Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Caught in Southie
Evacuation Day Commemoration Honors Historic Day, Underscores Current Restoration
2024-03-11
BOSTON–The National Parks of Boston and South Boston Citizens’ Association will host the annual Evacuation Day Commemoration on Friday, March 15 at 10 a.m. The event is free and open to the public,
While the ceremony is traditionally held on the grounds of the Dorchester Heights Monument, due to current restoration work, the program will take place at the Edgerley Family South Boston Boys & Girls Club at 230 West Sixth Street in South Boston. Confirmed speakers include Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, National Parks of Boston Superintendent Michael Creasey, and state and city elected officials.
The Excel High School JROTC Color Guard will lead a procession to the western edge of Thomas Park for a wreath laying following the speaking program.
The commemoration will feature a ceremonial presentation of arms by the Lexington Minutemen and Henry Knox Color Guard. The Boston University Band will provide music.
Superintendent Creasey will share a brief overview of the current restoration project. The National Parks of Boston began the more than $30 million restoration of Dorchester Heights Monument on September 15. Funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), rehabilitation work will be complete by March 17, 2026, Evacuation Day, during the nation’s 250th birthday year. The Monument and its surrounding area remain closed to the public during the restoration.
The GAOA funds are being used to restore the iconic 1902 Dorchester Heights Monument tower and surrounding area known as Thomas Park. The rehabilitation work includes structural upgrades, masonry restoration, and improvement of the monument’s foundation, superstructure, exterior enclosure, roof, interior stairs, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. The grounds, lighting, and signage will be vastly improved for visitors’ experience.
In early March 1776, General George Washington ordered the construction of fortifications at Dorchester Heights. Two weeks later, these actions led to the evacuation of British forces from Boston. For over a century, Bostonians in the South Boston community have commemorated March 17 as “Evacuation Day” at Dorchester Heights.
You can learn more about the Dorchester Heights Monument restoration here
About the National Parks of Boston
The National Parks of Boston is a collection of three National Park Service sites – Boston National Historical Park, Boston African American National Historic Site, and Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. Established by individual legislation and for designated purposes, the three units have come together under a unified organizational umbrella to collaborate in ways that celebrate our cultural heritage, reconnect people to history and nature, and provide outdoor recreation opportunities on land and on the water. For more information, visit: www.nps.gov/bost, www.nps.gov/boaf, and www.bostonharborislands.org.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.
Comments / 0