Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution

07/13/2026

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07/11/2026

07/11/2026

Our CT Line Color Guard Commander David Perkins Sr with the 6th Connecticut Regiment.
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07/09/2026

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On July 8, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was first read on the steps of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. By signing the Declaration, members of the Second Continental Congress knowingly risked their livelihoods, their reputations, their freedom, and even their lives. Yesterday, I was joined by City of Groton Clerk Dani Baycura in reading the Declaration of Independence on the front steps of the City of Groton Municipal Building. Thank you for all who joined us. A special thank you to Sons of the American Revolution for delivering a replica of the Declaration which is now framed and on display in the Municipal Building.

07/09/2026

The City of Groton, Connecticut Mayor Jill Rusk and the City Clerk Dani Baycura read the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 2026 at 6 PM for local citizens. The emotion and energy was in the air and felt by all. A former local school teacher shared that four of the signers were from Connecticut and many of the signers and their families suffered after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Compatriots Matthew Fergione and Marcus Larkin of Captain Nathan Hale Branch No. 6 attended as well as Matthew’s family. Matthew’s two sons who attended are both Children of the American Revolution and CTSSAR Compatriots. Well done Mayor Rusk and City Clerk Baycura!

07/06/2026

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07/05/2026

Happy 250th Birthday America!

Today, July 4th, Independence Day, CTSSAR celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence at the War Office with a wreath laying ceremony at 12:00 PM for Connecticut signer William Williams of Lebanon, Connecticut. An Independence Day 250 Proclamation by Michael J. Elston, President General of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution was read. The Declaration of Independence is the birth certificate of our country and was the first public document to use the name "The United States of America". It is the first successful declaration of independence in history and has helped inspire countless movements for independence, self-determination, and revolutions from 1776 to this day. The four signers of the Declaration of Independence from Connecticut were Roger Sherman, Oliver Wolcott, Samuel Huntington, and William Williams. The War Office was open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and we had 62 visitors today.

At 2:00 PM the Town of Lebanon's America 250 Committee organized a Let Freedom Ring 250 event with the ringing of Church bells from Churches throughout the town. CTSSAR took part, and members took turns ringing a small bell at the War Office.

The General David Humphreys Branch #1 CTSSAR held ceremonies this morning honoring Connecticut signer Roger Sherman in New Haven, and the Gov. Oliver Wolcott Branch #10 also held ceremonies this morning honoring Connecticut signer Oliver Wolcott in Litchfield. Members of the Captain Nathan Hale Branch #6 CTSSAR marched in the Groton America 250 Parade, and they have plans to hold a ceremony honoring Connecticut signer Samuel Huntington later this month in Norwich.

From October 2019 to today, America 250, CTSSAR and its branches have organized over 50 America 250 events statewide in commemoration of America's 250th Birthday. Twenty-three of those events have been CTSSAR Liberty Tree dedications. CTSSAR has also participated in numerous America 250 events like the 250th anniversary parades in Lexington and Concord, and Bunker Hill Day 250 at the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, Massachusetts, where the CTSSAR has placed a wreath for the Connecticut troops at the Connecticut gate for the past thirty years. CTSSAR will continue to organize and participate in events through 2033 commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution 1775 to 1783.

06/28/2026

On Saturday June 27, 2026, the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution in partnership with Scouting America Connecticut Rivers Council planted and dedicated a Liberty Tree in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knowlton at the June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation in Ashford, Connecticut. The Scout Reservation is on land originally owned by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knowlton, and the foundation of his house can still be seen there. The Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knowlton Memorial Highway dedication (a portion of Route 44) was also part of this ceremony. This was the 23rd Liberty Tree planted and dedicated by the CTSSAR to commemorate America 250. This is a "Jefferson" hybrid elm tree.

For the past thirty years, the Connecticut Line, the living history/color guard unit of the CTSSAR has participated in the annual Bunker Hill Day (June 17, 1775) ceremonies at the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, Massachusetts, placing a wreath at the Connecticut gate, and firing a musket salute to the heroes of the Battle of Bunker Hill. One of those heroes being Thomas Knowlton, then a Captain in command of the Connecticut troops stationed at the rail fence who later formed the rear guard covering the American retreat from the redoubt. For his bravery he was promoted to Major. In 1776 General George Washington relied on Major Thomas Knowlton for special missions during the Siege of Boston and New York campaign.

In August 1776 being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, Thomas Knowlton commanded the Continental Army's first intelligence unit, known as "Knowlton's Rangers," who reported directly to General George Washington. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knowlton is considered America's first military intelligence professional. He was killed leading his rangers at the Battle of Harlem Heights on September 16, 1776. Captain Nathan Hale, Connecticut's official state hero, served in this unit. A statue of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knowlton is outside the state capitol in Hartford.

Upon hearing of Knowlton's death, General George Washington wrote, " The gallant and brave Col. Knowlton, who would have been an honor to any country, having fallen yesterday while gloriously fighting."

06/28/2026

06/28/2026

The Oliver Wolcott Colorguard participated in the unveiling ceremony of the new Rochambeau monument in Middlebury this afternoon June 27th, 2026. The ceremony was attended by Gov Lamont, Senator Blumenthal, Lancraft Fife and Drum Corp., and many other dignitaries.

French Lt Colonel Tertre gave a very compelling and inspirational speech about the 2200 plus French soldiers that gave their lives for our Revolution, the event site, which is know as Breakneck Hill in Middlebury, which was the ninth encampment on Rochambeau’s March from Rhode Island through Connecticut. He then spoke about America’s participation during WW1 and WW2 in France.
Pictures are attached below of the event.

Timothy S. Hill
Major, The Connecticut Line