Grand Union Flag Raising

Join us to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the first flag raising.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Museum will kick off the New Year on Thursday, January 1, 2026, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the first-flag “Grand Union” flag-raising. A procession led by “George Washington” will leave from the City Hall Concourse at 11:30 a.m. and head to Prospect Hill, and all are invited to join in. The annual ceremony at Prospect Hill Park features a history-filled speaking program from 12 noon to 1 p.m.

This event honors a defining moment of the American Revolution when General George Washington established the Continental Army and responded to escalating British pressure with the raising of the Great Union Flag on Prospect Hill. As always, members of the public, including families with school children, are invited to participate.

The event will bring together historic Massachusetts Militia units, displaying their flags for the first time in Somerville. Featured guests include Somerville’s own Major General Richard Johnson, Deputy FORSCOM Director, and historical interpreter Sean Osborne, portraying Continental Army soldier Primus Hall—son of enslaved parents Delia and Prince Hall and later a respected educator and abolitionist —who enlisted in January 1776 in pursuit of his freedom. The program will also feature Phillis Wheatley’s 1775 poem “To His Excellency George Washington,” written while she herself was enslaved, followed by John Koopman’s dramatic portrayal of Washington’s arrival on horseback.

“This event marks 250 years of shared history and reaffirms our collective responsibility to create a better tomorrow," said Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. "May we continue to lead through our values, striving to build a city where equity, innovation, freedom, and opportunity thrive.”

Complementary hot drinks and a children’s flag-making activity will be also available, and children and neighbors will be invited to raise their own flags at the conclusion of the ceremony. Weather permitting, Prospect Hill tower will be open to the public.

Image	Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact the ADA Coordinator, Adrienne Pomeroy, at 617-625-6600 x2059 or ada@somervillema.gov.
Image	The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter in your language for free. To request an interpreter, please contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311) at least 7 days in advance of this event.
Image	This event will be videotaped by the City’s GovTV team. Watch it on-demand with optional closed-captioning (select the CC icon) on YouTube.com/SomervilleCityTV. Or watch on cable TV at GovTV Comcast Ch. 22 and GovTV Astound (RCN) Ch. 13 & 613.  Videos generally post within one business day of recording.