AREA — Who doesn’t enjoy celebrating Independence Day, July 4? In just two years, this day takes on even greater significance as July 4, 2026 is the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. In anticipation, Congress established the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission in 2016 to plan and orchestrate “America 250″ to lead the nation in commemorating our country’s founding. Molly Ockett Chapter, DAR, is pleased to announce it is a recipient of an America 250! Celebration Grant. The chapter plans to use the grant and additional funds this fall to gift every Stevens Brook Elementary 2nd and 3rd grader a book about historical figures and events that shaped the colonists’ experiences during the Revolutionary War Era.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) was the first official partner with America 250! and has developed numerous initiatives to honor Revolutionary War patriots, engage youth through contests and educational programming, and support efforts to tell the story of underrepresented and diverse patriots who helped to win the American War of Independence. Molly Ockett Chapter, DAR, is located in Bridgton and serves the entire Lake Region, including Oxford County. To learn more about today’s DAR and its programs, visit the website www.dar.org or contact us at lakeregiondar@gmail.com.