Morris Leader

Morris County is set to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's historic ride on April 18, 2025. The county's "Two If By Sea" campaign will mark the occasion. Participants are encouraged to place two lamps, lanterns, or lights in the windows of homes, businesses, churches, and other establishments from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners, along with the Morris County 250th Anniversary Steering Committee, plans to kick off the celebration. This will include shining two beacons from both the Morris County Courthouse and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Morristown. St. Peter’s, an Anglican church like the Old North Church in Boston, is supporting the event.

“This campaign brings us together to honor the night that changed the course of our nation,” said Morris County Commissioner Christine Myers, a liaison to the 250th Anniversary Steering Committee. She encouraged people across Morris County to display two lights, “to reflect on the bravery of our forefathers that brought about a pivotal moment in our history.”

Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “Lighting two lanterns didn’t just warn a town, it activated a movement.”

The campaign also aims to engage the community through social media. Residents are invited to photograph their illuminated spaces and share them online using the hashtag #TwoIfBySea, tagging @MorrisCountyNJ.

The commissioners will officially endorse the campaign with a proclamation on April 9. This initiative is part of an extensive celebration of Morris County's involvement in the American Revolution, continuing through 2025 and leading up to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The events are facilitated by the Morris County Tourism Bureau along with other local organizations. More activities and programs are to be announced over the coming months.

The celebrations began in September 2024 with the rededication of a Revolutionary War-era replica cannon at the Morris County Historical Society at Acorn Hall.