Marks the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s famous ride and New Jersey’s connection to this historic event during a state-wide day of service.

TRENTON, NJ - In preparation for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, Governor Phil Murphy and RevolutionNJ invite New Jerseyans to join “Two Lights for Tomorrow” on April 24, 2025. This national moment of unity and hope encourages individuals, municipalities, and community organizations to remember the revolutionary ideals that sparked America’s independence by shining two lights on local buildings and participating in a state-wide day of service.

“As we continue to launch New Jersey’s official commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, we carry forward the revolutionary spirit sparked by alarm riders who once rallied our state to action,” said Governor Phil Murphy. "Generations of volunteers have enriched New Jersey’s vibrant culture, and today, we honor those whose service has shaped our past, continues to inspire our present, and will guide our future."

“Two Lights for Tomorrow is a national movement to honor the beginning of the American Revolution and bring its ideals to the forefront,” said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, who oversees the New Jersey Historical Commission in her capacity as Secretary of State. “I thank Governor Murphy for his proclamation and am proud that on April 24, New Jersey will join its follow states in a day of reflection and service.”

On the night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott rode from Boston to alert their fellow patriots of the movement of British soldiers. A prearranged signal—two lanterns in the tower of Christ Church—warned that the British troops were traveling via the Charles River. The following day, the battles at Lexington and Concord ignited the military conflict that would become the American War for Independence.

Immediately following the battles, a young man named Israel Bissell was tasked with bringing news of the conflict to Philadelphia. Bissell travelled 350 miles in only 5 days, passing through New Jersey with stops at Elizabeth, New Brunswick, and Princeton, and arriving at Trenton on April 24, to inform the residents of the first military encounter between British and American soldiers. Two hundred and fifty years later, “Two Lights for Tomorrow” commemorates Bissell and Revere’s historic rides and uses the imagery of two shining lights to honor the beginning of the American Revolution.

The 1719 Trent House Museum will shine two lights on April 18, 2025 to honor Paul Revere’s famous ride, and the Twin Lights State Historic Site will shine two lights on April 24, 2025 to commemorate the anniversary of Israel Bissell sharing the news of Lexington and Concord with the residents of Trenton, NJ. Per Governor Murphy’s proclamation, communities and individuals across New Jersey are invited to participate by shining two lights on their own significant buildings or volunteering in their local area.

Those interested in recognizing this pivotal event through a day of service can find volunteer opportunities in their counties by visiting the Governor’s Office of Volunteerism’s website at https://sosnj.galaxydigital.com/counties/.

Those who would like to know more about how New Jersey is preparing for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 can visit www.RevNJ.org.

About RevolutionNJ

Created through state legislation in 2018, RevolutionNJ is a partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), a division of the New Jersey Department of State, and the nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution Association to plan the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in New Jersey. Keep up with news and updates concerning RevolutionNJ by joining the newsletter and following @revolutionnj on Instagram and facebook.com/revolutionnj.