On July 1, 2022, Governor Ned Lamont established a commission responsible for planning the State of Connecticut’s multi-year commemorations, celebrations, and reflections on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the formation of the United States of America, which will occur on July 4, 2026.
You can read the Governor’s Executive Order here.
Mission
To plan and coordinate activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding; and enhance tourism, economic development, historic education and preservation, and outdoor recreation within the state; and coordinate, engage, and liaise with the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, and other local, county, and state commissions, as well as private and public organizations and partners. The Commission will develop, encourage, and execute an inclusive celebration, commemoration, and observance of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence through civic, cultural, and historical education events and programming; and will promote the documentation, identification, and preservation of cultural and historic resources, including archives, buildings, landscapes, objects, and sites related to the semiquincentennial period.
Vision
This anniversary encourages us to reflect on our role in the creation of our nation: as individuals, as communities, and as a state. When we commemorate the semiquincentennial, we must ensure that Americans of all ages and backgrounds and in all places see themselves in history, appreciate its relevance, and understand how the diverse people of the past all contributed to the American story.
A successful 250th in Connecticut will be defined by its reach and impact; specifically, the number of opportunities created for civic engagement, and the degree to which those opportunities made all residents of Connecticut feel represented and included. We hope that Connecticut will be remembered as a model for revolutionary civic participation that inspires others with our people’s passions, histories, and capacity to create positive and sustainable change—together.
Values Statement
Events surrounding the commemoration of the 250th will take a variety of forms, from celebratory to analytical to commemorative, and will involve people with a variety of backgrounds and beliefs. Regardless of what form their participation takes, we ask organizations to work to align their initiatives with inclusive themes and values, to make welcome as many people from across Connecticut’s communities as possible, and to encourage people to consider the future repercussions of today’s actions. To do so, all projects, events, and programs should call for mutual respect and empathy. All activities should be accessible to as many people as possible; please bear in mind and attempt to accommodate socioeconomic, physical limitations, language, and other potential barriers to access. We ask, too, that organizations support one another in our collective efforts, including by sharing knowledge and resources whenever possible. Center relationships and the process of developing trust, and be honest and candid with all involved in the process.