America 250

State of Connecticut's logo, red w. a blue field in upper left w. 4 stars, above the word Mansfie

America 250

This year, Mansfield joins communities throughout Connecticut and across the nation in the celebration of the United States Semiquincentennial.

Learn more about Connecticut's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence at ct250.org.


This page will be updated throughout 2026.

  1. Upcoming Events

A hand-drawn portrait of General Israel Putnam, appears to be of charcoal or pencilMansfield Historical Society

General Israel Putnam: His life in stories

March 16, 2026 at 7:30 PM

History comes alive with a rousing portrayal of Major General Israel Putnam as he recounts life and role in colonial America. Retired UConn Professor Kenneth Knoll portrays Gen. Putnam as the beloved, honorable farmer and patriot that he was. Gen. Putnam will describe his life on his farm, his time as a tavern-keeper, his role in the French and Indian War, as well as his service as second in command to General Washington in the Revolutionary War. The program is a mix of live storytelling, colonial history, and entertainment. As an unschooled commoner, Putnam was unique among military officers. He won the trust and respect of his men because they saw him as one of their own. Having served previously with many of the Revolution’s British officers, he commanded their respect, as well. Ken Noll is very experienced in historical reenactments and provides a highly educational and entertaining performance.

Professor Kenneth Noll is a Professor Emeritus of Microbiology at the University of Connecticut and, for many years, has portrayed Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens, and General Israel Putnam in libraries, museums, schools, community events, and universities.

This program is free and open to all.

The Mansfield Historical Society will host the program in the Buchanan Auditorium of the Mansfield Public Library (54 Warrenville Road, Mansfield Center).

  1. Ongoing Events

Two people stand and look at a gallery wall filled with portraits at the Benton Museum

Encounters with the Collection: Exploring America at 250

at the William Benton Museum of Art


August 2025 - August 2026

The Benton joins in the nationwide celebration of the U.S. semiquincentennial with Encounters with the Collection: Exploring America at 250. This presentation of key works from the Benton’s collection will promote dialogue about American art, culture, and identity. Visitors are encouraged to consider the ideas and ideals that shaped America at its founding while also exploring how they resonate in America today and beyond.

The exhibition draws on the museum’s holdings of American art to think broadly about how the very word “American” can be defined: as an identity, a place, and an idea. Highlights include landscapes and cityscapes by Ansel Adams, Martin Johnson Heade, and George Bellows; representations of President Abraham Lincoln across different media; and a salon-style wall of portraits from the 18th century to the present. Also featured are recent additions to the collection by artists Valerie Hegarty, Jeffrey Gibson, and Sarah Sense.

The William Benton Museum of Art is located at 245 Glenbrook Road on the UConn Storrs campus. Admission is free; donations are gratefully accepted. 

To learn more and plan your visit, please visit their website: benton.uconn.edu.

IMAGE: Installation View,  Encounters with the Collection: Exploring America at 250, William Benton Museum of Art, Photography by Lily Denver

  1. Past Events

William Benton Museum of Art

Exploring America at 250

February 15, 2026

Celebrate President’s Day Weekend with a walk-through and discussion around the exhibition, Exploring America at 250.

Join curator Amanda Douberley for a walk-through of the exhibition, Encounters with theCollection: Exploring America at 250. The exhibition draws on the museum’s holdings ofAmerican art to think broadly about how the very word “American” can be defined: as anidentity, a place, and an idea. Highlights include landscapes and cityscapes by Ansel Adams, Martin Johnson Heade, and George Bellows; representations of President Abraham Lincoln across different media; and a salon-style wall of portraits from the 18th century to the present. Also featured are recent additions to the collection by artists Valerie Hegarty, Jeffrey Gibson, and Sarah Sense.

This presentation of key works from the Benton’s collection will promote dialogue about American art, culture, and identity. Visitors are encouraged to consider the ideas and ideals that shaped America at its founding while also exploring how they resonate in America today and beyond.


William Benton Museum of Art

Learn about Lincoln!

February 17, 2026

An interactive children’s program starting with a story and ending with a cute AbrahamLincoln-themed craft. Designed for ages 4-10 (Parents strongly encouraged to stay)

Join us as we draw inspiration from several works on view in our exhibition Encounters with the Collection: Exploring America at 250. The program will begin with a fun picture book that introduces readers to a number of facts relating to the life of President Abraham Lincoln. After the story, we will create our own Lincoln log cabin craft.

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Be a Part of the Celebration!

America 250 is not only an opportunity for reflection on the ideals of the founds of the nation, but it is also a time to consider the path forward in expanding our realization of those ideals today. The America 250 | CT Commission, which is administered by Connecticut Humanities, invites communities to create local celebrations centered around four key themes (outlined below).

Here in Mansfield, we invite community organizations, businesses, faith-based communities, school groups, and individuals to engage with these themes by hosting activities that fit your group. Workshops, lectures, performances, exhibits, service projects - be creative!

A local committee has formed that includes UConn and Town staff and members of the Mansfield Historical Society which is here to help. The committee can help connect you with planning resources and promotional efforts. Email us with questions or complete this brief form to express your interest in Mansfield's commemoration of America 250.

  1. Tell Inclusive Stories
  2. Power of Place
  3. Doing History
  4. For the Common Good

Tell Inclusive Stories

The 250th serves as inspiration for CT Humanities (CTH), its grantees, and the people of Connecticut to deal with and share stories that represent all of its people, past and present. For much of our history, the United States has excluded people—women, free and enslaved African Americans, Indigenous people, immigrants, people with disabilities, the poor, and many others—from full participation and representation in the nation’s political, economic, and cultural life. This commemoration is an opportunity to continue the nation’s reckoning with the past, both its glory and its missteps and flaws. By telling previously untold stories we will enable everyone to find a place in our nation’s narrative.

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Ready to Start Planning?

The America 250 | CT Commission has put together helpful resources to help you plan your commemorative activities:

Red water color paint spreads from left, meeting blue water color paint spreading from right