Middletown, Portland, Teaming Up To Celebrate Nation’s Semiquincentennial

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Middletown Mayor Gene P. Nocera Tuesday announced the formation of the City of Middletown and the Town of Portland America250 Committee to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial, a nationwide, non-partisan initiative.

Middletown and Portland will combine their efforts, as they did some 50 years ago for the 1976 American Bicentennial celebration to engage citizens of Middlesex County and beyond.

"I see our upcoming America 250 celebration in Middletown as a chance to re-connect with our history and heritage. Middletown played a significant role during the Revolutionary era — sea captains, merchants, and local patriots shaped its economy and identity. The Semiquincentennial gives the city a moment to remember, reflect on, and educate residents (young and old) about that shared legacy," Nocera. said,

According Middletown Municipal Historian and vice chair of the committee Deborah Shapiro, the city was settled in 1650 by English colonists on land called Mattabeseck by its native Wangunk inhabitants. Middletown, by 1776, was the most populous town in Connecticut, encompassing the present day towns of Portland, East Hampton, Cromwell and Middlefield in addition to Middletown.

Hundreds of Middletown men answered the call to arms throughout the war, including 124, led by Lt. Return Jonathan Meigs, Capt. Amos Hosford, and Lt. Comfort Sage, who answered the Lexington Alarm in April, 1775 to aid the Massachusetts colony under attack by British regulars, she said.

The committee members are in the early stages of planning and implementing programs designed to educate, engage, and foster unity as we reflect on the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Said Nocera, "Celebrations will commence in January 2026 as we bring in the New Year with a 250th flag raising ceremony to be held at the Municipal Building, 245 DeKoven Drive in Middletown," Nocera said.

An announcement will be made in late December. The committee has solidified several celebratory initiatives and events for county participation, starting with the MCA's Arts Engagement Grant Program offering funding support for Middletown artists and organizations to create 250th engagement opportunities within their art mediums, while expanding on the 250th theme.

Arts & Culture Coordinator and Chair of the 250th committee Kisha McWilliams Michael said, "I’m honored to be in a position alongside stakeholders in this City who know how to get things done. Although we are up against a short amount of time with 2026 only a few weeks away, I believe that we have the right people in place to create a platform for the success of these efforts."

As Mayor, Nocera has declared Saturday, June 27, as the day for the city's annual fireworks festival, and on Saturday, July 4, there will be an all-county themed parade on Main Street.

Said Shapiro, "Our town, historically known as the county seat, is excited to host the 15 towns. An all-county parade would not only be festive, but would also foster cooperation between our towns and conserve resources."

The committee is also undergoing beautification efforts for the city to include collaborating with the town of Portland and the state Department of Transportation, with the creative goal of having the Arrigoni Bridge "bunted with patriotic embellishments."

Other sites to be enhanced are the Main Street business corridor, Veterans Park, and historical landmarks throughout the city.

A full schedule of planned events and activities will be available starting in 2026.

To learn more about the national Semiquincentennial celebrations visit https://america250.org/.

For information about local events please visit the State of Connecticut initiatives website https://ct250.org/ and the City of Middletown|Town of Portland collaboration website https://middletownct.gov/1478/America-250.