Connecticut Veterans Foundation Are Making History Explorable
Connecticut wasn’t just a footnote in the American Revolution. The state supplied Washington’s army with food, weapons, and troops. It earned the nickname “The Provision State” and hosted the march of 5,000 French troops on their way to the decisive siege at Yorktown. Yet for most visitors, that story lives in roadside markers they pass without stopping. Connecticut helped win the American Revolution, and CTVets250 | Connecticut Veterans Foundation is making sure that story gets told.
The Connecticut Revolutionary War Trail is Connecticut’s first veteran-led Revolutionary War trail: a digital passport experience that brings 250 years of American history to life across the state, powered by Seeker XP.
Overview
The Connecticut Revolutionary War Trail connects 15 historic sites across Connecticut through a free, GPS-based passport experience built on Seeker XP. No app download required. Participants visit any site, check in via GPS, and unlock the story of what happened there 250 years ago.
Points accumulate through check-ins, challenges, and events tied to Connecticut’s America 250 programming. Badges are earned along the way, with rewards redeemable throughout the experience.
The 15 stops span the full breadth of Connecticut’s Revolutionary War history: from Fort Griswold State Park in Groton to the Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry, to the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum in Wethersfield, where General Washington stopped during the march to Yorktown.
At a Glance
- Activation: Connecticut Revolutionary War Trail
- Location: Statewide, Connecticut
- Activation Type: Digital Passport Heritage Trail
- Audience: Connecticut residents and heritage travelers
- Use Cases: Heritage Tourism, Community Engagement, Veteran Advocacy
- Experience Type: GPS Check-In, Gamified Trail
- Industry: Nonprofit, Veterans Organizations, Heritage Tourism
- Key Features: Digital Badges, GPS Check-Ins, Rewards, Points System
- Platform: Seeker XP
About CTVets250 and The Connecticut Veterans Foundation
CTVets250, officially the Connecticut Veterans Foundation, was founded by Department Commander Mike Kellett, the VFW’s state commander, and a small coalition of Connecticut veterans who saw a gap in the state’s America 250 plans. Veteran contributions were largely absent from the primary commemoration, and they built the foundation to change that.
Co-founder Christine Pittsley, a Post 210 Legionnaire who works at a museum, had America 250 on her mind long before the foundation launched. John Ryan of Seicheprey Post 2 in Bristol helped shape the trail’s vision alongside her. Together, the coalition built CTVets250 as a veteran-led, community-serving organization committed to keeping Connecticut’s military heritage visible for residents and visitors alike.
Beyond the Revolutionary War Trail, CTVets250 runs a Veterans Memory Project, a Wall of Honor, and a public programming calendar tied into the main CT250 statewide celebration.
“It has become a meaningful and engaging way to connect residents and visitors with Connecticut’s military heritage.”
John Ryan, CTVets250 Coalition Member
How it Works
Participants discover the trail through CTVets250′s channels, America 250 programming, and on-site signage at the 15 locations. Scanning a QR code or visiting the trail link launches the Seeker XP experience instantly in the browser.Â
From there, the experience is self-directed. Visit any of the 15 sites in any order, check in via GPS, and unlock the story of that location. Each check-in earns points. Challenges and events tied to Connecticut’s America 250 calendar offer additional ways to earn. Badges accumulate as participants move through the trail, and rewards are redeemable along the way, building momentum toward the finish line.
Activities
GPS Check-Ins at 15 Historic Sites
Participants check in at any of 15 Revolutionary War sites across Connecticut via GPS. Each check-in unlocks the story of that location and earns points toward badges and rewards.
Badge Collection and Rewards
Points accumulate through check-ins, challenges, and events. Participants trade them in for prizes along the way, with the Cranky Yankee badge and gear waiting for those who complete the full trail.
Challenges and Events
Beyond site check-ins, participants earn bonus points through trail challenges and in-person events tied to Connecticut's America 250 programming, keeping the experience active across the full season.
Badges
Loyalists
100 points in
The Spy Master
300 points in
Boots on the Ground
400 points in
The Road to Yorktown
400 points in
On the Water
500 points in
Rewards
The Connecticut Revolutionary War Trail rewards participation at every step. Check in at trail sites to earn points, redeem points for prizes along the way, and complete all 15 sites to earn the trail’s most coveted prize: the Cranky Yankee Badge and exclusive Cranky Yankee gear.
One Entry into Grand Prize Drawing
Unlock 10 badges
The Coveted Cranky Yankee Badge and Cranky Yankee Gear
Complete the trail