April 19, 2025 Meet Harriet, Daughter of Paul Revere 1:00, 1:45, 2:30 PM
Diane Lent brings to life Harriet Revere, one of Paul Revere’s 16 children. Join her in reminiscing about her father’s dramatic life, the adventures of her many siblings, nieces, and nephews, and growing up in the historic North End.
April 21, 2025 Mix and Mingle with Rachel Revere 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Chat with Paul’s wife, Rachel (portrayed by History At Play’s Judith Kalaora) as she roams throughout the site. You may come across her in the house, the garden, or relaxing in the courtyard if the weather is fine. Learn more about the dangerous missions her husband undertakes, the many children she is raising, and life in Colonial Boston.
April 22, 2025 Drop-In Family Activities: Earth Day Inspiration 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Join us in the Paul Revere House Courtyard Garden to draw your own postcard (we will mail it for you!) Whether your artwork focuses on a single leaf, documents the Revere House in its setting, or imagines the Revere Family’s kitchen garden as it once stood on that site, we hope you enjoy a peaceful moment of reflection on the natural world around us. (Event will be held indoors with sample plants brought inside if necessary.)
April 23, 2025 Meet a Member of the Massachusetts Colonial Militia 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Stop by to chat with Hopestill Bradley, a member of the Massachusetts Militia in 1775, as portrayed by Henry Cooke. Learn how militia members drilled and the conditions they faced in the days immediately following the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
April 24, 2025 A Visit with Paul Revere 1:00, 1:45, 2:30 PM
Michael Lepage brings Boston’s favorite patriot vividly to life. Learn about the details of his Midnight Ride, his many children, and his work as a gold and silversmith.
April 25, 2025 Drop-In Family Activities: Colonial Kids Corner Thursday 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Try on reproduction colonial clothes, just like the ones Paul Revere’s kids wore, write with quill pens, or play an 18th century game with your companions.
April 26, 2025 William Diamond Fife and Drum Corps 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Enjoy musical selections played by members of the largest junior fife and drum corps in New England. William Diamond Fife and Drum Corps are based in Lexington, MA, so are particularly appropriate visitors for the week of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride!
May Events – Every Saturday
May 3: “My Dear Girl” 1:00-3:00 PM
Stop by our Visitor Center to view an extremely rare Revere Family document from our collection with our curator, David Gain. Paul Revere wrote this letter to his wife, Rachel, during the Siege of Boston in the Spring of 1775 while he was stuck outside of Boston and she and the children were stuck inside. View the original and read the (typed!) transcription of Paul’s letter to Rachel and the transcription of her response back to him.
May 10: Meet Loyalist Lawyer, Daniel Leonard 1:00, 1:45, 2:30 PM
Daniel Leonard was a successful lawyer from a prominent family in Norton and practiced law in Taunton. In the early days of protest against the policies of His Majesty’s government, he was part of the Patriot inner circle along with John Hancock and Samuel Adams. But by the “Destruction of the Tea,” he had changed sides and was a staunch defender of the government. He even debated fellow lawyer, John Adams in the newspapers under the name “Massachusettensis.” Listen as Leonard (portrayed by reenactor Michael Lepage) explains why he changed sides and what it cost him.
May 17: The Art of Spinning 1:00 – 3:00 PM
The art of spinning is best learned by the young, and Zoe Lawson has been practicing the craft of spinning by drop spindle and on a wheel since childhood. She shares her techniques while in 18th century garb while illuminating the various methods colonists used to produce their own textiles.
May 24: Colonial Dance Tunes and Love Songs 1:00 – 3:00 PM
In the guise of itinerant musicians, Al Petty & Deirdre Sweeney perform popular 18th-century tunes such as “Mr. Isaac’s Maggot” and “Jack’s Health” on the penny whistle, flute, fife, & other instruments.
May 31: Patriot Fife and Drum 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Enjoy a lively concert of music that accompanied colonists as they marched, danced, wooed their beloveds, and waged war. David Vose and Sue Walko provide fascinating insight into each selection they perform.