Heritage Commission previews July 25–26 250th events, museum opens Griffin Tavern room

The Heritage Commission on July 16 previewed plans for the town’s 250th celebration and museum exhibits that will open for the anniversary weekend.

"The 250th celebration is going to be held on the 25th and 26th of July starting at 10AM at the Old Town Center," Chair (S1) told the commission, and said family events will continue at Roy Memorial Park in the afternoon. Members encouraged broad public attendance.

Commissioners also reported the historical society’s progress on museum displays tied to the anniversary. Volunteers and staff have cleared space to open a new Griffin Tavern room and moved original tavern furniture and an 1817 ledger into exhibit. Members noted other rare items on view: a 1783 broadside printed in Boston, documents linked to Declaration of Independence signers Matthew Thornton and Josiah Bartlett, and a silhouette of George Washington.

The commission said the New England Intertribal Council is organizing the powwow set for the first weekend in August and that advertising is underway, including posts on Facebook and event listings on the regional events site.

Members thanked the Conservation Commission for cleanup work around the town center and assistance moving historical items out of storage. The commission did not take formal votes on event logistics at the meeting but urged residents to attend the 250th weekend.