Hamden Kicks Off 240th Anniversary Celebration

The town is celebrating a dual milestone in 2026, commemorating its own 240th anniversary alongside the United States’ 250th anniversary.

By Vincent Salzo, Patch Staff

Apr 30, 2026 7:35 pm EDT

HAMDEN, CT — Hamden is kicking off the celebration of its 240th anniversary on Friday, May 1, according to officials.

Officials said the year 2026 marks a historic double celebration for the Hamden community. As the United States honors its 250th anniversary, the Town of Hamden is proud to commemorate its own 240th anniversary.

Hamden officially separated from New Haven and was incorporated as a distinct town in May 1786, with its first town meeting held on June 15, 1786. In honor of this legacy, the Town invites residents to kick off festivities this Friday, May 1, 2026.

“In recognition of the Town’s 240th anniversary, visitors to Hamden government buildings this Friday will find treats available in most departments,” officials wrote in a news release. “We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our local sponsors who graciously donated to make this celebration special, including Haven’s Harvest, Kelly’s Cone Connection, Liuzzi Cheese, ShopRite of Hamden, Stop & Shop of Hamden and Walmart of Hamden.”

Read more from the news release below:

“Today, we kick off Hamden’s 240th Anniversary,” Town Clerk Karimah Mickens said. “Throughout the year, the Town will host activities and events designed to bring our community together. These 240 years of history belong to all of us, and this is our moment to honor that legacy.

“Together, we will connect these efforts across organizations and departments, creating space for shared storytelling and community reflection, all leading to Hamden Through Time - 1786, a collective opportunity to experience our history through the voices and moments that make Hamden home.”

Mayor Adam Sendroff said, “We are thrilled to celebrate and reflect on the history of the town we call home. This Friday is just the beginning of celebrating Hamden’s 240-year journey. We will have fireworks, a special walk back through time presented by the Town Clerk’s Office, a series of lectures presented by the library, and we will also seal a 100-year Time Capsule.”