As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Milford finds itself in the rare position of reflecting not only on the nation’s founding, but on a history that predates that founding by more than a century.
First settled in 1639, our city is 387 years old this year. English colonists purchased land from the local Paugussett tribe encompassing present-day Milford, Orange, and West Haven. For more than three centuries Milford remained a town before its incorporation as a city in 1959, and its early commitment to self-governance and freedom echoes clearly in today’s commemorations.
Milford’s 250th Semiquincentennial Anniversary Celebration Committee chairman Ben Blake shares that the vision for Milford’s 250th celebration is both reflective and forward-looking. “Milford’s 250th celebration will pay tribute to the spirit that has carried our community through generations—resilience, neighborliness, and a deep love of country—while inviting every resident to see themselves in our shared story. We want this milestone to be more than a look back; it’s a chance to celebrate our diversity and inspire the next generation to shape Milford’s future with the same optimism that defined our past. Above all, we hope this anniversary brings us all together in pride for the Small City with a Big Heart.” The kickoff, Blake notes, will channel the joyful spirit John Adams once imagined, complete with gatherings and moments of reflection that honor history while creating new memories.
For Milford City Clerk and vice chair of the 250th Committee Pete Smith, the milestone underscores the city’s tangible role in the American Revolution. “Milford’s Revolutionary story includes moments of both hardship and heroism. When 200 prisoners of war were dropped on our shore January 1, 1777, Milford became part of the living history of the American Revolution. The 250th celebration belongs to all the people of Milford, past and present, whose dedication, hard work, and civic pride have shaped the city we are proud to call home.” The public can join local historian Tim Chaucer at the Taylor Building for his Revolutionary War event Wednesday, Apr 15th – Saturday, Apr 18th.
City historian Art Stowe reminds us that Milford’s independent spirit was established long before 1776; residents came seeking freedom to worship. They purchased their land rather than receiving it from the king, formed their own government led by the “seven pillars,” and governed themselves for 138 years before the Continental Congress declared independence. Within days of Lexington and Concord, Milford sent supplies and weapons, and its citizens have answered the nation’s call in every generation since. Mayor Rich Smith sees the yearlong celebration as an opportunity to strengthen that shared purpose, noting that a dedicated committee is working to define Milford’s contribution to the national conversation and that he hopes residents will remember the anniversary as both a tribute to history and a renewed sense of belonging.
We also checked in with Milford’s economic and community development director, Robert Townes, to understand how residents, businesses, and local organizations can participate in the year ahead. Townes emphasizes that the 250th Committee is eager for broad community involvement. Information about national initiatives is available at America250.org, while statewide themes can be explored at CT250.org. Milford’s own America 250 webpage will be online shortly with details about local plans and events. In the meantime, the City’s Economic and Community Development office welcomes inquiries from anyone interested in learning more.
Townes encourages residents simply to come together, to attend the events being planned, to honor the deep history that predates our nation’s founding, and to participate in experiences that highlight Milford’s historic and ongoing contributions to our state and country.
Community members are also invited to share their voices, whether by proposing a related event, contributing a program idea, or offering personal stories that illuminate Milford’s rich history. A fundraising effort is being launched to support signature events as well as a lasting tribute to this historic milestone, with outreach planned to the business community, charitable organizations, and the public for financial support. Volunteerism will be a cornerstone of the year. One of the committee’s goals is to make this a record-setting year of service, whether through direct involvement in America 250 initiatives or through broader community engagement that strengthens the fabric of our city.
The arts will also play a central role in telling Milford’s story. Milford Arts Council executive director Paige Miglio points to upcoming events such as the May Community Doodle at the Firehouse Gallery and October’s inaugural Jazz’n Downtown festival, describing jazz as “American music, an expression of our democracy,” rooted in history yet constantly evolving, much like Milford itself.
As the nation turns 250, Milford at 387 stands as a reminder that our community helped shape the American story long before it was officially declared. This year’s celebrations invite us not only to honor that legacy, but to carry it forward together.
