WORCESTER, Mass. - Friday marking 250 years exactly since Paul Revere rode through parts of Massachusetts warning of British troops on the move. The city of Worcester getting in on the action with a display case of artifacts dating back to the 1700s and the centerpiece of it with a nod to revere arrived Friday morning.
Now sitting in City Hall is a copy of the lantern used to warn Revere that in fact the British were coming.
"You know, not only are we the second largest city in New England, but we played such a significant role in so many social movements in women's suffrage, and abolition, and that we gained our independence from the crown," said State Rep. David LeBoeuf.
What You Need To Know
- Friday marking 250 years exactly since Paul Revere rode through parts of Massachusetts warning of British troops on the move.
- Now sitting in City Hall is a copy of the lantern used to warn Revere that in fact the British were coming.
- It's being displayed along with a number of other important historical documents from the depths of City Hall.
- Vangjeli is expecting the display to be out in city hall for about a year.
Two lanterns were lit on the Old North Church in Boston, meaning the British were coming by water, prompting Revere's famous ride.
"I think a lot of people don't recognize and don't appreciate what an amazing, not just destination for history it is, but how we've contributed to the development of western democracy," said LeBoeuf
The lantern is a loan from members of the Worcester State Delegation and is one of a many going to communities across the state which played a role in the revolution.
It took some re-arranging, but City Clerk Niko Vangjeli was able to fit the lantern into a display case. It's being displayed along with a number of other important historical documents from the depths of City Hall.
"We got the Tory Protest Book that is very well-known here in the history of the city of Worcester," said Vangjeli. "We also have some birth, marriage, and some voter registration records from the early 1770s."
In the book is a copy of the Declaration of Independence, which was read to the people of Worcester in the days following its signing.
The city is encouraging history buffs to come check out the pieces.
"These collections are going to be on display so people are welcome to come to city hall and take a look at them," said Vangjeli. "We do have a rich history here in the city of Worcester. So, I'm very proud of that as city clerk."
Vangjeli is expecting the display to be out in city hall for about a year.