Lucy Whitmarsh accepting proclamation from mayorSILVER CITY, NEW MEXICO: Volunteers in colonial dress from the Jacob Bennett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Silver City accepted an America 250 Proclamation from the Town of Silver City at the Town Council meeting on February 10, 2026.
Mayor Wheaton-Smith proclaimed that the Town of Silver City will fully engage in commemorative activities leading up to and through July 4, 2026 and urged all community members to observe the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by coordinating commemorative events, planning historical activities, creating new educational opportunities, and seeking opportunities for historic preservation. The Town of Silver City has pledged to uplift, support, and generate commemorative opportunities.
The focus of the DAR's commemorative efforts across the country are to celebrate the nation's rich history and diversity of experiences by honoring all men and women who helped achieve American independence. DAR members, inspired by the service of their Revolutionary War ancestors, are celebrating through acts of community service and hosting educational events.
Did you know that New Mexico made important contributions to our American independence? In 1776, New Mexico became part of the General Command of the Provincas Internas, a new military department from Texas to California. When Spain declared war on Great Britain, all free New Mexicans, including Native Americans, were asked to contribute to support the American Revolution. They raised 3,677 pesos.
"We are excited to celebrate with our communities the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the forming of the United States of America on July 4, 1776," said Lucy Whitmarsh, Chapter Regent. "Our chapter has several projects and associated events from now through July 4th. These include 'In the Spirit of 1776' (a time capsule united with a message in a bottle), and an America 250! Patriot Marker dedication at the gazebo in Gough Park. The gazebo was the Town of Silver City's Bicentennial Project. We are also working with our community on planting a Liberty Tree to commemorate America's 250th. Look for upcoming public announcements for dates, times, and how you can participate. There is no charge to the public for any of these projects or events. Come celebrate with us!"
The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established in 2016 under President Barack Obama and since then has been facilitating nationwide plans to observe this historic occasion. The Commission created the America250 Foundation and identifies under that banner. America250 is a bipartisan coalition of public and private partners, including the Daughters of the American Revolution, all working to create initiatives and programs that honor the United States of America's first 250 years and to imagine our next 250.
Governor Lujan Grisham established New Mexico's Semiquincentennial Commission to engage every American in commemorating our nation's milestone and to honor the unique history, traditions, and contributions of New Mexico.
About the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
One of the largest patriotic women's service organizations in the world, DAR has close to 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters across the country and several foreign countries. DAR members promote historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service and more. For additional information about DAR and its relevant mission, visit www.dar.org.
For information about the Jacob Bennett Chapter or DAR membership, call Lucy Whitmarsh at (575) 574-8394 or email
AMERICA 250 PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the formation of the United States of America will occur on July 4, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Silver City, founded in 1876, has contributed proudly and significantly to the history of our nation and our state for more than 149 years; and
WHEREAS, in 2016 the United States Congress established by Joint Resolution the America 250 Commission to encourage observance of the 250 years of our nation's existence; and
WHEREAS, the Governor established New Mexico's Semiquincentennial Commission with the signing of SB106, to engage every American in commemorating and celebrating the nation's Semiquincentennial and to honor the unique history, traditions, and contributions of New Mexico while embracing the shared values and aspirations of the American people; and
WHEREAS, the Commission will play a pivotal role in enhancing and enriching the tapestry of our nation's 250th anniversary, ensuring that the diverse voices of all Americans are celebrated during this monumental milestone; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate that the Town of Silver City engage fully with our past and look forward to a shared future; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Silver City encourages its citizens to create and participate in programs that will commemorate the history of our town, our state, and our nation; and
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Mayor Simon W. Wheaton-Smith, do hereby proclaim that the Town of Silver City will fully engage in commemorative activities leading up to and through July 4, 2026.
I urge all community members to take advantage of the resources available from the America 250 Commission, the New Mexico Semiquincentennial Commission, and the Town of Silver City to observe the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by coordinating commemorative events, planning historical activities, creating new educational opportunities, and seeking opportunities for historic preservation. The Town of Silver City pledges to uplift, support, and generate commemorative opportunities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused this official seal of the Town of Silver City to be affixed this 10th day of February 2026.
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Simon Wheaton-Smith. Mayor, Town of Silver City
Attest:
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Alfred Sedillo, Town Clerk
