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.
America 250 and related logos are trademarks of the United States Semiquincentennial Commission and are used pursuant to a license.
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.
Find Programs, Exhibitions & More
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
K-12 Resources by Topic
- Colonial Life & the c. 1750 Ogden House
- The 1779 Burning of Fairfield
- The Culper Spy Ring
- The 1777 Battle of Ridgefield
Manuscript Collections
- Caleb Brewster Papers (MS 33)
- The Fairfield Tercentenary Collection (MS B49)
- The Fairfield Area Subject Collection (MS 53)
Social Media Posts
These posts originally appeared on the Fairfield Museum’s social media channels, tracing Fairfield’s connections to revolutionary events that took place 250 years ago. The posts have been saved as PDF files for anyone interested in learning more. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to discover more connections.
- April 19: Battles of Lexington & Concord
- April 24: John Hancock and Samuel Adams Arrive in Fairfield
- May 24: Gold Selleck Silliman and Mary Fish Marry
- Memorial Day: U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps Celebrate their 250th anniversaries
- June 28: George Washington Stops in Fairfield
- August 28: John Hancock and Dorothy Quincy Marry
- September 8: John Adams and Samuel Adams Stop in Fairfield
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.