In honor of the 250th anniversary of the “two if by sea” lantern signal, Lanterns & Luminaries 2025 will be a unique event filled with commemoration, inspiration, and celebration. Filmmaker Ken Burns 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 series, The American Revolution, scheduled to premiere on November 16, 2025 on PBS, we cannot think of a better person to honor with the Third Lantern Award in this anniversary year. Sponsors and their guests will join Third Lantern Award honoree Ken Burns and the Old North Illuminated Board of Directors for a seated breakfast in Old North’s beautiful Washington Garden. Following the breakfast, a ticketed special anniversary program will include a dramatic reading of “Paul Revere’s Ride,” inspiring remarks by Mr. Burns, a short clip from Ken’s new documentary The American Revolution, and a preview of Patriots’ Day celebrations in Greater Boston.
