2025 250th Events

April 12, 2025- High School Debate

On April 19, 1775, the Battle of Lexington and Concord was the “Shot Heard Around the World” that marked the start of the Revolutionary War. On April 12, 2025, just one week shy of that 250th anniversary, high school debate teams from around the region will meet in Arlington, VT to debate the key question of the time; “Shall the colonies seek independence from Great Britain?” 

 Approximately 8 teams will be competing for a  $1,000 prize thanks to the support of the Keelan Family Foundation who is the sponsor for this event along with the Bennington Regional 250th Anniversary Planning Committee. Participating schools include Burr and Burton Academy, Arlington High School, Mount Anthony Union High School, and Grace Christian School.

 “The question of whether or not to rebel was very serious. Lives hung in the balance. Indeed the future of the world would be defined by the outcome” says Jonah Spivak, chair of the Bennington Regional Anniversary Planning Committee. “Starting our regional 250th anniversaries with this debate highlights the importance of education in everything we do with remembering and commemorating these events. This is in effect re-enacting that key question, just one week before we stop talking about the question, and start fighting over it.”

 The public is invited to come to watch the final debate and be a part of this first 250th anniversary event at noon on April 12. The debate is being hosted by the Arlington High School and the debate will be held in the Theater. Park in the large lot up behind the Arlington High School and there will be a sign directing to the Theater. Please arrive a little early so as to be seated by noon in time for the debate.

April 13, 2025 - Ethan Allen and the Capture of Fort Ticonderoga: America’s First Victory

Join us for a presentation about one of the most important moments in the Revolutionary War by Richard Smith from 2pm - 3pm in the Asa Paresky Education Center at the Bennington Museum.

April 26, 2025 - Arlington in the Revolutionary War

Join us for a presentation on Arlington’s involvement during a key moment in the Revolutionary War, starting at 2pm. More information about the event to come.

May 2-4, 2025 - Expedition to Fort Ticonderoga

Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys expedition to capture Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. A region wide commemoration in Bennington County and nearby NY of the lead-up to America’s First Victory, the capture of Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. On Saturday there will be events throughout the Southshire in Pownal, Bennington, and Shaftsbury at historic sites, which continue Sunday in the Northshire in Arlington, Sunderland, Manchester, and Dorset. Happenings at the various sites includes reenactors, historical information tables, kids activities and games, musket demonstrations, talks and tours, and a passport book for collecting stamps from the various sites with the chance to win a prize.

Download a quick fact sheet on the Expedition! https://www.bennington250.org/s/Reenactor-expedition-to-Ti-info-sheet_02.pdf

Re-enactor groups are welcome! Download our info sheet https://www.bennington250.org/s/Reenactor-expedition-to-Ti-info-sheet_01.pdf or email bennington250@gmail.com

May 18, 2025 - Ira Allen of Vermont

Join us for a presentation about Ira Allen by Kevin Graffagnino from 2pm - 3pm in the Asa Paresky Education Center at the Bennington Museum.

Who is Ira Allen? Ira Allen was a key figure for both The Green Mountain Boys and the formation of the State of Vermont alongside his brother Ethan Allen.

August 16-17 - Battle of Bennington Weekend

Events in Bennington, plus “Muster Day” at the Bennington Battlefield. Two day event with militia and British regulars. Event opens 10 am Saturday, August 16 at the Bennington Battlefield. Ceremony at the Bennington Battle Monument at noon. Tactical battle at 3:00 pm at the Battlefield, commemoration ceremony at 7:00 pm. Sunday morning tactical battle at 9 am, then parade at noon in Downtown Bennington. For more information on additional Battle Day events in Bennington, please visit https://benningtonvt.org/community/battle_day.php

Sept. 13-14, 2025 - Quiltfest 2025

featuring a 250th special 4th of July quilt exhibit. Made possible by the Quiet Valley and Williamston Quilters. More information about the event to come.