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CT launches statewide tourism campaign for nation’s 250th birthday

The tourism department is set to hold hundreds of events.

Robyn Karashik

and

John Craven

May 12, 2026, 3:25 PM

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America turns 250 this year, and Connecticut is hoping to get in on the celebration with a statewide campaign called “America 250 CT.”

State marketing and tourism director Morgan Nyerick says the Nutmeg State has an extraordinary story to tell.

"Here, history isn't behind glass; it's alive in our towns, our streets, our coastlines and our communities," said Nyerick.

The tourism department is set to hold hundreds of events. 

The most notable ones include: 

  • Greenwich Celebrates America’s 250th on June 28.

    • The “Oosterschelde” – a 160-foot Dutch tall ship – arrives in Greenwich Harbor. There will also be a colonial village, reenactments and public tours.

  • Nationwide Bell Ringing on July 4 at 2 p.m.

    • Churches, historic sites and residents are invited to toll bells 13 times for a synchronized national moment of celebration.

  • Recommitment Ceremony on July 4 in Hartford.

    • A public reading of the Declaration of Independence at the State Capitol and Connecticut State Library.

  • Hartford Bonanza at Bushnell Park on July 4.

    • A full-day celebration featuring a commemorative concert by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, a Civic Marketplace and a traditional fireworks display.

  • Deep River Muster on July 18 in Deep River.

    • Organizers call it a large gathering of “fife” and drum corps with more than 250 groups participating in traditions dating back generations. 

  • CT Maritime Heritage Festival on Sept. 12-13 at Fort Trumbull State Park and New London Waterfront Park. 

    • Celebrating the state’s maritime legacy with military and private vessels, a Coast Guard search and rescue demonstration and Flock Theatre’s “Burning of Benedict Arnold.” There will also be programming for kids, live music and local vendors.

  • Durham Revolutionary War Encampment on Oct. 17 in Durham. 

    • Mock battles, military encampments and interactive demonstrations of Revolutionary War life.

  • First Oval Office Project Oct. 3 in Litchfield. 

    • A reproduction of Gen. George Washington’s mobile headquarters. 

News 12 plans to cover plenty of the celebratory events throughout the Spring and Summer.

For a full list, you can visit the CT250 website.

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