Next year, 2026, will mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence and therefore denotes the semiquincentennial anniversary of our nation. In recognition of this significant milestone, communities across the country are uniting to organize local celebrations.  In Glastonbury, the Parks & Recreation Department is spearheading this effort through a collaborative working group of community stakeholders.  Group members currently include Town staff from Parks & Recreation, Youth & Family Services, Senior & Social Services, the Welles-Turner Library, and Marketing & Communications, as well as representatives from the Glastonbury Historical Society, the CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Glastonbury MLK Community Initiative, TALK, the Glastonbury Rotary Club, the Glastonbury Town Center Initiative (TCI), and Glastonbury Pride. 

Through initial discussions, the group developed a proposed plan of celebratory festivities to occur throughout calendar year 2026. The plan aligns with the four themes established by the America 250 CT Commission as well as strategies for programming, signature events, community engagement, fundraising, and an official campaign logo pictured below*.  With recent approval granted by the Recreation Commission, and further supported by consensus of the Town Council, the working group will now commence efforts to execute the plan.  Local organizations that wish to participate in the planning process are welcome to join the working group and may contact Lisa Zerio at (860) 652-7687 or lisa.zerio@glastonbury-ct.gov for additional information.  

Although the planning process is in the infant stages, a dedicated web page has been established at www.glastonburyct.gov/america250 to serve as a central location for campaign information.  As festivities are confirmed, the website will provide more details about unique programs and events, and ways to get involved.  Additionally, citizens are encouraged to sign up for program updates through the Town’s eNotification system. Simply visit www.glastonburyct.gov/enotify and subscribe or update your account preferences to include the “America 250” category under the Calendar AND News headings. (Please select both to ensure you receive updates tied to events and press releases/general updates.)

Lisa Zerio, Glastonbury Parks & Recreation Director, expressed her enthusiasm about leading this meaningful project. “We’re excited to initiate the planning stages for this nationwide celebration and are looking forward to working with community agencies and residents to honor Glastonbury’s rich history over the past 250 years.”

Over coming months, and throughout the 2026 campaign, opportunities to support this community-wide initiative will be shared through the website noted above and other Town channels.  We look forward to celebrating America’s birthday through this unique series of events!  Stay tuned for more information to be announced soon!

*Note: Use of the America 250 logo is limited to Town of Glastonbury staff only unless otherwise authorized.