Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

"Two Lights For Tomorrow" part of National Commemoration Honoring American Revolution's 250th Anniversary

The New York State 250^th Commemoration Commission and the Office of General Services announced today that the New York State Capitol will display two lighted lanterns overnight on April 18-19 as part of a national effort marking the 250^th anniversary of American Revolution patriot Paul Revere's famous midnight ride. Part of a nationwide commemoration, "Two Lights for Tomorrow" is to be held simultaneously at all 50 U.S. state capitols.

Albany's event is being coordinated by the State's 250^th Commemoration Commission, which is creating numerous events and programs to mark the 250^th anniversary of the American Revolution, and is co-chaired by the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the state Education Department.

State Parks Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons said, "The message conveyed by the two lanterns 250 years is a quintessential part of our American story. Paul Revere's brave actions remind us today that service to cause and community is part of our rights and responsibilities as Americans. Today we also must be ready to act at critical moments of our history to make our world a better place to live."

State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa said, "As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, Two Lights for Tomorrow honors the enduring legacy of Paul Revere's midnight ride and reminds us of the many under-told stories of the Revolution. These historic achievements were possible through the collective courage and civic action of numerous Americans, whose contributions too often remain overlooked. By recognizing these stories and encouraging students' participation through initiatives such as the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness, we inspire future generations to continue shaping our nation's history through active civic engagement."

State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, "OGS is proud to join Governor Hochul and our partners on the New York State 250th Commemoration Commission in observing the nationwide Two Lights for Tomorrow initiative. Paul Revere's historic ride 250 years ago continues to symbolize the courage and determination of our nation's founding patriots. The two shining lights at the Capitol and Empire State Plaza should inspire us to unite in service to our communities."

In Albany, two replica 18^th Century-style lanterns will be placed on the second floor of the Capitol to be visible from West Capitol Park from dusk April 18 to dawn April 19. At the Empire State Plaza, the state Office of General Services will also light the odd-numbered agency buildings in dark blue and the even-numbered agency buildings in bright white to also give the effect of two lanterns.

The story of two lanterns placed atop the Old North Church in Boston in 1775 has been memorized by countless American schoolchildren. "One if by land, and two if by sea" –which was Revere's prearranged lantern signal for the route of British troops leaving the city to strike at Patriot militia supply – is from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 1860 poem "Paul Revere's Ride."

In 1775, the lantern signals allowed Patriot militia members to confront British forces at the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first engagements of the Revolutionary War. The warning was delivered miles away to dozens of towns by Revere and another rider, William Dawes, and then by other men on horses and men who rang church bells and town bells, beat drums, and shot off warning guns.

A lantern currently displayed in the Old North Church is a replica created afterward to commemorate the event. One of the original lanterns is on display at Concord Museum, in Concord, Massachusetts.

New York State's 250th commemoration will seek to highlight and commemorate not just the roles of New York's citizens during the Revolutionary War, but also the subsequent 250 years of action toward the ideals of our nation's founding principles. Through exhibitions, events, public programs, and publications, the 250th commemoration will focus on the revolutionary actions of New Yorkers and the ever-evolving process by which they have fought to bring the nation closer to its founding principles. For more information, visit https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/revolutionaryny250