Celebrate America 250 with Vermont Public

Vermont Celebrates the 250 Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with festivities for everyone!

Governor Phil Scott signed an executive order creating the 250th Anniversary Commission to plan, coordinate and promote observances and activities that commemorate the historic events associated with the American Revolution in Vermont. Information about the 250th Anniversary Commission and events state-wide can be found at Vermont's 250th Anniversary | Vermont's 250th.

Kicking off the pre-4th of July celebrations in Montpelier on Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Presented by the Three Branches of Vermont State Government and the Vermont State Curator’s office. These tri-branch events involving the Vermont Supreme Court building, the Vermont State House, and the Pavilion Building housing the Vermont History Museum.

July 1st Festivities Include:
8:30 am – 4:30 pm On view at the Vermont Supreme Court Gallery from June 29 – July 10, 2026
Vermont Celebrates the 250 Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence - all are invited to experience the historical documents associated with the 250th anniversary including a Declaration of Independence traveling exhibit that the Library of Congress has developed. The gallery is open daily from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm M-F (closed during the lunch-hour).

10:00 am – 4:00 pm – The Vermont History Museum “50 FOR 250” - 50 Artifacts Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Nation. A preview of the Vermont History Museum’s “50 FOR 250” artifacts exhibition on display throughout the day at the Vermont History Museum at 108 State Street. Free Admission on July 1st.

11:00 am – 12:00 pm At the Vermont Supreme Court: a naturalization ceremony
Taking place in the Vermont Supreme Court courtroom. Officiated by U.S. District Court Judge Geoffrey Crawford U.S. Federal District. Candidates from each county in Vermont will become American citizens! Candidates and invited guests at ceremony, to be live-streamed to separate gathering space in the Vermont Supreme Court Building

12:00 - 3:00 pm Bring your kiddos to Celebrate the 250th Declaration of Independence on the Vermont State House and Vermont Supreme Court Lawn.
Join in the festivities!
Children’s games and activities associated with the 250th celebration include:
• Participate in a Vermont Figures Costume & Lookalike Contest
• Dunk King George III in the Constitutional Rights Tank
• Compete in the Spoon & Egg and Potato Sack Races
• Partake in Arts & Crafts
• Have your face painted
• Cast your ballot in the Kids’ Vote
Enjoy snacks and much more!

1:00 – 2:00 pm The Vermont Justices Presenting the Declaration
Taking place in the Vermont Supreme Court courtroom. An overview of the Declaration of Independence presented by Vermont Supreme Court Justices in conjunction with historical context. The overview will include key historical facts leading to the Declaration, content of the Declaration, and how the core principles of the Declaration have been incorporated in the U.S. Constitution. The event will be live streamed on the Vermont Supreme Court YouTube Channel. There will be a Q and A after the presentation.

3:00 – 4:00 pm Panel Presentation overview about the Three Branches of Vermont State Government
Taking place in the Vermont State House Chamber. Justice Nancy Waples, Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas and Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski, will present a tri-branch panel program about the three branches of Vermont State government. Governor Phil Scott has been invited to give remarks and to introduce the panel, schedule permitted.

5:00 – 7:30 pm at Barr Hill Distillery - Declaration of Independence Trivia Contest
Barr Hill Distillery, located at 116 Gin Lane in Montpelier. Trivia questions and music will be provided by 802 Trivia. There will be delicious hors d’oeuvres, prizes will be awarded, and beverages available at the cash bar. Participation space is limited, RSVPs are requested. You can register yourself or your team right here: RSVP for Trivia Organized by the Vermont Bar Association.

All events are free and open to the public.
For additional information for all “250th” events involving Vermont State Court Houses visit:
www.Vermontjudiciary.org and Key 250 in the search on the site page.

Fort Ticonderoga will celebrate the 250th anniversary of Independence Day with a three-day reenactment event on July 3-5, recreating the Northern Continental Army’s preparations to defend its new nation, as the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

While delegates of the Continental Congress were putting pen to paper, declaring independence from British rule, nearly 350 miles north the Northern Continental Army continued to wage battle against British forces. After becoming overwhelmed in battle, the Continentals retreated to Fort Ticonderoga and constructed their defensive position, reinforced with heavy cannon delivered by boat on Lake Champlain. Simultaneously, the army battled an outbreak of smallpox and cared for the wounded at the Northern Continental Army’s general hospital.

The “Return of an Army” celebration and reenactment are part of REAL TIME REVOLUTION®, a multi-year initiative coinciding with our nation’s 250th year anniversary to bring to life the people and events that defined the fight for independence. Continuing through 2026 and 2027, the immersive experience brings the critical years of 1775-1777 to life through daily living history programs and signature events, offering visitors an unparalleled moment-by-moment experience of the historic events surrounding the American Revolution.

Return of an Army programming is included with your General Admission ticket! Tickets are valid for two consecutive days.

St. Johnsbury, Vermont celebrates America's 250th Birthday with a parade, bandstand concert, 250 free ice cream cones, and more on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

10:30am - Parade on Main Street
11:00am - Ceremony & Bandstand Concert*
Kids activities, a tea, and St. Johnsbury Athenaeum tours following the ceremony.

*The ceremony will feature a reading of the Declaration of Independence from a direct descendent of a signer! Don't miss 250 free ice cream cones provided by the St. Johnsbury Band, the nation's third-oldest community band.

Check the event website for a full list of activities taking place to celebrate this milestone anniversary in historic St. Johnsbury, Vermont: www.discoverstjohnsbury.com/americas250

The 4th of July commemorations begin at the Bennington Battle Monument, where two long‑running ceremonies—the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence and the Bennington Rotary’s bell‑ringing program—will be combined into a single, expanded event. With seating opening at 11:30 AM, the program starts at 12:00 PM with the Declaration reading, re-enactors and a musket salute, followed by a special bell‑ringing ceremony using a bell borrowed from the Vermont Veterans Home. The combined program will run until approximately 1:30 PM and will include children’s activities, re-enactors, and other festive elements.

Celebrate America 250 in Morristown with a full day of Fourth of July festivities in the heart of the Lamoille Valley, just minutes from Stowe. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy a patriotic parade at 11:00 AM, followed by community activities, local food, and small-town charm throughout the day. The celebration continues at Oxbow Park starting at 5:30 PM with live music by Red Hot Juba, food and craft vendors, family-friendly activities, and a fireworks display at dusk. A perfect summer day to experience Vermont community spirit.