The 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s iconic ride, which signaled the onset of the American Revolution at the Battles of Lexington and Concord, is being commemorated with various events across Maine. This historic moment, immortalized by Maine’s own Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his 1860 poem “Paul Revere’s Ride,” is being celebrated nationwide through the “Two Lights for Tomorrow” observance. This initiative encourages communities and organizations across Maine to display two lights in homes or buildings, a direct nod to the signal used during Revere’s historic ride.
In Portland, lanterns will be prominently displayed in the windows of the Wadsworth-Longfellow House and the Maine Historical Society’s Brown Research Library throughout the weekend. These acts of remembrance are complemented by a series of events scheduled for Friday across the state, each designed to honor the legacy of Paul Revere and his midnight ride.
Augusta
In the state capitol, Augusta, the Hall of Flags will host a reading of excerpts from “Paul Revere’s Ride” at 11:30 a.m., delivered by Portland Youth Poet Laureate Yashaswini Derisala. Later, at 7:30 p.m., a lantern lighting ceremony will take place in Capitol Park, further underscoring the historical significance of the event.
Portland
In Portland, several activities are planned, including a lecture titled “Lexington to Longfellow: The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.” This talk, led by Tom Putnam, former director of the Concord Museum and the John F. Kennedy Library, will delve into Revere’s ride, Longfellow’s poem, and the events of April 18 and 19, 1775. The lecture will be held at 1 p.m. at the Maine Historical Society on Congress Street, and attendees are encouraged to register online.
The evening will feature a community reading of Longfellow’s poem at Eastern Cemetery on Congress Street. This event, titled “One If By Land, Two If By Sea: a Two Lights Commemoration,” is co-hosted by Spirits Alive and the Maine Historical Society and will begin at 7 p.m. It is open to the public without the need for prior registration.
Elsewhere
Additional celebrations include the “Let Freedom Ring” initiative, a coordinated bell-ringing event scheduled for 6 p.m. in churches and buildings nationwide. In South Portland, the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse bell will ring at 5:30 p.m., and in Gorham, a Paul Revere bell will be rung at First Parish Church UCC.
The Evolving Landscape
The commemoration of Paul Revere’s ride serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of historical events on contemporary society. For residents of Maine and beyond, these events provide an opportunity to reflect on the values and struggles that shaped the nation. The celebrations not only honor a pivotal moment in American history but also encourage community engagement and historical education.
For those participating in the events, the moment offers a chance to connect with the past while fostering a sense of unity and shared heritage. The activities also highlight the cultural significance of historical literature and its role in preserving national stories. As communities come together to celebrate, the legacy of Paul Revere’s ride continues to inspire a deeper appreciation for the nation’s rich history.