The Old North Church is famous for the events of April 18, 1775, when allies of Paul Revere hung two lanterns in the church’s steeple as a warning that British troops were traveling to Lexington “by sea” across the Charles River. This iconic signal sparked the first battles of the American Revolution. While Old North’s steeple has become a symbol of liberty for many, paradoxically, the church also has historical ties to colonialism and enslavement.

Established in 1991 as the Old North Foundation, Old North Illuminated shines an analytical light on the past in an effort to build a brighter future. Our programming focuses on two aims: on-site interpretation of the historic site, and developing lesson plans and digital resources for classrooms and adult learners across the country. We believe that by presenting, questioning, and learning from the full and complicated span of Old North Church’s 300-year history, we can engage audiences in contemporary questions of equity and representation, courage for the common good, and what it means to be an active citizen.