2025 - 250th Events

Two Lights for Tomorrow - April 18-19

Two Lights for Tomorrow is a nationwide initiative to commence the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States of America. The famous ride of Paul Revere occurred overnight on April 18 – 19, 1775. Two Lights for Tomorrow originated out of multi-state collaboration at A Common Cause to All in Williamsburg, VA, and uses the imagery of that shining light 250 years ago as a uniting call to action today for our fellow citizens, no matter where they are, to commemorate and remind ourselves that our history is about working together for a better tomorrow.

At its heart it is a call across the country, in private homes, local communities, and statehouses alike, for two lights to be displayed to remind us all of the importance to come together to form a more perfect union. For Bennington, that means you will see two lights in the top window of the Town offices this coming Friday night and they will remain there for a week. You will also see the two lights soaring high above town in the Battle Monument, and above the entrance of the Bennington Museum, to name a few.

Everyone can participate! All you have to do is display two lights at your business, or in your homes before or on April 18 and 19, 2025, to raise awareness and draw attention to and commemorate the beginning of our constant endeavor as a nation to work together for a better tomorrow!

Why two lights? The phrase "One if by land, and two if by sea" is from the poem "Paul Revere's Ride" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The poem commemorates the historical event where Paul Revere rode to warn colonists about the impending British attack. Revere has arranged with a friend to hang lanterns in the Old North Church steeple to indicate what the British plans were for the attack… one lantern was to be hung if by land, and two lanterns if by rowing across the water. Two lanterns were hung, and the stage was set for the Battle of Lexington and Concord and for the beginning of the Revolutionary War.

"Two Lights For Tomorrow" originated from "A Common Cause to All," a convening of state 250th planners co-hosted by VA250 and Colonial Williamsburg who resolved to commemorate our shared American story, recognizing its fullness and complexity, its achievements, and its shortcomings and honoring the many voices that together Forge One Nation. They pledged to a new common cause for all Americans to unite in reflection, celebration, and aspiration. Americans can share in this common cause by shining two lights for a unified future.

Getting involved is easy: simply place two lights in your window on April 18-19. Share your photos and stories on social media using #VA250 and #TwoLightsForTomorrow. Encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to join in! Bennington is proud to be a part of this worthy cause.

April 27, 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. At the Arlington Common, 3938 Vermont Rte 7a, Arlington, VT 05250. More information about the event to come.

May 3-4, 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 re-enactors, 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 the brochure.

Click here for map and details on the Expedition to Ticonderoga event!

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.

June 5 2025- Lost Nation film Screening

film screening of Lost Nation by director Jay Craven, starting at 5:30 at the Manchester Community Library located on 138 Cemetery Ave, Manchester Center, VT 05255.

June 10, 2025- "David Redding, Hanged in Bennington”

Join us for the story of David Redding, learn who he was, what he did and why he was eventually hung. Presented by Phil Holland from 530pm to 7pm, at the Manchester Community Library located on 138 Cemetery Ave, Manchester Center, VT 05255.

June 14, 2025- Flag Day

250th Anniversary of the Birth of US Army and Elks Lodge 125 Years of Service Celebrated at Flag Day Commemoration

The Bennington Elks Lodge #567 invites the community to a special 250th annual Flag Day Celebration, set for this Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 12:30 pm. The event will be held at the Elks Lodge, located at 125 Washington Street Bennington Vermont. This year’s event holds particular significance as it is the 125th anniversary of the Bennington Elks Lodge as well as the 250th anniversary of the birth of the US Army. The event has been recognized as an official State of Vermont 250th Anniversary event.

The community is warmly invited to join this patriotic celebration which will feature inspiring guest speakers, live music, and a flag ceremony led by the Cub Scout Pack 330. Following the ceremony, there will be a festive picnic, fostering camaraderie and community spirit. Bennington Police Chief Paul Doucette and honored guests will share remarks to commemorate the occasion, reflecting on the importance of Flag Day and the shared history of our Lodge and state.

“We are thrilled to bring our community together for this milestone celebration,” notes Kelly Kervan of Bennington Elks Lodge #567. “This event honors our nation’s flag, our Lodge’s 125 years of service, and the 250 anniversary of the creation of the US Army. We look forward to welcoming everyone for a day of unity and patriotism.”

The event is free and open to the public, with festivities beginning promptly at noon. For more information, please contact Bennington Elks lodge at 802.442.2736

The Bennington Elks Lodge #567 was founded in 1900 and has been a cornerstone of community service, fostering fellowship, charity, and patriotism for 125 years. The Lodge is proud to partner with local organizations and the town of Bennington to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of the US Army.

August 9, 2025- The Great Battle of Bennington

Learn about who was involved and how The Battle of Bennington went down. Presented by Howard Coffin from 1pm to 2pm, at the Manchester Community Library located on 138 Cemetery Ave, Manchester Center, VT 05255.

August 16-17 - Battle of Bennington Weekend

Events in Bennington, the Battle Monument, and the Bennington Battlefield. Re-enactors at the Battle Monument on Saturday, Commemoration at the Bennington Battlefield on Saturday night, and on Sunday a 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.

September 20, 2025- Pension Records & the Spoils of War

Presented by Michael Gabriel at the Manchester Community Library located on 138 Cemetery Ave, Manchester Center, VT 05255. More information to come.

October 9, 2025- Innovations in Battlefield Medicine During the American Revolution

Learn how medicine and medical procedures changed during the American Revolution. presented by Prof. Rebecca Bennette from 530pm to 7pm, at the Manchester Community Library located on 138 Cemetery Ave, Manchester Center, VT 05255.