(PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
250th … Julie Brink from the Fulton County Visitors Bureau, Ashley Epling from the Williams County Economic Development Corporation, Sheri Friesner from Sauder Village, and Todd Kleismit from America 250th Ohio, stand inside the Sauder Village Welcome Center. There, a flag, which will be given to each community that signs up to participate in the nationwide event, was held. A large emblem was also featured, which is able to feature the name of each Ohio county.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
A meeting was recently held at Sauder Village to discuss upcoming events for the America 250th Ohio celebration.
The initiative seeks to plan, develop, and coordinate the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, while simultaneously highlighting Ohio’s significant contributions to the nation’s history and future.
For those who may not yet have heard, the United States will be experiencing its Semiquincentennial or 250th birthday.
This occasion will mark 250 years since the Continental Congress voted for Independence on July 2nd, 1776, approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, and signed the document on August 2nd, 1776.
As of this writing, nearly 100 communities have committed to celebrating America 250th Ohio, with each community planning events and experiences that will reflect some part of their unique history.
Some of these pieces of unique history include Ohio Originals (Ohio Firsts) which are points of pride and unity, Statewide Engagement to cover history, arts, and the culture of people in Ohio, telling Ohio’s stories (lesser-known stories of Ohio), engaging youth, and putting forth themes of heritage, reflection, preservation, and education, with a focus on the past, present, and future.
Celebrations are expected to begin in 2025 and will run all throughout the year of 2026. Celebrations and events will be held in different phases, with each phase having its own theme.
Each month throughout 2026 will also have its own theme that focuses on the idea of legacy.
Many ideas are currently being worked on at the state level, but the majority of events will be held at the local level.
Some of the statewide events include “Ohio Goes To The Movies”, which will feature a movie series featuring films with Ohio connections. This initiative will be featured across all eighty-eight Ohio counties.
“Ohio’s Homecoming and Picnic” will encourage Ohioans to come together for a statewide homecoming and picnic. A transportation celebration will feature a 250 Buckeye Train Ride in Tuscarawas County.
This event will feature 250 antique cars, military and civilian aircraft displays, educational activities, historic train rides, whistle stops, and a historic plane fly over.
Many local events will also be planned, with Sauder Village also planning activities for each of the monthly themes in 2026.