Waterbury begins VT250 planning for national, state anniversaries

January 12, 2026 | By Cheryl Casey

The Waterbury VT250 Committee is beginning plans for events and community initiatives to mark two major milestones: the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States this year and the 250th anniversary of the Republic of Vermont in 2027.

Formed by the Waterbury Select Board in the fall, the volunteer committee is charged with bringing the community together over the next two years to recognize these historic milestones. Its goal is to engage residents, students, local organizations, and businesses in exploring how these events continue to shape our society today. 

Waterbury’s committee is one of dozens across the state participating in Gov. Phil Scott’s 250th Anniversary, which established a statewide commission by executive order in 2020.

The committee is currently working with the Waterbury Rotary Club on potential themes for the annual Not Quite Independence Day celebration and with Revitalizing Waterbury on a dining incentive program.

“I am proud to be a member of the Waterbury VT250 Committee,” said Michael Bard. “Waterbury is a community passionate about volunteerism, public service, our history and local pride. We are looking forward to reflecting upon our past, celebrating what we have accomplished, and planning for a vibrant future.”

Over the next two years, the committee will serve as the core group overseeing all VT250-related activities in Waterbury, such as coordinating and promoting events, maintaining a community calendar, supporting fundraising efforts, and sharing stories that connect national and state history to Waterbury’s past. The committee will continue its work through December 2027, in alignment with the statewide VT250 timeline.

The committee will meet on the second Thursday of each month. The next meeting will be held on Feb. 12 at 6 p.m., in the Steele Community Room and on Zoom. The committee also will have an information table at Town Meeting on March 3 at Brookside Primary School. 

Find more information on Instagram and Facebook at @waterburyvt250 and on the town website, with a dedicated website coming soon.

Cheryl Casey chairs the Waterbury VT250 Planning Committee.