America 250 Westerly

06/04/2026

The 🇺🇸 America 250 Westerly Time Capsule Project was honored to meet with the Board of Directors and the dedicated staff of the Westerly Library & Wilcox Park as preparations continue for the historic burial of the Time Capsule on July 4, 2026.

During the visit, we shared the vision of creating a lasting message to the residents of Westerly who will open the capsule 100 years from now on July 4, 2126.

The Board and staff welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the project and discuss ways the library can continue to support this once-in-a-century initiative.

As one of Westerly's most treasured institutions, the library plays a vital role in preserving our community's history, fostering lifelong learning, and connecting generations through knowledge and storytelling.

The Westerly Time Capsule will be on public display at the library from June 5 through June 9, providing residents and visitors with an opportunity to see this remarkable piece of local history before it is permanently buried.

In addition, information about the project was featured in the June edition of The Chronicle, the library's monthly newsletter, which reaches approximately 10,000 recipients throughout the community. This valuable outreach helps spread awareness of the Time Capsule Project and encourages residents of all ages to participate in this once-in-a-century opportunity to leave a message for future generations.

A special photograph was taken with the entire library staff and members of the Board of Directors for inclusion in the Time Capsule, ensuring that their commitment to serving the people of Westerly will be remembered for the next century.

As we look ahead to the burial ceremony on July 4, 2026, the Westerly Library's participation stands as a testament to the power of community, education, and civic pride.

One hundred years from now, when future generations open the Time Capsule, they will see the faces of the people who helped preserve Westerly's story and ensured that the voices of today's residents would be heard across a century.

And, The Road Show Continues!

06/04/2026

The 🇺🇸 America 250 Westerly Time Capsule Project reached another important milestone on the evening of June 1, 2026, as members of the Westerly Town Council gathered for a commemorative photograph with the historic 100-year Time Capsule.

The photograph will become part of the Time Capsule's permanent collection, preserving a snapshot of the Town Council members who were serving during America's 250th Anniversary and helping guide Westerly into its future.

As the community continues preparing for the Time Capsule's burial on July 4, 2026, this image will serve as a lasting reminder of the elected leaders who supported this once-in-a-century project. One hundred years from now, when the Time Capsule is opened on July 4, 2126, future generations will be able to look back and see the faces of those who helped make this remarkable community effort possible.

Thank you to the Westerly Town Council for its continued support of the Westerly Time Capsule Project and for helping preserve today's history for tomorrow's citizens.

06/04/2026

The 🇺🇸 America 250 Westerly Time Capsule Road Show made another memorable stop this week at The Cooked Goose, one of Westerly's favorite dining destinations.

Owners Jen and Andrew warmly welcomed the Time Capsule Project and joined members of their staff for a special photograph that will become part of the Westerly Time Capsule, preserving a snapshot of our community for future generations.

Their participation ensures that the people, businesses, and stories that make Westerly such a special place today will be remembered when the capsule is opened 100 years from now on July 4, 2126.

As we prepare for the historic burial of the Westerly Time Capsule on July 4, 2026, we are grateful to Jen, Andrew, and the entire Cooked Goose team for helping capture the spirit of our community. Their photograph and contribution will stand as a lasting reminder of the hardworking local businesses that have helped shape Westerly's story.

Thank you to The Cooked Goose for being part of history!

And, The Road Show Continues!

(LtoR) Penelope, Jack, Lovely, Carissa, David, Andrew, Jen, Rachel, Melissa, Sarah and Chloe.

06/03/2026

The 🇺🇸 America 250 Westerly Time Capsule Road Show continued this morning with a special visit to the Westerly Post Office, where I had the opportunity to meet with members of the dedicated postal team and share the story of the Westerly Time Capsule Project.

For generations, the United States Postal Service has been an essential part of our community, connecting families, businesses, government, and neighbors through the simple but powerful act of delivering the mail.

As the saying goes, "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night" stops the Postal Service from completing its mission. That commitment to service continues today through the hardworking men and women of the Westerly Post Office, who play a vital role in keeping our community connected.

Thank you to the entire Westerly Post Office team for their warm welcome, their commitment to public service, and for helping preserve a piece of Westerly history.

And, The Road Show Continues!

06/02/2026

The 🇺🇸 America 250 Westerly Time Capsule made a visit to the iconic Windjammer Surf Bar in Misquamicut, where I had the pleasure of meeting owners Charles and Amy Trefes.

For more than 100 years, the Trefes family has welcomed generations of guests to this beloved beachfront destination, making the Windjammer one of Misquamicut's most enduring family-owned businesses.

Over the decades, the Windjammer has been part of countless summer memories for residents and visitors alike. Its rich history reflects the spirit of Misquamicut and the importance of preserving the stories of the families and businesses that have helped shape our community.

The Westerly Time Capsule Project is honored to include the Windjammer's story as we continue documenting the people, places, and traditions that define Westerly.

One hundred years from now, when the time capsule is opened on July 4, 2126, future generations will learn about businesses like the Windjammer that stood the test of time, battled hurricanes, and remained an important part of our community.

Thank you to Charles and Amy Trefes and their entire staff for their warm hospitality and for helping preserve this remarkable family legacy.

Their group photograph, captured alongside the Westerly Time Capsule, will be immortalized within the capsule itself, allowing future generations to see the faces behind one of Misquamicut's most cherished family-owned businesses when the Time Capsule is opened on July 4, 2126.

And, the Road Trip continues!

06/02/2026

Get a rare glimpse of history up close right here in Rhode Island! 📜

This summer, as part of the commemoration, Rhode Islanders and visitors will have the opportunity to view original copies - dating as far back as 1776 - of the Declaration of Independence.

Here are the first two opportunities to see one of the nation’s founding documents in person:
📍 Ponaganset High School Library | Wednesday, June 3 | 5–7 PM
📍 East Greenwich Town Hall | Saturday, June 6 | 12–2 PM

Whether you’re a history buff, bringing the family, or just looking for a unique Rhode Island event, this is a chance to connect with history in a powerful way.

06/01/2026

The 🇺🇸 America 250 Westerly Time Capsule Road Show continues!

This week, the Westerly Time Capsule continued its journey all around town to visit several outstanding local businesses that help make our community unique and vibrant.

Our journey included stops at Buddha's Barbershop, where community and conversation are always part of the experience; Sable's Salon, a popular pet grooming destination in Westerly where four-legged family members receive exceptional care and attention; Therapy Coffee & RPM Records, a one-of-a-kind destination where great coffee and great music come together; The Surf Shop, where I had the pleasure of visiting with Mitchell and learning more about a business that has become synonymous with Westerly's rich surfing culture and deep connection to the Atlantic Ocean; and Joyce's Café, a beloved local gathering place where friends, neighbors, and visitors come together to enjoy great food, warm hospitality, and a true sense of community. And, our local autoparts supplier, Scott and Bryan from Advanced Auto Parts!

Each stop provided an opportunity to meet the dedicated owners and staff whose hard work, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit help keep Westerly thriving. These small businesses are more than storefronts—they are gathering places, employers, community supporters, and an important part of the story of Westerly in 2026.

As part of the Westerly Time Capsule Project, we are preserving photographs, memories, and stories from businesses across our town so that future generations can see what life was like during America's 250th Anniversary year.

One hundred years from now, when the Time Capsule is opened on July 4, 2126, future residents will see the faces and learn the stories of the people who helped make Westerly such a special place to call home.

The future is waiting to hear from us!

(Send us a note it you would like to have the Time Capsule visit your business!)

The Road Show Continues!

06/01/2026

America's 250th birthday is just over one month away! 🎆

Last week, we shared some of the ways that Rhode Island colonists pushed back against British taxes after the Seven Years’ War. Another dramatic act of resistance happened on July 19, 1769, when a crowd in Newport boarded the HMS Liberty, cut it loose from its moorings, vandalized it, and set it on fire.

Today, a plaque in Newport, located on the spot where the ship's accompanying barge and boats were burned, commemorates the event and describes it as the “first overt act of violence to Great Britain in America.”

Rhode Island students learn about these acts of resistance leading up to the American Revolution in grades 4, 5, and high school. 📝 📚

You can learn more about the Liberty Incident by clicking here: https://portsmouthhistorynotes.com/2025/07/31/the-liberty-incident/

FUN FACT: The Liberty was also seized by royal officials from John Hancock in Boston one year before the Newport incident amid contested smuggling charges.

06/01/2026

The 🇺🇸 America 250 Westerly Road Show continues!

Today, the newly opened Dunkin' at Dunns Corners was part of the Westerly Time Capsule Project and meeting the outstanding team members who are helping launch this exciting new business in our community.

Opening day is always a special milestone—a moment filled with excitement, hard work, and anticipation. The staff welcomed customers with smiles, enthusiasm, and the friendly service that helps make Westerly such a great place to live and work.

The Westerly Time Capsule is capturing moments like these throughout our town—visiting businesses, schools, churches, civic organizations, and community landmarks—to preserve a snapshot of life in Westerly during America's 250th Anniversary year.

One hundred years from now, future generations will be able to look back and see the people who helped shape our community in 2026.

Congratulations to Craig Pariseau, Regional Director of Operations, and the entire Dunkin' Team at Dunns Corner on your grand opening.

Thank you for being part of the Westerly Time Capsule Project and for helping us preserve this moment in history for the citizens of 2126!

On to the next business!

Mike Maynard, Craig Pariseau, Stefan Audit, Tommy Whalen, Gianna Giorno, and Ashley Toth