America 250 at the Notch

July 2–4 | Plymouth Notch, Vermont

about the Declaration there is a finality that is exceedingly restful…

—President Calvin Coolidge, 1926

Join us in Plymouth Notch for a three-day national celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Set in the remarkably preserved village where Coolidge was born, raised, and sworn in as president, America 250 at Plymouth Notch will bring together history, music, civic ceremony, and students from across the country in a public celebration of America’s founding ideals and the responsibilities of citizenship.

To spend this Fourth with Coolidge is especially meaningful, and not only because July 4 is Coolidge’s birthday. A hundred years ago, Coolidge presided over America’s 150th anniversary and delivered perhaps the single finest modern speech on the Declaration, The Inspiration of the Declaration.

July 2–4

Coolidge Cup National Speech & Debate Tournament

Come judge, or simply listen, as students from across America declaim Coolidge speeches and debate the principles of the Declaration. No experience is necessary to serve as a citizen judge. For more information, and to sign up to judge, please visit the Coolidge Cup website.

Friday, July 3

4:00 p.m. | Coolidge Foundation Annual Meeting

Coolidge Foundation members and their guests are invited to the 2026 Annual Meeting. At this meeting, members will read aloud excerpts from Coolidge’s speech, “The Inspiration of the Declaration.” You will also learn how the Coolidge Foundation is sharing President Coolidge’s legacy and values with Americans across the country.

The Annual Meeting will be held in Plymouth’s Union Christian Church: 43 Messer Hill Road, Plymouth, Vermont.

The Annual Meeting is open to all current members and their guests. You can renew your membership online, here.

Friday, July 3

6:00 p.m. | America 250 Orchestra Evening

A 27-instrument orchestra conducted by John M. Masko will usher in the America 250 celebration with a special performance presented by the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation. Celebrating the nation’s Semiquincentennial, the evening’s musical program will salute America and 250 years of independence.

Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner. The performance will be under the “Big Tent” at the Historic Site. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please feel free to bring a blanket or lawn chair to use in the event of overflow seating. Boxed dinners to enjoy during the concert may be purchased in advance via this form.

This event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, July 4

10:00 a.m. | Naturalization Ceremony

Experience one of America’s most moving civic events as new citizens take the Oath of Allegiance at the birthplace of President Calvin Coolidge.

Judge Mary Kay Lanthier will preside at this public naturalization ceremony featuring reflections on the meaning of citizenship and the enduring ideals of the Declaration of Independence. A public reception to welcome the new citizens will immediately follow the ceremony, sponsored by the Colonial Dames of Vermont.

Saturday, July 4

11:30 a.m. | Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Join us on the Plymouth Notch Village Green to participate in a community reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Saturday, July 4

12:00 Noon | Ceremonial Procession & Wreath-Laying

At noon, the Vermont National Guard and members of the Coolidge family will lead a procession from the Village Green to the Coolidge gravesite. There, a wreath sent by the White House will be placed upon President Coolidge’s grave in a ceremony honoring our thirtieth president and reflecting on the duties of American citizenship.

The celebration continues throughout the afternoon:

1:00 PM: Birthday cake for America and President Coolidge
1:30 PM: Living-history theatrical performance featuring George Baker as President John Adams
2:30 PM: Coolidge Cup Semifinal Round
3:00 PM: Living-history theatrical performance featuring Tracy Messer as President Calvin Coolidge
4:00 PM: Coolidge Cup Championship Round
Historic Site Tours, Family-friendly Activities, and a flyover by the Vermont Air National Guard!