Connecticut plans statewide America 250 celebrations through end of year
Connecticut is preparing to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with events across all 169 towns and cities, highlighting the state’s Revolutionary War history and its role in American independence.
State leaders announced the CT250 plans at Connecticut’s Old State House on Tuesday, where officials outlined a schedule of events that run through the end of the year.
According to a press release, major events highlighted across the state include:
- Nationwide Bell Ringing – July 4, 2 p.m. statewide: Churches, historic sites, and residents across all 169 municipalities are invited to toll bells 13 times to join a synchronized national moment of celebration.
- Recommitment Ceremony – July 4, Hartford: A statewide gathering at the State Capitol and Connecticut State Library featuring a public reading of the Declaration of Independence and participation from all 169 municipalities.
- Hartford Bonanza at Bushnell Park – July 4, Hartford: A full-day celebration expected to draw more than 50,000 attendees, featuring a headline commemorative concert by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, a vibrant Civic Marketplace, and the region’s largest traditional fireworks display.
- Greenwich Celebrates America’s 250th – June 28, Greenwich: A 160-foot Dutch tall ship, the Oosterschelde, arrives in Greenwich Harbor alongside a large-scale Colonial village, reenactments, and public tours.
- Deep River Muster – July 18, Deep River: Widely hailed as the largest gathering of fife and drum corps, with more than 250 groups participating in a tradition that dates back generations.
- Click here for more major events.
The Hartford event will feature “live music, family activities, a civic marketplace, and one of the region’s largest fireworks displays,” Connecticut Statewide Marketing and Tourism Director Morgan Nyerick said.
Denise W. Merrill, chair of the America 250 CT Commission, said the effort focuses on ensuring people across the state feel included in the milestone.
Merrill said the goal is “that every Connecticut resident saw themselves in this milestone event, and that every community felt like they were invited to participate.”
The events are organized around four themes, including telling inclusive stories, working for the common good, doing history, and celebrating the power of place.
Organizers said corporate sponsorships have helped support the effort. That money has been spread across the state, reaching more than 700 organizations over the last three years for America 250 events.
“It’s really a year-long celebration, and it’s continuing well beyond July Fourth,” Merrill said.
Communities are also using America 250 as a springboard for their own events this summer, including in North Stonington.
Vilma Gregoropoulos said her community is preparing for a celebration in late June.
“We’re having a parade, muster, and colonial fair on June 27th. It’s free to the public, and you can come and try on costumes,” Gregoropoulos said.
Leaders said Connecticut has deep ties to America’s bid for independence and deserves recognition for its role in the country’s founding.
“Sometimes, maybe I think we haven’t told it as well as we could. So this is a moment we can do that,” Merrill said. “It wasn’t just Massachusetts, you know!”
A full list of CT250 events is available here.
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