Seacoast Gears Up for USA's 250th Anniversary

Local events and lectures commemorate the nation's semiquincentennial and the Seacoast's role in the American Revolution.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:04am

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As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026, the Seacoast region of New Hampshire and Maine is planning a series of events and lectures to commemorate the nation's semiquincentennial and highlight the area's strong connection to the American Revolution. From the historic Moffatt-Ladd House in Portsmouth to the Kittery Historical & Naval Museum, the Seacoast will be honoring figures like General William Whipple, a Founding Father and local hero who signed the Declaration of Independence.

Why it matters

The Seacoast region played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, with events like the storming of Fort William and Mary in 1774 and the adoption of New Hampshire's first constitution in 1776 preceding the 'shot heard round the world' in Lexington and Concord. By commemorating this history, the Seacoast is celebrating its unique connection to the nation's founding and educating the public about the lesser-known patriots who fought for independence.

The details

The Moffatt-Ladd House in Portsmouth will host several events, including a 'Tree of Independence' party on June 14 and a '250th Big Watch' event on July 3 in partnership with the American Independence Museum in Exeter. The Portsmouth Athenaeum is also holding a lecture series focused on the Seacoast's revolutionary history, with talks on topics like the 1774 raid on Fort William and Mary and New Hampshire's early adoption of a state constitution. In Kittery, Maine, there will be an annual public reading of the Declaration of Independence by General William Whipple, who was born and raised in the town.

  • The Moffatt-Ladd House will open for the season on May 25, 2026.
  • The 'Tree of Independence' party at the Moffatt-Ladd House will take place on June 14, 2026.
  • The '250th Big Watch' event at the Moffatt-Ladd House and American Independence Museum will be held on July 3, 2026.
  • The lecture series at the Portsmouth Athenaeum will kick off on April 15, 2026.
  • The annual Whipple's Reading event in Kittery will take place on June 27, 2026.

The players

General William Whipple

One of the 56 Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence, Whipple was born and raised in Kittery, Maine, and later emerged as a leader of the American Revolution in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, serving in the Continental Congress and as a brigadier general in the Colonial militia.

Prince Whipple

The enslaved manservant of General William Whipple, who accompanied the general on many of his Revolutionary War adventures. Prince Whipple also provided a reading of the Petition for Freedom he and 19 other Portsmouth slaves submitted to the New Hampshire legislature in 1779.

Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden

A National Historic Landmark in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the Moffatt-Ladd House was the home of General William Whipple and is now a celebrated tourist attraction.

American Independence Museum

Located in Exeter, New Hampshire, the American Independence Museum will partner with the Moffatt-Ladd House for a '250th Big Watch' event on July 3, 2026.

Portsmouth Athenaeum

A treasure trove of local history in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the Athenaeum is hosting a series of lectures over the next few months focusing on the Seacoast's role during the American Revolution.

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What they’re saying

“Revolution Comes to the Seacoast.”

— Dane Morrison, Professor, Salem State University

“New Hampshire's 1776 Constitution: First in the Nation from the Beginning.”

— William Delker, State Superior Court Justice

“General William Whipple: Seaman, Soldier, Statesman and Signer of the Declaration of Independence.”

— D. Allan Kerr

“African American Soldiers and Sailors of New Hampshire During the American Revolution.”

— Glen Knoblock, Author

What’s next

Additional events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States are likely to be announced in the near future.

The takeaway

The Seacoast region's deep connection to the American Revolution and the nation's founding is being celebrated through a series of events and lectures that highlight the contributions of local heroes like General William Whipple and the role the area played in the fight for independence. This commemoration provides an opportunity for the public to gain a greater appreciation for the Seacoast's pivotal place in American history.