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.

Upcoming Events

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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Connecticut Open House Day

June 13 11:00-4:00 at Pratt House
Join EHS as we celebrate Open House Day with performances during the CT Sea Music Festival, two Revolutionary Ware reenactor groups, tours of an 18th century home, and more!

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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

Chair caning with Saye-Brooke Strip Shop
Bill Treiss: Joiner/Wood crafts
Derek Collins, Blacksmith
Kate Russell with Duck Island Designs, Candle dipping demonstration
Caroline Ahmed, fiber artist
Remi Buxton, weaver

Sunday Demonstrators

Bill Treiss: Joiner/Wood crafts
Baird Welch-Collins, Blacksmith Demonstration
Kate Russell, Candle dipping demonstration

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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.

America 250
Winter Lecture Series

Join your friends and neighbors with the return of Essex Historical Society's (EHS) popular Winter Lecture Series, hosted by our partners at Essex Meadows. This year's theme highlights the American Revolution.

Our series begins on Sunday, January 4, at 3:30 pm with the topic “The Powder Alarm: The Breakdown of Royal Rule in New England, September 1774” presented by J. L. Bell, scholar and author of the book: The Road to Concord: How Four Stolen Cannon Ignited the Revolutionary War.

The Series continues on Sunday, January 11, at 3:30 pm with the topic “The Burning of New London” presented by, Eric Lehman, author of book: Homegrown Terror: Benedict Arnold and the Burning of New London.

The Series concludes on Sunday, January 18, at 3:30 pm with the topic "The Woman Who Printed the Declaration" presented by Dr. Emily Sneff, author of the forthcoming book: When the Declaration of Independence Was News.

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.