Vernon Sets Extensive America 250 Lineup

VERNON, CT — Vernon is marking America 250 with a series of public events in June and July, including two historical presentations at Town Hall, an added element to the July in the Sky fireworks show and a free performance by the 102nd Connecticut Army National Guard band.

The June programs will be presented by Vernon 250 Committee members Donald Rogers, a retired history professor, and Jean Luddy, Vernon’s town historian and director of the Vernon Historical Society Museum. Both talks will be staged in the Council Chambers at Town Hall, 14 Park Place. They are free and open to the public.

The first program is scheduled for Thursday, June 4 at 6:30 p.m. It is called “Future Vernon and the Road to American Independence.” According to the event description, the presentation will focus on the history of North Bolton, how revolutionary fervor took hold as a result of British tax policies, and the involvement of citizens in anti-British protests and their support for independence. Vernon was not established as a town until 1808 and was then known as North Bolton.

The second program is set for Thursday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. It is called "Future Vernon and the American Revolutionary War." According to the description, the talk will examine state and national events, then focus on North Bolton men and women who responded to the call to battle and others who stayed home and supported the war effort.

The program description states it will also cover the hardships North Bolton residents endured during the war and the lives of indigenous and enslaved people who lived in town during that era. It will also highlight social changes the war brought to North Bolton and conclude with stories of later Vernon celebrations of the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Vernon’s America 250 observance will continue on July 8 during the July in the Sky fireworks. The town said there will be an added element to the fireworks show marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. The rain date for July in the Sky is July 9.

Later in the month, the 102nd Connecticut Army National Guard band will perform on July 30 as the first concert in the mayor’s summer concert series. The concert will take place on the McCoy baseball field at Henry Park. It is free and open to the public.