Town remembers Victorian MP killed in shipwreck
BBCA Lincolnshire town is to hold an event to celebrate its former MP and pioneering political journalist who died in a shipwreck.
Herbert Ingram was born in Boston in 1811 and became the town's parliamentary representative in 1856, before he drowned when two ships collided on Lake Michigan in the US.
Last year, a gold pocket watch and chain belonging to Ingram, which was recovered from the bottom of the lake, was given to the town's Guildhall Museum.
Ingram Day on 23 May will celebrate his birthday as well as the one-year anniversary of the timepiece's return, Boston Town Council said.
Actors portraying Herbert and his wife Ann Ingram will give a "walkabout performance" around the town.
There will also be a series of creative sessions for children about producing news stories and a chance to make their own gold foil watch.
During his time as Boston MP, Ingram was instrumental in bringing water supplies, gas and the railways to the town.
He also founded a famous Victorian magazine, The Illustrated London News.
Ingram was in the US in 1860, gathering material for the journal, when he and his son Charles died when the steamship Lady Elgin collided and sank near Chicago with the loss of hundreds of lives.
He is buried in Boston Cemetery, and a statue of him was erected in 1862 in front of Boston Stump.
Councillor Sarah Sharpe said: "I encourage everyone to come along and celebrate Ingram Day at the Guildhall.
"This is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the incredible things Herbert Ingram did for our town and the lasting impact of his work."
The free event runs from 10:30 to 15:00 BST at the Guildhall.
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