Hingham to Celebrate 36th Annual Lincoln Day

The Hingham Historical Society will hold its 36^th annual Lincoln Day celebration on Saturday, February 4.

Lincoln Day celebrates the legacy of Hingham’s Revolutionary War hero, General Benjamin Lincoln, and President Abraham Lincoln, whose ancestors first settled in Hingham in 1637.

Hingham High School’s Director of Social Studies Jim Kirkcaldy will be the Keynote speaker. Kirkcaldy plans to address the effect of the 18th century enlightenment on both Lincolns.

According to the Hingham Historical Society, the Lincoln family served their country as constables and justices of the peace, volunteer firefighters and delegates to the general court.

Lincoln Day celebrates the community building efforts of everyone throughout the town’s history who has contributed to the “general welfare.”

The parade and ceremony feature a color guard from the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company (once commanded by General Lincoln), re-enactors from the Massachusetts 22^nd and 54^th volunteer infantries, as well as representatives of the Society of the Cincinnati, the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, and the military wing of the Sons of the American Revolution.

For the third year in a row, the eighth grade Lincoln Day essay contest prizes will also be awarded to the top three essay writers.

The free annual event will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the historic located at 90 Main Street in Hingham Square.        

Early birds are welcome to gather at 10:15 a.m. at the nearby Bell Tower to watch as the Hingham Militia and other military orders fire a salute toward Benjamin Lincoln’s tomb in the Hingham Cemetery. Inside the church, the official ceremony features familiar patriotic songs accompanied by organist Joan Nahigian, and a selection of historic American music provided by Hingham’s student chorales under the direction of Joe Young chorus instructor in the Hingham Public Schools.

After the service, all guests are invited to join a short parade down Hingham’s Main Street to Fountain Square to lay a commemorative wreath at the foot of the statue of Abraham Lincoln. This part of the ceremony takes place just across the street from Benjamin and Abraham Lincoln’s ancestral homes.

After a display of proper military salutes, all are invited to warm up at a reception at , 34 Main Street, where warm beverages and light refreshments will be provided courtesy of the

This event is free and open to the public, and is g supported by the Hingham Institution for Savings, The Military Order of the Loyal Legion, and the Society of Cincinnati.

For more information, contact the Hingham Historical Society at 781-749-7721.                     

-Hingham Historical Society