A day of festivities hosted on July 21 by the Merrimack Historical Society to celebrate the history of Merrimack and the history behind the 250th birthday of the U.S. will be capped at 7 p.m. with a concert by the Yankee Brass Band. Courtesy photo

MERRIMACK – An invitation to all citizens to an afternoon of historic import will be shared in a community event of July 21 being presented at 1 p.m. as the 2026 Merrimack Historical Society (MHS) Celebration, a festive gathering to be hosted at MHS home base, 10 Depot St., Merrimack.

The festivities will begin with tributes to those who built the town of Merrimack and thereby helped build the country that is the United States of America — now celebrating 250 years of Independence.

The town, according to online history, has two birthdays — April 2, 1746, when it was first incorporated, and June 5, 1750, when its boundaries expanded.

Larry Shower, treasurer for the MHS, said he anticipates an event filled with activities for all ages.

He credits for an extraordinary team effort some primary facilitators, MHS current leaders President Chuck Mower, Vice President Shayne Albuquerque, Membership Officer Lynda Tomasian, Facility Manager Rick Price and Researcher Janice Brown.

Event organizers will welcome friends, neighbors and visitors to the Merrimack Historical Society home at 10 Depot St., a venue whose outdoor decor includes an American flag embroidered with a logo heralding 250 years of America in its stitchery. Courtesy photo

“This is a day for our community to celebrate both Merrimack history and the rich history of the United States of America,” Shower said.

“Craftsmen demonstrations, a taste of a Revolutionary War reenactment, the burial of a 50-year time capsule and the Yankee Brass Band performance at 7 p.m. are a sure guarantee of a great day,” he added.

Games of entertainment, food and beverages, along with an array of artisan activities is on the agenda.

Some of the diversions surely relate to Merrimack history and to the call for freedom that was secured on Independence Day, 1776, by countrymen who could no longer tolerate life under British rule.

Town dignitaries will be guest speakers opening the event.

A time capsule that will remain intact until a future celebration 50 years from now will include mementos, letters, collectibles and remembrances of present day life in Merrimack. Courtesy photo

A major highlight will be the dedication of a 50-year time capsule, a sturdy metal vessel that will be opened in 2076 — the 300th Anniversary of America. Memorabilia, artifacts, letters, an antique diary of a Merrimack school girl and other donated collectibles will be preserved for future generations.

Steve Gasiorowski, a resident of Grafton and program coordinator for the Yankee Brass Band, headquartered in White River Junction, Vt., commented that the band was founded in 1986 and has thus far brought joy to thousands.

“With its collection of antique instruments and authentic music scores, the Yankee Brass Band gives the audience an auditory living-history experience they will long remember,” Gasiorowski said. He plays a Bb Bass horn.

Gasiorowski noted that in the past, he has played brass with the Temple Town Band and the Hollis Town Band (HTB) under HTB Director and college buddy Dave Bailey.

More information about the Yankee Brass Band that includes details on upcoming concerts in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, July 22-25, is available online at yankeebrassband.org.

A sturdy metal time capsule containing contributions from Merrimack residents and others who cherish life in Merrimack will remain sealed for 50 years until its reopening at a future celebration. Courtesy photo

More information on the Merrimack Historical Society event also is available online at merrimackhistory.org or via email at info@merrimackhistory.org.