Lanterns & Luminaries with Keith Lockhart

Spark change, make history.

You're invited to Lanterns & Luminaries: a special evening at the historic Old North Church celebrating the anniversary of Paul Revere’s famous “two if by sea” lantern signal in April of 1775. Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra, will accept the Third Lantern Award, which is presented annually to an individual who embodies the values symbolized in Old North’s iconic signal lanterns: leadership, courage, hope, tenacity, and active citizenship. As we prepare to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, we can’t think of anyone better to usher in this momentous occasion than the steward of America’s Orchestra.

The Lanterns & Luminaries program will include festive music, a dramatic reading of “Paul Revere’s Ride,” the presentation of the Third Lantern Award, and an inspiring keynote address from Mr. Lockhart. The evening concludes with a fun gathering where guests can enjoy refreshments and witness the lighting of the lanterns in the church steeple.

Old North Illuminated is a secular 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to inspire active citizenship and courageous, compassionate leadership by interpreting and preserving the Old North Church Historic Site. Lanterns & Luminaries is our signature annual fundraiser. Your support allows us to preserve and protect this iconic landmark, and to develop educational programs that inspire a wide range of audiences to become courageous and compassionate leaders.

Sponsorship packages, which include a special pre-event reception, are available. For questions, please email Nikki Stewart, Executive Director, at bnN0ZXdhcnQgfCBvbGRub3J0aCAhIGNvbQ==.

Event Schedule:

6:30pm: Doors open, musical performance

7:00 - 8:15pm: Seated program

8:15 - 9:30pm: Post-program reception to view the lantern signal and enjoy food, drink, and entertainment

Ticket Options

$75 (+ Fees) Gallery Tickets - Experience the program from the beautiful gallery of Old North Church. Views may be obstructed, but large monitors will ensure that you won’t miss anything. Your ticket includes the reception after the program. (Please note that the gallery is accessed by steep stairs.)

$250 (+ Fees) Pew Tickets - Take a seat in one of Old North Church's famous box pews. Parties of fewer than 4 may be seated with other guests. Your ticket includes the reception after the program.

To inquire about accessible seating, or if you have any other questions, please email Jason Fishman, Marketing and Communications Manager, at amZpc2htYW4gfCBvbGRub3J0aCAhIGNvbQ==.

Dress Code: First and foremost, comfortable shoes are important given the brick around the church. Many guests will be coming from the office. We suggest attire that falls between business and cocktail. Tricorner hats are optional! Tents have been reserved, should it rain.

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