February 2, 2026 by The Hingham Historical Society
The Hingham Historical Society invites residents of Hingham and the South Shore — and history lovers everywhere — to kick off commemorations for America’s semiquincentennial at the 49th annual Lincoln Day on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
Each year, Lincoln Day celebrates civic engagement and reflects on the lives and legacies of General Benjamin Lincoln (1733-1810) and President Abraham Lincoln (1809 – 1865). Born more than 70 years and 1,000 miles apart yet with shared Hingham roots, General Lincoln and President Lincoln served their country in revolutionary ways. They took up leadership roles in times of extreme political and social polarization when questions about the meaning of freedom, independence, and liberty divided households, communities, and the nation itself. As we commemorate America’s 250th in 2026, Lincoln Day asks us to consider how we can be inspired by the past to serve our communities’ futures.
Lincoln Day activities will begin at 10:00 AM with a muster of the Hingham Militia Company at the Hingham Memorial Bell Tower (90 Main Street) and wreath-laying ceremonies in Hingham Cemetery at the gravesites of General Benjamin Lincoln and Massachusetts’ Civil War governor, John Albion Andrew. The speaking program will begin at 11:00 AM at Old Ship Church (90 Main Street) featuring a keynote address from Robert J. Allison, Professor of History at Suffolk University and Chair of Massachusetts’ Revolution 250 Advisory Group, as well as remarks by state and local representatives and the presentation of winning essays from the Hingham Middle School Lincoln Day Essay Contest. The Military Order of the Loyal Legion, the 22nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Company, Massachusetts 54th and other civic organizations will also participate.
Robert J. Allison has taught American History at Suffolk University since 1992. His books include a biography of American naval hero Stephen Decatur, histories of Boston and the American Revolution, and an edition of The Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African. Two of his classes, “Before 1776: Life in Colonial America,” and “The Age of Benjamin Franklin” are available from The Great Courses. He hosts the Rev250 podcast, is President of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts and is a life-trustee of the USS CONSTITUTION Museum.
Following the conclusion of the program, all participants are welcome to join a community procession to Fountain Square for a wreath-laying at the Abraham Lincoln monument. Coffee and hot chocolate will be provided at New North Church (1 Lincoln Street) which Benjamin Lincoln helped establish in 1807.
All Lincoln Day events are free and open to the public. As part of the Lincoln Day observation, the Hingham Historical Society’s Benjamin Lincoln House will be open for FREE guided tours from 1:00 – 4:00 PM. Reservations are not required. For more information about the Benjamin Lincoln House, please visit https://hinghamhistorical.org.
