Vermont Celebrates the 250 Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with festivities for everyone!

Vermont Celebrates the 250 Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with festivities for everyone!

Governor Phil Scott signed an executive order creating the 250th Anniversary Commission to plan, coordinate and promote observances and activities that commemorate the historic events associated with the American Revolution in Vermont. Information about the 250th Anniversary Commission and events state-wide can be found at Vermont's 250th Anniversary | Vermont's 250th .

Kicking off the pre-4th of July celebrations in Montpelier on Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Presented by the Three Branches of Vermont State Government and the Vermont State Curator’s office. These tri-branch events involving the Vermont Supreme Court building, the Vermont State House, and the Pavilion Building housing the Vermont History Museum.

July 1st Festivities Include:

8:30 am – 4:30 pm On view at the Vermont Supreme Court Gallery from June 29 – July 10, 2026

Vermont Celebrates the 250 Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence - all are invited to experience the historical documents associated with the 250th anniversary including a Declaration of Independence traveling exhibit that the Library of Congress has developed. The gallery is open daily from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm M-F (closed during the lunch-hour).

10:00 am – 4:00 pm – The Vermont History Museum “50 FOR 250” ­– 50 Artifacts Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Nation. A preview of the Vermont History Museum’s “50 FOR 250” artifacts exhibition on display throughout the day at the Vermont History Museum at 108 State Street. Free Admission on July 1st.

11:00 am – 12:00 pm At the Vermont Supreme Court: a naturalization ceremony

Taking place in the Vermont Supreme Court courtroom. Officiated by U.S. District Court Judge Geoffrey Crawford U.S. Federal District. Candidates from each county in Vermont will become American citizens! Candidates and invited guests at ceremony, to be livestreamed to separate gathering space in the Vermont Supreme Court Building

12:00 - 3:00 pm Bring your kiddos to Celebrate the 250th Declaration of Independence on the Vermont State House and Vermont Supreme Court Lawn.

Join in the festivities!

Children’s games and activities associated with the 250th celebration include:

• Participate in a Vermont Figures Costume & Lookalike Contest
• Dunk King George III in the Constitutional Rights Tank
• Compete in the Spoon & Egg and Potato Sack Races
• Partake in Arts & Crafts
• Have your face painted
• Cast your ballot in the Kids’ Vote

Enjoy snacks and much more!

1:00 – 2:00 pm The Vermont Justices Presenting the Declaration

Taking place in the Vermont Supreme Court courtroom. An overview of the Declaration of Independence presented by Vermont Supreme Court Justices in conjunction with historical context. The overview will include key historical facts leading to the Declaration, content of the Declaration, and how the core principles of the Declaration have been incorporated in the U.S. Constitution. The event will be live streamed on the Vermont Supreme Court YouTube Channel. There will be a Q and A after the presentation.

3:00 – 4:00 pm Panel Presentation overview about the Three Branches of Vermont State Government

Taking place in the Vermont State House Chamber. Justice Nancy Waples, Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas and Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski, will present a tri-branch panel program about the three branches of Vermont State government. Governor Phil Scott has been invited to give remarks and to introduce the panel, schedule permitted.

5:00 – 7:30 pm at Barr Hill Distillery - Declaration of Independence Trivia Contest

Barr Hill Distillery, located at 116 Gin Lane in Montpelier. Trivia questions and music will be provided by 802 Trivia. There will be delicious hors d’oeuvres, prizes will be awarded, and beverages available at the cash bar. Participation space is limited, RSVPs are requested. You can register yourself or your team right here: RSVP for Trivia Organized by the Vermont Bar Association.

All events are free and open to the public.

For additional information for all “250th” events involving Vermont State Court Houses visit:

www.Vermontjudiciary.org and Key 250 in the search on the site page.