Lanterns & Luminaries with Ken Burns

Spark change, make history.

Lanterns & Luminaries invites you to the historic Old North Church for a special event celebrating the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s famous “two if by sea” lantern signal. 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 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. The special program will include a dramatic reading of “Paul Revere’s Ride,” inspiring remarks by Mr. Burns, a short clip from Ken’s eagerly anticipated documentary about the American Revolution, and a preview of Patriots’ Day celebrations in Boston's North End.

Ken Burns has been making documentary films for almost fifty years. Since the Academy Award-nominated Brooklyn Bridge in 1981, Ken has gone on to direct and produce some of the most acclaimed historical documentaries ever made, including The Civil War, Baseball, and Jazz. His films have been honored with dozens of major awards, including seventeen Emmy Awards, two Grammy Awards, and two Oscar nominations.

Old North Illuminated, formerly the Old North Foundation, 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.

Sponsorship packages, which include a special pre-event breakfast, are available. For questions, please email Nikki Stewart, Executive Director, at [email protected].

Event Schedule:

10:30am: Doors open

11:00am -12:15pm: Seated program

Ticket Options

$40 Balcony Tickets - Experience the program from the beautiful balcony of Old North Church. Views may be obstructed, but large monitors will ensure that you won’t miss a thing!

Please note that the balcony is accessed by steep stairs. To inquire about accessible seating on the ground floor, or if you have any other questions, please email Jason Fishman, Marketing and Communications Manager, at [email protected].

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 business casual attire. Tricorner hats are optional!

Host or Publisher Old North Illuminated