East Hartford America 250 Taskforce
East Hartford America 250 Taskforce is charged with planning, developing and coordinating community events in honor of the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America in 2026.
The taskforce consists of community members, stakeholders and staff working together to ensure East Hartford celebrates our Nation's birthday in an honorable and memorable way through educational and cultural initiatives that highlight East Hartford's rich history and diverse background.
East Hartford 250 Taskforce is excited to share that a calendar of events is in development, which will provide opportunities for the entire community to get involved.
Explore the Connecticut 250 website
See upcoming Connecticut 250 community events
UPCOMING EVENTS IN EAST HARTFORD
CT Trails Day Bicentennial Square Walk
Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Bicentennial Square Park, 172 Forbes Street, East Hartford, CT
As part of Connecticut Trails Weekend, Craig Johnson from the Historical Society of East Hartford will be leading an easy one-mile educational walk starting at Bicentennial Square Park. The walk begins by the monuments on the Hudson Street side of the Square, where participants will learn about East Hartford’s role in the War for American Independence and the French army encampment. The walk proceeds across the bridge over the beautiful Hockanum River where the first historic mills were built in the 17th century.
Connecticut Open House Day at Martin Park
Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Reverend J. C. Martin Park, 307 Burnside Ave, East Hartford, CT
Connecticut Open House Day marks the seasonal opening of East Hartford's historic Huguenot House Museum. Summer tours will continue on the following Sundays: July 12, 19, 26 & Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30th. The Makens Bemont House (also called Huguenot House) is East Hartford's oldest museum. It was built in 1761 by Edmund Bemont and later became the home of his son, Makens Bemont, and his family. The Bemonts continued to live in this house into the 19th century. Makens was a fairly prosperous saddle maker and his home and the furniture in this house reflect this late 18th and early 19th century Connecticut River valley prosperity. Also in Martin Park is the Burnham Blacksmith Shop, built around 1850 on the Burnham Farm. This building contains late 19th/early 20th century tools and equipment used in the East Hartford area.
Selden Brewer House Ribbon Cutting and Tours
Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 2:00 pm
Selden Brewer House, 165 Main Street, East Hartford, CT
Attend a ribbon-cutting at the Selden Brewer House, courtesy of East Hartford Mayor Connor Martin and the Historical Society of East Hartford. This historic 1827 home was the residence of Selden Brewer and his descendants who were influential tobacco growers in the Connecticut River Valley. The home is on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic building renovation, completed in 2025, was an impressive accomplishment and we want to celebrate this during the early summer when the beautiful backyard flower garden is in full bloom. Light refreshments will be served during our regular open hours between 11am and 2pm, when complimentary tours of the house will be offered.
Celebrate America 250 with the Windham Concert Band
Monday July 6th at 6:00pm at Great River Park
Celebrate America 250 with a concert at the riverfront! The Windham Concert Band performs a wide variety of traditional band music such as marches, overtures, musical theater selections, and light concert classics. The musicians of the Windham Concert Band come from all walks of life and span an age range from teenager to octogenarian. This concert is co-sponsored by the East Hartford Public Library, East Hartford Veterans Commission, East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine Arts, and East Hartford Parks & Recreation. For all ages. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held on Tuesday, July 7. Register for a reminder, and to be notified of weather-related changes.
"Sharing the Spirit of America" Declaration Reading
Thursday July 8th from 5:45-8pm
The Declaration was read aloud to the people on July 8, 1776. 250 years later, Americans in all 50 States and 16 Territories of the United States will read the Declaration of Independence "together" at 6 pm EDT to commemorate that first public reading. Readings which extend and support the promise of equality for all will also be included. After the presentation, celebrate America's 250th birthday with a cake! All ages. Register for a reminder.
"Forgotten Patriots" exhibit
July 13 – August 7 during library open hours
Silas Deane and George Washington were not the only ones to fight for freedom during the American Revolution. Though women, Blacks, and Native Peoples played a vital role in securing American independence from England, their contributions to this struggle have too often been forgotten. In honor of America 250, this traveling interactive exhibit from the Wethersfield Historical Society explores the stories of Abner Andrews, Caesar Freeman, Elizabeth Deane, and other forgotten patriots. For all ages.
This exhibit is courtesy of Wethersfield Historical Society. It may not be reproduced without permission. This exhibit was made possible through an America 250 | CT Museum Makeover grant. America 250 | CT Museum Makeover is a program of Conservation ConneCTion and is supported by the America 250 | CT State Commission, administered by CT Humanities (CTH), with funding provided by the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) from the Connecticut State Legislature.”
Aviation August Scavenger Hunt
Have you really noticed the amazing wonders related to flight and flying on display throughout the Raymond Library building? Take a closer look at everything aviation with this all-ages scavenger hunt! Participate during library open hours during the month of August. Stop at the circulation desk to get started. August 1-31.
Tuskegee Airmen: Their Untold Stories Traveling Exhibition (Dates TBD)
The Tuskegee Traveling Exhibition is an adaptation of the New England Air Museum’s permanent exhibition, The Tuskegee Airmen: Their Untold Stories, the only exhibition of its kind in the nation and a designated Connecticut Freedom Trail site. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black military aviators in the United States Armed Forces, serving during World War II. Their story reflects both extraordinary military achievement and the broader struggle against systemic racism.
Past Programs at the East Hartford Public Library
America's Tapestry Community Stitch Event
Saturday, January 24th, 2026
America’s Tapestry is a unique project featuring thirteen hand-embroidered panels, one for each of the original colonies, illustrating the diverse stories of individual contributions in the struggle for American independence. The Connecticut panel has strong ties to our town, depicting Hannah Bunce Watson, publisher of The Connecticut Courant and owner of the Hockanum paper mill in East Hartford. Participants were invited to contribute stitches to the Connecticut tapestry or stop by to observe stitchers as they worked.
Sounds of A & R: From Jazz to Hip Hop: The Evolution of American Music
Tuesday, February 10th, 2026
Embark on a musical journey with the award-winning Sounds of A&R, led by April May Webb and Randall Haywood, that traces the roots and evolution of American music, from the soulful rhythms of jazz to the powerful beats of hip-hop. This adventure charts how jazz and hip-hop have shaped American culture, from the birth of jazz in New Orleans to Duke Ellington, exploring the revolutionary work of Charlie Parker and Miles Davis, and concluding with the roots of hip hop in the Bronx, where pioneers like DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash began mixing beats.
Jordan Freeman: The Fight to Set a People Free
Tuesday, February 17th, 2026
Kevin Johnson of the Connecticut State Library (CSL) presented his portrayal of Jordan Freeman, an African-American servant of John Ledyard and the body servant of Col. William Ledyard in the Revolutionary War. Freeman was an actual person, a native of Old Lyme, who witnessed key events of the war for independence while with Col. Ledyard. Historians estimate the number of Black soldiers in this war to have been about 5,000 men serving in militias, seagoing services, and support activities, including nearly 500 from Connecticut. Told from an emotional and exciting first-person perspective, Johnson vividly illustrates the struggle of African-Americans during the Revolutionary War. His presentation is based on extensive research in the collections of the CSL and the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History.
Plant Cherry Blossom Trees
Sunday April 19, 2026
The goal was to plant 250 cherry trees at Rentschler Field by the 250th anniversary of the U.S.!
Frederick Law Olmsted Panoramic
Tuesday, April 28th, 2026
In 1861, Frederick Law Olmsted quit Central Park and vowed he would never return to park design. In this multimedia presentation, photographer and author Mark Roessler tells how a family vacation to Yosemite reignited Olmsted's passion, and encouraged him to return east and build more than 40 parks, found a profession, and leave a lasting mark on the American landscape.
Main Street History Walk
Tuesday, May 5th, 2026
We explored East Hartford's historic past on this walk with historian Jana Colacino along Main Street, from the library north to Burnside Ave and back.
Breaking Free: A 250th Anniversary Celebration of America (at InterCommunity Gallery, 287 Main St. East Hartford)
Thursday, May 7th, 2026
InterCommunity Gallery is pleased to announce the opening date for its next exhibition, “Breaking Free: A 250th Anniversary Celebration of America,” featuring the work of over 20 talented artists.The “Breaking Free” exhibit is all about liberation from anything that holds you back. Inviting artists to explore the meaning of “freedom” from personal transformation to defying societal norms, this exhibition celebrates resilience, rebellion, and the power of art to challenge limits and spark conversation as we reflect on the year of America's 250th anniversary. Artists will share their bold artistic expressions of what it means to "break free" across several mediums. InterCommunity Gallery's second juried art exhibition of the year, “Breaking Free” runs from May 7 through July 31, 2026.
Picturing America: Architecture
Thursday, May 14, 2026
We celebrated the Semiquincentennial with this introduction to America’s artistic heritage.
American Stories Film Series
Tuesday May 19th, 2026
Come enjoy a film and snack as we celebrate America's 250th with a 12-month series exploring the wide range of stories that make up the rich tapestry of American people.
