About Chester 250

On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.

Many municipalities throughout Connecticut are planning to celebrate the anniversary in various ways. Chester’s 250 Planning Group followed National America 250 guiding values and incorporated several meaningful themes and goals for our events. These included bringing our community together and promoting a sense of community; providing programs for all age groups to enjoy; providing inspiring and relatable learning experiences; sharing historical Chester and Connecticut-based stories of courage and perseverance; and offering representation of all people, cultures and backgrounds, music and arts, games and other fun-filled activities.

Our Chester 250 Planning Group is thrilled and honored to share this booklet of information for your reference, including the calendar of amazing monthly events that will begin in July 2025 and end in July 2026. We are very excited to share these events with our neighbors and friends and encourage all to participate along with us for enjoyment and enrichment! In an ever-changing world, the one constant we have here is Chester’s sense of self, a deep commitment to neighbors and happiness found in our gatherings.

We thank all our Sponsors and Board of Selectmen for their support in making our year-long celebration possible. It will surely be a memorable chapter in Chester’s history.

Warmly,

Cindy Lignar

First Selectwoman

This special celebration is made possible by the support and partnership of:

  • Town of Chester

  • Chester Cemetery Association

  • Chester Fife & Drum Corps

  • Chester Garden Club

  • Chester Historical Society

  • Chester Land Trust

  • Chester Park & Recreation

  • Chester Public Library

  • Chester Rotary Club

Events will take place at cherished locations throughout town, including:

  • Chester Fairgrounds — 11 Kirtland Terrace | (860) 526-5947

  • Chester Meeting House — 4 Liberty Street

  • Chester Museum at The Mill — 9 West Main Street | (860) 558-4701

  • Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek — 55 East Kings Highway | (860) 526-8920

  • Masonicare at Chester Village — 351 West Main Street | (860) 544-5228

Join us as we come together in celebration, remembrance, and community spirit.

Connecticut and the American Revolution:

Forging Freedom and Self-Government

The American Revolution was a turning point that marked the birth of the United States and the beginning of a new era of democracy.

It challenged the authority of monarchy and sparked a powerful desire for freedom, self-determination and individual rights. For the emerging nation, it was more than a war for independence—it laid the foundation for a democratic system built on the principles of liberty, representation, and justice.

For Connecticut, the Revolution had a profound and lasting impact.

It was a struggle for local control, economic independence and the right to shape its own future. Known as the “Provision State,” Connecticut played a critical role by supplying troops, weapons and essential resources to the Continental Army. Leaders like Governor Jonathan Trumbull offered unwavering support for the patriot cause, helping to unify the colonies in their pursuit of independence.

Patriots from Chester, including Andrew Southworth, Seth Warner, Edward Shipman, and Abraham Waterhouse and others, answered the call to defend these ideals. Their courage and commitment helped define Connecticut’s political identity and strengthened its tradition of civic duty and self-governance.

The legacy of the Revolution continues to influence both the state and the nation, serving as a lasting reminder of the values on which America was founded.

Chester’s Bicentennial 1776

The Town’s Bicentennial Committee worked for two years on plans to celebrate America’s Bicentennial in 1976. On the weekend of July 4, 1976, there was a parade, a town picnic at the fairgrounds, contests (does anyone remember the Hose Company’s beard-growing contest?), and a tea for “senior citizens” (everyone age 60 and over was invited), and much more.

The celebration was intended to be “the biggest, best weekend in Chester history, something we will long remember.”