Mayor Michelle Wu announced the launch of Boston 250, a yearlong commemoration honoring the city’s foundational role in the American Revolution and its ongoing legacy of activism, innovation, and community leadership. The kickoff event, Paul Revere’s Ride, is planned for Friday, April 18 to bring residents and visitors together across the North End and Charlestown, marking 250 years since the historic ride of Paul Revere. The event will feature historic reenactments, a performance by musicians of the Boston Pops, a lantern procession to Boston Harbor, a drone show over the Harbor, and more. By marking this milestone with community-based events in the very places where the Revolution began, the City is inviting all Boston residents to reflect on their role in a living history that continues to unfold.
“Here in Massachusetts, we’ve always been a state of firsts. 250 years ago, the regular, ordinary people of Massachusetts sparked the Revolution that changed the world,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Today, we’re excited to recognize the role Massachusetts played in our nation’s founding with everyone in the City of Boston. While this event serves as an opportunity to celebrate our state’s storied past, this is also our moment to celebrate the next 250 years and celebrate the revolutionary spirit that’ll guide our next generation of leaders.”
Paul Revere’s Ride on April 18 will kick off at 5:30 p.m. with a historic reenactment at Paul Revere House, followed by a table read of the original play “Revolution’s Edge” at Paul Revere Mall in the North End. At 7:30 p.m., Mayor Wu will officially launch Boston 250 and headline a short program at the Paul Revere Mall, alongside special guests and performers including a brass quintet from the Boston Pops. NBC10’s Latoyia Edwards will emcee the event and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll will also attend. The lanterns in the Old North Church will be lit, and a lantern procession will follow Paul Revere to the Harborwalk at Langone Park. Beginning at 8:30 p.m., a drone show over the Harbor will further illuminate the evening, and can be viewed and heard at both Langone Park in the North End and Pier 1 in Charlestown Navy Yard. Dunkin’ will also be onsite at Langone Park with free samples for attendees. The drone show will be immediately followed by Paul Revere’s row from the North End across the Harbor to Charlestown, where Paul will mount his horse and begin his famed midnight ride.
In Charlestown, children can decorate lanterns at the USS Constitution Museum, there will be talks at City Square to further contextualize the evening, and Paul Revere will visit various bars and restaurants along Main Street as he rides. The night will conclude with the illumination of Bunker Hill Monument. All of these events are free and open to the public. A full schedule of events can be found on boston.gov/boston250.
“Boston made up the heart and soul of the American Revolution, leading the rest of the colonies towards independence. So, it is only fitting that we honor the individuals who made that happen by kicking off the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s Ride in the North End,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston).
For more information on Boston 250 and upcoming events, visit boston.gov/boston250.