You have questions? We have answers!
These are based on actual questions and will be updated as needed.
You have questions? We have answers!
These are based on actual questions and will be updated as needed.
The Litchfield Patriots, Inc. is the 501(c)(3) entity that has been endorsed by the Litchfield Board of Selectmen to coordinate and convene events in Litchfield to celebrate America's 250th Anniversary. This is one of the committees of the Litchfield Patriots. Anyone can join the Litchfield Patriots and membership is not required to serve on the semiquincentennial committee (but of course it it open and encouraged!)
The celebrations and commemorations started on December 16, 2023 which was the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party! They will continue through 2026 with an emphasis on Independence Week. Each organization, group or individual will be letting the committee know when they would like their event(s) to occur so that efforts can be coordinated a much as possible. Shedules and a Calendar will be available here.
The purpose of the beautiful logo is to help connect varied efforts around town. Our partner groups and individuals are encouraged to include the logo in anything they do to promote and celebrate the semiquincentennial. We understand that this may involve making items like magnets or hats but the proceeds from these purchases must go towards funding the events planned. This will be monitored and if use of the logo is not in line with the open nature with which it is being provided, they will be asked to discontinue using it. If you have any questions, please CONTACT US first.
Since this committee was endorsed by the Litchfield Board of Selectmen, the committee's Mission, Vision and Values are specific to Litchfield. As part of including all of Regional School District 20, the first selectmen of Warren, Morris, and Goshen have all been included and will decide with their stakeholders how their planning will occur. Each event will determine it's scope. Some may be Litchfield specific while others will be broader. The chair of Litchfield's committee has been in contact with other chairs in the NW Corner to help coordinate events for the region whenever possible.
The original contact list for the first convenings were generated by IRS and Guidestar non-profit downloads. Our list is not just for non-profits and can include for-profits, town committees, and individuals. It is intended to be as broad and inclusive as possible. Is your group missing? Let us know!
The idea list shows what organizations and people are thinking about. If you see something that might be a good match, you can reach out to them directly. If you are not sure who to contact, let us know and we will help. Also, if you would like us to plan a meeting around a specific event or topic, just reach out and we can plan something!
Click on Contact Us here or in the header and let us know how you would like to participate! Not sure, we can help.
There are a number of tools available to the groups planning events. Organization websites and emails, Civic Lift, traditional and social media outlets, as well as word of mouth will all be used. This site has a calendar dedicated to events related to the America's 250th. Events will be posted here as they move through the process of being coordinated to the fullest extent possible. The link to that calendar is in the header of this website.
As part of a process called "leading by convening" over 80 people in the area were invited to participate in two initial and public meetings as the foundation for building the core committee. (Apologies to anyone inadvertently left out early on.) Membership on the committee is fluid based on three levels of engagement. The people who kindly volunteered to serve as key partners make up the coordinating committee. They have been meeting every other month and area available as consultants for your event planning. Extended partners are invited to meet every 6 months or so to provide updates and feedback and share resources. Affinity Groups help to bring together people focused on a specific topic. Anyone who wished to serve only as a dissemination partner will be included in regular emails and will use their already established networks to assure that word spreads about the planning and events. Since people decide how they want to engage with this project and can always change their minds, a fluid process can keep people enthusiastic! Anyone can participate and consistent participation is critical.
The National America 250 Commission (https://www.america250.org/ ) has been in place since 2016 and has a number of resources as well as a strong social media presence. The State Commission (https://ct250.org/) was formed in July 2022 and meets quarterly. Litchfield's Committee is an approved Affiliate Partner of the CT250 Commission. The chair of the Litchfield Committee attends all the Commission meetings as well as monthly calls with town contacts and the broader CT250 Affiliate meetings. Also we are fortunate to have Anthony Champalimaud serving as a member on of state committee and the Litchfield Historical Society is very well connected! Commission and affiliate meetings are open to anyone who is interested. Let us know!
Please use the Contact Us section of this website and we will not only answer you directly but if you have a question that is Frequently Asked, we will gladly add it here!