250 Words of Joy was the start of an almost 2 year collaboration with our beautiful community we call Bristol and the openness of East Bay Media Group.

When the perception of the world is filled with disconnection and divisiveness, 250 Words of Joy has been a small way we could prove otherwise. That humanity is still human, that people are good, that our hearts have kindness and joy. Every week for over a year people from all parts of our community and beyond have written their perception of joy. This has been a welcome respite for our tired eyes. Thank you for writing in and participating in a unique approach to celebrating the good parts of our 250 year history in America. We have our faults, but there is much joy to celebrate too. 

It’s been our joy to serve on the Bristol250 Commission.

When we met for the first time---almost two years ago! –– we made a deliberate decision to showcase all the wonderful organizations and people who make Bristol so special. We knew that nothing could ever top our Fourth of July parade, so we chose to serve as ambassadors, advocating for everyone in town to participate in a celebration that would last for more than a year.

To our delight, folks stepped up from all corners of the community. We had the privilege of collaborating with partners on over 70 events, starting with the reenactment of the Bombardment of Bristol in May 2025.

For programming, we relied on the stellar collaboration from Blithewold, Bosworth Lectures, Bristol Art Museum, Bristol Garden Club, Bristol Historical and Preservation Society, Bristol Yacht Club, Coggeshall Farm, Herreshoff, Linden Place, Mt. Hope Farm, Rogers Free Library, and the Bristol 4th of July Committee.

BWRSD students, teachers, and parents helped organize family-friendly events. Steve Contente, The Bristol Town Council, Parks and Recreation, and the Harbor Master made logistics a breeze.

Our local businesses showed us what community means: Explore Bristol, BMA, East Bay Media Group, Extensions School of Dance, Fenwick and Oliver, Hill House Graphic, Ink Munkee, 136 Express, Dan Karten, O’Brien and Brough, Safeway and Reliable Pest Control.

None of these events could have had this success if it weren’t for the support of our residents and tourists attending them. There are still more events on our 250 calendar through October and we are sure we will see you there.

Working alongside our neighbors and seeing our community shine was the joy of a lifetime.

Thank you!
Bristol250 Commission