Opening Reception and Talk: Old Yarmouth, Life During the American Revolution

Jonathan Lane, a public historian affiliated with the Massachusetts Historical Society, has more than three decades of experience in historical interpretation, tourism, and cultural programming. He currently serves as Executive Director of Revolution 250, a statewide consortium coordinating programs to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. In his talk, Lane explores the dramatic story of the wreck of the HMS Somerset, a British warship that ran aground on the Outer Cape during the American Revolutionary War in 1778. Drawing on historical accounts and local lore, he illuminates how the ship’s fate became part of Cape Cod’s Revolutionary history and remains a powerful reminder of the conflict’s reach along the Massachusetts coast.

Lane will speak at 4:00 pm ahead of the Opening Reception for the exhibition Old Yarmouth: Life During the American Revolution.

Cover image credit: Oil on linen canvas replica of circa 1863 thirteen-star ship's flag made by a Boston marine outfitter. It was a replica of a 1781 flag that flew over Castle William, now Fort Independence, Boston Harbor. The original flag is preserved in Mass. Archives. Artist Annabelle Anderson.

Support provided by Bank of America