America 250 Westerly

The Westerly Time Capsule Roadshow recently made a special stop at The Washington Trust Company, meeting with its dedicated staff and leadership team to celebrate one of the institutions that has helped shape the fabric of our community for generations.

As one of the oldest and most respected organizations serving Westerly, Washington Trust has long been a cornerstone of civic life, supporting countless community events, nonprofit organizations, educational initiatives, and local celebrations through its generous sponsorships and unwavering commitment to the Town.

The Westerly 250 Time Capsule Project is grateful for Washington Trust's continued investment in preserving our heritage and strengthening the community we call home.

During the visit, staff members gathered with the Time Capsule for a commemorative photograph that will become part of this historic endeavor, ensuring that future generations will remember the people and institutions who made Westerly such a remarkable place to live, work, and raise a family.

Thank you to the entire Washington Trust team for helping build a stronger Westerly and for supporting the many organizations and events that enrich the lives of residents throughout our town.

Photo:
FRONT ROW: Christy Birchell, Bethany Kearsch, Mary Noons (President and COO), Laura Chaufty, Thea Becker, Jen Dugas, Kathleen Hart, Patricia Crowley, Beth Frenette

MIDDLE ROW: Michael Eadie, KaTrina Drake, Steven Dabkowski, Lytomya Weaver, Scott Ostrowski, Betsy Flanagan, John DaLomba, Amy Arruda

BACK ROW: Finn Steele, Jared Wilbur, Ned Handy (Chairman and CEO)

The Westerly Time Capsule Road Show made another memorable stop this week, visiting the Misquamicut Business Association and bringing together many of the individuals and organizations that help make Misquamicut Beach one of Rhode Island's most beloved destinations.

Members of the association gathered on the beach for a special group photograph alongside the Westerly 250th Time Capsule. The photo will become part of the historical record preserved for future generations, capturing the people who are helping shape Westerly and Misquamicut in 2026.

The Misquamicut Business Association plays a vital role in supporting local businesses, tourism, community events, and the unique coastal character that has drawn families to our shoreline for generations.

Their participation in the Westerly Time Capsule Project ensures that the story of Misquamicut's vibrant business community will be remembered when the capsule is opened 100 years from now on July 4, 2126.

A special thank you goes to the Pleasant View Inn for graciously hosting this gathering and helping make the event possible. Their hospitality provided the perfect setting for this historic occasion and demonstrated the strong community spirit that makes Misquamicut such a special place.

Thank you to all the members of the Misquamicut Business Association and the Pleasant View Inn for taking part in this historic project and helping preserve a snapshot of life in Westerly during America's 250th Anniversary year.

The Westerly 250 Time Capsule Roadshow continues its journey through our community, meeting the people and organizations that help make Westerly such a special place to live.

The Time Capsule had the honor of visiting the dedicated men and women of the Watch Hill Fire Department.

These distinguished public servants stand ready day and night to respond to emergencies, protect lives, safeguard property, and provide critical assistance throughout Watch Hill and the greater Westerly community.

Whether responding to fires, medical emergencies, storms, or other urgent situations, the members of the Watch Hill Fire Department demonstrate professionalism, courage, and an unwavering commitment to public service. Their willingness to answer the call at any hour is a testament to the spirit of volunteerism and community that has long defined our Town.

As part of the Westerly 250 Time Capsule Project, we were proud to capture a photograph with these dedicated first responders so that future generations can see the faces of those who served and protected our community in 2026.

On behalf of the Westerly 250 Commission and the residents of Westerly, we extend our sincere gratitude to the members of the Watch Hill Fire Department for everything they do for us. Your service, sacrifice, and dedication help keep our community safe, and we are grateful for your commitment each and every day.

And, The Road Show Continues…

The Westerly Time Capsule Road Show recently made a stop at Evie’s, one of Westerly’s newest and most welcoming dining destinations.

Proudly serving the community since 2023, Evie’s has quickly become a favorite gathering place where residents and visitors alike can enjoy outstanding food, craft cocktails, and genuine hospitality.

Located at 224 Post Road, Evie’s blends the charm of our coastal community with the warmth of classic American comfort food.

Building on the success of its sister restaurants and with the continued support of the Culpo family, Evie’s has created a unique dining experience where small-town friendliness meets elevated cuisine.

During our visit, the staff proudly gathered for a commemorative photograph alongside the Westerly Time Capsule, helping to preserve a snapshot of life in Westerly during our nation's 250th anniversary year.

Their participation ensures that future generations will see the people and businesses that helped make Westerly such a special place to live, work, and visit.

Thank you to the entire team at Evie’s for supporting the Westerly Time Capsule Project and for contributing to the rich story of our community. Your photograph and legacy will be preserved for the residents of 2126 to discover and appreciate a century from now.

And, The Road Show Continues...

The Westerly Time Capsule Road Show continued with a special visit to the Sisco Family's Shorecrest Store, a beloved Westerly institution that has been serving the community since 1972.

For more than five decades, the Sisco family has been an important part of the fabric of Westerly, providing friendly service, building lasting relationships, and contributing to the character that makes our town so special.

One of the highlights of today's visit was the opportunity to capture a truly remarkable photograph featuring four generations of the Sisco family standing together with the Westerly Time Capsule.

Moments like these remind us that our community's greatest treasures are the families and businesses whose stories span generations.

The photograph will become part of the historical record preserved through the Westerly Time Capsule Project, ensuring that future generations will be able to look back and see the faces, families, and local businesses that helped shape Westerly in 2026.

Thank you to the entire Sisco family for your warm hospitality and for the many contributions you have made to our community over the past 54 years. Your family's legacy is an important part of Westerly's story, and we are honored to help preserve it for the next century.

And, The Road Show Continues...

250 years ago today, the Continental Congress assembled a committee of five to draft a Declaration of Independence from the British crown.

America’s story started here.

The Westerly Time Capsule Road Show continues its journey throughout our community, making a special visit to The Zen Zone in Westerly.

During the visit, we had the opportunity to meet with the owners, Monika and Aaron Marketos, and learn more about this welcoming local business that promotes wellness, relaxation, and personal well-being.

One of the highlights of the visit was seeing their amazing salt room, a unique space designed to provide a peaceful and restorative environment for guests seeking relaxation and wellness. It is truly one of the many features that makes The Zen Zone a special destination in our community.

As part of the Westerly Time Capsule Project, a commemorative photograph was taken with the owner in support of this historic community effort. The photo will become part of the contents of the Westerly Time Capsule!

The Westerly Time Capsule, which will be buried on July 4, 2026, and reopened on July 4, 2126, is capturing the stories, faces, and spirit of our community for future generations. We are grateful to The Zen Zone for its participation and for helping us create a lasting record of life in Westerly during America's 250th Anniversary celebration.

Thank you to everyone at The Zen Zone for being part of this once-in-a-century project. Your contribution will help tell Westerly's story for the next 100 years.

And, the Road Show Continues!

The Westerly Time Capsule Road Show recently made a stop at one of our community's most celebrated businesses, where owners Alan and Jennifer Brinton and their outstanding staff proudly joined the Westerly 250 Time Capsule Project.

Since opening their doors, Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island he has become much more than a brewery—it has become a gathering place and a tremendous supporter of our community.

Alan and Jennifer have been enthusiastic supporters of the Westerly 250 Commission and its efforts to commemorate our Town's rich history while preserving today's stories for future generations.

During our visit, nearly the entire Grey Sail team gathered for a memorable staff photograph that will be preserved inside the Westerly Time Capsule for the next 100 years. Their image will help tell the story of the people, businesses, and community spirit that make Westerly such a special place in 2026.

Thank you to Alan, Jennifer, and the entire Grey Sail Brewing staff for being part of this historic project.

Your support, community pride, and commitment to Westerly will be remembered by residents who open this Time Capsule on July 4, 2126.

And, The Road Show Continues! 🇺🇲

As we count down to America's 250th anniversary, here's another Rhode Island history fun fact! 🎆

On June 9, 1772, the British schooner HMS Gaspee ran aground near Warwick while pursuing a merchant ship. That night, a group of Rhode Island patriots boarded the vessel, removed the crew, and set it on fire. Despite British efforts, no one was ever convicted for the act, largely because local support for the raid was so strong. Rhode Island students learn about the Gaspee in grades 4, 5, and high school, per RIDE’s Social Studies Standards.

You can read more about the Gaspee Affair by clicking here: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/civics-and-education/for-educators/themed-collections/gaspee

? Rhode Islanders commemorate the burning of the Gaspee each year with the Gaspee Days celebration, which includes a parade and a symbolic burning of the ship. You can find more details on this year's celebration by clicking here: www.gaspee.com

Participating in the Westerly Time Capsule Project couldn't be easier!

Whether you're tech-savvy or prefer the traditional approach, there are several simple ways to ensure your story becomes part of Westerly's history.

You can scan the QR code and submit your letter electronically, or go old-school and mail your submission to the Town Hall. Either way, your voice will be preserved for future generations.

We encourage everyone to include a photograph of themselves, their family, friends, pets, or even a favorite place in Westerly.

One hundred years from now, when the Time Capsule is opened on July 4, 2126, future residents will have the opportunity to see the faces and read the stories of the people who helped shape our community in 2026.

This remarkable community effort is already bringing Westerly together.

More than 2,100 students from the Westerly Public Schools are participating, along with churches representing many faith traditions, our local synagogue, and interfaith congregations throughout the community.

Businesses of every size—from family-owned shops and restaurants to larger employers—are also joining this historic project.

This is your chance to leave a lasting legacy. Tell your story, share your memories, and help future generations understand what life was like during America's 250th Anniversary celebration.

The future is waiting to hear from you. Don't miss the opportunity to be remembered in the next century!

If you would like to see the Time Capsule in your place of employment or your business -- just send a note and we'll be there! 🇺🇲