Actions taken during the American Revolution led to the creation of local legends, but as these stories passed through generations they often changed. Exploring well-known narratives reveals the complex motivations behind the rebellion and how we choose to remember them. Litchfield Historical Society’s 250th exhibition Legends and Lore: Reconsidering Perspectives of the American Revolution examines these tales and how they shape our understanding of the fight for independence.

Meet locals who helped create bullets from the statue of King George III; compare the plight of prisoners aboard British prison ships with the solitary confinement of loyalist William Franklin; and examine the foundational documents that cast our founding fathers as traitors to the crown.

Join these storytellers to dive into their tales in this free exhibition from April 17 through November 28, 2027 at the Litchfield History Museum (7 South Street, Litchfield) More information at litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org; 860-567-4501

America 250 A250

Come face-to-face with some of the biggest names in America’s revolutionary past in One People: Portraits of the Early Republic. Images of George Washington, Oliver Wolcott, and the Marquis de Lafayette were popular at the country’sies founding but their portraits can only tell us so much about the real people behind them. Explore the stories of these men alongside less frequently painted figures, and those who were never portrayed in their lifetime.

Uncover the lives of the people beyond the paint in this free exhibition from April 17 through November 29, 2026 at the Litchfield History Museum (7 South Street, Litchfield, CT) More information visit www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org or call 860-567-4501

America 250 A250

Come face-to-face with some of the biggest names in America’s revolutionary past in One People: Portraits of the Early Republic. Images of George Washington, Oliver Wolcott, and the Marquis de Lafayette were popular at the country’sies founding but their portraits can only tell us so much about the real people behind them. Explore the stories of these men alongside less frequently painted figures, and those who were never portrayed in their lifetime.

Uncover the lives of the people beyond the paint in this free exhibition from April 17 through November 29, 2026 at the Litchfield History Museum (7 South Street, Litchfield, CT) More information visit www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org or call 860-567-4501

America 250 A250

Saturday, July 18, 2026

Our celebration of America’s 250th continues with this stunning presentation about Whitehall during the time our Founders, Alain and May White lived here, but also the beautiful legacy they left for all of us to enjoy. You’ll see old photos of the Whites and their grand way of living, and learn much about the conservation efforts they pursued making them two of the greatest conservationists in the United States. Whitehall Then and Now features glorious photographs of plant and animal life on the property taken by people like you! Come celebrate this beautiful gift! 2:00 p.m., A. B. Ceder Room.

Please pre-register: Whitehall Then and Now Registration

FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses.

Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Location: Meet at the Litchfield History Museum (7 South Street, Litchfield CT)

Cost: Free for Members | $10 for Non-Members

Registration Requested

Experience the Historic District through the eyes of artists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, featuring their words, sketches, and paintings. Join us Sunday, July 19 at 1:00 p.m. to learn about Litchfield's artistic past.

The walk will begin at the Litchfield Historical Society (7 South Street) and lasts approximately 1 hour. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. Walking tours are free for members and $10 for non-members.

Walking Tours are sponsored by Berkshire Alarm

Area residents are invited to start their celebration of America’s 250th birthday a little early on June 28 at the opening reception of the summer art show at the Merwinsville Hotel in Gaylordsville, CT. From 2-4 p.m. the artwork created by local artists will be on display and strawberry shortcake will be served, along with iced tea and lemonade. Over 20 artists are sharing their creations with the theme of America’s 250 years.

The show be on display all summer on Sunday afternoons, from 2-4 p.m. during the Hotel’s summer tours. Visitors will be asked to vote on the People’s Choice Award. An end-of-show celebration will be held Sept. 11 at the Hotel’s Annual Meeting.

Also happening

this summer is the annual Orb Hunt, where glass orbs are hidden at the hotel

and other historic and cultural organizations located in western Connecticut.

Anyone who finds an orb in July or later in the summer is able to keep it but

is asked to take a photo and register it online at www.merwinsvillehotel.org.

Almost all of the artwork in the Celebrate 250 Years Show is for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the operating budget of the hotel. The nonprofit is supported through 100 percent-volunteer efforts and 54 years of restoring the building, saving it from ruin. The 183-year-old building needs constant maintenance and renovation.

Admission to the show and the Summer Sunday Tours of the building are free. Donations are welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Actions taken during the American Revolution led to the creation of local legends, but as these stories passed through generations they often changed. Exploring well-known narratives reveals the complex motivations behind the rebellion and how we choose to remember them. Litchfield Historical Society’s 250th exhibition Legends and Lore: Reconsidering Perspectives of the American Revolution examines these tales and how they shape our understanding of the fight for independence.

Meet locals who helped create bullets from the statue of King George III; compare the plight of prisoners aboard British prison ships with the solitary confinement of loyalist William Franklin; and examine the foundational documents that cast our founding fathers as traitors to the crown.

Join these storytellers to dive into their tales in this free exhibition from April 17 through November 28, 2027 at the Litchfield History Museum (7 South Street, Litchfield) More information at litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org; 860-567-4501

America 250 A250

The Falls Village Recreation Commission, with generous support from All Falls Village, invites you to our "Aloha from Falls Village" Pool Party on Wednesday, July 22!

 FREE for Falls Village residents and season pass holders.

 Non-residents: Just $2.50 per person in celebration of America's 250th Anniversary! Children ages 5 and under are free.

Bring your family and friends, grab dinner from your favorite local restaurant, and enjoy a fun evening at the pool. Arrive early to enjoy a FREE popsicle while supplies last! 

Not planning to swim? Come anyway! Enjoy live music by Two Guys with Suits and Ties, featuring Emily Aronow and Core Grandy. They'll be playing a variety of family-friendly favorites, making it the perfect way to spend a summer evening.

Our last community pool party was a huge success, and we can't wait to do it again! Help us spread the word—we'd love to see everyone at the Falls Village Town Pool for another evening of summer fun. 

Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Location: Meet at the Litchfield History Museum (7 South Street, Litchfield CT)

Cost: Free for Members | $10 for Non-Members

Registration Requested

Remember America’s 250th anniversary with our popular Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour on Sunday, July 26 at 1:00 p.m. Discover Litchfield's Revolutionary history and how Litchfield's residents young and old contributed to the founding of the nation.

The walk will begin at the Litchfield Historical Society (7 South Street) and lasts approximately 1 hour. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. Walking tours are free for members and $10 for non-members.

Walking Tours are sponsored by Berkshire Alarm

America 250 | A250

Area residents are invited to start their celebration of America’s 250th birthday a little early on June 28 at the opening reception of the summer art show at the Merwinsville Hotel in Gaylordsville, CT. From 2-4 p.m. the artwork created by local artists will be on display and strawberry shortcake will be served, along with iced tea and lemonade. Over 20 artists are sharing their creations with the theme of America’s 250 years.

The show be on display all summer on Sunday afternoons, from 2-4 p.m. during the Hotel’s summer tours. Visitors will be asked to vote on the People’s Choice Award. An end-of-show celebration will be held Sept. 11 at the Hotel’s Annual Meeting.

Also happening

this summer is the annual Orb Hunt, where glass orbs are hidden at the hotel

and other historic and cultural organizations located in western Connecticut.

Anyone who finds an orb in July or later in the summer is able to keep it but

is asked to take a photo and register it online at www.merwinsvillehotel.org.

Almost all of the artwork in the Celebrate 250 Years Show is for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the operating budget of the hotel. The nonprofit is supported through 100 percent-volunteer efforts and 54 years of restoring the building, saving it from ruin. The 183-year-old building needs constant maintenance and renovation.

Admission to the show and the Summer Sunday Tours of the building are free. Donations are welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Actions taken during the American Revolution led to the creation of local legends, but as these stories passed through generations they often changed. Exploring well-known narratives reveals the complex motivations behind the rebellion and how we choose to remember them. Litchfield Historical Society’s 250th exhibition Legends and Lore: Reconsidering Perspectives of the American Revolution examines these tales and how they shape our understanding of the fight for independence.

Meet locals who helped create bullets from the statue of King George III; compare the plight of prisoners aboard British prison ships with the solitary confinement of loyalist William Franklin; and examine the foundational documents that cast our founding fathers as traitors to the crown.

Join these storytellers to dive into their tales in this free exhibition from April 17 through November 28, 2027 at the Litchfield History Museum (7 South Street, Litchfield) More information at litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org; 860-567-4501

America 250 A250

The Bantam Lake Ski Club is set to host their annual ski show and this year it will honor America's 250th Anniversary! A $25 Donation per car is suggested.

Date: Sunday, August 2, 2026

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Location: Meet at the Litchfield History Museum (7 South Street, Litchfield CT)

Cost: Free for Members | $10 for Non-Members

Registration Requested

The history and stories of old Litchfield are preserved in the architecture of the town. Join us Sunday, August 2 at 1:00 p.m. to learn about the lives of past residents and how they are reflected in their architectural decisions.

 The walk will begin at the Litchfield Historical Society (7 South Street) and lasts approximately 1 hour. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. Walking tours are free for members and $10 for non-members.

Walking Tours are sponsored by Berkshire Alarm

The Bantam Lake Ski Club is set to host their annual ski show and this year it will honor America's 250th Anniversary! A $25 Donation per car is suggested.

Area residents are invited to start their celebration of America’s 250th birthday a little early on June 28 at the opening reception of the summer art show at the Merwinsville Hotel in Gaylordsville, CT. From 2-4 p.m. the artwork created by local artists will be on display and strawberry shortcake will be served, along with iced tea and lemonade. Over 20 artists are sharing their creations with the theme of America’s 250 years.

The show be on display all summer on Sunday afternoons, from 2-4 p.m. during the Hotel’s summer tours. Visitors will be asked to vote on the People’s Choice Award. An end-of-show celebration will be held Sept. 11 at the Hotel’s Annual Meeting.

Also happening

this summer is the annual Orb Hunt, where glass orbs are hidden at the hotel

and other historic and cultural organizations located in western Connecticut.

Anyone who finds an orb in July or later in the summer is able to keep it but

is asked to take a photo and register it online at www.merwinsvillehotel.org.

Almost all of the artwork in the Celebrate 250 Years Show is for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the operating budget of the hotel. The nonprofit is supported through 100 percent-volunteer efforts and 54 years of restoring the building, saving it from ruin. The 183-year-old building needs constant maintenance and renovation.

Admission to the show and the Summer Sunday Tours of the building are free. Donations are welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Actions taken during the American Revolution led to the creation of local legends, but as these stories passed through generations they often changed. Exploring well-known narratives reveals the complex motivations behind the rebellion and how we choose to remember them. Litchfield Historical Society’s 250th exhibition Legends and Lore: Reconsidering Perspectives of the American Revolution examines these tales and how they shape our understanding of the fight for independence.

Meet locals who helped create bullets from the statue of King George III; compare the plight of prisoners aboard British prison ships with the solitary confinement of loyalist William Franklin; and examine the foundational documents that cast our founding fathers as traitors to the crown.

Join these storytellers to dive into their tales in this free exhibition from April 17 through November 28, 2027 at the Litchfield History Museum (7 South Street, Litchfield) More information at litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org; 860-567-4501

America 250 A250

AMERICA250

Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of a Living

In 2026, American Mural Project observes the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This multi-part program explores how work has shaped our national consciousness and Connecticut communities across history through personal storytelling workshops, live performance, film screenings, exhibits, and lectures. Together, these programs engage participants in remembering pivotal events, amplifying personal stories, and sparking dialogue about how labor continues to shape American culture and civic life today.

History After Hours

Inundated: Connecticut's Great Flood of 1955

Friday, August 7 | 5-7 pm

FILM, TALK, and EXHIBIT

Learn about the devastating 1955 flood and its profound impact on workers, industries, and communities in the northwest corner of Connecticut. The program features a documentary film screening and talk by historian Hamish Lutris. Additionally, a month-long exhibit of photographs and artifacts on display from area historical societies and libraries invites audiences to consider how environmental events shape the nature of work and resilience.

Part of American Mural Project's America250 programming, supported by CT Humanities and America250 | Connecticut Affiliate. 

Area residents are invited to start their celebration of America’s 250th birthday a little early on June 28 at the opening reception of the summer art show at the Merwinsville Hotel in Gaylordsville, CT. From 2-4 p.m. the artwork created by local artists will be on display and strawberry shortcake will be served, along with iced tea and lemonade. Over 20 artists are sharing their creations with the theme of America’s 250 years.

The show be on display all summer on Sunday afternoons, from 2-4 p.m. during the Hotel’s summer tours. Visitors will be asked to vote on the People’s Choice Award. An end-of-show celebration will be held Sept. 11 at the Hotel’s Annual Meeting.

Also happening

this summer is the annual Orb Hunt, where glass orbs are hidden at the hotel

and other historic and cultural organizations located in western Connecticut.

Anyone who finds an orb in July or later in the summer is able to keep it but

is asked to take a photo and register it online at www.merwinsvillehotel.org.

Almost all of the artwork in the Celebrate 250 Years Show is for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the operating budget of the hotel. The nonprofit is supported through 100 percent-volunteer efforts and 54 years of restoring the building, saving it from ruin. The 183-year-old building needs constant maintenance and renovation.

Admission to the show and the Summer Sunday Tours of the building are free. Donations are welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Actions taken during the American Revolution led to the creation of local legends, but as these stories passed through generations they often changed. Exploring well-known narratives reveals the complex motivations behind the rebellion and how we choose to remember them. Litchfield Historical Society’s 250th exhibition Legends and Lore: Reconsidering Perspectives of the American Revolution examines these tales and how they shape our understanding of the fight for independence.

Meet locals who helped create bullets from the statue of King George III; compare the plight of prisoners aboard British prison ships with the solitary confinement of loyalist William Franklin; and examine the foundational documents that cast our founding fathers as traitors to the crown.

Join these storytellers to dive into their tales in this free exhibition from April 17 through November 28, 2027 at the Litchfield History Museum (7 South Street, Litchfield) More information at litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org; 860-567-4501

America 250 A250

Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary with Reenactors, historic demonstrations, Live music and dance, lectures, plays, historic house tours, museum tours, food, horse drawn carriage rides

Area residents are invited to start their celebration of America’s 250th birthday a little early on June 28 at the opening reception of the summer art show at the Merwinsville Hotel in Gaylordsville, CT. From 2-4 p.m. the artwork created by local artists will be on display and strawberry shortcake will be served, along with iced tea and lemonade. Over 20 artists are sharing their creations with the theme of America’s 250 years.

The show be on display all summer on Sunday afternoons, from 2-4 p.m. during the Hotel’s summer tours. Visitors will be asked to vote on the People’s Choice Award. An end-of-show celebration will be held Sept. 11 at the Hotel’s Annual Meeting.

Also happening

this summer is the annual Orb Hunt, where glass orbs are hidden at the hotel

and other historic and cultural organizations located in western Connecticut.

Anyone who finds an orb in July or later in the summer is able to keep it but

is asked to take a photo and register it online at www.merwinsvillehotel.org.

Almost all of the artwork in the Celebrate 250 Years Show is for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the operating budget of the hotel. The nonprofit is supported through 100 percent-volunteer efforts and 54 years of restoring the building, saving it from ruin. The 183-year-old building needs constant maintenance and renovation.

Admission to the show and the Summer Sunday Tours of the building are free. Donations are welcomed and greatly appreciated.

"The first shots that rang out across the colonies and helped spark the American Revolution."

- * WHY ATTEND * ---

Before Lexington and Concord-before the first battles of the Revolution-there was another moment, one nearly forgotten by history.  Join us as we uncover the true story of the "Three Strikes," the first shots said to have rung out across the colonies and helped set in motion the fight for American independence. As we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States, come hear the history, mystery, and truth behind a story that deserves to be remembered. #America250

Area residents are invited to start their celebration of America’s 250th birthday a little early on June 28 at the opening reception of the summer art show at the Merwinsville Hotel in Gaylordsville, CT. From 2-4 p.m. the artwork created by local artists will be on display and strawberry shortcake will be served, along with iced tea and lemonade. Over 20 artists are sharing their creations with the theme of America’s 250 years.

The show be on display all summer on Sunday afternoons, from 2-4 p.m. during the Hotel’s summer tours. Visitors will be asked to vote on the People’s Choice Award. An end-of-show celebration will be held Sept. 11 at the Hotel’s Annual Meeting.

Also happening

this summer is the annual Orb Hunt, where glass orbs are hidden at the hotel

and other historic and cultural organizations located in western Connecticut.

Anyone who finds an orb in July or later in the summer is able to keep it but

is asked to take a photo and register it online at www.merwinsvillehotel.org.

Almost all of the artwork in the Celebrate 250 Years Show is for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the operating budget of the hotel. The nonprofit is supported through 100 percent-volunteer efforts and 54 years of restoring the building, saving it from ruin. The 183-year-old building needs constant maintenance and renovation.

Admission to the show and the Summer Sunday Tours of the building are free. Donations are welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Actions taken during the American Revolution led to the creation of local legends, but as these stories passed through generations they often changed. Exploring well-known narratives reveals the complex motivations behind the rebellion and how we choose to remember them. Litchfield Historical Society’s 250th exhibition Legends and Lore: Reconsidering Perspectives of the American Revolution examines these tales and how they shape our understanding of the fight for independence.

Meet locals who helped create bullets from the statue of King George III; compare the plight of prisoners aboard British prison ships with the solitary confinement of loyalist William Franklin; and examine the foundational documents that cast our founding fathers as traitors to the crown.

Join these storytellers to dive into their tales in this free exhibition from April 17 through November 28, 2027 at the Litchfield History Museum (7 South Street, Litchfield) More information at litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org; 860-567-4501

America 250 A250

Area residents are invited to start their celebration of America’s 250th birthday a little early on June 28 at the opening reception of the summer art show at the Merwinsville Hotel in Gaylordsville, CT. From 2-4 p.m. the artwork created by local artists will be on display and strawberry shortcake will be served, along with iced tea and lemonade. Over 20 artists are sharing their creations with the theme of America’s 250 years.

The show be on display all summer on Sunday afternoons, from 2-4 p.m. during the Hotel’s summer tours. Visitors will be asked to vote on the People’s Choice Award. An end-of-show celebration will be held Sept. 11 at the Hotel’s Annual Meeting.

Also happening

this summer is the annual Orb Hunt, where glass orbs are hidden at the hotel

and other historic and cultural organizations located in western Connecticut.

Anyone who finds an orb in July or later in the summer is able to keep it but

is asked to take a photo and register it online at www.merwinsvillehotel.org.

Almost all of the artwork in the Celebrate 250 Years Show is for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the operating budget of the hotel. The nonprofit is supported through 100 percent-volunteer efforts and 54 years of restoring the building, saving it from ruin. The 183-year-old building needs constant maintenance and renovation.

Admission to the show and the Summer Sunday Tours of the building are free. Donations are welcomed and greatly appreciated.

If you missed these amazing reenactors in 2019 for our Living History Day, come see them now!

https://www.5cr.org/

#America250

Come see the new monument honoring all the patriots of the American Revolutionary War for Independence! Time TBD but around 12:30 -1.

#America250