Lanterns & Luminaries
An Evening of Inspiration and Celebration
Thursday, April 11, 2024, 6:30 – 9:30pm
Old North Church @ 193 Salem Street, Boston, MA
Honoring Cmdr. Billie J. Farrell, the 77th Commander of USS Constitution
One if by Land, and Two if by Sea
Lanterns & Luminaries invites you to the historic Old North Church for a special evening celebrating Paul Revere’s famous “two if by sea” lantern signal. Enjoy festive music followed by the Third Lantern Award keynote address by Cmdr. Billie J. Farrell, a spirited performance of the poem “Paul Revere’s Ride,” and a lantern-lighting reenactment with Paul Revere on horseback. Then enjoy tasty refreshments and explore Old North’s sanctuary and newly restored crypt.
Cmdr. Billie J. Farrell, a 2004 Naval Academy graduate, became the first woman to command USS Constitution in 2022. Farrell focused on strengthening the legacy of the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat and America’s ship of state by sharing its centuries-long history and telling the Navy story. She exemplifies the values reflected in Old North’s famous signal lanterns: courage, leadership, teamwork, and active citizenship.
Lanterns & Luminaries is the signature annual fundraiser for the nonprofit Old North Illuminated. Tickets are on sale now. Sponsorship packages, which include a special pre-event reception, are also available. Contact jfishman@oldnorth.com with questions. Gallery tickets will be available at the door.
Dress Code: First and foremost, comfortable shoes are important given the brick around the church. Many guests will be coming from the office. We suggest attire that falls between business and cocktail. Tricorner hats are optional! Tents have been reserved, should it rain.
Old North Illuminated, formerly the Old North Foundation, is a secular 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to inspire active citizenship and courageous, compassionate leadership by interpreting and preserving the Old North Church & Historic Site.
Host Committee
Barbara Russell, Co-Chair
State Senator Lydia Edwards*
Woodie and Andrea Haskins
Angela Johnson
Michael Maler
Rashaun Martin
Ann Moritz, Ph.D.
Laura Moruzzi and Chuck McKinney
Rick Musiol
Monica Rhodes
Jackie Russell
Nikki Stewart and Jake Sconyers
Susan Tran
Tommy Welch, Ed.D.
Sponsors
Gold
Anne Bailey Berman and Roger Berman
Allen Snyder
Silver
Jeff and Kristen Bray
Nancy Csaplar
Susan and Charles Eddy
Jillian and Andrew McGrath
Madeleine Rodriguez and Francisco Morales
Gordon and Barbara Russell
Tim Ostrander/Ayco Goldman Sachs
Twelve Points Business Advisors
Bronze
The Bigelow Family
Jonathan Chu and Maryann Brink
Eastern Bank
Greylock Roofing Co., Inc.
Teri Groome and Paul Belanger
Thomas A. Kershaw / Hampshire House Hospitality Group
Angela Johnson
Knollmeyer Building Corp.
Manzi Appraisers & Restoration
Thomas H. and Mary F. Townsend
Beverage Sponsors
Agri Segretum
Boston Beer Company
Steve DeAngelis, Golden Goose Market
About Out Honoree
Billie June (BJ) Farrell was born in Paducah, Kentucky. She attended the United States Naval Academy and was commissioned in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in political science. In 2009, she earned a Master of Science degree in operations management from the University of Arkansas.
Her first division officer tour was aboard USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) as electrical officer. She then briefly took over as OI Division Officer before being promoted to navigator for her second tour. After completing her two division officer tours, Farrell reported to Commander, Naval Personnel Command (COMNAVPERSCOM) in Millington, Tennessee and became an action officer in PERS-833 (Post Selection Board Matters). While there, she assumed duties as delay section head and assistant board screener.
After departing PERS-833, Farrell started the Department Head pipeline. She reported to USS San Jacinto (CG 56) in March 2012 as the weapons officer and then became the combat systems officer onboard. Her next tour was as deputy director for professional development at the United States Naval Academy. After departing the Naval Academy, Farrell reported to Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic as deputy N3. She then served as executive officer onboard USS Vicksburg (CG 69).
Farrell became the first woman to assume command of USS Constitution on January 21, 2022. She focused on strengthening the legacy of the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat and America’s ship of state by sharing its centuries-long history and telling the Navy story. She exemplifies the values reflected in Old North’s famous signal lanterns: courage, leadership, teamwork, and active citizenship.
Farrell’s awards include two Meritorious Service Medals, four Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and three Meritorious Unit Commendation Medals.
