April 20, 2022 Submitted by The Town of Hingham
Town Administrator Tom Mayo and Director of Veterans' Services Keith Jermyn would like to invite the public and the media to a special ceremony next month commemorating the Battle of Grape Island.
This annual event will mark the Battle of Grape Island, which is also known as the second battle of the American Revolution.
WHEN
Sunday, May 22 from 12:30-2:30 p.m.
WHERE
The Bandstand on Hingham Harbor at Hingham Bathing Beach
WHO
Several state and local elected officials have been invited to attend the event. Representatives from the Town of Hingham, Hingham Police Department and Hingham Fire Department will be in attendance as well.
WHAT
On the morning of Sunday, May 21, 1775, alarms were sounded when four boats carrying a small British force were seen advancing on Grape Island in Boston Harbor. The Hingham militia responded to Weymouth Neck and exchanged fire with the British, and the battle served as the start of the “Provision War” in the harbor islands region. The victory of the militia over British forces would go on to be a major turning point in the American Revolutionary War.
The Town of Hingham and the Hingham Board of Selectmen declared May 21, 2017 as the first “Battle of Grape Island” Commemoration Day, which has been observed annually since then.
This year’s event will continue this tradition of remembering and celebrating this important event in the history of Hingham and of the United States.
As part of the event, invited guests will speak on the history and significance of the event and historical reenactors will present the battle in multiple stages for those in attendance.
Refreshments will be served following the event.
The Battle of Grape Island Commemoration is presented by the Town of Hingham Historic Commission and Hingham Historical Society. Special thanks are given to His Majesty‘s 1st Foot Guards reenactment group and the Town Militias of both Hingham and Wareham for their participation.