Darien Democrats Mark 250 Years of American Democracy With Special Event

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Democratic Town Committee marked the nation's 250th anniversary Thursday, Oct. 1, with an event that drew approximately 75 guests to the Museum of Darien and raised funds for the committee.

The event, "250 Years of Democracy: A Historic Year, A Historic Election," featured remarks from federal, state and local leaders on the upcoming election, civic participation and the role Connecticut voters will play.

Subscribe

Speakers included U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-25) and state Sen. Patricia Billie Miller (D-27).

Local Democratic candidates Meredith Tobitsch, Crystal Hill, Peter Orphanos and Francisco Cardona also spoke, along with Darien Democratic Town Committee Chair Erika Procaccini. Robin Weinberg, the campaign manager for state Senate candidate and Weston First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor, delivered remarks on Nestor's behalf.

Guests gathered for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres among the museum's collections before moving into the exhibition space for the program. Amy Allen, executive director of the Museum of Darien, welcomed guests, and museum staff wore 18th-century attire.

Procaccini discussed the gathering as an opportunity to reflect on 250 years of American democracy and consider citizens' responsibilities today.

"As we celebrate 250 years of American democracy, this evening gave us an opportunity to reflect on the history that brought us here and to look ahead with a renewed sense of purpose," Procaccini said, according to a news release. "To gather here in Darien, surrounded by our community's own history, and hear from leaders at every level of government was a powerful reminder that democracy is something each generation has a responsibility to carry forward."

Himes, who represents Connecticut's 4th Congressional District, looked forward to what he hopes is a strong showing for his party in November, saying, "We are going to make the results too big to rig."

Blumenthal, Tong, Duff and Miller joined local and state candidates in discussing public service, democratic participation and the upcoming election.

Tobitsch is running for the 125th State House District. Hill and Orphanos are candidates for the Darien Board of Education, and Cardona is a candidate for judge of probate.

The program concluded amid the museum's Revolutionary-era exhibition, connecting Darien's history as Middlesex Parish with the community's role in American civic life 250 years later.