Abbey Quistorf Executive Director | The Chamber of Manitowoc County
Abbey Quistorf Executive Director | The Chamber of Manitowoc County
The Manitowoc County Historical Society is organizing "Two Lights for Tomorrow: Celebrating America's 250th", which begins on April 18th. This event is part of a nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding. The society emphasizes the importance of remembering the beginnings of the revolution in 1775, which led to the creation of an American national identity.
On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere and William Dawes, along with other riders, undertook an urgent mission to alert the countryside of impending British military action. Their efforts were supported by a prearranged signal of two lanterns in Boston's Old North Church, immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem: “One if by land, and two if by sea.”
The society conveys the message that the call for unity and service remains as relevant today as it was 250 years ago. In line with this theme, a national initiative encourages government buildings, community centers, public spaces, and citizens to display two lights prominently on the nights of April 18th and 19th. This symbolic act is intended to reflect on both the historical events and the ongoing journey of the nation.
The Manitowoc County Historical Society, located in Wisconsin, serves as a living history museum. It covers 60 acres and includes Pinecrest Historical Village, featuring over 25 historic buildings. This village represents a small Wisconsin community of the early 1900s with buildings reflecting historical architectural styles. The society offers historical exhibits, research services, and a glimpse into the early settler life of Manitowoc County.
For more details, interested individuals can contact the Manitowoc County Historical Society at (920) 684-4445 or visit ManitowocCountyHistory.org.
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