Commemorate America 250 in Wyoming County!
As the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, communities across Wyoming County, New York have a unique opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history, honor the spirit of perseverance that shaped America, and celebrate the people and places that continue to define it today.
America’s Semiquincentennial marks an extraordinary milestone in the nation’s journey. What began as an experiment in liberty and democracy has endured for 250 years through resilience, sacrifice, innovation, and unity. This anniversary serves as a time to come together, celebrate our shared heritage, and recognize the enduring ideals of freedom, justice, and opportunity for future generations.
The history of Wyoming County is deeply connected to the story of early America. Following the American Revolution, many veterans left New England and journeyed westward to the New York frontier. Some first encountered the breathtaking Genesee Valley and surrounding lands during the war, later returning as pioneers to establish the towns, farms, and communities that make up Wyoming County today.
Throughout 2026, communities across the county are encouraged to commemorate America250 with local events, historical programs, educational experiences, patriotic celebrations, and community gatherings that highlight both our national story and local heritage. These celebrations offer an opportunity to honor those who came before us, recognize the sacrifices that shaped our nation, and inspire future generations to carry forward the values of perseverance, unity, and community spirit.
Whether exploring historic sites, attending local festivals, or learning about the region’s Revolutionary War connections, visitors and residents alike are invited to celebrate 250 years of American history in Wyoming County and the greater Explore Letchworth & Beyond! region.
Events, Activities & More
There will be celebration events and programs for folks of all ages taking place this year, ensuring plenty of opportunities to see all that Wyoming County has to offer.
The following is an ever-growing list of events and activities - so continue to check back here and on the Wyoming County Historian's website and Facebook page for all the historic celebrations and experiences!
May - Fall 2026
- "Honor Our Covington Revolutionary Veterans" - Self-Guided Cemetery Tour: Covington, NY. Learn More.
5/26/2026
- Mary Jemison & the Senecas During the American Revolution: Doors Open: 5:30pm, Program: 6:30pm - Graceful Gatherings at the LedgeRock, 2300 Gassman Rd, Varysburg, NY 14167
- History Speaks: Clara Barton Civil War Nurse: Doors Open: 6:30pm, Program: 7pm - Old Fire Hall, 15 Liberty Street, Arcade, NY 14009. Learn More.
5/30/2026
- Honoring Sheldon's Revolutionary War Patriots - Memorial Dedication: 1pm - Sheldon Historical Society Schoolhouse Museum, 3859 Main Street, Strykersville, NY, 14145. Learn More.
- Under Four Flags: A Concert Honoring Veterans: 7pm – Village Hall of Wyoming, 17 S Academy St, Wyoming, NY 14591. Learn More.
6/6/2026
- Liberty Tree Dedication: 11am - Gardeau Overlook at Letchworth State Park
- 6/6/2026: Hands-On Demonstration Series: Gainesville Needle Group: 11:30am-3pm - Castile Historical House, 17 Park Rd East, Castile, NY 14427
6/6 - 6/7/2026
- Sheldon Town Wide Yardsale: Sheldon Historical Society Schoolhouse Museum, 3859 Main Street, Strykersville, NY 14145. Learn More
6/9/2026
- Hands-On Demonstration Series: Gainesville Needle Group: 10am-3pm - Castile Historical House, 17 Park Rd East, Castile, NY 14427
6/11/2026
- Big Boy No. 4014 Coast-to-Coast Tour Whistle Stop: Arrives: 11:45am, Departs: 12 noon at Silver Springs, NY, North Main St. Crossing/Passes: 12:20pm at Letchworth State Park, Genesee River Arch Bridge. (Park admission required. Schedule subject to change. The Big Boy may operate ahead or behind the posted schedule.)
6/13/2026
- Celebration of 250 Years of American Independence: 12pm-3pm - Portageville Village Park, 6673 Church Street, Portageville, NY 14536. Learn More.
6/20/2026
- Warsaw Revolutionary War Veteran Memorial Dedication: 1pm - Warsaw, NY. Presented by the Warsaw Historical Society, more information coming soon.
6/29/2026
- "My Deep Story: Mary Jemison-White Woman of the Genesee & Sullivan's Campaign": 6:30pm - Castile United Church of Christ, 4 Washington St, Castile, NY 14427
6/30/2026
- History Speaks: WWII Exhibit & Holocaust Heroes: Doors Open: 6:30pm, Program: 7pm - Old Fire Hall, 15 Liberty Street, Arcade, NY 14009. Learn More.
7/2/2026 - 7/4/2026
- Warsaw Fire Department 4th of July Carnival: Daily: 12pm-1am - Warsaw Village Park, 89 Liberty Street, Warsaw, NY 14569. Learn More.
7/4/2026
- 4th of July Firecracker 5k Run/Walk: Registration 7:30-8:45am, Start: 9am, Awards: 10am - Corner of N. Main and W. Court Streets, Warsaw, NY. Learn More.
7/19/2026
- Ice Cream Social: 2-4pm, Middlebury Academy, 22 South Academy St., Wyoming, NY 14591
7/25/2026
- America 250 Celebration: Picnic in the Park: 11am-3pm - Wethersfield Town Park, 4314 Shaw Rd., Gainesville, NY 14066
7/28/2026
- Unearth History: The Mystery of William Morgan: 6pm - Warsaw Public Library, 130 North Main Street, Warsaw, NY 14569
- History Speaks: Revolutionary War Veterans & The Battles of Lexington & Concord: Doors Open: 6:30pm, Program: 7pm - Old Fire Hall, 15 Liberty Street, Arcade, NY 14009. Learn More.
8/6/2026
- Unearth History: Craig Colony: Letchworth's Influence and a Journey of Change: 5pm - Warsaw Public Library, 130 North Main Street, Warsaw, NY 14569
8/12/2026
- Unearth History: Ebenezer "Indian" Allen: 5pm - Warsaw Public Library, 130 North Main Street, Warsaw, NY 14569
8/24/2026
- History Speaks: Vintage Tweets: Suffrage Era Postcards & Arcade's Political Equality Club: Doors Open: 6:30pm, Program: 7pm - Old Fire Hall, 15 Liberty Street, Arcade, NY 14009. Learn More.
8/25/2026
- "The Erie Canal" Program: 7pm - Bennington Town Hall, 905 Alleghany Rd, Attica, NY 14011
8/31/2026
- Unearth History: Shipwrecks of Conesus Lake: 5pm - Warsaw Public Library, 130 North Main Street, Warsaw, NY 14569
9/12/2026
- Warsaw 250th Celebration: Community Picnic & Events: Time: TBD - Warsaw Village Park, 89 Liberty St, Warsaw, NY 14569. More information coming soon.
- Old Tyme Picnic & Pie Contest: Farmcraft Brewery, 567 US-20A, Strykersville, NY 14145. Learn More
9/22/2026
- "Attack on Pearl Harbor" Program: 7pm - Bennington Town Hall, 905 Alleghany Rd, Attica, NY 14011
9/26/2026
- Mary Jemison Festival: Two Worlds One Legacy: Epworth Hall, Silver Lake, NY 14549
10/3/2026
- Pioneer Cemetery Tours w/ Reenactors: 557 Perry Rd, Strykersville, NY 14145. Learn More.
11/2026
- Beers, Beards & BBQ: TBD - FlipSide, 3803 Main St, Strykersville, NY 14145. Learn More.
12/1/2026
- Tree Lighting & Caroling: Sheldon Historical Society Schoolhouse Museum, 3859 Main Street, Strykersville, NY 14145. Learn More.
