Memorizing historical dates is difficult for most students. It helps to associate a date with something that is easier to remember, such as a song or a poem. Thanks to American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, it's a breeze to remember when Paul Revere rode through the countryside to warn of a British invasion. "Paul Revere's Ride" is one of the most popular poems in American literature. It memorializes the date, April 18, 1775, that helped launch a revolution.

Before that fateful night, Revere was already a special messenger for the Boston patriots and had participated in the Boston Tea Party in 1773. Two days before his famous ride, he went to Concord to warn patriots to move their military supplies after he learned of British plans to suppress the rebellious colonists.

But Revere was captured by British troops and never actually made that second trip to Concord. After he was released, he made his way to Lexington and his friends, Samuel Adams and John Hancock, who were wanted for treason.

Longfellow's account of the lantern signal in the steeple of the Old North Church is inaccurate. Revere directed the signal, "one if by land, and two if by sea," be sent not to him, but to friends in Charlestown, so they would know British troops were crossing the bay by boat.

I made a lantern that looks similar to the signal lights that hung in the Old North Church out of a milk carton. Use only a battery-operated tea light (available at craft stores) to light it, not a real candle.

Supplies you will need:

• 1 half-gallon milk or juice carton

• 1 empty toilet paper roll

• 1 battery-operated tea light

• Waxed paper

• Clay

• Glue

• Scissors

• Black paint and brush

• Ruler

Wash the inside of the carton.

Draw a 3½-by-5½-inch rectangle centered on each side of the box. Cut the rectangle out.

Slice the toilet paper roll down the side and overlap the edge about one-half inch so the tea light can be inserted without falling through. Secure with tape or glue.

Paint the box and toilet paper roll black. Let dry.

Roll a ball of clay into a flat circle.

Cut waxed paper to size and glue to the inside of three sides of the carton.

Press the toilet paper roll on the clay so it stands upright and straight. Glue to the bottom of the carton.

Press the button of the tea light to the "on" position and place on the top of the toilet paper roll through the open side.