The America 250th is already upon us. As previously reported 1774 was the year of the First Continental Congress. It was the year when Americans began to take sides as Loyalist or Rebel. The vote for the selection of delegates to the First Continental Congress marked the beginning of America’s first civil war as well.
Now we are moving into the anniversary of 1775. It was the year of the Second Continental Congress beginning in May also in Philadelphia. This time the Congress followed the confrontations at Lexington and Concord. The battle was engaged.
One might think that the planning for the commemorations of these events would be in full swing. The national commission chartered by Congress would be going full blast to lead America in a discussion of where people stood just as it would have done in 2024. I guess one could say the presidential election served the same purpose. As to what in the incoming president will do in 2025 or in the subsequent years remains to seen.
In the meantime, here is a snapshot of where things stand
At the national level
At the regional level in New England
At the state level:
Connecticut
Maine
Massachusetts
New York
Rhode Island
Vermont
And for New York City.
Many local municipalities are planning events, too many to list here. I am confining myself to my own state and region and where I receive email notifications about what is going on even if I cannot attend. Some states are doing a terrific job like Connecticut and others are abysmal like New York. And the less said about New York City the better.
AMERICA250 Press Release
America250 and United States Conference Of Mayors Launch Task Force Recruiting Cities for 250th Anniversary Planning
Washington, D.C. – America250, the official nonpartisan entity charged by Congress with planning the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Semiquincentennial, today announced the addition of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) to its cohort of America250 National Resource Partners. Charged with engaging mayors to participate in Semiquincentennial efforts, USCM has launched the America250 Task Force to recruit America250 Cities and expand 250th anniversary planning at the local level.
Through the America250 Task Force, led by Chair and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, America250 and USCM will invite cities across the country to officially become “America250 Cities” and commit to celebrating and commemorating the 250th anniversary. The Task Force will also convene mayors to participate in planning sessions to discuss programming for the 250th-anniversary celebration. USCM Task Forces are created by the President of the Conference to address individual issues requiring the immediate attention of a select group of mayors.
Currently, 54 states and territories have announced Semiquincentennial Commissions, which are entrusted with planning statewide commemorative activities. Bringing USCM on board as a National Resource Partner and launching the America250 Task Force to establish America250 Cities is part of a concerted effort to engage more Americans at the local level.
“To plan the largest and most inspiring celebration and commemoration, reaching as many Americans as possible, we need the help of our cities and State and Territory Commissions,” said America250 Chair, Rosie Rios. “The United States Conference of Mayors’ America250 Task Force will serve as our boots on the ground, helping with planning and programming at the local level. I’m thrilled to welcome the United States Conference of Mayors as a National Resource Partner. I look forward to working together to establish America250 Cities to amplify our efforts and engage communities nationwide in a unified commemoration of this historic milestone.”
“The U.S. Conference of Mayors is pleased to be a national resource partner as we prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” said Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of The U.S. Conference of Mayors. “We look forward to working closely with the Commission to bring communities across the country together to celebrate this pivotal moment in our nation’s history.”
National Resource Partners are a select group of expert nonpartisan, nonprofit organizations tasked with helping to elevate and scale America250 programming. As a National Resource Partner, the United States Conference of Mayors will serve as an extension of America250, convening and activating cities across the country in a coordinated, unified effort to build up to the 250th. Other America250 National Resource Partners include Meridian International Center, National Women’s History Museum, American Association of State and Local History (AASLH), iCivics, More Perfect, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Washington National Cathedral and Points of Light.
Remembering the American Revolution at 250
In 2026, the United States will celebrate both the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the formal start of the American Revolution. There will be a host of events throughout the country to commemorate these momentous milestones, but also deep soul searching about the meanings of the revolution, independence, and liberty, and the proper way to commemorate these events. To participate in these conversations, Remembering the American Revolution at 250 is bringing together historians, public historians, and other practitioners from around the world to consider this moment in American history in an ongoing collection of research essays, reflective essays, and lesson plans.
For the first issue click here
Journal Diplomatic History
CFP: 1776 in Global Context: Diplomatic History
To mark the 2026 Semiquincentennial of the American Revolution, the journal Diplomatic History seeks article proposals that engage with any aspect related to the international, transnational, transimperial, continental, or global dimensions of the American Revolution, including its origins or aftermath. The articles will be published in a special forum in 2026.
New England Museum Association
NEMA Annual Conference 2024
We the Museum: Toward a ‘More Perfect’ Vision for our Changing World
November 6th – 8th, 2024 Newport, Rhode Island
As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, now is a time to reflect on both the origin of America’s museums, and consider the field not only in its current state, but where it has grown from the past, and what it can be in the future. While museums predate the United States by thousands of years [sic], it is important for us as museum professionals to take stock of the developments in our field and plot a course of action for positive change. Just as America was by no means perfect at its inception, neither was the museum field. While the U.S. Constitution seeks a “more perfect union,” how can we work towards a “more perfect” museum world? How can we be better, if perfection is out of reach?
This year, NEMA asks you how we can become ‘more perfect’ in a rapidly shifting landscape? What does it take to do this work well? How can museums help change and perfect our worldview? Who are the players? What is at stake? What do we as professionals, as a society, as an audience, as individuals require to carve out a vision for museums that supports the world we inhabit?
CONNECTICUT
Program Followup: Funding Spotlight: America 250 | CT Museum Makeover
Thank you so much for attending our Funding Spotlight: America 250 | CT Museum Makeover. We hope the session was informative and helpful.
You can help us ensure we are offering the best programs that meet your needs by filling out our brief program evaluation.
Followup Resources
We’re including here some followup resources from the program, including a link to the recording on our YouTube channel, the slide decks, and information about the America 250 | CT Commission and this special Museum Makeover grant opportunity.
Program Recording
Rachel’s Slides
Kathy’s Slides
Museum Makeover Website
America 250 | CT Website
If you are interested in applying for this grant, be sure to schedule a call with Kathy Craughwell-Varda as soon as possible by emailing her at csl.conservationconnection@ct.gov. You must speak with Kathy about your project before applying. And remember, she will provide feedback on draft applications that are shared with her at least two weeks before the January 22 deadline.
Connecticut will hold a 250th conference on March 21, 2025:
Shaping a Commemoration Rooted in Belonging
University of Connecticut
Join us for a day of collaboration surrounding the 250th in Connecticut. Information about the conference and how to submit proposals is available at the below link. Conference registration information will follow. 2025 Conference
Maine Semiquincentennial Commission
The Maine Semiquincentennial Commission was established in state law in 2023. Housed within the Maine Department of the Secretary of State, Chapter Resolve 126 states the Commission “shall develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, referred to in this resolve as “the commemoration,” through educational and historical events, activities and programs throughout the State.” Read the full authorizing legislation.
Appointed members of the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission are:
- Shenna Bellows, Maine Secretary of State
- Kelli A. Deveaux, Family Organizer and Community Activist
- Lori Fisher, Maine State Librarian
- Bernard Fishman, Director of the Maine State Museum
- Julia Gray, Executive Director of Wilson Museum
- Richard LaBelle, Norridgewock Town Manager
- Abbe Levin, Cultural/Heritage Tourism Consultant
- Kate McBrien, Chief Deputy and Chief of Staff, Secretary of State
- Peter Merrill, Chair of the Maine State Cultural Affairs Council
- Marcia Minter, Co-Founder & Chief Officer of Strategic Growth and Innovation of Indigo Arts Alliance
- Kirk Mohney, Director of Maine Historic Preservation Commission
- Jamie Kingman Rice, Deputy Director of the Maine Historical Society
- Earle Shettleworth, Maine State Historian
- Robin Talbot, Associate Director of the Stonecoast MFA Program at USM
- Governor Janet T. Mills, Ex-Officio Member, represented by Greg Pierce
- Senate President Matthea Elisabeth Larsen Daughtry, Ex-Officio Member
- House Speaker Ryan D. Fecteau, Ex-Officio Member
Director of Special Projects, Maine Semiquincentennial Commission: Sarah E. Hansen, Sarah.E.Hansen@maine.gov.
Maine Semiquincentennial Commission Interested Parties List
This list delivers information on public meetings and other activities relating to the work of the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission. To Subscribe, please email Maricor DelaTorre at maricor.delatorre@maine.gov with the subject “Maine Semiquincentennial Commission Interested Parties List.”
For 2024, the Commission met on the second Wednesday of every other month , from 3:00 – 4:30 pm. Meetings were held at the Maine State Archives offices (17 Elkins Lane, Augusta) or over Zoom.
MASSACHUSETTS
Celebrate Massachusetts 250 and Introducing Museums 250
The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism announced on 12/10 that there will most likely be a second round of Massachusetts 250 Grants “to support programming and interpretation that tell the stories of the American Revolution in Massachusetts and increase tourism and travel to and within Massachusetts.” Please keep an eye out for updates on this process after the turn of the year.
Museums 250 is a new campaign designed to establish Massachusetts museums as key destinations for commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution by showcasing Revolutionary-era items, stories, and programs through a unified marketing campaign. Over 450 museums across the Commonwealth have opportunities to embrace travelers, visitors, and residents to experience an exhibit, collection, and memorable event as a part of the Massachusetts 250th commemoration.
Museums 250 is a branding campaign, connecting museums and cultural organizations, to bring the state’s revolutionary story to life by showcasing objects and exhibits from that period of American history. Through object-based storytelling, this campaign creates tangible connections to the American Revolution.
SAVE THE DATE: “1775: A Society on the Brink of War and Revolution”
Hosted at the Concord Museum
April 10-11, 2025
The Concord Museum, the David Center for the American Revolution at the American Philosophical Society, and the Massachusetts Historical Society will hold a conference on April 10-11, 2025 on the theme “1775”. The conference will be convened at the Concord Museum and marks the 250th anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord. There will be opportunities for attendees to visit historic sites and view objects and collections significant to the Revolution.
What challenges did New England society face in this moment, and how did they impact the outbreak of fighting in 1775? The conference organizers seek proposals from scholars across fields whose perspectives may bear new insight into British American society, culture and economy on the brink of its collapse; the origins of the American Revolution; and the outbreak of military conflict.
Topics may include, but are not limited to:
- The political and social origins of the military crisis;
- The impact of the British military on Boston and New England society from the end of the Seven Years War in 1763 and the outbreak of fighting in 1775;
- Visual, material, and print culture connected to the outbreak of the war;
- Native American and Indigenous perspectives on these events and their legacy;
- The impact of the crisis and military mobilization on gender and family norms;
- The experiences of women and children;
- The role of slavery and experiences of enslaved people;
- Religious belief, the pulpit, and the revolutionary crisis;
- The battles of Lexington and Concord, and the siege of Boston;
- The memory and legacy of the battles of Lexington and Concord, including objects, museums, monuments, and their role in national political history and mythology.
Questions? Email ccloutier@masshist.org.
NEW YORK STATE
New York State 250th Commemoration Commission Meeting
The New York State 250th Commemoration Commission held a meeting on Wednesday, October 23rd. The meeting is open to the public and took place at the Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan State Historic Site, the New York State Museum, and the Schomburg Library.
The meeting was pathetic, a true embarrassment. The panelists were located in all three venues. All three panels were displayed on-line. The figures were too small to discern as were the signs identifying them. If you didn’t recognize by voice, you were lost. The acoustics were terrible. Even the panelists in one location complained about not being able to hear speakers in the other locations.
And this is from a panel with no funding. If any funding is included in the budget for next year, it would be the second half of 2025 at the earliest before such funds were available.
The guest Presenter: Andrea Smith, Lafayette College, author of “Memory Wars: Settlers and Natives Remember Washington’s Sullivan Expedition of 1779” was the highlight of the session.
The next meeting will be in February.
New York wades into controversy over new way of teaching the American Revolution
New program includes voices of Indigenous and enslaved people
By Kathleen Moore, Staff Writer Updated Oct 9, 2024 8:38 a.m.
Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site on Tuesday, Oct. 8, in Albany.
A new video by the New York Education Department and state Parks focuses on enslaved people at the Schuyler Mansion who escaped to join the British. They were promised their freedom and land if they fought for the Loyalists. At least one of the people enslaved at the Schuyler Mansion survived and received land in Nova Scotia after the war.
The state Board of Regents on Monday got a look at the new ways of teaching the American Revolution that will be rolled out by February in state parks in advance of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Later, school programs will be developed from the same content.
The displays will include powerful new videos detailing the lives of unheard people from that time. One highlights an Indigenous woman who fought for the colonists in hopes of keeping her tribal land. After the war, Indigenous soldiers returned to find their land had been taken by their former allies. The Indigenous people were forced out.
“It’s this history that hasn’t been reckoned yet,” Indigenous public historian Heather Bruegl, of the Oneida and Stockbridge-Munsee, said in that video. “The colonists wanted that promise of freedom and they got it — with our help.”
The video ends with a black background and the words: “Since its founding, the United States has never upheld a treaty made with an Indigenous Nation.”
Two other videos showcase the stories of enslaved people who fled the Schuyler Mansion in Albany and other areas because the British promised freedom and land to anyone who fought for the Loyalists. About 3,000 formerly enslaved people who fought for the British and survived the war were given land in Nova Scotia.
There are 40 videos in total. They have not been released online yet.
Regents immediately praised the new pieces, but worried that they would get another deluge of criticism similar to what happened when they approved diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
“We have social studies teachers on Long Island who are afraid to teach what we’re talking about here,” said Regent Roger Tilles. “There are things we talked about this morning that I’m afraid won’t go over well in some of my districts.”
Chancellor Lester Young Jr. said the curriculum requires courage.
“There is a major effort occurring in New York state to ensure that the real history of America is told,” he said. “We are the body that is responsible for the education of all students and it’s important we maintain the courage to do what’s right.”
Still, he acknowledged that there will be a negative reaction from some groups.
“When this board passed the DEI policy, there was tremendous pushback, the depths of which we have not seen in a long time,” he said. “A great American once said, every now and again courage has to kick in. A moment when you have to do what’s right. So I think what this board has to do is continue to lift up the truth and do what’s right.”
The new way of viewing the revolution, as designed by the state Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education and the state Parks Department, is called “the Unfinished Revolution.”
“The American Revolution, as groundbreaking and important as it was, was really incomplete — it did not include all residents of the colonies, did not include women as voters, obviously enslavement was allowed for decades, so how do we grapple with that history?” said state historian Devin Lander in the presentation to the Board of Regents.
“We developed themes for how to talk about that history,” he said. “Really the opportunity is to think about it as … not really the past. It’s connected to events to this day.”
The idea is to see the revolution as the impetus for 250 years of striving to meet the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.
The new videos, photos, narratives and other elements will be shown on “Revisit the Revolution” kiosks installed at parks throughout the state.
Locally, the kiosks will be at the Capitol, Schuyler Mansion and Peebles Island. They will be installed by February.
The Education Department plans to also create programming for schools and push for funding to bring students to their nearest state park to use the kiosks. Currently, state aid does not cover bus transportation for field trips, so the Education Department will propose adding that in next year’s budget.
In addition, the department wants to provide small grants to libraries for programming using the kiosk videos and other materials.
Kathleen Moore
Times Union’s education reporter. You can reach her at Kathleen.Moore@timesunion.com or 518-918-5497.
https://www.timesunion.com/education/article/albany-faces-controversy-new-way-teach-19821414.php
RHODE ISLAND
The Rhode Island Semiquincentennial 250th Commission (RI 250th Commission), was established in 2021 through a joint resolution from the General Assembly. Rhode Island has a pivotal role in the founding of our country – the attack on the HMS Gaspee was the first act of aggression against the British. It is commemorated in Rhode Island, and across the nation, as the spark that ignited the American Revolution. This important anniversary presents an opportunity for Rhode Islanders, and all Americans, to reflect on the many significant events that inspired the birth of our country from a diverse perspectives.
The RI250 Commission consists of 30 appointed members. It is tasked with encouraging civic pride, economic development, and sharing our state’s history through organizing and participating in activities marking Rhode Island’s role in the American Revolution. The Commission acts as a clearing house and facilitates American Revolution-related activities throughout the State beginning in 2022 and leading up to 2026. RI250 encourages all Rhode Islanders to become engaged and invested in this important milestone.
VERMONT
Vermont’s 250th Anniversary Commission
Governor Phil Scott has signed an executive order creating the 250th Anniversary Commission to plan, coordinate and promote observances and activities that commemorate the historic events associated with the American Revolution in Vermont.
The year 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the formation of the United States of America. Vermonters played a significant role in the colonists’ assertion for independence from Great Britain, from the Green Mountain Boys successful assault at Fort Ticonderoga to the Battle of Hubbardton, and to the Battle of Bennington where Vermont troops helped defeat a British force to set up the victories that turned the war in favor of the new Americans. Events and education will continue with commemoration of the 1777 campaign and the founding of Vermont.
To observe these events, Vermont will be joining other states and partners to encourage remembrance of our past, commemorate the present and look forward to a promising future.
Read the full Press Release here: 250th Anniversary Commission Press Release
Our Mission
Vermont’s 250th Anniversary Commission will inspire all Vermonters to learn from the history, legacy, and context of the past to build strong Vermont communities for the future. Through collaborative local and statewide initiatives that explore an inclusive history of the American Revolution, Vermont 250 will support and encourage the preparation, planning, and execution of programs and events that examine a formative period of our nation and how it continues to shape our culture and values.
250th Anniversary Commission Strategic Plan
Vermont’s 250th Anniversary Commission has compiled a reading list related to the events, people, and places of the American Revolutionary War-era and Republic of Vermont. This is not a comprehensive list but one source for materials related to this significant period on our state’s and nation’s history.
Reading list for American Revolutionary War-era and Republic of Vermont.
If you are interested in having your community or organization events endorsed by the 250th Commission, please complete this form and submit for evaluation. Please submit events at least 6 weeks before it is scheduled to begin. Endorsed events will be included on the Vermont 250th Anniversary calendar of events.
Tell us how you wish to commemorate the 250th. We want to hear your ideas for events, activities, educational opportunities, discussions exploring our complicated history, re-enactments, anything!! Please email us atSOV.Vermont250@vermont.gov
250th Anniversary Commissioners
Laura V. Trieschmann, State Historic Preservation Officer/Chair
Jim Brangan, Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership
Catherine Delneo, State Librarian
Paul Deslandes, University of Vermont, Department of History
<strong>Tom Hughes, Historian
Christopher Kaufman Ilstrup, Vermont Humanities
John Krueger, Historian
James Lockridge, Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership/creative, cultural heritage, & nonprofit sectors
Vacant, VCNAA Representative
Martin Mahoney, Bennington Museum
Susan Evans McClure, Vermont Arts Council
Stephen Perkins, Vermont Historical Society
Heather Pelham, Commissioner of Tourism and Marketing
Israel Provoncha, Re-enactor/Historian
Jonah Spivak, Friends of the Battle Monument; Friends of the Bennington Battlefield; Town of Bennington
The Vermont 250th Anniversary Commission welcomes public participation.
NEW YORK CITY
The only reason the New York City American Revolution 250th isn’t even more pathetic than the state version is because there isn’t one. Local organizations are moving ahead with their own events but there is not city- or borough-wide organization.
The one event that is drawing attention is
To celebrate America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, the largest fleet of the world’s most magnificent tall ships and gray hull ships will sail into New York Harbor, pass in Presidential review, and salute the Statue of Liberty.
In the tradition of the 1976 Bicentennial, the Statue of Liberty Centennial in 1986, the Columbus Quincentennial in 1992, the Millennium celebration in 2000, and the Bicentennial of the Star-Spangled Banner in 2012, international fleets will arrive in grand style and spend a week in the heart of the nation’s first capitol.
Sailors will come together in the universal fellowship of freedom, hope, and opportunity that our country has always represented.
This will be a big event. There will be thousands of tourists and much to see. Of course, on July 4, 1776, not much happened in New York City. A few days later the Declaration of Independence was read, the statue of George III was toppled, and a fleet of tall British ships carrying 30,000 soldiers was on its way to Manhattan. The Battle of New York was engaged.
In other words, the biggest battle of 1776 occurred in the Battle of New York/Brooklyn/Long Island. New York has the opportunity to dominate the 1776 anniversary celebration by commemorating the biggest battle of the year. Certainly Westchester County will celebrate the battles in 1776 that were a spillover from this campaign, but New York City will not. Organizations that commemorate the Battle of New York anyway annually will continue to do so, but the city will do nothing just like the state.
