Milford City Hall
So far, the city has held a turf and twig ceremony to celebrate the city’s 375th anniversary. There has also been birthday cake, and singing of special city songs.
Next in the lineup, the city of Milford’s 375th Anniversary Committee will hold a celebration — a 375th Gala — on Saturday, March 29, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Lauralton Hall, 200 High Street.
The event will include dinner, music, dancing, door prizes, and favors, all aimed at celebrating the city’s anniversary.
A Champagne toast in a souvenir glass will start the evening. A cash bar will be available, and period costumes are optional.
Tickets are $100 each, and may be purchased by calling Carolyn Augur at 203-623-6239.
Earlier this year, committee members re-enacted the turf and twig ceremony at Milford City Hall, which would have taken place in a central part of Milford as the land was transferred to the settlers 375 years ago.
According to History of Milford, Connecticut, “On Feb. 12, 1639, Edmund Tapp, William Fowler, Benjamin Fenn, Zachariah Whitman and Alexander Bryan from New Haven, journeyed to the Wepawaug and purchased land from Ansantawae, a sachem of the Paugusset Indians who had a village on the banks of the river.
“The price was six coats, ten blankets, one kettle, twelve hatchets, twelve hoes, two dozen knives and a dozen small mirrors.”
The first purchase included nearly all of the present towns of Orange and Milford, and part of Woodbridge, according to Milford’s history.
Committee members recently got permission to bury a time capsule at City Hall, to be opened in 25 years, and are now looking for residents and groups to donate items to be put into the time capsule.
A big celebration week is planned June 9 through June 15, and will include history tours, community and school education, art and musical competitions, and a parade.
For general information or sponsorship information, call Katherine Lutz at 860-922-3346.
To see all 375th events and activities, visit milfordct375.org.