Spring is arriving and we are emerging from winter’s doldrums with BIG
plans for a Ryegate celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary of the signing of
the Declaration of Independence. Members of the Board of the Ryegate
Historical Society, as well as a committed, enthusiastic group of resident
volunteers, have NOT been hibernating over the winter months, but have been
meeting to plan our event.
Please SAVE THE DATE of SATURDAY, MAY 23rd, 2026.
From 9:30-3:30, Ryegate Corner will be bustling with festive excitement!
“This is meant to be a Commemoration of the historic events associated
with the 250th anniversary of the 1776 signing of the Declaration of
Independence, the Revolutionary War between 1775 and 1777, the founding of
Vermont in 1777 and the creation of the political foundations of the United
States of America”
There will be fascinating information on Ryegate’s history including
exhibits of: John Witherspoon, Revolutionary War Soldiers, the Declaration of
Independence, the Bayley Hazen Road (begun in 1776), early original Ryegate
documents, James Whitelaw and the Whitehill Home and Library Association.
Peggy Pearl with tease your knowledge with a “What’s it?” table.
At both the Town House and on the Bicentennial green there will be
demonstrations of Traditional Early American Crafts: a blacksmith demo, rug
braiding, candle making, butter making, wood turning and wooden bowls.
A Kids Tent and Early American Children’s Games will keep the young
and old entertained.
Inside the Church will be a Quilt Exhibit all day and a Musical
Performance with a cantata and skit in the afternoon. We’ll have a reading of
the Declaration of Independence and the Trad-band, “Fifth Business” will
brighten the day!
Be sure to be there for the Town-Wide Photo, hoping to capture as many
residents as possible! You don’t want to miss being in on that!
Lunch will be available with home-cooked food, as well as Coffee and
Donuts by the Grange in the morning and Root Beer Floats in the afternoon.
The Coffee Coop, with irresistible gourmet coffee selections will be there, too!
A more definite schedule will be available soon so watch for our Ads, but
be sure to put the date of May 23rd on your calendars. We’ll be delighted if
people could volunteer time and manpower for the preparation of this event as
the date gets closer. For more information contact: doverford@gmail.com
(802-274-0180).
We are grateful for our sponsors: The Town of Ryegate, Ryegate Power
Station, Wells River Savings Bank, Doug Murray Enterprises,LLC.