Support and Sustain the Historic Legacy of Old North Church

We believe that by presenting, questioning, and learning from the full and complicated span of Old North’s 300-year history, we can engage audiences in contemporary questions of equity and representation, courage for the common good, and what it means to be an active citizen. With a gift to Old North Illuminated, you join a community that is building a future in which everyone will see their stories, struggles, and hopes reflected in places of prominence and our shared American history.

Old North Illuminated is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is responsible for historic site operations and interpretative, educational, and preservation programs at the iconic Old North Church & Historic Site. Old North Illuminated is independent of and a close partner to the church and its congregation. 

On the evening of April 18, 1775, when Boston was being occupied by British troops, two patriots bravely broke curfew, climbed to the top of Old North’s steeple, and held high two lanterns as a warning to their fellow colonists that the British army was marching to Concord “by sea”. At Old North Illuminated, we honor their legacy through our mission to inspire active citizenship and courageous, compassionate leadership by interpreting and preserving the Old North Church Historic Site.

Together, we can spark curiosity; make history accessible and relatable; and equip visitors and students of all ages with the wisdom, confidence, and motivation to participate in their communities.

The Landmark Circle is a community of thoughtful and generous leaders who share a commitment to Old North Church’s future and its ability to inspire lantern bearers for generations to come. With a planned gift, your generosity will intertwine with the contributions of those whose stories span 300 years of history – furthering a legacy of courage, compassion, and leadership. Options for including Old North Illuminated in your estate plan include bequests, IRA designations, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and life insurance.

Why do historic landmarks like this matter? Tangible and authentic, they spark curiosity and imagination, making history accessible and relatable. Walking inside Old North Church is like stepping into a time machine that shuttles us between past and present. Here big issues — who’s included and who’s been left out of history, what does it mean to be an active citizen, what does the common good mean? — are connected to real people and events.