In 2026, one of America’s most important founding documents—the Declaration of Independence—turns 250 years old. To commemorate this once-in-a-generation event, Fairfield Museum is leading a partnership of more than two dozen cultural organizations to present a wide and diverse array of engaging public programs, fascinating exhibitions, and lively community events throughout the year.
This anniversary is an opportunity to experience history in a way that brings us together as a community, sparks dialogue across generations, and inspires the leaders of tomorrow. Fairfield Museum’s vision is to use this historic milestone to explore how we have evolved as a community, debate the challenges ahead, and celebrate how Fairfield’s diverse community remains a source of creativity and innovation.
Fairfield Museum is a dynamic community center where we can all come together to learn what binds us, and how we can collectively build a brighter, more inclusive future. We hope you will join us in this important conversation.
Commemoration Sponsors
Fairfield Museum’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is made possible by the generous support of the following sponsors, donors, and granting organizations:
Fairfield in 1776
As the American Revolution loomed on the horizon, Fairfield stood proud—a prosperous and influential town. Settled in 1639 with “Four Squares” of land, Fairfield had transformed into a booming economic and civic center on the Connecticut coast. By 1666, Fairfield’s growing importance was cemented when it was named a county seat. Its bustling town center—where Old Post and Beach Roads meet today—was home to the town green, Congregational Church, and County Courthouse.
Stretching from the Saugatuck River in the west to what is now Bridgeport’s Park Avenue in the east, and northward to the hills of Redding, Fairfield’s original bounds encompassed a vast and dynamic region. With a flourishing population, new parishes and religious beliefs took root and distant communities began to forge their own paths. Thus emerged the neighboring towns of Redding, Westport, Weston, and Easton—shaped from Fairfield’s original boundaries.
Coming Soon: Short Videos on Fairfield History
Follow the Fairfield Museum's Walt Matis as he shares significant moments from Fairfield's history.
Discover More at the Fairfield Museum
Additional Resources
Videos
Journey to American Democracy | Ten Steps to Revolution Series | Heather Cox Richardson
Journey to American Democracy examines how ordinary people worked to make the principles the founders articulated in the Declaration of Independence the law of the land. This series, Ten Steps to Revolution, explains how the king’s American subjects came to oppose monarchy and, over the course of only thirteen years, to embrace the right to govern themselves.
“America at 250: A History” | 2025 DeVane Lecture Course at Yale University
David Blight, Joanne Freeman, and Beverly Gage, all professors in the Department of History in Yale’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, will explore a wide range of topics in advance of the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026.
Websites
Events & Programs from Fairfield Organizations
Explore other events and programs from throughout the town of Fairfield on the Experience Fairfield website.
Made By Us
Made By Us connects young people with history institutions to inform and inspire their civic journey.