Nantucket Committee Approves Liberty Tree Plaque for July 4, 2026 Dedication

NANTUCKET — April 15, 2026 — Nantucket's Finance Committee voted unanimously to designate a historic American elm as the town's Liberty Tree, approving a commemorative plaque and glacial boulder for an estimated $3,600. The installation, to be funded from the town's tree account, will mark the United States' 250th anniversary of independence, with a dedication planned for on or about July 4, 2026. The plaque text, finalized at the April 15 meeting, reads: "The Town of Nantucket, in commemoration of this nation's 250th anniversary of independence, hereby designates this American elm planted in 1852, the Liberty Tree," followed by the phrase "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." A member identified as Dave reported that the roughly 325-character inscription is expected to cost approximately $1,800 for the plaque alone, with the boulder adding another estimated $1,800. The committee also endorsed placing one of the town's standard green benches at the site, which members described as a high-foot-traffic, shaded location.