Central to host annual winter commencement ceremony on Dec. 13
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CT 1776: A Revolutionary Event
The Connecticut Conference of America 250
Central Connecticut State University
Alumni Hall, Student Center
Friday and Saturday, March 20-21, 2026
Prepare for the Revolution!! Join us at Central Connecticut State University and our many partner organizations for a two-day conference that explores Connecticut’s history as it transitioned from colony to independent state in the midst of the evolving American protest against the King.
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In June of 1776, the Connecticut General Assembly sent a formal resolution to its four delegates in the
Continental Congress authorizing them to press for independence from Great Britain. This little-known document defined Connecticut decision shift from colony to independent state. One result was the Declaration of Independence, which inaugurated great change for both the political destiny of the new nation, but also for its many inhabitants.
CT 1776 is no ordinary conference! Day 1 includes invited presentations that are carefully choreographed to tell a gripping story of Connecticut’s history, weaving an engaging narrative that includes first-person presentations and stories, explores critical documents, and defines the movement towards independence and ultimately war.
Day 1 unfolds in three Acts:
- ACT 1 – January-July 1776: The Dawn of Liberty
- ACT 2 – July-December 1776: The Scourge of War
- ACT 3 – 1777 and on: The Long Battle for Independence
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This unique approach to exploring the Declaration and Revolution includes the politics and diplomacy of the era, military action, the raising of troops, the stories of soldiers (white, African American, and Native American), the women who served on the home front and dealt with war, the sermons of pastors who addressed the coming of independence and the trials of war, the newspapers of the time, the internal battle against loyalists, the heroes and traitors, and other elements of our state’s history, to offer a truly experiential approach to America’s fight for independence and Connecticut’s role in that struggle.
Day 2 of CT 1776 offers another unique opportunity. Was there a particular presentation on Day 1 that captured your imagination? Well, prepare to do a deeper dive when the presenters on Day 1 provide a fuller, more detailed account of their subject. There will also be other presentations throughout the day so that additional experts as well as our museum and historical society partners can present on varying topics.
CT 1776 is also hosting throughout both days of the conference a unique Exhibit Hall so that our conference goers can speak with members of the history community and learn more about what is happening over the course of 2026 to commemorate this important time in the nation’s, and Connecticut’s, history.
CT 1776 is generously supported by a gift from Pat Moran, which allows the conference to be offered for a mere $30 for one day or $50 for both days.
This cost provides entry to the conference, coffee in the morning and afternoon, and lunch.