The #MiddletownRI 250 Commission is working hard to make the upcoming celebration of signing of the Declaration of Independence fun, special and meaningful. Get involved today and help make memories that stand the test of time.
MIDDLETOWN 250 COMMISSION BEGINS WORK, ENCOURAGES PARTICIPATION
MIDDLETOWN, RI (SEPTEMBER 4, 2025) – The Commission the Town Council created to help Middletown commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year has already started its work. It is part of a statewide effort promoted by the Office of Rhode Island Secretary of State to encourage Rhode Island municipalities to celebrate this major anniversary in our country’s history.
The Chair of Middletown’s 250 Commission, George Krol, a former U.S. Ambassador and Adjunct Professor at the U.S. Naval War College, noted that the Commission held its first organizational meeting in January and now meets regularly on the last Tuesday of every month at 5pm at the Fire Station Community Room. Other volunteer members of the Commission are Vice Chair Phil Roberson and Mary Dennis, President of the Middletown Historical Society. The Commission also includes representatives from the Town Hall, the Middletown School Department and the Middletown Public Library. Councilman Peter Connerton is the Council Liaison to the Commission. Local members of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Rotary Club have attended Commission meetings, as have other interested residents. All Commission meetings are open to the public and are posted on the Town and RI Secretary of State websites. The Commission welcomes Middletown residents, organization and businesses to participate in Commission meetings and help organize events in Middletown to celebrate the anniversary in 2026 and learn about the American Revolution and its legacy in our own times.
“As a relative newcomer to Middletown, I have been surprised and awed by the important role Middletown and Middletowners played during America’s quest for independence,” Krol said. “Middletown was really in the middle of it. Although in 1776 it was a community of less than 800 people, Middletown nonetheless established a Committee of Correspondence to coordinate patriotic activities in Rhode Island. Middletowners served in the Continental Army, including in the famous Rhode Island First Regiment. The British landed on the Bay side of Middletown to occupy the Island in 1776. Under British occupation several Middletowners risked their lives to provide information about the British to Patriot forces located across the Sakonnet. Middletown homes were forced to house British and German troops and farms were pillaged. In 1778, during the American siege of Newport, patriot artillery shelled British positions in Newport from Middletown’s Honeyman Hill. After the British departed Aquidneck Island, the French arrived, disembarking on Middletown’s Third Beach.”
“These are only a few of the fascinating stories I have come across. All Middletowners should hear them and find ways to celebrate the freedom Middletowners cherished and fought for 250 years ago.”
“So far, the Library has embarked on a speakers series focusing on the 250th anniversary. The Historical Society is planning to organize a community event at the Witherbee School in August next year to commemorate the Siege of Newport. The Commission will be helping the Town to plan events next year with a 250th theme. We are encouraging the School Department to teach students about the Revolution in Middletown schools next year. The Tree Commission will be planting a Liberty Tree next year to commemorate the anniversary. We are also in touch with Portsmouth’s 250 Commission and Newport to share information and plans.”
“As you see, 250 celebrations are shaping up in Middletown. We encourage our fellow residents to take an active role in them to honor our past and look to the future. Local businesses and organizations might also profit from organizing events and menus, or selling their products with a 250 anniversary theme and logo to attract locals and tourists alike in 2026.”
Residents interested in joining the Commission should contact the Town Clerk to file an application form.
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-250
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
Media Contact
Lori Turner
Healthy Communities Coordinator
401-842-6599
lturner@middletownri.gov