News Release

Multimillion-Dollar Restoration Announcement on Evacuation Day at Dorchester Heights

NPS Photo

News Release Date: March 11, 2022

BOSTON–Boston National Historical Park will receive a multi-million-dollar appropriation from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) to restore the iconic 1902 Dorchester Heights Monument tower and landscape. When the project is completed, visitors will be able to enjoy the improved public green space and spectacular 115-foot landmark on Telegraph Hill that commemorates a pivotal event of the Revolutionary War.

“The GAOA funds will allow the National Park Service to address huge, deferred maintenance challenges that are needed to properly preserve the Dorchester Heights Monument and improve visitor safety, access and enjoyment of it,” said Superintendent Michael Creasey. “The monument has been plagued by water infiltration and structural deterioration for decades. Stabilizing and restoring the landmark and its surrounding landscape to its former grandeur will allow generations of visitors to experience this historic place and understand its significance.”

The annual commemoration of Evacuation Day at Dorchester Heights (95 G Street, Boston) on Thursday, March 17, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. will be hosted by the National Parks of Boston and South Boston Citizens’ Association. This year’s event, Commemorating the Past, Investing in the Future: Evacuation Day on the Heights, includes an announcement of this significant federal investment to restore Dorchester Heights Monument as a local and national landmark.

Evacuation Day at the Heights will feature a ceremonial musket fire by the Lexington Minutemen and music provided by the Boston University Band. Confirmed speakers include Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, National Park Service Regional Director Gay Vietzke, and state representatives. The program will be held at Thomas Park in front of the Dorchester Heights Monument. Refreshments follow the event.

Parking is available at Thomas Park and neighboring streets. Additional parking is available at the Castle Island parking lot. The National Park Service will offer free transportation to and from the event via Castle Island and Andrew Station (Red Line).

The event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required and tickets are available online. Details on safe gathering protocols will be shared closer to the event. A livestream of the program will also be available on the National Parks of Boston’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

Press RSVP: Members of the media should confirm their attendance to Namita Raina [e-mail]. Parking is available for press attendees, but space is limited. Please contact Namita for more information.

-NPS-

About the National Parks of Boston

The National Parks of Boston is a collection of three National Park Service sites – Boston National Historical Park, Boston African American National Historic Site, and Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. Established by individual legislation and for designated purposes, the three units have come together under a unified organizational umbrella to collaborate in ways that celebrate our cultural heritage, reconnect people to history and nature, and provide outdoor recreation opportunities on land and on the water. For more information, visit: www.nps.gov/bost, www.nps.gov/boaf, and www.bostonharborislands.org.