New Hampshire at 250

From NewHampshire250.org

Secretary of State, State Archivist Unveil New Website Commemorating America’s Upcoming 250^th Birthday

The United States will celebrate its 250^th birthday on July 4, 2026.

CONCORD, NH (September 17, 2025): New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan and State Archivist Ashley Miller are pleased to unveil a new website celebrating New Hampshire’s revolutionary history ahead of the country’s 250^th birthday.

The website details New Hampshire’s often underappreciated role in the American Revolution, noting the Granite State was the first of the original colonies to adopt its own written constitution after breaking ties with Britain. It also describes pivotal events such as the Pine Tree Riot and the Raid on Fort William and Mary in Portsmouth Harbor.

Members of the public can also visit the site’s calendar of events at www.newhampshire250.org/events to find historical lectures, reenactments, and more taking place throughout New Hampshire in the lead up to America’s birthday on July 4, 2026. Digitized copies of precious foundational documents from the New Hampshire State Archives, including the 1776 State Constitution, are also posted for viewing on the website.

David Scanlan, Secretary of State: “As the first state in the nation to adopt its own written constitution, New Hampshire has a fascinating history related to the birth of our nation. We’re excited to share more of our state’s unique history ahead of this great country’s 250^th birthday.”

Ashley Miller, State Archivist: “The Revolution didn’t happen in just one place—it was built from the courage of communities across New Hampshire. The New Hampshire 250 website and the events throughout the state that we’re highlighting make those stories come alive, reminding us that our state has always played a vital role in shaping America’s story.”

Return to the
American Revolution
Main Page

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION is a production of Florentine Films and WETA Washington, D.C. Directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. Written by Geoffrey C. Ward. Produced by Sarah Botstein, David Schmidt, Salimah El-Amin and Ken Burns. Edited by Tricia Reidy, Maya Mumma, Charles E. Horton, and Craig Mellish. Co-Produced by Megan Ruffe and Mike Welt. Cinematography by Buddy Squires. Narrated by Peter Coyote. The executive in charge for WETA was John F. Wilson (who passed away in November of 2024). Executive producer is Ken Burns.

Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.