Benjamin Lincoln Day 2026

Honoring a Patriot: The 293rd Birthday of Benjamin Lincoln

On this day, the Hingham Historical Society proudly commemorates the 293rd birthday of Major General Benjamin Lincoln, one of Hingham’s most distinguished sons and a pivotal figure in the American Revolution.

Born in Hingham in 1733, General Lincoln rose from local civic service to national prominence, becoming one of General George Washington’s most trusted officers. He is best remembered for accepting the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781—one of the defining moments that secured American independence. Yet Lincoln never forgot his hometown, returning after the war to serve the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the young republic with the same devotion that marked his military career.

To honor this legacy, the day’s observance will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a commemorative ceremony at Old Ship Church, the oldest continuously used meetinghouse in America and a place deeply intertwined with Hingham’s Revolutionary-era history. The Hingham Militia will present a formal ceremony befitting the rank and service of General Lincoln.

Following the ceremony, participants will process on foot to Fountain Square, stopping before the site of General Lincoln’s former home. There, the Hingham Militia will fire a ceremonial volley, echoing the traditions of the 18th century and offering a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in the struggle for independence.

Adding further historical depth to the day, members of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry as well as the 22nd Massachusetts Infantry will be on hand to honor the life and legacy of John A. Andrew, the former Governor of Massachusetts whose leadership during the Civil War helped redefine the nation. Governor Andrew’s instrumental role in raising the 54th Massachusetts Infantry—the first officially sanctioned African American regiment in the United States—links the ideals of the Revolutionary generation with the continuing fight for liberty and equality in the 19th century.

Together, these commemorations remind us that Hingham’s history is inseparable from the broader American story. From the Revolution to the Civil War, the men and women we honor today shaped a nation still striving to live up to its founding principles.

The Hingham Historical Society invites the community to join us in remembering General Benjamin Lincoln, Governor John A. Andrew, and all those who carried forward the enduring promise of freedom.

For more information visit our friends website at Hingham Historic Society