Dubois County Historical Society lighting up courthouse to commemorate Paul Revere’s historic ride

The Dubois County Historical Society is preparing to place two lanterns in the courthouse tower window this April, commemorating the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s historic ride and kicking off local celebrations for America’s upcoming 250th Anniversary in 2026.

The county commissioners approve the request during their recent meeting, embracing the project as a way to connect residents with national history.

Gary Eck, from the Dubois County Historical Society, requested that the lanterns be placed in the courthouse overnight on April 18, 2025. This referenced the famous “one if by land, two if by sea” signal, which Revere used to make his famous ride on that day in 1775.

The battery-powered lanterns, approximately 4 inches in diameter and 8 inches tall, will be placed in the north window of the courthouse tower. The batteries last about 30 hours. They’ll be installed at closing time on Friday, April 18, and remain lit through the night.

The lantern display represents more than just a symbolic gesture. The Historical Society plans to create a video presentation featuring local officials, including mayors and multiple people from throughout the county to accompany the display. According to Eck, Molly (Scherle) Rupert with 1816 Theatrics is collaborating on the project, bringing her performing arts experience to the commemoration. The Historical Society intends to showcase its efforts statewide.

Beyond this specific event, the Dubois County Historical Society serves as the designated communication hub for the state’s semiquincentennial planning. They will coordinate between local organizations and state-level planners throughout the anniversary year.

“At the state level, just to paint a bigger picture, we will be the organization that if a local group wants to do something next year…that’s going to come through us,” Tom Fierst, Dubois County Historical Society treasurer said.

This structure allows the Historical Society to act as “traffic cop” for Dubois County, ensuring legitimate local initiatives reach state planners while also distributing information from the state to appropriate local organizations.

“We’re going to be kind of a communications hub. We’re not going to be doing any county-wide planning,” Fierst clarified, noting that tourism officials have already begun discussions about broader anniversary activities for 2026.

Commissioners respond enthusiastically to the proposal.

“I think that’s a great thing and I’m excited,” Commissioner Chad Blessinger said about being part of celebrating the nation’s anniversary and history. “I’ve already talked to my son about it.”