On June 17th, 1825, a monumental crowd of approximately 100,000 gathered in downtown Boston, nearly doubling the city’s population at the time.
This event marked the ceremonial laying of the cornerstone of the Bunker Hill Monument, an undertaking that would span the next 18 years.
Among the attendees were President John Quincy Adams, his Cabinet, and numerous musicians, poets, and orators, all coming together to celebrate a pivotal moment in American history—the Battle of Bunker Hill.
The site was emblematic of the struggle for independence, where the Colonial militia had bravely confronted a superior British force just 50 years earlier.
As a solemn reminder of the values fought for during the Revolution, the cornerstone ceremony was filled with speeches, music, toasts, and anointings of oil, corn, and wine throughout the day.
Fast forward to Monday, a spirited re-creation event is set to take place as a tribute to this historic milestone, coinciding with the bicentennial anniversary of the cornerstone laying.
Organized by a collaborative effort involving musicians, artists, and local residents, the goal is not only to celebrate this significant anniversary but also to evoke the ideals for which the battles were fought.
Historian Nat Sheidley, who leads the nonprofit Revolutionary Spaces, reflected on the importance of remembering the Battle of Bunker Hill and the cornerstone’s significance.
He noted that the monument’s existence stems from the belief that remembering historical moments could shape their contemporary world.
Driving the upcoming event is Charlestown resident Lee Eiseman, known for his musical expertise and previous involvement in similar commemorative events, including the 150th anniversary in 1993.
Eiseman explained how extensive documentation from regional newspapers covering the original cornerstone laying helped him reconstruct the music and poetry of that day.
The upcoming event will feature a range of activities, including a morning procession from the Charlestown Navy Yard to the Bunker Hill Monument at 9:30 a.m.
Following the procession, a reenactment of the ceremony will occur, featuring actors playing historical figures like orator Daniel Webster and military leader Marquis de Lafayette.
Musical performances by the Dee Opera Orchestra and Chorus will include works known to have been presented at the original event, lending an authentic sound to the occasion.
However, there is a notable adjustment: Webster’s lengthy morning speech, which originally took 45 minutes, will be heavily abbreviated to just five minutes for the reenactment.
Eiseman highlighted the challenges faced during the original event in addressing a massive audience without modern amplification, emphasizing the need for strong vocal projection.
Later in the day, at 6 p.m., a special celebration at the Old South Meeting House will incorporate ceremonial toasts matched with period music curated by Eiseman and other musicians.
Audiences can expect familiar tunes, such as “Yankee Doodle” and “The Anacreontic Song,” the latter of which is better known today as “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
For conductor Stephanie Beatrice, this event holds personal significance, allowing her to contribute historic music selections that resonate with her Massachusetts roots.
Throughout the various activities scheduled for the day, Beatrice and her ensemble will present approximately 25 musical pieces, each thoughtfully paired with historical references and toasts.
Sheidley emphasized the current challenge of making the founding era’s history relatable, particularly in a climate where discussions about it often become divisive.
The re-creation event aims to foster dialogue among participants who may hold differing views, allowing for shared experiences that can bridge divides.
As Sheidley stated, any discussion surrounding American founding history inherently becomes a reflection on present-day identities and aspirations.
In this way, the commemoration serves not only as a look back at a critical historical moment but as a means to inspire thoughtful consideration about collective goals for the future.
The celebration seeks to unite people through art and music, encouraging them to see themselves as contributors to an ongoing narrative of national identity and purpose.
image source from：https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/06/13/metro/democracy-bunker-hill-reenactment/
