DERBY — As communities across the nation continue to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, the Valley Community Foundation (VCF) is helping ensure that the Lower Naugatuck Valley celebrates in a meaningful and uniquely local way.
Since April, VCF has awarded a dozen special “The Valley Celebrates America’s 250 Years” micro-grants to community organizations, municipalities and nonprofit groups throughout the Valley to support educational programs, historical events, performances, family activities and community celebrations that honor America’s semi-quincentennial.
Planning for the Valley-focused 250th anniversary micro-grant project began in late 2025 as VCF recognized that the nation’s historic milestone provided an opportunity to celebrate not only America’s founding, but also the Valley’s own rich history, community spirit and enduring sense of Valleyness — the neighborly, caring and generous character that defines Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton.
“America’s 250th anniversary is more than a celebration of our nation’s past — it’s an opportunity to reflect on the people, places and ideals that continue to shape our communities,” said Sharon Closius, VCF’s President and CEO. “Through these microgrants, we’re encouraging organizations to tell local stories, celebrate our shared heritage and bring people together in ways that strengthen the Valley for generations to come.”
Although the micro-grant application period has now closed, there will be more VCF grant opportunities this year to support other Valley-based 250 celebrations.
“Every community has its own story to tell,” Closius said. “Here in the Valley, our story is one of resilience, innovation, volunteerism and neighbors helping neighbors. Those qualities are what we call Valleyness, and they reflect the same spirit that has helped define America for the past 250 years. We are proud to help organizations celebrate both our nation’s history and the unique history of the Valley.”
Each of the following organizations received a $500 micro-grant to support Valley-wide America 250-themed projects and programming:
Electronic Valley — Promotion of Valley America 250 events through a regional calendar and outreach campaign.
Ongoing throughout 2026
Valley Shakespeare Festival
Free Shakespeare in the Park — Measure for Measure.
July 9-19, 2026 — 7pm Quarry Walk, Oxford.
Shelton Juneteenth Committee (TEAM, Inc.)
Shelton Juneteenth Celebration: Freedom: Honoring the Past, Serving the Present…Inspiring the Future. June 3, 2026 — Scinto Auditorium, Shelton
City of Ansonia (in collaboration with the City of Derby)
America 250 Community Heritage Bus Tour and Cultural Experience.
September 19, 2026 — Ansonia and Derby.
For more information email: bduncan@ansoniact.org
Derby Historical Society
Stories of Connecticut Black Patriots.
May 30, 2026 — David Humphreys House, Derby.
Dr. Joseph M. DiRienzo’s Lower Naugatuck Valley History Series and Publication Project, in collaboration with the Derby Historical Society and Derby Public Library. — Throughout 2026 at various Valley locations.
For more information email: jdirienzo@mac.com
Emmett O’Brien Technical High School
Students will explore hand-on comparison of Colonial vs. Modern Tech
June 12, 2026 — Emmett O’Brien Technical High School, Ansonia.
Celebrate Shelton
Food Trucks on the River — America’s 250 Trivia & Bingo
May 30, 2026 — Veterans Memorial Park, Shelton.
Scouting America — Housatonic Council
To promote scouting skills, citizenship and community involvement.
Crazy Cub Campout — September 26, 2026.
Town of Seymour Events Committee
Red, White & Boom Family friendly event to celebrate America’s 250.
July 2, 2026 — Chatfield Park, Seymour.
Traveler On A Mission
250th themed stocking-stuffer community event.
December 5, 2026 — 47 Franklin Street, Ansonia.
For more information email: hygienehelp@toamission.org
Catholic War Veterans Post 1562
Patriotic citizens essay contest for 7th and 8th graders.
July 4, 2026 — Derby.
To help commemorate this historic milestone, VCF has also created a collection of special “The Valley Celebrates America’s 250 Years” commemorative merchandise designed to encourage community pride and participation.
Free promotional items — including flags, bumper stickers, and other commemorative items — will be distributed while supplies last through participating Valley libraries, historical societies, and other community partners.
The merchandise is intended to help residents of all ages show their patriotic spirit, celebrate the Valley’s role in America’s story, and create greater awareness of the many America 250 events taking place throughout the region during this once-in-a-generation anniversary.
For more information about The Valley Celebrates America’s 250 Years, follow VCF’s social media on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.