This coming April marks the 250th anniversary of the “two if by sea” lantern signal in Old North Church's steeple, which lit the way for the American Revolution in 1775. To celebrate this momentous occasion we are planning an extra special Lanterns & Luminaries with Honoree Ken Burns! The celebrated filmmaker will accept the Third Lantern Award, which is presented annually to an individual who embodies the values symbolized in Old North Church’s iconic signal lanterns: leadership, courage, hope, tenacity, and active citizenship.

With Ken’s much-anticipated film, “The American Revolution,” scheduled to air on PBS in the fall of 2025, we cannot think of a better person to honor with the Third Lantern Award in this anniversary year. Ken’s documentaries and approach to filmmaking have been an inspiration as we bring the past to life for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. His films demonstrate time and again that recounting history is not simply a retelling of events and facts — it is finding the human story, the universal experiences that allow us to put ourselves in the shoes of those who lived decades or centuries ago. His masterful storytelling and willingness to face America’s complexity and contradictions head-on have been the platonic ideal we strive for in our interpretation of Old North’s three centuries of history.

For questions about our sponsorship opportunities, which range from $2,500 to $50,000, contact Nikki Stewart at nstewart@oldnorth.com. More information about the event will follow soon!

Lanterns & Luminaries
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
11am – 12:30pm
With Third Lantern Award Honoree Ken Burns