AMERICA 250

The United States of America turns 250 in 2026

Across our nation, towns, cities, and states will be reflecting on the past, present, and future of our democracy. America 250 and Connecticut 250 committees have been working to guide how our local communities can mold their own commemorations.

West Hartford's America 250

The Town of West Hartford and West Hartford America 250 Task Force invite our community to take part in this milestone celebration. West Hartford believes in the power of community and wants to showcase the town’s unique contributions to Connecticut and the nation through diverse stories, community engagement, and a deep understanding of what democracy means and how it is lived out in our town.

The resounding message from our state’s Connecticut 250 committee is to engage in dialogue that is empathetic and rooted in mutual respect for our experiences. West Hartford wholeheartedly supports this sentiment. Our goal over the upcoming years is to create educational and cultural opportunities that highlight the diverse stories of the American experience, host community conversations, and offer programs that reflect on our nation’s past. We will also partner with local organizations and experts to bring our local history alive through art, civic, and community engagement opportunities. Most importantly, we will work for the common good in hopes of inspiring Americans to renew and strengthen our daring experiment in democracy.

Stay tuned for more updates on West Hartford’s America 250 initiatives. Please join our mailing list to receive more information, inquire about sponsoring, or be notified of upcoming events. Contact West Hartford’s planning committee at America250@westhartfordct.gov.

Explore the Connecticut 250 website.

Special Edition Documents

West Hartford's Fairview Cemetery: A Self-Guided Tour of Notables & Memorials
Written by Town Historian Mary Donohue.
Old Center Burying Yard Brochure
Written by Town Historian Mary Donohue.
History of West Hartford's Public School Names
Written by Ethan Zimmer.

"Weha the People" Student Essay Contest

In celebration of America's 250th anniversary, students were asked to write about a local historical figure who shaped West Hartford, covering their impact and modern legacy. The West Hartford Mayor's Youth Council announced the winners of the "Weha the People" Student Essay Contest on June 6, 2026, at Celebrate! West Hartford.

High School winners:

1^st place: Tracey Wilson: A Pioneer for Justice, History, and Community, by Daniel Shmuel, Hall High School

2^nd place: The Man Behind the Masterpiece, by Bella Nguyen, Conard High School

3^rd place: One Silenced, Now Honored: How a Man Denied an Education Became a Middle School's Namesake, by Lolo Zheng, Hall High School

Middle School winners:

1^st place: The Legacy of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, by Miranda Frisbie, King Philip Middle School

2^nd place: From Chains to the Classroom: Bristow's Fight for Freedom Shapes West Hartford, by Nina Mattamana, Kingswood Oxford School

3^rd place: Louise Duffy: A Trailblazer with a Lasting Legacy, by Brendan Sills, Kingswood Oxford School

The Town of West Hartford acknowledges that we reside on the ancestral homelands of Indigenous peoples and tribes, past and present, including but not limited to the Poquonock, Wangunk, and Tunxis. As part of our ongoing journey toward reconciliation with the original stewards of this land, we seek to honor, respect, and express our deep appreciation for Indigenous peoples who have been, and continue to be, displaced by public and private policies. We honor the rich history, culture, and traditions of Indigenous Peoples, recognizing that this acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and uplifting the voices and cultures of Native Americans and Indigenous peoples in all aspects of our lives. We honor the sovereignty, resilience, and lived experiences of all Indigenous peoples, inviting our community into a deeper process of healing, education, stewardship, and shared responsibility for the land we all inhabit.

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