An educator, a parade planner, a quilter, a librarian, three historians and a host of other Bethel-area residents are cooking up a yearlong celebration worthy of America’s 250th birthday — a festive lineup of events marking the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

On Friday, Nov. 14, 11 community members gathered around a long table in the Reading Room of the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society. In 1776, plans were drafted for a new nation; in 2025, plans were being drafted for how best to honor the moment America chose its destiny.

So what’s on tap for 2026? Here’s a glimpse at the growing lineup:

January: A sample reel kickoff screening of Ken Burns’ documentary “The American Revolution.” Six two-hour episodes.

February: A talk by Executive Director Will Chapman exploring how Bethel marked the 1876 centennial and the 1976 bicentennial.

March: An “American Nations” community reading group.

July: A full-fledged Fourth of July extravaganza — parade, traditional picnic and concert, games, activities, art fairs, and more.

October: “What Revolution?” — a lively discussion with historians William Andrews and David Jones.

And that’s just the start. As plans take shape, the creative spirit is spreading:

Donna Gillis is stitching a state of Maine quilt; Telstar history and civics teacher D. Johannesen is asking her history students what the Declaration of Independence means to them; and John Walker is using his experience to plan the many logistical threads of the parade.

Meanwhile, the Bethel Library is preparing a unique, hands-on program: knitters, crocheters and anyone who simply wants to listen will gather as “The Age of Homespun” is read aloud. Library volunteer Jessica Jolly said the idea was sparked when she learned that in Tampa’s historic cigar factories workers were once read to by a paid lector — a way to bring life, meaning and companionship to otherwise repetitive work.

The spirit feels much the same in Bethel: a community stitching, planning, reading and imagining together as it gears up for a once-in-a-generation celebration.

Contact William Andrews [email protected] with questions.

The next planning meeting is at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the MBHS Reading Room, 10 Broad St., Bethel.