250th Anniversary Partner Events
Below is a listing of some of the events our partner organizations are hosting in 2026 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
New Hampshire 250th Commission
New Hampshire has always led the way. From the Pine Tree Riot to the Raid on Fort William and Mary to adopting the first state constitution in America, our state played a decisive role in the birth of the nation. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, the NH 250th Commission invites you to join in commemorating this legacy. Through events, stories, and educational programs, we will celebrate the courage, leadership, and innovation that made New Hampshire first in the nation—and continues to inspire us today. www.newhampshire250.org
Washington, DC: Designed for Democracy
6:00 PM Thursday, May 28, Meredith Public Library
Many people do not know the origins of the nation’s capital, why it is located where it is, and how it was part of a grand compromise key to binding the country together or how its actual design is based on our democratic principles. Author Alison Fortier will visit the library to discuss the concept behind her book, A History Lover’s Guide to Washington, DC: Designed for Democracy. She will also sell and sign copies of the book. She will be donating the full retail price of each book sold to the Friends of the Meredith Library.
Redcoats and Rebels: New Hampshire and the American Revolution
1:00 PM Monday, June 1, Brentwood Library
New Hampshire often gets overlooked in the narrative of the American Revolution, overshadowed by its noisy neighbor to the south. Nowadays, few people know about Paul Revere’s first ride, which was to Portsmouth in December 1774 to warn the patriots that the British were coming to reinforce Fort William and Mary, five months before the Redcoats marched on Concord and Lexington. Nor do they know that two-thirds of the troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill were from New Hampshire. Most people are also unaware that New Hampshire’s Provincial Congress adopted the first state constitution in January 1776, making no mention of royal authority and essentially declaring independence from Great Britain six months before anyone else. And this is just the beginning of New Hampshire’s revolutionary story. This program is presented as part of the New Hampshire Historical Society's celebration of America's 250th.
Liberty & Legacy Civic Saturday Social
Saturday, June 13, 1:00-6:00 PM
It’s an old fashioned block party on North Main Street in the Historic District, presented by America250/Concord300. In remembrance of the days the New Hampshire Delegates ratified the Constitution of the United States of America, June 21st, 1787. Come see and learn about where history was made right here and how we became the United States of America. Learn more
Flag Day Celebration and Big Watch Screening & Discussion
12:00 PM Sunday, June 14, Strawberry Banke Museum
Strawbery Banke, Portsmouth Historical and AHSNH partner to celebrate Flag Day, saluting the colors, family fun/refreshments and a screening and discussion of a 30 min "Spirit of Service" selection from Ken Burn's PBS "American Revolution."
Portraits of a Revolution
5:00 PM Monday, June 22, Abbot Library
Inez McDermott will explore American portraits painted and sculpted during the years leading up to, and the decades after, the Revolution. This program is supported by New Hampshire Humanities.
Unpacking the Declaration of Independence: What it meant then and now
6:00 PM Tuesday, June 23, Brentwood Library
Learn about the text of the Declaration of Independence, who the key players were, the Enlightenment influence and if the values espoused in the Declaration are still relevant today. Participants will experience an unbiased look at the Declaration and receive valuable content to understand the influences and ideals of the document. They will be able to critically think about the document and have the knowledge of what it actually says. They will be able to form opinions and speak with conviction about what they learned.
Redcoats and Rebels: New Hampshire and the American Revolution
6:30 PM Friday, June 26, Gilmanton Historical Society, Baldwin
New Hampshire often gets overlooked in the narrative of the American Revolution, overshadowed by its noisy neighbor to the south. Nowadays, few people know about Paul Revere’s first ride, which was to Portsmouth in December 1774 to warn the patriots that the British were coming to reinforce Fort William and Mary, five months before the Redcoats marched on Concord and Lexington. Nor do they know that two-thirds of the troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill were from New Hampshire. Most people are also unaware that New Hampshire’s Provincial Congress adopted the first state constitution in January 1776, making no mention of royal authority and essentially declaring independence from Great Britain six months before anyone else. And this is just the beginning of New Hampshire’s revolutionary story. This program is presented as part of the New Hampshire Historical Society's celebration of America's 250th.
603 History Hunt
Begins July 1, New Hampshire Historical Society
The 603 History Hunt is a statewide scavenger hunt for the State of New Hampshire. Created by the New Hampshire Historical Society, it is one of several programs and events organized to mark America’s 250th birthday in 2026. Learn more
America's 250th Birthday Celebration
July 4, New Hampshire Historical Society
Join us this Fourth of July for a special open house to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Enjoy guided tours of the exhibitions and see rare objects from New Hampshire’s Revolutionary past, including two flags from the Second NH Continental Regiment. Learn 10 things you probably didn’t know about New Hampshire and the American Revolution. Participate in family-friendly games and activities while enjoying the festive atmosphere of downtown Concord, with a parade at 9 am and the State House ceremony at 10 am. NHHS is only open 11 am to 1 pm on this holiday. Admission is free.
18th Century Cooking & Life
4:00 PM Wednesday, July 15, Abbot Library
Join historical re-enactor and author M. Allyson Szabo for an engaging look at 18th-century cooking and daily life. Allyson will share insights into colonial living, and guests will sampling of authentic colonial recipes.
Have an event you'd like to share?
If you have a 250th-related event you'd like to share, submit your event details here.
To view New Hampshire Humanities-supported events celebrating the 250th, including the Big Watch, click here.
