Community Events

NEW HAVEN, CT – Today, Mayor Justin Elicker announced the creation of the New Haven’s America 250 Commission, charged with guiding local planning and engagement for the upcoming semiquincentennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 and the founding of the nation.

“As the United States approaches the historic milestone of 250 years as a nation, it is important for us to reflect on the journey our country has been on, take stock of where we are today, and recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of forming a more perfect union. We have made so much progress as a nation over the last 250 years, yet much work remains as we find our democracy at a critical, fragile, and defining moment. New Haven has been a part of our nation’s story since its inception and will continue to play an integral role in charting its future,” said Mayor Elicker. “New Haven’s America 250 Commission is a distinguished group of New Haveners who reflect the diversity and strength of our city and will help spearhead and coordinate the Elm City’s planning and celebration of this momentous occasion. I’m very grateful to all of the members of the commission for their commitment and service to our city and to the co-chairs, Kim Futrell and Michael Morand, for leading this important work.”

Beginning this month, the seventeen-member mayoral-appointed commission will meet regularly to spearhead New Haven’s commemoration of America’s 250^th anniversary in 2026. The Commission’s responsibilities include formulating, coordinating, sponsoring, and supporting local events and impactful projects. This work will include identifying and supporting legacy initiatives, such as historic markers, building restorations, and community memory labs within New Haven’s public libraries to ensure the celebrations leave a lasting impact. The commission will also promote awareness of New Haven’s significant role in the struggle for independence and the ongoing evolution of American democracy, and work to ensure the semiquincentennial commemorates the full breadth of the nation’s history, struggles, and triumphs that have helped shaped the city and country — uplifting diverse voices, highlighting local stories, and fostering civic pride.

The New Haven America 250 Commission will also liaise with the national-level America 250 and state-level America 250 CT, and cooperate with local colleges, museums, historical organizations, festivals, cultural and community groups, and other partner organizations.

The commission is co-chaired by Kim Futrell, Deputy Director for the City of New Haven’s Department of Arts, Culture & Tourism, and Michael Morand, City Historian and Director of Community Engagement for Yale Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library.

“I am honored to be part of this effort to recognize the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and New Haven’s direct connection to its signing,” said Futrell.  “As we reflect 250 years later on our founding document’s assertions, this is an opportunity for discourse and cultural and artistic expression. I look forward to celebrating the richness our city offers.”

“It’s an honor to join with fellow residents to chart ways for the full community to participate in America 250. New Haven played its parts in 1776. In 2026, we can as people, all created equal, assert our unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” stated Morand. “Here in New Haven, the Declaration of Independence is a living document. One of the few original printings of the Declaration made on July 4, 1776, is stewarded for all by the Beinecke Library, across the street from Grove Street Cemetery, where one of its original signers, Roger Sherman, lies in eternal repose. In 2026, with the Declaration on view, we can pledge anew our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor for the future of this living nation.”

New Haven’s America 250 Commission includes a diverse group of community residents and leaders. Joining co-chairs Futrell and Morand, the other commissioners include:

• Maria Bernhey, City Librarian at the New Haven Free Public Library;
• Ned Blackhawk, Professor of History at Yale University;
• Darryl Huckaby, Director of Programming at WYBC-FM;
• Erik Clemons, CEO of ConnCORP;
• Clifton Graves, Jr., Former Probate Judge and Program Director of Project Fresh Start;
• Will Ginsberg, former president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven;
• Alex Guzhnay, Liaison to the Board of Alders for the City of New Haven;
• Marie McDaniel, Chair of History at Southern Connecticut State University;
• Jeannette Morrison, Member of the New Haven Board of Alders;
• Madeline Negrón, Superintendent of New Haven Public Schools;
• Norma Rodriguez-Reyes, Publisher at La Voz Hispana de CT;
• Len Suzio, President of Suzio York Hill Companies;
• Ken Suzuki, Secretary Treasurer at Local 34, Unite HERE;
• Charles E. Warner, Jr., Chairman of the Connecticut Freedom Trail;
• Sue Weisselberg, Board Secretary of the New Haven Museum.

The inaugural meeting of the commission took place on Tuesday, May 20^th and the commission will announce future opportunities for residents to help inform and participate in the commission’s work and the city’s commemoration of America 250.