It’s an exciting time as our committee of county colleagues, community members, and organizations plans an epic celebration for the nationwide Semiquincentennial, America 250. Every town, city, region, and state has been making its own plans, and North Carolina is among them. The initiative marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, so every place in our nation intersects with this monumental historical moment.
As we count down 250 days until Chatham Celebrates America 250, we’re excited about the games and gifts, but also the opportunity to showcase the history of Chatham County to visitors and residents alike. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Explore the Chatham Celebrates America 250 microsite, where we’ll take a look at Chatham’s history, recommend itineraries and historic walking tours, and highlight upcoming events.
- Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest Chatham Celebrates America 250 updates.
- Save the date, Saturday, June 27, 2026, for our Cumulative Community Celebration at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center (CCACC).
- In the meantime, register your America 250 passport (using the contact form at the bottom of the microsite) and attend six signature events to qualify for a commemorative Chatham Celebrates America 250 gift, redeemable at the cumulative celebration.
- Contact us to volunteer, host an event, or sponsor part of our Cumulative Celebration.
Currently, we’re in planning mode as the big year for this celebration begins in 2026. We can share a few details now and stay tuned for some fun surprises and prizes. Know that the entire program is designed for festivities for all ages, is free to everyone, and welcomes all.
A few clues for now:
- Learning history won’t seem, feel, or be tedious as you actively participate in events and festivities that herald the past and celebrate Chatham County’s heritage.
- The nature of beauty in our area is timeless. We’ll entertain and enthrall as you explore our rich geography, including paddling trips and outdoor programs along the Haw and Deep Rivers and at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area.
- Indulge all the culinary senses, with a celebration of family recipes, historic dinners and afternoon tea, trivia pub crawls, historic brewing methods, and more.
- We’ll spend more than one day reminiscing on memory lane with historic crafts and authors’ events, offering immersive opportunities to engage with the past.
- Host your event at a charming rustic-elegant venue with rich history, such as Old Lystra Inn, O’Kelly Chapel, or Forest Hall at Chatham Mills.
Have a look now, start early, and stay tuned for more Chatham Celebrates America 250 festivities!
This project was supported through a grant from America 250 NC, a program of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
