Greenwich Historical Society will host a major community celebration of America’s 250th anniversary during a signature weekend of events culminating on June 28, 2026, with Sunday at the Park with George, bringing together history, culture, music, education, and civic pride for one of Connecticut’s signature America’s 250th celebrations.
The celebration will center on the arrival of the historic Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde in Greenwich Harbor at Delamar Greenwich Harbor and a free public festival at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park on Sunday, June 28, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
The Oosterschelde, the largest restored Dutch sailing ship in operation and one of the world’s most celebrated historic tall ships, will dock in Greenwich Harbor as part of its international voyage. The vessel will serve as the centerpiece of the celebration and will be open for free public tours throughout the day.
Part of the yearlong America’s 250th Greenwich initiative, the event is expected to attract thousands of visitors and will highlight Greenwich’s unique role in the American story through immersive historical experiences, live performances, educational programming, and community engagement. More than 750 individuals have already registered for the June 28 celebration, with attendance expected to exceed 2,000 visitors throughout the day.
Greenwich’s Police boat escorted the Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde to Greenwich Harbor on Friday evening, as part of America’s 250th birthday celebration. Built in 1918, the Topsail Schooner measures 160 feet long, and 118 feet tall. Based in Rotterdam, she is the largest restored tall ship in the Netherlands. She will spend time in Greenwich, docked at the Delamar Hotel, before setting sail to New York Harbor where she’ll join other tall ships as part of New York’s July 4 celebration. June 26, 2026 Photo: John Mastracchio
Greenwich played a significant role during the Revolutionary War, making the community a fitting location for one of Connecticut’s largest America’s 250th commemorations.
“This celebration represents an extraordinary opportunity to bring our community together around our shared history while looking toward the future,” said Carol Cadou, Executive Director and CEO of Greenwich Historical Society. “As the nation prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary, Greenwich Historical Society is proud to help lead a celebration that is educational, inspiring, and welcoming to all.”
Festival highlights will include:
• Free tours of the historic Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde
• Revolutionary War reenactors portraying George and Martha Washington, Benjamin and Deborah Franklin, Benedict Arnold, and John André
• Revolutionary War encampments and living history experiences
• Hands-on activities
• Demonstrations of traditional crafts including blacksmithing, printing press operations, and yarn spinning
• A public reading of the Declaration of Independence
• Salute to Veterans programming
• Live musical performances throughout the day
• Family-friendly activities and educational experiences
• Special appearance by Yankee Doodle Doggie, Greenwich Historical Society’s America’s 250th mascot The event will also feature community partners, sponsors, and opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the broader America’s 250th Greenwich initiative, a yearlong community-wide commemoration running from July 4, 2025, through July 4, 2026.
The June 28 celebration builds upon Greenwich Historical Society’s ongoing America’s 250th programming, including exhibitions, lectures, tours, educational activities, and community partnerships designed to explore the nation’s history through a local lens.
The event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged.