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Whose Midnight Ride? Reflections on the 250th Anniversary of the Famous Ride
On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere and William Dawes set out from Boston with information to convey to key Patriot leaders and to local Patriot militiamen. The story of “Midnight Ride,” on the eve of the Revolutionary War, has been told and retold over the past two and a half centuries, both as a historical event and as a national legend. The 2025 Lowell Lecture Series will share perspectives on the events of April 18, the various participants, and on what it means to people looking back on the ride today.
Presented in partnership with GBH, the Suffolk University History Department, Old North Illuminated, Lexington History Museums, Evanston History Center at the Charles Gates Dawes House (Evanston, IL), and Made by Us, with funding from the Lowell Institute.
All lectures are free and open to the public.
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Lost and Legendary Riders
With J.L. Bell, Historian.
Beyond Paul Revere and his companions, Americans have passed along stories of other notable riders on April 19, 1775. Historian J. L. Bell investigates the facts and fiction behind such figures as Hezekiah Wyman, the dreaded “White Horseman”; Abel Benson and Abigail Smith, children said to have helped raise the alarm in Middlesex County; and Israel Bissell, the post rider credited with carrying news of the fight all the way to Philadelphia.
Partner:
Paul Revere Memorial Association
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Who Cares About the Midnight Ride? Perspectives on an American Legend
Tune in here for our live stream on Tuesday at 6:30 pm.
Partner:
Paul Revere Memorial Association
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Who was Paul Revere, Really?
Two of Revere’s biographers make history fun in this animated conversation with the Executive Director of the Paul Revere House. They discuss all things Paul Revere — the man and the myth. While he is most famous today for the Midnight Ride, this talk will cover his life before and after the American Revolution.
Partner:
Paul Revere Memorial Association
Presented in partnership with GBH, the Suffolk University History Department, Old North Illuminated, Lexington History Museums, Evanston History Center at the Charles Gates Dawes House (Evanston, IL), and Made by Us, with funding from the Lowell Institute.
All lectures are free and open to the public.
-
Lost and Legendary Riders
With J.L. Bell, Historian.
Beyond Paul Revere and his companions, Americans have passed along stories of other notable riders on April 19, 1775. Historian J. L. Bell investigates the facts and fiction behind such figures as Hezekiah Wyman, the dreaded “White Horseman”; Abel Benson and Abigail Smith, children said to have helped raise the alarm in Middlesex County; and Israel Bissell, the post rider credited with carrying news of the fight all the way to Philadelphia.Partner:Paul Revere Memorial Association -
Who Cares About the Midnight Ride? Perspectives on an American Legend
Tune in here for our live stream on Tuesday at 6:30 pm.Partner:Paul Revere Memorial Association -
Who was Paul Revere, Really?
Two of Revere’s biographers make history fun in this animated conversation with the Executive Director of the Paul Revere House. They discuss all things Paul Revere — the man and the myth. While he is most famous today for the Midnight Ride, this talk will cover his life before and after the American Revolution.Partner:Paul Revere Memorial Association
