It’s been almost three months since the 50th Anniversary Gala at Cary Memorial Hall in Lexington, Mass but spirits are still high as the historic year draws to a close. As the snow swirls in most of Massachusetts this morning, we’re excited to look back and share some of the photos and video from the grand celebration. (And it just may help to remember how warm and the lovely the weather was for that September evening…)
NER Director Dennis Reidinbach addresses the gathered guests
Photographs courtesy of volunteer photographer extraordinaire, Jerry Callaghan Click the photo above to see more from the event.
And we also have this short video, courtesy of Santo Wiryaman who was present and filming the event. This short film does a great job of capturing the feeling of the evening. Recognize any familiar faces? Were you one of the hundreds of attendees to this grand party?
No need to fret! Thanks to Santo Wiryaman of LexMedia who was present and filming at the 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration on Sunday, September 20th you can see what you missed.
Do you have photos or video to share from the Gala or other recent events? If so, let us know, we’d love to share them! Thank you again to Santo and the LexMedia crew – the short video really captures the spirit of the evening!
Tonight’s 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration was a great success, thanks to all the Park Staff, Volunteers, Friends and guest who helped to make the event happen. Following some delicious fare at the receptions, guests were seated and welcomed with fife and drum music courtesy of MCV who also played in the reenactors and Guild of Historic Interpreters who were present for the event.
NECN news anchor R.D. Sahl kept the program moving from remarks by Senator Niki Tsongas, to an incredible speech by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, to proclamations by State Senators and Representatives in honor of the Park’s Anniversary. Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes and Drum returned to the floor to wow the crowd with more 18th century military music before NPS Northeast Regional Director Dennis Reidenbach offered his remarks on the occasion. Superintendent Nancy Nelson offered her heartfelt thanks to her staff, colleagues, park volunteers, and the communities directly connected to the park. Responding with not one, but two standing ovations, the captivated and appreciative guests also took Nancy’s remarks to heart.
The evening’s program concluded with a lovely display of 18th century dancing featuring the music of Poor Richard’s Penny. In her closing remarks, Nancy thanked every one once more and invited all present to enjoy cake and coffee before departing. (And it was very delicious cake!) Many reenactors stayed to enjoy additional dancing before the evening came to a close.
Guests were also presented with commemorative posters as they left and all were invited to join us for the Re-dedication of the Park at the North Bridge on Monday, September 21st at Noon.
Thank you again to all involved, and particularly to the honor guards from Lexington Minute Men, Lincoln Minute Men, Brown’s Company Concord Minute Men, His Majesty’s Tenth Regiment of Foot, and the First Squadron, 182nd Cavalry Color Guard Massachusetts Army National Guard.
We look forward to sharing photographs in the coming days and weeks. If you have photos to share, don’t hesitate to send them along!
