250 Ride to Join Separation Day Celebration in Historic New Castle

As part of its two-day reenactment from Dover to Philadelphia, the 250Ride.org journey will stop in Historic New Castle on June 13, 2026, joining the city’s annual Separation Day Celebration and Parade in a powerful moment that connects Delaware’s past to its present.

The live reenactment of Caesar Rodney’s legendary 1776 journey will launch from Dover, Delaware in the morning of June 12. By 12 noon on June 13, the horse-drawn carriage carrying Rodney will arrive in Historic New Castle, where Separation Day festivities will already be underway. At noon, Caesar Rodney and fellow reenactors representing the Unheard Voices of the Revolution will take part in the annual parade.

A Historic Setting, Elevated

Separation Day commemorates Delaware’s decision on June 15, 1776, to separate from both Pennsylvania and Great Britain in declaring itself an independent state. The Separation movement was led by Caesar Rodney, speaker of the Delaware legislature and a delegate to the Continental Congress.  Each year, Historic New Castle provides a fitting backdrop, with its cobblestone streets and preserved colonial architecture offering one of the most immersive Revolutionary-era settings in the country.

The participation of the 250 Ride and the Unheard Voices strengthens that connection to history.

Rodney’s overnight ride from Dover to Philadelphia secured Delaware’s decisive vote for independence in the Continental Congress. Nearly 250 years later, his reenacted journey will pass directly through Historic New Castle: symbolically linking Delaware’s declaration of separation with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence which followed in Philadelphia.

“This partnership honors Delaware’s unique place in our nation’s history,” said Ciro Poppiti, Founder of the 250 Ride and president of the Delaware Italian American Foundation. “Separation Day celebrates Delaware’s independence, and Caesar Rodney’s ride secured that independence at the national level.  We are so grateful to the City of New Castle for generously allowing us to participate in their magnificent celebration.”

Readers interested in learning more about Separation Day’s full schedule of events on June 12–13 are encouraged to visit https://www.separationdayde.com/ for complete details.

A Living, Moving Experience

The 250 Ride is a fully immersive reenactment spanning more than 80 miles.

• Caesar Rodney will complete the entire journey by authentic horse and carriage.

• The carriage and reenactors will participate in the full Separation Day Parade at noon.

• Reenactors portraying the Unheard Voices of the Revolution will walk alongside the carriage and later engage directly with attendees, sharing first-person narratives of overlooked figures from the founding era.

  
  

After its time in Historic New Castle, the 250 Ride will continue north toward Independence Hall in Philadelphia, carrying forward the spirit of courage and conviction that defined 1776.

Honoring the Full Story of the Revolution

While Caesar Rodney’s ride is central to the moment, the 250 Ride also highlights those whose contributions have too often gone unrecognized. Through the Unheard Voices of the Revolution initiative, historical figures are brought to life through research-driven interpretation, public appearances, and educational engagement.

Sponsored by the Delaware Italian American Foundation, the 250 Ride blends reenactment, scholarship, and community partnership into a living tribute to the complete story of America’s founding.

Community members are encouraged to learn more about the Unheard Voices of the Revolution, explore featured historical profiles, and follow the progress of the reenactment at www.250Ride.org.

A Meaningful Moment on the Road to Philadelphia

As the carriage rolls through the parade route in Historic New Castle, it will reflect the action, determination, and unity that defined Delaware’s role in America’s founding.

Following the parade and community engagement, the 250 Ride will continue its journey north toward Philadelphia, reinforcing the enduring connection between Delaware’s bold decision to stand independent and the birth of a nation.