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 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 5 pm 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 Middletown Library has already started a speakers series focusing on the 250th anniversary. The Middletown Historical Society is organizing an event at the Witherbee School on August 22 next year to commemorate Middletown’s role in the 1778 Siege of Newport. The Commission is working with the Town to organize events next year such as a Liberty Tree planting ceremony and an “America at 250” community celebration. The Middletown School Department is looking at ways to teach about the Revolution and celebrate the 250 anniversary in Middletown schools next year.”
“As you see, 250th 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