Greenwich Historical Society’s Signature America’s 250th Celebration

Historic Dutch Tall Ship Oosterschelde to Anchor Greenwich Historical Society’s Signature America’s 250th Celebration

Greenwich Historical Society will host a major community celebration of America’s 250th anniversary during a signature weekend of events culminating on June 28, 2026, with Sunday at the Park with George, bringing together history, culture, music, education, and civic pride for one of Connecticut’s signature America’s 250th celebrations.

The celebration will center on the arrival of the historic Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde in Greenwich Harbor at Delamar Greenwich Harbor and a free public festival at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park on Sunday, June 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Oosterschelde, the largest restored Dutch sailing ship in operation and one of the world’s most celebrated historic tall ships, will dock in Greenwich Harbor as part of its international voyage. The vessel will serve as the centerpiece of the celebration and will be open for free public tours throughout the day.

Part of the yearlong America’s 250th | Greenwich initiative, the event is expected to attract thousands of visitors and will highlight Greenwich’s unique role in the American story through immersive historical experiences, live performances, educational programming, and community engagement. More than 750 individuals have already registered for the June 28 celebration, with attendance expected to exceed 2,000 visitors throughout the day.

Greenwich played a significant role during the Revolutionary War, making the community a fitting location for one of Connecticut’s largest America’s 250th commemorations.

“This celebration represents an extraordinary opportunity to bring our community together around our shared history while looking toward the future,” said Carol Cadou, Executive Director and CEO of Greenwich Historical Society. “As the nation prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary, Greenwich Historical Society is proud to help lead a celebration that is educational, inspiring, and welcoming to all.”

Festival highlights will include:

• Free tours of the historic Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde

• Revolutionary War reenactors portraying George and Martha Washington, Benjamin and Deborah Franklin, Benedict Arnold, and John André

• Revolutionary War encampments and living history experiences

• Hands-on activities

• Demonstrations of traditional crafts including blacksmithing, printing press operations, and yarn spinning

• A public reading of the Declaration of Independence

• Salute to Veterans programming

• Live musical performances throughout the day

• Family-friendly activities and educational experiences

• Special appearance by Yankee Doodle Doggie, Greenwich Historical Society’s America’s 250th mascot

The event will also feature community partners, sponsors, and opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the broader America’s 250th | Greenwich initiative, a yearlong community-wide commemoration running from July 4, 2025, through July 4, 2026.

The June 28 celebration builds upon Greenwich Historical Society’s ongoing America’s 250th programming, including exhibitions, lectures, tours, educational activities, and community partnerships designed to explore the nation’s history through a local lens.

The event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged.

For registration and event information, visit greenwichhistory.org/America-250th/.

About Greenwich Historical Society

Founded in 1931, Greenwich Historical Society preserves, interprets, and shares Greenwich history through its collections, campus, programs, and research. Its National Historic Landmark Bush-Holley House witnessed the American Revolution and later became the site of Connecticut’s first American Impressionist art colony. Through exhibitions, educational programs, lectures, tours, and community events, Greenwich Historical Society connects visitors to the history of one of America’s most influential communities.