Join the Town of Falmouth in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with an afternoon and evening of history, music, and community reflection. Family friendly event!
Schedule of Events, Sunday, April 27, 2025
2:00 – 4:00 PM | Falmouth Museums on the Green
-Explore self-guided tours of the c. 1790 Dr. Francis Wicks House Museum, home of a Revolutionary War veteran.
-Kids crafts: Lantern-making kits (including a tea light) available for the evening’s lantern lighting. Make a paper lantern to use later in the evening at the lantern lighting (faux tea light).
-Watch a documentary on Katharine Lee Bates (1859–1929), author of America the Beautiful, playing on loop in the Cultural Center.
-Sea Scoops Ice Cream Truck will be at Museums on the Green from 2-4pm!
4:00 – 5:00 PM | Paul Revere’s Ride and His Falmouth Bell: First Congregational Church of Falmouth, 68 Main Street
-Gathering Bell Ring: The event begins with the 4:00 PM ringing of the church bell.
-Welcome: Reverend Jonathan Drury reflects on the enduring legacy of Paul Revere (1735-1818).
-A Bell for Falmouth: Greg Mills traces the history of the church’s 1796 Revere bell and provides an up-close photo tour.
-Reading: Jolie Drury reads excerpts from Paul Revere’s Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
-Closing Remarks: Reverend Drury invites attendees to view the receipt signed by Paul Revere, on display in the church.
-Departing Bell Ring: The audience enjoys a celebratory ringing of the bell at 5:00 PM.
5:30 – 6:30 PM | Concord Minutemen Concert, Library Lawn, 300 Main Street
A live musical performance with narration by Falmouth students and community leaders.
Each song is paired with a Revolutionary War event from Falmouth’s history, bringing the past to life through music and storytelling.
6:30 – 7:30 PM | Jazz on the Lawn with KabuJazz Duo, Library Lawn
A performance by Cape Verdean musical artists Candida Rose and J.L. Santos Spencer to celebrate everything Falmouth has become over the past 250 years, including its vibrant Cape Verdean population.
Jazz musicians will honor this distinctly American art form, which has deep cultural roots across the country and a long history on Cape Cod.
7:30 PM | Community Lantern Lighting, Library Lawn
The evening concludes with a symbolic lantern lighting on Library Lawn. Participants are encouraged to bring a lantern with a faux candle to join in this moment of unity and remembrance.
Lyrics and Lanterns offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to celebrate history, honor resilience, and illuminate the road to American independence. The event is free and open to the public, courtesy of the Town of Falmouth.
