2026 marks the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence!
Join the Library for a series of events reflecting on American (and Newfields) history through the past 250 years.
(See our Events Calendar for a visual view of all our upcoming programming under the tag US250).
Newfields Town History Exhibit
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: Drop-in 5pm – 6pm
Location: Newfields Town Hall
Come to the Newfields Town Hall for a Town History Exhibit displaying artifacts and memorabilia from notable people, places, and events throughout Newfields’ past. See history come alive with a visit from colonial soldiers, test your Newfields trivia knowledge, make your own Newfields buttons, and learn about what makes Newfields the special place it is today.
Open to all ages. No sign-ups required. Followed by the Big Watch film screening. All are invited to stay for that discussion.
Big Watch: THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Location: Newfields Town Hall
Watch an excerpt from THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, directed by Ken Burns et al., featuring “The Spirit of Service,” which explores service as a core American value. Followed by a discussion led by NH Humanities facilitator Courtney Marshall.
Popcorn and Squamscott soda will be served. All ages are invited to attend. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is appreciated but not required.
This event is sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities in partnership with the Paul Memorial Library and Newfields Celebration Committee. More details.
Revolutionary Militia Camp: 8th Continental/ 2nd. New Hampshire Regiment
When: Saturday, May 23 – Sunday, May 24
Where: Hilton Field, Newfields NH
Celebrate the U.S. 250th at Hilton’s Field on Memorial Day Weekend with the 2nd New Hampshire Regiment reenactment group. Historic reenactors will set up a Revolutionary-style campsite and activities for a vivid, immersive experience of soldier life during the American Revolution.
The event will include:
- Lantern-lit tours of the encampment, highlighting camp organization, ranks, watches, and daily routines.
- Fireside discussions about the Revolutionary era, focusing on the lives of local soldiers, the meaning of independence, and the values that animated the struggle.
- Interactive demonstrations, including a Yankee/Redcoats skirmish, to show how Revolutionary troops lived, worked, and fought. You may even have a chance to light a cannon!
Families and individuals are invited to stay and pitch tents alongside the militia for an optional overnight community campout.
Free and open to the public. All ages are invited!
- U.S. Militia vs. Redcoats Skirmish – 2pm
- Militia Encampment/Overnight Campout – 5pm
This event is brought to you by the Paul Memorial Library and the Newfields Celebration Committee.
What Does It Mean to be an American? | Dr. Lucy Salyer
Date: Tuesday, June 16
Time: 6:30pm
Location: TBD
Join us for a talk and Q&A on the history of American citizenship and identity by guest speaker Dr. Lucy Salyer. Salyer is a UNH professor of history and the 2022 recipient of the Lindberg Award, given annually to the outstanding teacher-scholar in the College of Liberal Arts.
She is also the author of multiple books, including Laws Harsh as Tigers: Chinese Immigrants and the Shaping of Modern Immigration Law, which won the Theodore Saloutos Book Award for the best book on immigration history. Salyer is a dedicated teacher, helping students and the public understand issues of law, immigration and U.S. social history. Light refreshments served.
Watch Party: 1776 The Musical
Date: Friday, July 10
Time: 6-9pm
Location: Library
Join us at the Library to watch 1776, the acclaimed 1972 classic musical film that brings the drama and debate of America’s founding to life. Assistant Librarian Susan McClelland will facilitate a fun discussion (and a little trivia). Popcorn and light refreshments will be served. All ages welcome.
Newfields Reads: Revolutionary by Alex Myers
Date: Thursday, July 16
Time: 6;30pm
Location: Library
Join us at the Library for a discussion of Revolutionary by local NH author Alex Myers, a historical fiction novel based on the true story of Deborah Sampson, a woman who disguised herself as a man to fight in the American Revolutionary War. Led by Assistant Librarian Susan McClelland.
Each participant will receive their own copy of the book to keep. (First come, first served. While supplies last). Sign up and visit the Library to pick up your copy.
Light refreshments provided. Open to adults.