Planning begins for Woodbridge’s celebration of America’s 250th

Across the country, communities are planning events marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 1776 and the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence — liberty, civic responsibility, and democratic self-government.

This occasion is also known as the Semiquincentennial, a term derived from Latin roots (semi = half, quin = five, centennial = 100th), meaning half of a 500th anniversary. In Woodbridge, a small group of residents has begun meeting to discuss ways the town might participate in this national moment.

The informal group met at the Town Library last week to begin exchanging ideas and to consider how local organizations, schools, and civic groups might contribute to a community-wide recognition of the anniversary. The effort is being convened by Library Director Eric Werthmann, who has invited residents interested in helping highlight the occasion to take part in planning conversations.

The goal is not to create a single town-sponsored event, but rather to encourage community groups to develop their own programs and activities and to help share information about those events with residents.

Participants discussed several possible ways local organizations might take part, including by hosting activities that could include:

• Educational programs, service projects, or other community programs
• Student projects connected to the nation’s founding
• Public readings, lectures, or performances
• Outdoor gatherings and family activities
• Historical exhibits highlighting Woodbridge’s Revolutionary-era connections, including early residents

Upcoming community events

Residents can already look ahead to one upcoming program connected to early American history. The Amity & Woodbridge Historical Society will host an Open House on March 29 from 2–4 PM at the Historic Darling Farmstead and History Museum (1907 Litchfield Turnpike).

The program, titled “Breakfast in the Time of Revolution,” will explore what colonial Americans ate at the start of their day, with demonstrations of traditional foods and a look at George Washington’s favorite breakfast. Additional activities will include children’s crafts, opportunities to explore fabrics and artifacts from the society’s collections, and tours of the historic house. More information about this and other upcoming programs can be found at the AWHS website.

Community participation

Local organizations — including the Historical Society, the Scouts, schools, faith communities, and civic clubs as well as the Library and the Woodbridge Center — that may already be planning programs, or that would like to develop an event tied to the America 250 anniversary, are encouraged to reach out and share their ideas. The planning group hopes to serve as a clearinghouse to help publicize these activities and let the community know about all the ways Woodbridge will be recognizing the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The Woodbridge Town Library will also maintain a list of upcoming America 250–related programs and community activities as plans develop. Residents can visit the Town Library website to learn more as updates are posted. Here's a look at some of the first events of the year:

• Poem in Your Pocket: Focus on American Poets - April 13-18
• Women Who Stirred the Teapot Program - June 13
• Tories, Spies, & Traitors: CT Revolutionary Program - June 25
• Our Founding Mothers - July 2

Looking back on the bicentennial celebration in Woodbridge

Residents interested in more historical context can read an essay published in October 2024 “Bicentennial reflections as Woodbridge prepares to celebrate America’s 250th,” which looks back at Woodbridge’s 1976 celebrations and explores how those earlier events might inspire ideas for the upcoming 2026 anniversary.

The article describes how a volunteer Bicentennial Commission organized parades, performances, historical projects, and a commemorative booklet documenting the town’s history — offering a glimpse of how earlier generations of residents came together to celebrate the nation’s 200th birthday.

Next steps — and a call to involved!

If your organization is considering an event, program, or activity related to America's 250th anniversary — whether large or small — organizers would welcome hearing from you so your activities can be highlighted for residents in the months ahead. Send an email to the Celebrate250 mailbox at the Town Library.

More information about upcoming discussions and opportunities for participation will be shared as planning continues. Community groups interested in sharing ideas or coordinating plans — or individuals interested in helping the committee — are invited to get involved!