Somerville to Mark 250th Anniversary of Revolutionary War Flag Raising on Jan. 1

Somerville will mark the 250th anniversary of the first flag raising tied to the American Revolution on Jan. 1, 1776.

The Somerville Museum and the Mayor's Office are leading the annual New Year's Day commemoration, which is tied to the history of Prospect Hill. During the American Revolution, Prospect Hill was a part of Charlestown, since Somerville was not founded until nearly 70 years later. 

On Jan. 1, 1776, Gen. George Washington requested that the Grand Union Flag be raised as a symbol of defiance and strength by the Continental Army, as it declared itself a national army rather than a militia. The Grand Union Flag features 13 red and white stripes as a symbol for the first 13 colonies, much like the American flag. However, the upper left features the British Union Flag.

Participants in the New Year's Day event will include Somerville native Maj. General Richard Johnson and historical interpreter Sean Osborne, who will portray Primus Hall, a Continental Army soldier and educator of enslaved descent. Hall's story highlights abolitionism and the pursuit of freedom. Hall, the son of enslaved parents, later became a respected educator. 

The program will feature historical music sing-alongs led by Osborne. A flag-creating activity for children will be offered, and hot beverages and pastries will be available at the free public event.

“This event marks 250 years of shared history and reaffirms our collective responsibility to create a better tomorrow," Mayor Katjana Ballantyne said in a statement shared with the Patch of Somerville. "May we continue to lead through our values, striving to build a city where equity, innovation, freedom, and opportunity thrive.”