This year we celebrate 250 years of America!

A group of local Valley residents got together for an exploratory meeting to discuss current plans and ideas for how our Valley towns plan to celebrate this occasion.

A second meeting is scheduled. See details below.

Upcoming events and ways to celebrate America's 250 will be posted on this page and shared through the Electronic Valley emails in the coming weeks and months.

Stay tuned!

Join Us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nicole Heriot-Mikula
917-576-9147
nicoleheriotmikula@gmail.com

Valley Communities Unite to Launch Planning for America’s 250th Anniversary Commemoration Alongside Valley Community Foundation

Naugatuck Valley, CT - As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, communities across the Naugatuck Valley are planning for this historic milestone.

The Valley Community Foundation will lead a second introductory meeting inviting local leaders, school districts, and nonprofit organizations to participate in a Valley-wide America’s 250 Introductory Meeting on Wednesday, March 18 at 4:30 PM (virtual). This meeting will continue the collaborative efforts to develop meaningful, educational, and inclusive programming that honors both the nation’s founding and the Valley’s unique local history.

The 250th anniversary presents a rare opportunity for regional collaboration - connecting schools, arts and cultural organizations, civic groups, and community partners in a shared vision that celebrates the past while inspiring future generations.

Meeting Objectives Include:

Sharing and reviewing proposed America 250 events and initiatives across the Valley
Identifying opportunities for collaboration, resource-sharing, and alignment of projects
Discussing funding needs and strategies to support both individual and collective efforts
Establishing next steps for coordinated Valley-wide planning, communication, and promotion
Organizers emphasize that this introductory session is an open, collaborative forum to gather ideas, align goals, and strengthen partnerships across municipalities and organizations throughout the Valley.

Special Community Event: Tercentennial Documentary Viewing

As part of the Valley’s historical reflection, the community is also invited to a special screening of David Condon’s Tercentennial Documentary on Tuesday, March 24 at 5:00 PM at the Derby Public Library.

Get Involved

Organizations, educators, historians, artists, and community leaders interested in participating in America’s 250 planning efforts are encouraged to attend the March 18 virtual meeting and complete the accompanying Google interest form to join the planning process.

Together, the Naugatuck Valley can ensure that America’s 250 is not only a national celebration, but a powerful, locally rooted commemoration that reflects the voices, histories, and aspirations of our entire community.

For more information and to receive the meeting link, please complete the America’s 250 planning interest form: https://forms.gle/fjowzKjT732BTYQx7