Celebrate America’s 250th with EHS!
America250
America250 is a nationwide celebration to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While this milestone will be marked officially on July 4, 2026, EHS has a number of activities planned throughout the year leading up to the anniversary.
Essex Celebrates American Crafts and Trades
Dates: Saturday–Sunday, June 27–28, 2026
Time: Noon–4:00 PM
Location: Pratt House Grounds, 19 West Avenue, Essex, CT
Admission: Free | Audience: All ages
This two-day event will feature demonstrations, talks, hands-on activities, and sales booths focused on early American crafts and trades. The program is designed to engage a broad public audience and showcase traditional craftsmanship.
Saturday Demonstrators
Sunday Demonstrators
Baird Welch-Collins, Blacksmith Demonstration
Historic games and “chores” presented by EHS volunteers
Help with our 19th century loom project
Enjoy a sweet treat from Deep River Ice while you enjoy the demonstrations!
(Please note, no food is allowed inside Pratt House).
The Essex Path of History
Signage Project
As we prepare for the Semiquincentennial, EHS is working to improve, expand, and better connect the historic sign markers throughout the three villages.
Many existing signs are decades old and in deteriorating condition. New funding will allow us to repair and replace existing signs. We will also expand our signage system to help locals and visitors alike better identify sites of historic interest and understand the evolution of each of Essex’s three villages.
“Signer Sponsors”
Pat Tripoli
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Jim and Cindy Loeffler
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Louise and Thomas Riggio
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Melissa and Lucian Josefiak
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The Alison & Stephen Brinkmann Fund at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County.
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Pat Tripoli ~ Jim and Cindy Loeffler ~ Louise and Thomas Riggio ~ Melissa and Lucian Josefiak ~ The Alison & Stephen Brinkmann Fund at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County. ~
Thank you to these special donors who help make our America 250 programs possible!
Past Events
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Revolution Close to Home
May 7 6:00pm at Essex Library
Essex Historical Society (EHS) Director Melissa Josefiak details the complex relationships and shifting allegiances during the American Revolution in the Potapaug village of Saybrook, now known as Essex.
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Women of '76
May 17 4:00pm at Centerbrook meeting House
This richly costumed production explores the lives of real women who witnessed, documented, and in some cases directly influenced the course of the Revolution.
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The Woman Who Printed the Declaration
May 15 at 10:00am at Essex Meadows
Join us in welcoming Dr. Emily Sneff, author of the new book: When the Declaration of Independence Was News, as she presents "The Woman Who Printed the Declaration."
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America 250 Winter Lecture Series
January 4 and 11 at Essex Meadows.
We welcomed J.L. Bell and Erick Lehman, respectively for our 2026 Winter Lecture Series, hosted by our partners at Essex Meadows. This year's theme highlighted the American Revolution.
Essex Edna Remembers the Ladies!
In collaboration with the Essex America 250 Commission, EHS was excited to dress “Essex Edna,” the town groundhog, in 18th century garb, replete with mob cap. Adorned with the words of Abigail Adams, “Remember the Ladies!,” Edna reminds us of the many contributions made by women during our nation’s founding.
For a deeper dive into notable contributions of prominent local women during the Revolutionary era, click here.
EHS thanks our Edna committee and especially Sue Winchell, our own Betsy Ross, who served as lead seamstress for this year’s costume.
America250 Local Partners & Collaborators
Check out some of our local partners that are also planning America250 events you won’t want to miss!
