LEXINGTON — To support the Lexington Minute Men’s ongoing efforts to recruit and equip the next young generation of new members, we are excited to announce that our unit will be hosting the “Ignite the Night” fundraising dinner on April 2, 2026, at Heritage Hall in Lexington.
This special event will shine a light on the Lexington Minute Men’s ongoing capital campaign, “Securing Our Legacy,” which aims to raise $250,000 by summer 2026. With over half of our goal raised already, your support will help young people step into history and join one of the most respected reenactment groups in the nation, with all of the gear and equipment we require in order to properly pay homage to those we proudly represent.
“This is not just about clothing or gear,” said Lexington Minute Men Captain Commanding Stephen Cole. “It’s about passing on a story — Lexington’s story — so that 50 years from now, and 100 years from now, the people of Lexington, the nation, and the world will still see the Lexington Minute Men standing on the Green each April, just as they have for over two and a half centuries.”
The night will include:
- A Special Guest Celebrity Host
- Red Carpet Entrance, including Photos with the Minute Men and Valet Parking
- Cocktail Hour with Passed Hors d’oeuvres
- Sit-Down, 3-Course Dinner
- Live Auction and Paddle Raise
- Meet and Greet with Our Members
- Surprises, Special Guests, and More!
Because of limited space, attendance is invite-only. Those interested in attending can express their interest in receiving an invitation here:https://lexingtonminutemen.com/ignitethenight/.
Please note that completing the form does not commit anyone to attending — but rather ensures they receive full event details and a formal invitation when registration opens.
Like many reenacting groups, we face a challenge: The cost of joining. Our standards are high, as they should be. Our kits—hand-made, historically accurate clothing and equipment—cost around $7,000. For most young adults in their 20s and 30s, that cost is simply out of reach.
In addition to the recruitment campaign, we also recently launched our new rent-to-own program, so that no one who shares our passion and wants to be part of our mission is turned away for financial reasons. When a new member joins, we outfit them immediately with everything they need so they can begin training to honor and portray the heroes of Lexington right away. A comfortable payment plan is worked out with them until their kit is fully paid off. This program removes the single biggest barrier to becoming a member of the Lexington Minute Men.
“The Lexington Minute Men is unique in that each of our members represents a real person, the men who stood on the Common, and the women who safeguarded their families and homes on that fateful morning at the Dawn of the American Revolution,” said Captain Commanding Cole, who portrays Captain John Parker. “When we march, we carry their names. When we stand ready, we represent their courage. We educate the public, especially young people, to help them understand why that moment in our history matters today. We hope that this special dinner event will help us in reaching or even surpassing our fundraising goal to put us in the best position possible to carry on this vital legacy. ”
Those interested in sponsoring the event or donating to the Lexington Minute Men can do so here.
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