Two Lights for Tomorrow - A Nationwide Call to Action

Description

On April 18-19, the Kentucky Historical Society and America250KY will participate in a nationwide time of service – Two Lights for Tomorrow. Commemorating Paul Revere’s famous ride of April 18 and 19, 1775, it is a celebratory event and time of service that will lead up to the 250th birthday of the United States of America on July 4, 2026. In Kentucky, Two Lights for Tomorrow will also be commemorating the Virginia ride of Jack Jouett, known as the Paul Revere of the South. Jouett’s famous 40-mile ride on June 3 and 4, 1781—when Kentucky was still part of Virginia--prevented British troops from capturing then-governor Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia General Assembly. Jouett’s actions saved four signers of the Declaration of Independence, including the future president, Jefferson. On April 18, join the Kentucky Historical Society and America250KY as we display two lights at the Old State Capitol as a reminder of the light shining out of the darkness of the Old North Church during Paul Revere’s ride and of Jack Jouett’s 40-mile ride to warn the Virginia General Assembly. We are calling for two lights to be displayed in every Kentucky courthouse, city hall, home, library, museum, and public building. The lights remind us of the call to service both Revere and Jouett felt toward their fellow citizens and how their actions still matter today as we work together toward a “more perfect union.” On April 18 -19, from 10 am to 5 pm, America250KY will be collecting food pantry donations at the Kentucky Historical Society in the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History building. Our most needed item is always canned meat. Other helpful items are spaghetti sauce, spaghetti or pasta, canned soup, boxed instant oatmeal, canned fruit, vegetables, and beans.” Can’t make it to Frankfort? Seek a way to serve others in your own community whether it is volunteering to clean up a local park, cemetery, or historic site, participating in a local food drive, or writing a thank you letter to someone in your community. Together, we can all find a way to meet the needs of our communities. The Kentucky Historical Society and America250KY encourage you to send photographs and descriptions of your service projects and Two Lights for Tomorrow displays to America250KY@ky.gov, or tag America 250KY on Facebook to share your service with others!