Patchwork: Connecticut Artists Consider 250
In June 2026, the Florence Griswold Museum will mount a juried exhibition of contemporary art to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America. Museums and cultural institutions across the nation are marking this anniversary in myriad ways.
Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy
When the Declaration of Independence was issued, the idea that “all men are created equal” was revolutionary. With this seminal document, the Founding Fathers unleashed an open-ended driving force that would shape modern history. Around the world, other co
1776 – Ivoryton Playhouse
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
America’s prize winning musical. Celebrating America 250 with the founding fathers who come alive in 1776 – this classic, award-winning Broadway musical. Join John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson as they fight for independence against a dea
"Famous Long Island Shipwrecks" Lecture
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Join us for a lecture by Bill Bleyer exploring the maritime history of Long Island and the famous shipwrecks of Long Island Sound. Discover dramatic stories of maritime disasters, including the HMS Culloden, wrecked at Montauk during the American Revoluti
Planetarium Show: “Stars and Stripes, Indeed!”
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
What part did the Moon’s phase plays in keeping Paul Revere concealed from the British during his famous ride? Why did Abraham Lincoln make an unannounced visit to the US Naval Observatory in the middle of the Civil War? How did the forces of gravity betwe
Declaring Independence: The Language That Challenged an Empire
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
More than a historical milestone, the Declaration of Independence is a masterful use of language. This talk examines the Declaration of Independence as a bold piece of writing designed to persuade, provoke, and endure. Blending rhetorical analysis with a
1776 – Ivoryton Playhouse
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
America’s prize winning musical. Celebrating America 250 with the founding fathers who come alive in 1776 – this classic, award-winning Broadway musical. Join John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson as they fight for independence against a dea
17th Annual Stonington Artists Show – Celebrating America's 250th Birthday
In honor of America’s 250th, this year for the first time our annual exhibit featuring local artists will be themed! Artists are encouraged to interpret this theme broadly through works that invite connection, spark dialogue, and explore the richness, str
Planetarium Show: “Stars and Stripes, Indeed!”
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
What part did the Moon’s phase plays in keeping Paul Revere concealed from the British during his famous ride? Why did Abraham Lincoln make an unannounced visit to the US Naval Observatory in the middle of the Civil War? How did the forces of gravity betwe
Exhibit Opening: 17th Annual Stonington Artists Show – Celebrating America's 250th Birthday
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
In honor of America’s 250th, this year for the first time our annual exhibit featuring local artists will be themed! Artists are encouraged to interpret this theme broadly through works that invite connection, spark dialogue, and explore the richness, str
1776 – Ivoryton Playhouse
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
America’s prize winning musical. Celebrating America 250 with the founding fathers who come alive in 1776 – this classic, award-winning Broadway musical. Join John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson as they fight for independence against a dea