KENT, Conn.—How fast can you say Semiquincentennial?
That’s how fast the nation’s 250th birthday has descended upon us and already towns and communities across the nation are celebrating the upcoming anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Kent has been planning for the event for more than a year and has devised a program of activities that has something for virtually everyone. Already there have been lectures at Kent Memorial Library and the Kent Historical Society by local historian Peter Vermilyea, who recently published a book about Litchfield County in the Revolution, and the Eric Sloane Museum recently celebrated the 200th anniversary of the iron forge found on its property.
The family friendly event featured live master blacksmithing, furnace tours and the recreation of an iron-smelting bloomery furnace using traditional historic methods. The furnace represents a continuation of an industry in the Northwest Corner that provided much-needed munitions for the Continental Army. The Salisbury furnace, alone, produced 75 percent of all cannons used in the colonies during the Revolutionary War, along with vital munitions and bomb shells.
Last Saturday, the drumbeat of historical commemorations continued with a program honoring Dr. Oliver Fuller, a Revolutionary War physician who is buried in Good Hill Cemetery in North Kent. And on June 4, at 6 p.m., that venerable old Revolutionary, John Adams, will appear at the Kent Memorial Library. George Baker, an Adams re-enactor, will lead “A Lively and Revolutionary Conversation with America’s Second President.”
The library will also join local citizens in a presentation of the “Americans Who Tell the Truth” (AWTT) series by artist Robert Shetterly. Slated for June 17 until July 15 the exhibit features 10 of the 300 portraits created by Shetterly celebrating citizens who championed democratic ideals and social justice.
Freestanding replicas of AWTT portraits will be displayed, complete with biographical information, on the field while the library will screen “Truth Tellers,” an award-winning documentary exploring Shetterly’s portrait series, on July 11.
The Kent Volunteer Fire Department will get into the mood Saturday, June 13, when it holds its annual firemen’s ball with a “revolutionary” menu.
Tickets are $65 per person in advance, $75 at the door. Tickets are available online by visiting www.kentfire.org. Checks can be mailed to KVFD Firemen’s Ball, PO Box 355, Kent, CT 06757. Be sure to note the check is for the Firemen’s Ball.
While the men of the Revolutionary era were off fighting for new ideals in government, work intensified for those who stayed at home when embargoes on British trade cut off avenues to everyday consumer goods.
Visitors can get a first-hand look at some of those trades Saturday, June 6, at Historic Trades Day at the Eric Sloane Museum, 31 Kent Cornwall Road. The free event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. introduces the curious to such 18th- and 19th-century trades as blacksmithing, wool spinning, woodworking, weaving and tin smithing. Handmade goods by local artisans will be for sale.
The Kent Historical Society is also highlighting the effect on the local economy when it launches its summer exhibition, “Homespun Kent: Revolutionary Households.” There will be a reception Saturday, June 27, with demonstrations of hearth cooking, guided tours and a picnic from 5 to 7 p.m. at Seven Hearths, 4 Studio Hill Road.
When the actual anniversary of the Declaration arrives, Kent will pull out all the stops. As it does each year, the Sloane Museum will mark the beginning of the weekend with a community bellringing at 2 p.m. Friday, July 3, commemorating the bells that pealed out in Philadelphia when the Declaration was first read to the public.
That evening, the town will hold a Lights & Liberty parade starting at the Town Hall at 7 p.m. It will conclude with a community bonfire at the Kent Volunteer Fire Department. S’mores and lemonade will be provided and attendees will have their first opportunity to put their signature on the Town’s own Declaration of Independence, which will eventually hang next to the U.S. Constitution in Town Hall.
Residents, families, nonprofits and businesses are invited to participate in the parade with illuminated floats, decorated vehicles, and creative displays celebrating American history, community pride, and Kent traditions. Register here by June 20 to enter a float.
When the big day arrives on Saturday, there will be a full day of programming on the Town Hall lawn beginning at noon. It includes further opportunities to sign the Declaration and a flag raising. There will be a public reading of the Declaration at 1 p.m. and a townwide ringing of bells at 2 p.m. All guests are encouraged to bring bells to ring and churches are coordinating a ringing of their bells.
A community picnic, activity tents and family programming are planned for noon to 3 p.m., with the Kent Lions Club serving food and SoDelicious Bakery providing a “Birthday Cake for America,” for all to enjoy.
The event concludes with fireworks at Lake Waramaug at dusk.
