Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Commemoration topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Daughters of the American Revolution lead New Milford’s July 8 Declaration reading; town programs on Saturday and Monday announced
Summary
Heidi Norcross of the Roger Sherman chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution led a July 8 reading of the Declaration of Independence, announced a Saturday library program with commemorative 250th mugs, and said citizens’ signed declarations will be presented to the town council Monday night.
The Daughters of the American Revolution’s Roger Sherman chapter highlighted New Milford’s Independence Week observances, reading excerpts of the Declaration of Independence and outlining upcoming community events.
Heidi Norcross, regent of the Roger Sherman chapter and a member of New Milford’s America’s 250 subcommittee, told the program that July 8 is historically significant as the first public reading of the Declaration and explained its purpose as a public statement of grievances and a pledge for independence. “It was much more than just a letter announcing their independence,” Norcross said, summarizing the document’s role in listing colonial grievances and stating foundational principles.
Why this matters: Norcross said the local readings and related events are designed to engage residents with the town’s Revolutionary War history and to provide family-friendly civic programming tied to the 250th anniversary. She noted that Bridgewater was part of New Milford during the Revolutionary War and that 12 patriots buried at Center Cemetery will be honored in a late-August ceremony.
Norcross announced that commemorative “New Milford Celebrates America” mugs will be available at a library program on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to about 11:30 a.m., and that residents can also reach organizers through the New Milford Celebrates America Facebook page or by email. She also explained the “Flat Roger” civic project from the secretary of state: printable Roger Sherman cutouts residents can take photos with and share on social media to promote civic engagement.
The host said the citizens’ signed Declaration will be presented to the town council Monday night and hung at town hall. Norcross also directed interested residents to the Roger Sherman DAR website (rogershermandar.org) for membership information and said local genealogists can help trace Revolutionary ancestors.
The segment combined historical context, practical details for community participation, and multiple opportunities for residents to engage with local commemorations. The program closed this portion by reminding listeners of the library event and that items such as mugs may also appear at local stores as inventory allows.
The show moved on to an arts segment after the announcements. The town presentation did not include any formal council votes or policy actions.
