While the apex of the 2026 Semiquincentennial celebrations occurred ahead of and on July 4 — coinciding with the adoption of The Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress — local events to celebrate the 250th anniversary of this country’s founding continue.

Admission is free unless noted.

'Newtown: An American Town'

C.H. Booth Library is presenting a special exhibition.

“Newtown: An American Town” is on view within the Mary Hawley Gallery and adjacent annex room on the third floor of C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, until further notice. A collaborative exhibit between the library and Newtown Historical Society, the exhibition “explores the intersection of local and national history using the words of The Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address” as its guide. Curators used those documents to illustrate how the histories of Newtown and Connecticut reflect the country’s founding ideals. A pair of easels in the gallery room hold replicas of the documents the presentation is based upon. One easel offers a copy of Lincoln’s first draft of the Gettysburg Address, an image of the president, and a full printout of the historic speech. Another easel offers a framed copy of The Declaration of Independence.

Newspaper clippings, photos of historic homes, and archive materials including clothing, manufacturing items, and even part of the Charter Oak have all been arranged to follow Newtown’s history as it relates to this country’s history.

Residents are invited to become part of the exhibit by sending their picture to be added to a growing collection of "The People of Newtown" featured on one wall within the exhibition. Readers are also encouraged to share photos of late residents, with the same details, for inclusion in the future presentation.

The adjacent annex features a large framed illustration of Rochambeau’s March; a horizontal display case celebrating the Main Street flagpole, 150 years of a Newtown landmark that has been in place since 1876; and one chair from a set of four Bicentennial Hitchcock chairs produced in 1976 for the US Bicentennial. Additional chairs from the set will be presented in August, October, and December, according to exhibition notes.

"Newtown: An American Town" can be viewed during current regular library hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am-8 pm; and Friday and Saturday, 9:30 am-5 pm.

NCAC Exhibits

Newtown Cultural Arts Commission (NCAC) is presenting two exhibitions at Newtown Municipal Center. Originally planned to close at the end of July, the exhibitions have both been extended to August 28.

"Newtown in 1776. Celebrating the Nation's 250th Anniversary," a collaborative effort with Flagpole Photographers Camera Club and local photographer Bill Glass, opened July 1. The exhibition presents small snippets of what it was like to live in Newtown in 1776 through photographs, a multi-media collection of posters, and QR codes that connect with Newtown Historical Society’s website.

In a series of seven photographs by Chane Cullens, Newtown houses built before 1776 are presented in one area. Labels note the age and location of each private residence.

In addition, eight Flagpole Photographers Camera Club members contributed 107 photos of Newtown for the exhibit. Most of the images are available for purchase.

NCAC Chair Laura Lerman has created a multi-media exhibit of posters that include the population of Newtown in 1776, the food the colonists ate, and a quick history of the Whigs versus The Tories in Newtown during the war. There are QR codes expanding the information presented, including a recipe for apple pan dowdy, a favorite dessert, and a recording of Yankee Doodle Dandy, a song sung by the troops fighting the British during the Revolutionary War and which became the Connecticut state song in 1978.

The collection’s final poster notes that, unlike surrounding towns, Newtown was known for supporting the Tories, loyalists to the Crown.

Visitors who want to know more about Newtown’s history can scan the QR code on that final poster, which will take them to the website of Newtown Historical Society.

A second exhibition, “History & Current Quilting — With The Quilt Shop by Lois” is also being presented by the cultural arts commission, in the display case at The Municipal Art Gallery.

Both exhibits can be viewed weekdays between 8 am and 4:30 pm, and weeknights when Town boards or commissions are meeting within the building.

‘A Music Event’

Newtown Congregational Church will host a special event in October.

“Our Country’s 250th Anniversary: A Music Event” will take place Sunday, October 4, at 2 pm, at the West Street church.

The event will include performances and sing-alongs of patriotic music and contemporary American music. Readers will also share portions of famous historic speeches.

Local musicians and readers have been contacted; additional volunteers to lead the music and/or read speeches are welcome. Contact Rich Collins at 203-240-7465 if interested.

Light refreshments will be offered.

Donations will be accepted and forwarded to a veterans organization TBD.

Volunteers are also sought to help with set-up and/or breakdown before and after the presentation. Contact Collins for more information.