AMERICA'S 250th COMMEMORATION

America’s 250th Commemoration

The 250th Commemoration marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 and the founding of the United States of America. Our nation’s semiquincentennial is a multi-year commemoration with many events across the months throughout our country and includes our local Upper Valley towns in Vermont and New Hampshire. The 250th Commemoration carries the possibility to bring people in our Upper Valley community together for positive and reflective shared experiences.

What is Happening Locally for Our Nation’s 250th Commemoration?
The Hartford Town 250th Committee is wrapping up their activities this September. Check our calendar for fall 2026 events. The Committee’s efforts will be summarized in its report for the 2027 Annual Town report available in spring 2027. More 250th anniversaries continue in our region and for our nation.

Commemorating the 250th signing of the Declaration of Independence is called a “commemoration” because there are accomplishments to celebrate about the founding of our country. There is also the idea that we continue to improve and revise our government, as is the nature of democracy, to meet the unfinished promises of the Declaration of Independence. These years of commemoration are both celebratory and reflective.

Landmark Events of the Revolution

March 4, 1791 – Vermont joined the Union as 14th State.
June 21, 1788 – Constitution was ratified by ninth state (New Hampshire).
September 17, 1787 – U.S. Constitution signed by Constitutional Convention attendees in Philadelphia, PA.
September 3, 1783 – Peace agreement reached with Great Britain with the signing of the Treaty of Paris.
October 17, 1781 – End of the Revolutionary War with Cornwallis surrendering to Washington, Yorktown, VA.
July 8, 1777 – First Vermont Constitution was adopted in Windsor, Vermont.
The northern Saratoga campaign of the American Revolution including the Battles of Hubbardton, VT (July 7, 1777). Bennington (Aug 16, 1777) and the Battles of Saratoga (Sept 19 and Oct 7, 1777). Look for reenactment events in Western Vermont and NY state.
June 17, 1775 – The Battle of Bunker Hill (Wikipedia)
April 19, 1775 – The battles of Lexington and Concord (Wikipedia)
April 18, 1775 – The midnight ride of Paul Revere (Wikipedia)
March 23, 1775 – Patrick Henry delivers his “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech (Wikipedia)
February 4, 1775 – British Parliament declares the Province of Massachusetts to be in rebellion (Wikipedia)
September 5-October 26, 1774 – First Continental Congress (Wikipedia)
December 16, 1773 – Boston Tea Party (Wikipedia)

Links

Vermont 250th Website
Vermont 250th Calendar
America’s 250th Website

Upper Valley Calendar of Events

Please click here.