America 250
This year, we are celebrating three big milestones here in Canton: it’s the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Collins Company; the 220th anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Canton; and of course the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. Canton’s America 250 Committee has been working to plan a number of events celebrating these milestones this summer and we hope you will join us in celebration!
Check the library calendar for upcoming events. You can filter events by “America 250” to see just those programs.
Ongoing Events:
Front Door and Porch Decorating Contest
In honor of our country’s 250th anniversary and our town’s 220th anniversary, we invite you to show your community spirit by decorating your front door or porch area. Prizes will be awarded! For more information and to register click here.
Collinsville Historical Scavenger Hunt
If you have an interest in history or are simply searching for a unique way to spend your day, the Collinsville Historical Scavenger Hunt offers something for everyone. This is a chance to connect, learn about the Town of Canton’s past, and enjoy a unique day out! Follow clues to historical landmarks across town and meet neighbors of all ages as you discover what makes Collinsville special. Solve puzzles, uncover facts, and compete in this interactive event that blends learning, adventure, and community spirit. Information sheets are available at the Canton Historical Museum during museum hours between June 14 and July 5. Return the sheet to be entered into a prize drawing!
Adult Summer Reading Challenge: Read Across America
This summer, the Canton Public Library invites you to explore America! Stop in at the library to pick up your reading log. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, read as many books as you can – each one set in a different state. For every three states you read, you will receive an entry to win a fun end-of-summer prize. Need ideas for what to read? We can help you with that too! Come visit us and get ready for a summer of armchair travel across the country.
Community Celebration:
On Thursday, July 2 at 6:30pm, the Stanley Street Big Band takes the stage at Mills Pond Park as part of the Summer Concert Series, and we’re celebrating! Join your friends and neighbors for an evening of great music, food, activities, and community spirit. Visit the Parks and Recreation website for more information.
Special Events:
Canton Center Historic Site Tour
On Saturday, June 13, the Canton Center Historic District Commission invites you to tour several historic buildings in Canton Center and North Canton. For more information and to register, click here.
Farmington Valley Stage Company presents We the People
This June, the Farmington Valley Stage Company brings us We the People, a theatrical celebration of history, music, and the enduring American spirit. Performances will be held in the Canton Town Hall Auditorium on June 26, 27, and 28. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.fvstage.org.
What A Glorious CRASH They Made: Musick of Connecticut’s Revolution
On July 23, the Canton Public Library is pleased to host Richard Franklin Donohue, tenor and harpsichord, performing a collection of songs published in Connecticut during the American Revolution. Prior to the concert, we will be paying tribute to Canton’s Revolutionary War soldiers. For more information click here.
Canton Honors Revolutionary War Veterans
As the nation prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Canton’s America 250 Committee is taking steps to honor the local men who answered the call to freedom in its earliest days.
On April 19, 1775, three militia companies from Simsbury, Connecticut responded to the Lexington Alarm following the opening battles at Lexington and Concord. At the time, Canton was part of Simsbury, and more than 20 men from what is now Canton marched in support of Massachusetts patriots. Their response marked the beginning of Connecticut’s involvement in the Revolutionary War.
Historical research has since determined that more than 100 Canton residents served during the American Revolution. Of those soldiers, more than 80 are buried in cemeteries throughout the town, a testament to Canton’s deep-rooted role in the fight for independence.
The research effort has been led by Canton’s America 250 Committee, with significant contributions from the Canton Historian Kathy Taylor, members of the Abigail Phelps Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and local cemetery managers. Their work has focused on identifying and documenting Revolutionary War soldiers laid to rest in Canton’s historic burial grounds. Additional financial support has been provided by the Collinsville Fire Department.
This spring, Canton Boy Scout Troop 77, led by Scoutmaster David Orschel, assisted with the project by placing American flags on the identified Revolutionary War gravesites. The Scouts will also record GPS coordinates for each grave, helping to ensure the locations are preserved and accessible for future generations. The collected information will be submitted to FindAGrave.com, creating a permanent digital record of Canton’s Revolutionary War veterans and ensuring their service is remembered as the nation approaches its semiquincentennial celebration.
Come learn more about this project at the Canton Public Library on July 23. Click here for more information.
Town Decorations
The Collinsville Volunteer Fire Corporation has generously provided support to enhance the Town’s gazebo on the green. As a result of their efforts, the gazebo will be adorned with red, white and blue lights, creating a vibrant and patriotic atmosphere. These decorations will remain in place throughout the summer months, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the festive display during community gatherings and events.
Additionally, the Canton Flower Bridge is home to beautiful red, white, and blue flowers. The many people who travel River Road and use the bike trail will be able to enjoy this display all summer long, thanks to Canton Main Street.