Hamilton County will be part of Indiana’s America 250 celebration later this week as one of the state’s Revolutionary Lanterns makes several stops around the county June 26-28.

The lantern is symbolic of the signal displayed in Boston’s Old North Church on April 18, 1775, warning colonists that British troops were on the move. That signal helped launch Paul Revere’s famous ride and became one of the enduring symbols of the American Revolution.

The Hamilton County visit is part of a statewide effort by the Indiana Daughters of the American Revolution and the Indiana America 250 Commission. Ten symbolic lanterns are touring all 92 Indiana counties as the nation prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. The lanterns will eventually become part of a permanent display at the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis.

As the lantern travels through Hamilton County, the Hamilton County Historical Society is encouraging residents to think about history closer to home by recording and preserving family memories and personal experiences.

“History isn’t just found in books and archives,” said Jessica Layman, Hamilton County historian. “It lives in the memories of the people who experienced it. By recording and preserving family stories today, we ensure that future generations understand not only what happened in Hamilton County, but how it felt to live, work, celebrate, and build a community here.”

Residents will have several opportunities to view the lantern during its Hamilton County visit.

On Friday, June 26, it will be displayed at the Hamilton County Judicial Center in Noblesville from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The lantern will then travel to Coxhall Gardens in Carmel for the Time Traveler’s Ball.

On Saturday, June 27, the lantern will be on display at the Arcadia Train Depot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during Nickel Plate Express caboose rides. Later that day, it will be featured during the Fishers SPARK Parade.

The final Hamilton County stop is scheduled for Sunday, June 28, at the Westfield Washington Public Library, where the lantern will be on display from 1 to 5 p.m.

The America 250 observance offers communities across the country a chance to reflect on the founding of the nation. Hamilton County officials and historians are using the lantern’s visit as a reminder that local history is built not only through major events, but also through the stories of families, neighborhoods and communities.