U.S. begins the journey toward its 250th

April 18-19 was the start of a 15-month-long celebration leading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.

Last weekend commemorated the horseback ride of Paul Revere and others on the night of April 18-19, 1775, as they warned colonists of the approach of British forces.

The overnight ride was made famous by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, "Paul Revere’s Ride." Part of the lengthy poem said:

"Hang a lantern aloft in the belfry arch

Of the North Church tower as a signal light, —

One, if by land, and two, if by sea;

And I on the opposite shore will be,

Ready to ride and spread the alarm

Through every Middlesex village and farm,

For the country folk to be up and to arm.”

People were encouraged to light two lights Friday night – one representing the enduring ideals of the nation's founding, and the other illuminating hopes for the future and reflection on the values that unite Americans – freedom, justice and democracy.

In addition, a number of reenactments took place, portraying the midnight ride and the battles of Lexington and Concord.

According to the America 250 website:

"On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond."

To read an account of the battles, visit https://revolutionarywar.us/year-1775/battle-of-lexington-and-concord.

Above, Dave Westrick (right), explains his diorama to a museum visitor during a special event April 19 at the Wolcott House, Maumee, Ohio. Below is a more detailed view of the diorama. The Two Lights for Tomorrow Initiative event featured the miniature Battle of Lexington Green built by Westrick, a Maumee Valley Historical Society board member, historical reenactor and local history presenter.



Photos by Vicki Johnson

Curator Kathy Dowdy, dressed in period clothing, conducts a tour at the Wolcott House. Visitors could learn about artifacts from the Maumee Valley Historical Society’s collection, dating back to the Revolutionary War. Historic buildings at The Wolcott Heritage Center reflect the history of the Maumee Valley. The center opens for the season May 10 (through December) with guided tours at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays and self-guided tours on the first and third Saturdays.

Find more information about Wolcott House at www.wolcotthouse.org, or contact director@wolcotthouse.org, 419-893-9602.