We’ve all been hearing about Bunker Hill 250, and festivities are poised to kick off on April 18, 2025 with a celebration of the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride, the harbinger of the Revolutionary War. A coalition of local organizations, including the Charlestown Preservation Society, has put together a fun and informative evening of activities, capped off with a reenactment of Revere’s travels from the North End, across the Charles, and finally, to Charlestown.
The evening begins with an open house at the Paul Revere House in the North End, before Paul Revere traces his storied route from across the harbor, and through the streets of Charlestown. Spectators can follow on foot from the Paul Revere House to the US Coast Guard Station Boston in a lantern-lit “parade,” and from the USS Constitution Museum to Charlestown City Square. They can also line the Harborwalk in Langone Park in the North End, and in Charlestown to watch the row across the water, and on Main Street to witness Paul Revere’s race to alert the American Minutemen horseback.
Some highlighted events on this side of the river:
- 5:30 – 9:00 – USS Constitution Museum. Create your own lantern and join the National Park Service in welcoming Paul Revere at Pier 1 in the Navy Yard. Paul, after hosting an open house at his North End home, will row across the water to Charlestown.
- 7:30 – 8:45 – City Square. Join the Russ Gershon Band for live music in City Square as we await the arrival of Paul Revere.
- 8:00 – 8:30 – USS Constitution Museum. 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.
- 8:30 – 8:45 PM – Navy Yard Pier 1. Catch Revere’s journey by boat from the North End to the Navy Yard. You’ll also be able to view the Old North Church’s two-lantern signal. Trace Paul’s footsteps, and follow him to City Square. You’ll also be able to witness an exciting drone show over the harbor to celebrate the formal kickoff of Boston 250.
- 8:45 – City Square. Joe Bagley, City of Boston Archaeologist, will talk about Charlestown’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. Welcome Paul Revere to City Square with Deacon Larkin and the Charlestown Militia as he arrives from the Navy Yard.
- 9:10: City Square. Paul Review mounts his trusty horse to begin his historic ride.The route takes him down Main Street where he heads to tell the Minutemen north of the city that the “Regulars are out!”
- 9:30 PM – Bunker Hill Monument. The National Park Service will be illuminating the Monument, revealing likenesses of the 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.
- 5:00 on – Stop in along the Tavern Trail for cheers and specialty drinks. Grab your map and stop at any participating tavern, including Blackmoor, Prima, Warren Tavern, Monument Restaurant and Tavern, and Sullivan’s Public House.
- If you’re unable to attend the Revere ride on April 18, you’ll have a second chance on April 21 at the annual ride brought to you by the Friends of City Square.
This free, family-friendly event showcases Charlestown’s revolutionary roots and offers a front-row seat to history. Arrive early at the Navy Yard to soak in the waterfront views and pre-ride activities. For more information on the broader Revere’s Ride to Revolution events and Revere’s full route, visit https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/250-pr-ride.htm. Bring your patriotic cheer and step into 1775 with us!
Registration is encouraged.
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