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.
Follow this page for all of the local events and activities celebrating America’s 250th anniversary!
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.
Early American
Crafts and TradesWeekend
Save the Date for June 27-28, 2026 as EHS celebrates America’s 250th birthday with a weekend of craft and trades demonstrations, workshops, and artisan booths at Pratt House. More details to come!
October 27, 2025 marked 250 days until the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, commonly known as America 250. EHS is bringing the community many special programs and events during this time in celebration of this historic milestone.
To help EHS offset program costs and allow us to make upcoming events accessible to all, we are asking community members to make a $250 donation toward this campaign! Donors to this campaign as "Signer Sponsors" are celebrated by name in the listing below and will also be recognized at our America 250 programs throughout the year.
Every donation makes a difference!
Become a "Signer Sponsor" for EHS's
America 250 Programs!
“Signer Sponsors”
Pat Tripoli
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Jim and Cindy Loeffler
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Louise and Thomas Riggio
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Pat Tripoli ~ Jim and Cindy Loeffler ~ Louise and Thomas Riggio ~
Thank you to these special donors who help make our America 250 programs possible!
America250 Local Partners & Collaborators
Watch this space, where EHS will be adding links to local partners that are also planning
Semiquincentennial events you won’t want to miss!
