Guide to America’s 250th Independence Week in Litchfield & Bantam
As a town that played important Revolutionary War roles—Oliver Wolcott Sr. signed the Declaration of Independence and George Washington’s spymaster Major Benjamin Tallmadge later lived in Litchfield—there are few better places to celebrate America’s 250th than Litchfield.
From living history and military salutes to community readings and the return of a beloved, furry hometown tradition, we’ve pulled together an Independence Week schedule to help you celebrate the historic holiday marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
🌟 Some Don’t-Miss Headliners
Independence Week Walking Tours: Heroes of the Revolution
🗓️ Wednesday, July 1 & Friday, July 3 at 12:00 PM | Sunday, July 5 at 1:00 PM Learn about Litchfield’s wartime efforts and heroes with the Litchfield Historical Society. This popular 1-hour walking tour leaves from the Litchfield History Museum (7 South Street) and uncovers how local residents, young and old, shaped the birth of a nation. Note: Weekday tours are free to all as part of the A250 commemoration; Sunday’s tour is free for members and $10 for non-members. https://www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org/calendar-list/
Redcoats on Town Green!
🗓️ Friday, July 3 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) & Saturday, July 4 (10:00 AM – 1:15 PM) Keep your eyes peeled on the Center Green. His Majesty’s 23rd Regiment of Foote and the Royal Welsh Fusiliers will be setting up camp. It will be a fantastic, interactive immersion into what life was like when the Crown troops were in town.
The 28th Annual 4th of July Pet Parade
🗓️ Saturday, July 4 from 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM A true hometown favorite returns to the Litchfield Historical Society’s Tapping Reeve Meadow (82 South Street)! Bring your pets—from dogs and cats to birds and bunnies—decked out in their finest patriotic gear. Registration begins on-site at 2:15 PM, and the parade is completely free to enter or watch. https://bit.ly/4gdCKML
Bantam Lake Fireworks
🗓️ Saturday, July 4 at 9:00 PM Cap off your Independence Day with a spectacular aerial display reflecting over the water, hosted by the Bantam Lake Protective Association. Prime viewing is available at the Morris Town Beach (407 East Shore Road)—be sure to arrive early to claim a spot on the sand or the lawn.
🗓️ More Independence Week Events
Tuesday, June 30
- John Adams Portrayal | Oliver Wolcott Library | A gripping living-history performance bringing the nation’s second president to life. Check the OWL event listing for details. https://www.owlibrary.org/adult-events.aspx#anchor_adams
Wednesday, July 1
- Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour | Litchfield History Museum, 12:00 PM
Friday, July 3
- Crown Troops Living History Exhibit | Litchfield Town Green, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour | Litchfield History Museum, 12:00 PM
- “Young Washington” Premiere | Bantam Cinema & Arts Center | Catch the opening day of this specially curated cinematic look into the early life of George Washington. https://www.bantamcinema.org/movie/young-washington
Saturday, July 4 (Independence Day!)
- Bantam Historical Society Mini-Museum Exhibit | Bantam Borough Hall | Dive into Bantam’s local history with artifacts and stories curated just for the 250th anniversary.
- Veteran of the Month Ceremony | All Wars Memorial (Bantam), 10:00 AM | A solemn, beautiful monthly tradition honoring our local veterans.
- Revolutionary Gravesite Ceremonies | East Cemetery | Join local historic groups for dedicated wreath-laying ceremonies honoring two of Litchfield’s greatest patriots: Benjamin Tallmadge (Washington’s Spymaster) and Oliver Wolcott (Signer of the Declaration of Independence).
- Spirit of ’76 Fife and Drum Corps | Center Green, 1:15 PM | Catch the stirring, rhythmic sounds of traditional Revolutionary-era military music.
- First Litchfield Artillery’s “Let Freedom Ring” Salute | East Green | Our famous local artillery squad rings in the afternoon with a booming cannon salute to the original 13 colonies.
- The 4th of July Pet Parade | Tapping Reeve Meadow, 2:30 PM
- BLPA Bantam Lake Fireworks | Morris Town Beach, 9:00 PM
Sunday, July 5
- Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour (Post-4th Edition) | Litchfield History Museum, 1:00 PM
Wednesday, July 8
- Sharing America: Community Reading of the Declaration of Independence | West Green, 5:30 PM | Bring a lawn chair and a blanket for a community-wide, reflective reading of our founding document.
