Celebrate Liberty in 2026
As Granite State homeschool families, we have the unmatched freedom to teach our children the true story of American liberty—unfiltered by government mandates and grounded in the principles of 1776. New Hampshire led the way as the first colony to adopt its own constitution and declare independence. The Semiquincentennial (America’s 250th anniversary) offers a rare opportunity to bring that history to life through community-driven events, living history experiences, and family-friendly celebrations right here in the Granite State.
This curated list highlights events and activities that are ideal for families—emphasizing reenactments, public readings of founding documents, hands-on learning, and contests that put parents and authentic community first. Whether you’re planning day trips or multi-day adventures, these gatherings let you guide your children’s education in the spirit of self-governance, courage, and “Live Free or Die.” Always verify details directly with organizers, as schedules evolve.
Reenactments & Living History
- Revolutionary War Militia Encampment — May 23–24, 2026, Hilton Field, Newfields, NH. NH Humanities + 2nd NH Regiment: full campsite, soldier life demos, lantern tours, skirmish. Details
- Strawbery Banke Museum Revolutionary Programs (Portsmouth, ongoing through 2026): Guided tours of historic homes (“Echoes of Revolution”), lectures on soldiers and Black patriots, living history activities. Museum 250 page
- Exeter American Independence Festival — July 11, 2026 (full day, 10 AM–4 PM), downtown Exeter, NH. Live Declaration reading, 18th-century crafts/trades, colonial games, dancing, music, reenactors, youth patriotic parade, fireworks. Exeter 250 Calendar
- Kingston 250th Celebration — July 18, 2026, 11 AM–3 PM, The Plains/Town Common, Kingston, NH. Colonial reenactments, Josiah Bartlett (Declaration signer) speaker series, colonial games, community BBQ, live music. Kingston 250 Info
Historical Societies & Museums
- Strawbery Banke Museum (Portsmouth, ongoing through 2026): Expanded Revolutionary Portsmouth exhibition (opening summer 2026), Echoes of Revolution guided home tours, Revolutionary Portsmouth Lecture Series (with Portsmouth Historical Society), Flag Day Celebration & US@250 Big Watch. Museum 250 page
- Portsmouth Historical Society — Joint Revolutionary Portsmouth Lecture Series with Strawbery Banke (multiple dates throughout 2026). Primary sources, artifacts, and local patriot stories. Details and registration
- American Independence Center (Exeter) — Reopened with expanded Revolutionary exhibits and tours; partners with Exeter 250 Commission for year-round programming. Free admission throughout 2026. Details
- New Hampshire Historical Society (Concord) — Special July 4, 2026 open house with guided tours and rare founding-era objects from the collection. Events calendar
- New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail (21 sites statewide) — “25 Stories for 250 Years” initiative featuring unique local heritage stories tied to the founding era. Excellent for self-guided family tours. Details
- Local historical societies (Plymouth, Jefferson, Berlin, Canaan, and others) hosting exhibits, open houses, and small-scale programs throughout 2026.
Town & Community Celebrations (NH)
- Marlow America 250 Events — June 6–7, 2026, Marlow, NH. Town parade and related activities.
- Official NH State Commemoration — July 4, 2026, 9:30 AM, NH State House, Concord. Historical speakers and military honors. Event page
- Center Harbor July 4 America 250 Events — July 4, 2026 (all day from 9 AM), Center Harbor, NH. Children’s footraces, 1.776-mile & 5-mile races, America 250-themed parade (1 PM), concert/fireworks. Town page
- Keene/Monadnock Regional Parade & Events — July 4, 2026, downtown Keene, NH. Regional parade and full day of activities.
- Lancaster July 4 America 250 Events — July 4, 2026, Lancaster, NH. Themed parade, picnic, community celebration.
- American Independence Festival – July 11, 2026 in downtown Exeter. Live reading of the Declaration, historic trades and crafts, reenacting groups, historical interpreters, and more. Free admission. Details
- Mission 250: Honoring Our Heroes — July 12, 2026, 2:00–9:00 PM, Tuscan Village, Salem, NH. Free patriotic family event with activities for all ages and fireworks, celebrating America’s 250th and SWAM’s 10th anniversary. SWAM Mission 250
- Camp Constitution 18th Annual Family Camp — July 12–17, 2026, Singing Hills Christian Camp, Plainfield, NH. Multi-day liberty-focused family camp with instructors including Pastor David Whitney (Institute on the Constitution), Catherine White, Alex Newman, Kurt Hyde, and Rev. Steve Craft. Camp Constitution | Singing Hills
- Windham America 250 Events — Multiple dates throughout 2026 (including July 4), Windham, NH. Full-year community calendar of parades, picnics, and activities. Windham 250 Page
US@250: Big Watch & Humanities Programs (NH)
- US@250: Big Watch – Ken Burns Screening & Discussion — July 3, 2026, 1–3 PM, Moffatt-Ladd House / American Independence Museum, Portsmouth, NH. Screening of Ken Burns’ The American Revolution followed by historical discussion and public conversation. Thoughtful humanities format ideal for older students and history-oriented homeschoolers. Register/Details
Nearby Border Events (MA, ME, VT – Short Drive from NH)
- Massachusetts 250 Statewide Programs — Ongoing through 2026 across MA. Battle reenactments, lecture series, museum exhibits, historical tours, “untold stories,” heritage trails, Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, Sail Boston Tall Ships, and Noble Train of Artillery commemorations. MA250 Official
- Revolutionary Summer Saturdays (MA) — Saturdays through Sep 26, 2026, Newburyport, MA. Free kids’ indoor/outdoor activities. MA 250 Calendar
- Bennington Battle Monument Flag Day & Artillery Events (VT) — June 14, 2026 (Flag Day) and June 21, 2026 (Battle of Bennington), Bennington, VT. Patriotic commemorations. VT 250
- Battle of Gloucester Reenactment (MA) — June 20–21, 2026, Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA. Large-scale land & sea reenactment with encampment, vendors, speakers. Full details
- Fort Ticonderoga “Real Time Revolution” (NY/VT border) — Multiple immersive events throughout 2026, including July 3–5, 2026 signature reenactment. Encampments, musket/artillery demos, Green Mountain Boys programming. Excellent for deep homeschool immersion. Fort Ticonderoga
Essay & Art Contests & Student Opportunities
- American Heroes Student Art Contest (Freedom 250 & National Endowment for the Humanities, national) — Open now through June 1, 2026. Grades 3–12. Original 2D artwork + short artist statement inspired by American heroes. State/grade winners receive travel to Washington, DC exhibition July 7–9. Full details & submission
- Mission 250 Student Essay Competition (Swim with a Mission) — Open now through June 12, 2026. Grades 3–8. Write a 3–5 paragraph essay on one of four prompts (America, Freedom, 250th Birthday Wish, or a Veteran in your life). Submissions due June 12, 2026 via email to [email protected]. All entrants invited to be recognized at the July 12 Mission 250 event; two winners read live. Details via flyer – contact SWAM directly.
- Local youth art/essay/performance opportunities at Exeter, Kingston, NH Humanities Big Watch programs, and town 250 committees. Contact organizers directly.
