Kentucky Historical Society and America250KY will host the official state lighting, a nationwide moment to kick-start the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States of America
FRANKFORT, KY (April 9, 2025) — The Kentucky Historical Society and America250KY will host the official state lighting of Two Lights for Tomorrow, a nationwide moment to kick-start the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States of America. The event will be held on Friday, April 18, at 8 p.m. Eastern time at the Old State Capitol in Frankfort.
In April 1775, Paul Revere embarked on his famous midnight ride on horseback to alert the colonists after spotting a two-light signal in the Old North Church in Boston. This signal indicated that British troops were approaching by water, marking the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. Kentucky’s similar contribution to the Revolution occurred when Jack Jouett made a 40-mile ride in 1781 through Virginia (which then included what is now Kentucky) to prevent the British from capturing Thomas Jefferson and other signers of the Declaration of Independence. Jouett was instrumental in achieving Kentucky’s statehood and later settled in Woodford County (serving three terms representing the county as a legislator), and passed away in Bath County. Today, Jouett is known as the “Paul Revere of the South.”
The Kentucky Historical Society and America250KY are inviting local communities, including all Kentucky courthouses, city halls, libraries, museums, other public buildings and private homes to display two lights in their windows to strengthen the meaning of Two Lights for Tomorrow on April 18.
Both Revere’s and Jouett’s accomplishments are being honored by Two Lights for Tomorrow as a lasting reminder of light shining from darkness, as well as a remembrance of an act of service to fellow citizens. The Kentucky Historical Society and America250KY will be collecting food pantry donations during Two Lights for Tomorrow for the Franklin County Emergency Food Pantry as a modern-day community act of service.
America250 is a nationwide commemoration recognizing the people, places and events that created the nation’s history over the past 250 years. The America250KY commission is managed by the Kentucky Historical Society and examines Kentucky’s role in developing the United States through educational programs, statewide events and activities.
More information can be found at www.history.ky.gov/america250ky
