America 250-Ohio Community Spring 2025 Grants

Northeast

Organization: City of Columbiana
Project Title: The Garden of Eatin’  
Location: Columbiana, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

In partnership with the Creative Entrepreneurship Class and Columbiana High School, the City of Columbiana is respectfully applying for the America 250 Ohio Grant Program. In 2019, Columbiana was named Reader’s Digest’s ‘Nicest Place in America’ and we have continued on that momentum becoming a more inviting place for not only our residents, but tens of thousands of visitors alike. Columbiana is a historic downtown main street community with approximately 7,000 residents. We pride ourselves in carrying on the nicest place in America legacy to our next generation, while cherishing our small town feel that makes us unique to the region. The Creative Entrepreneurship Class has developed a solution to jump start our events on Main Street by proposing to convert an empty gravel lot into a food truck site and outdoor eating area. The project is affectionately called the Garden of Eatin’. Additionally, the space will have the ability to flex into a stage for musical performances and events.

Organization: ESC of Western Reserve
Project Title: Time Traveling Sidekicks – Exploring Ohio’s Stories  
Location: Painesville, Ohio
Grant Award: $4,750

Summer Sidekicks, a free program serving Lake and Geauga Counties, will offer an interactive history experience for students. Performers from a local history group, dressed in period costumes, will tell the stories of famous Ohio women and engage students in a Q&A session. To extend the learning, the program will use grant funds to purchase books about other influential Ohioans, allowing students to research and explore additional historical figures. This activity fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper connection to Ohio’s history.

Organization: Lorain County Historical Society
Project Title: Historical Looking Glass Project  
Location: Elyria, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

The Historical Looking Glasses are an immersive, interactive landmark installation project located in Elyria’s historic downtown that offers a unique opportunity to experience the city through the lens of history. By peering through these “windows into the past,” individuals of all ages can view historic scenes—such as iconic buildings or bustling street views —superimposed onto today’s streetscape. Each Looking Glass transforms an everyday space into a rich storytelling experience, turning an abstract historical moment into something tangible and relatable. Strategically placed throughout key areas of the downtown, these installations not only celebrate the beauty and vibrancy of the past but also inspire a shared vision for a lively, thriving future for the heart of Elyria. Through the Historical Looking Glass Project, the city seamlessly connects the past with the present and joins in the national celebration to mark 250 years of American history.

Organization: Economic Action Group
Project Title: Layers of Legacy: Preserving Youngstown’s Hidden History  
Location: Youngstown, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

Layers of Legacy Project will celebrate Youngstown’s rich and diverse history through a vibrant public mural that brings to life untold and underrepresented stories. Youngstown has long been a melting pot, shaped by generations of immigrants and migrants drawn by opportunity. These individuals enriched the city with their unique cultures, religions, and languages, forming the foundation of its working-class identity. The mural will serve as a metaphorical mosaic of narratives and experiences, highlighting the shared journeys and collective resilience of the people who built this community. By incorporating input and ideas from the community, the mural’s themes will be shaped by the voices of those who call Youngstown home. It will tell a series of lesser-known stories from Youngstown’s past, ensuring all viewers feel represented and connected to our shared history.

Organization: Canal Fulton Heritage Society
Project Title: Where History Recedes, Community Endures; Canal Fulton Ohio.  
Location: Canal Fulton, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

‘Recede’ will begin production in the spring of 2025 and continue throughout the year and into 2026. Initial production days will focus on interviews with living descendants, historians, and community leaders, capturing Canal Fulton’s historic landmarks, the Ohio & Erie Canal, and the St. Helena II. Post-production, including editing, incorporation of archival materials, and sound design will take place in late 2025 and early 2026. The documentary will culminate in fall 2026 with a premiere screening to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States, celebrating the story of Canal Fulton and its contribution to the fabric of American History. Additional screenings will be held at local cinemas, Canal Fulton’s Canal Way Center, and feature live discussions with our production team, historians, and community leaders to foster dialogue and collaboration.

Organization: City of Canton
Project Title: Untold Stories of Canton Digital Media Presentation  
Location: Canton, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

We plan to have the unveiling of the Digital Media Presentation and the Courtside Mural on the Centennial Plaza Public Restroom and Support Facility during the June 2025 Canton First Friday’s event on June 6th, 2025. The development of the Digital Media Presentation will occur between April 1st, 2025 – May 16th, 2025, in collaboration with the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum for content development and Downtown Canton Partnership for the creation of the video. Event planning will occur between April 1st, 2025, and May 16th, 2025, this will primarily be the City of Canton making any necessary arrangements to reserve Centennial Plaza for our event. Promotion for the event will occur between May 16th, 2025, and June 6th, 2025, all partners will work together to promote the event. The Courtside Mural on the Centennial Plaza Public Restroom building will be permanently installed by June 1st, 2025.

Organization: Summit County Domestic Relations Court
Project Title: Judicial Scavenger Hunt  
Location: Akron, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

Summit County Domestic Relations Court, in partnership with Summit County Historical Society, will develop a scavenger hunt that highlights the judicial process and legal history in Summit County and give historical context to buildings and landmarks in and around the Courthouse and the County. Participants will use the Goose-chase application to complete “missions” either by finding key information at or around the Courthouse (including on websites, etc.), uploading photos or videos from specific landmarks, or through using a geolocator to check-in at various sites. This self-paced, county-wide activity allows for residents and visitors to participate over the course of the semi quincentennial and allows for content to be uploaded over the course of the year to mark various community events. Participants who complete a certain number of missions will be eligible for a prize drawing at the end of the project. ed by June 1st, 2025.

Organization: Cuyahoga Falls Library
Project Title: StoryWalk; Trails End Park  
Location: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

Cuyahoga Falls Library (CFL) would like to partner with the City’s Parks and Recreation Department to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. by engaging our community in storytelling through the installation of a StoryWalk at Trails End Park. A StoryWalk is an outdoor installation designed to hold pages of a book. The story unfolds one page at a time, offering families and visitors of all ages an opportunity to read & walk together while enjoying scenic park views. To create StoryWalk, the city will create a path and install 18 new weather-resistant stands along the path to the ballfields. CFL will mount picture book pages at each station. We will engage the community by utilizing the 12 Monthly Themes for 2026. Picture books will include Art, Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing by Kay A. Haring; Firsts & Originals, Johnny Appleseed by Reeve Lindbergh; Music, Piano Starts Here: The Young Art Tatum by Robert Andrew Parker; and Sports, I Promise by LeBron James.

Organization: Center Brook Historical Society
Project Title: Veteran’s Log Cabin  
Location: North Bloomfield, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

Center Brook Historical Society wishes to erect a replica log cabin which was located on the Farm of one of our community’s Revolutionary War Veterans. This cabin will be used to educate the community on the volunteer soldiers which stepped forward from our great town. Our focus will be pre-WW1, specifically the American Revolution, the War of 1812, Mexican War, the American Civil War and the Spanish American War. Each wall of the Veteran’s Log Cabin will be focused on a specific war, with the War of 1812 & the Mexican War sharing a wall due to the proportion of local veterans in each war. In the center of the cabin will be a sitting area where public & private home school groups can come and learn from different lecturers. This cabin will serve to tell the story of our veterans. Where did they live? What did they do? What did they give up serving their Country? We want to open the eyes of our visitors of these frequently forgotten people.

Organization: Braceville Community Foundation
Project Title: Braceville Township America 250 Celebration 2025 – 2026 History and Education Storytelling Speaker Series  
Location: Warren, Ohio
Grant Award: $4,975

The 2025-2026 Storytelling and Education Speaker Series is a 13-month program dedicated to celebrating various aspects of Braceville heritage and history. Through engaging presentations, interactive sessions, and community involvement, this series aims to educate, inspire, and foster a deeper appreciation for our shared past and the values that bind us together. The Speaker Series planning has begun and will end in August 2026. Monthly Topics include (1) Introduction to the History of Braceville, (2) Heritage Trees, (3) Honor Veterans, (4) Braceville Pioneer Family History, (5) History of Braceville Landmarks, (6) Service-Learning, (7) Braceville Underground Railroad History, (8) Honoring Revolutionary War Veterans, (9) History Of African American Great Migration, (10)History Of Braceville Schools, (11) History Of Braceville Churches, (12) Children’s Perspectives and Education Braceville History, child-friendly educational narrative programs, (13) Community Reflection and shared learnings recap.

Organization: Wayne County Historical Society
Project Title: The History of the United States According to Wayne County, Ohio  
Location: Wooster, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

The Wayne County Historical Society’s intent is to bring children and adults into different educational settings to learn how Wayne County is a part of the 250th celebration. The Wayne County Historical Society will provide expert speakers on topics of the Revolutionary War, The Declaration of Independence of the Northwest Ordinance. The Wayne County Historical Society along with other Historical Societies and Community entities will establish what part Wayne County, OH played in the time of the Revolutionary War forward.

Organization: Downtown Wadsworth, Inc.
Project Title: Main Street Wadsworth Historical Plaques Program in Honor of the National Register of Historic Places  
Location: Wooster, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

The Downtown Wadsworth Historic District is among Ohio’s latest entries in the National Register of Historic Places. This prestigious designation highlights Wadsworth’s downtown area’s rich historical and cultural significance, marking a significant milestone for the community. With the City founded in 1814, Main Street Wadsworth, the Wadsworth Area Historical Society, and the City of Wadsworth look to educate the community and visitors about the history of the 49 contributing buildings that established and impacted the unmatched downtown and the historic district.

Northwest

Organization: City of Lima
Project Title: Lima’s Local History Hunt  
Location: Lima, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

The history of Lima/Allen County is an important strand in the tapestry of our nation’s 250-year history, but much of our local story remains untold. Through community collaboration, we want to give voice and spotlight to the significance of our local history through an engaging and interactive Local History Hunt. The City of Lima, Chamber of Commerce, Allen County Commissioners, Rhodes State College, Downtown Lima, Inc., Veteran’s Memorial Civic Center, Artspace/Lima, Allen County Museum, Johnny Appleseed Parks, and Visit Greater Lima are working in partnership. The goal of the project is to highlight points of local pride and historical significance through the creation of 5 different trails featuring approximately 10 stops along each trail. Each trailhead will start at a local museum or cultural center and then lead visitors to other places of historical significance, educating visitors along the way through engaging signage and an informational website.

Organization: Shelby County Historical Society
Project Title: Shelby County Ohio Youth Speak  
Location: Shelby, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

Every school was assigned their Revolutionary Soldiers to research at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year. Students will have to the end of the school year to complete their research and create their story. If need be the school will be allowed to continue the completion of the project till October 2025. Then stories will be compiled and sent to the printer by December 1, 2025. With hopes of having the book published for Christmas 2025. The traveling exhibit projects will be turned in by March 31, 2026. The traveling exhibit will travel from June 1, 2026, thru October 2026 and will be featured at every festival in Shelby County. It will be highlighted at the July 4, 2026 Community Celebration and the Shelby County Fair later in July 2026.

Organization: Auglaize County Historical Society
Project Title: Barn Again! in Auglaize County  
Location: Wapakoneta, Ohio
Grant Award: $4,800

Barn Again! in Auglaize County will document and celebrate the barns and historic outbuildings of this western Ohio county, inviting and involving as broad a cross-section of residents as possible in this celebration of farming and rural life, so a key a component of our nation and our state’s history. Its diverse activities will include inventory of historic barn images, speaker series, photography competition, traveling exhibit, oral history collection, driving tour, and development of a website and Facebook page.

Organization: Friends of Independence Dam State Park
Project Title: A Walk-Through History – celebrating America’s 250th birthday  
Location: Defiance, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

Our event takes place at the site of Independence Dam State Park, Defiance, OH. The two-day event involves live reenactors from native America, pioneer days, Johnny Appleseed, early settlers to the area and the early militia. All reenactors will be dressed in native/period costumes, set up camp in authentic tents and cook on open fires. Early settlers will present the art of weaving, candle making, chair caning and cooking on open fires. The militia will be exhibiting black powder rifles and cannon, with rounds being fired through-out the event. Also on tap will be music presented by our local hammered dulcimer group. Daily revelry and taps will be played by area musicians. Food trucks will be available for refreshments. Our location provides space to tell the story of America, the local area through the years beginning with the 1700s, the canal boat era and up to present day. Also featured is Wreath laying at 1812 memorial & Defiance College Service-learning in Heritage Trees.

Organization: Museum of Fulton County
Project Title: Exhibition: 13 Moons in 1776: Once upon the Turkeyfoot Creek  
Location: Wauseon, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

This temporary exhibit takes general visitors visually through one year in the life of a former member of New France who now lives as a Coureur Des Bois in what will become Fulton County, OH. His life among the Maumee Band of the Odawa Nation will be compared with that of the English and American forces that are fighting on the other side of the Appalachian Mountains. This trader’s summer home is near the mouth of what is now the North Turkeyfoot Creek in Henry County, OH and his family travel north to what was referred to by the early settlers as “The Six Mile Wood” during hunting and syrup harvesting season. Artifacts, graphics, and interactive displays will fill the 13 lunar month subsections. A fourth-grade guided tour will be designed to accompany this exhibit.

Organization: University of Findlay
Project Title: Happy 250th, America!  
Location: Findlay, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

The proposed Funday Sunday event on January 11, 2026, will bring the community together to celebrate literacy and American history through the art of picture books. Featuring a renowned illustrator, the event will emphasize the power of storytelling in shaping our nation’s narrative. The Mazza is considering several illustrators, one of which is Cheryl Harness. Funding will support the illustrator’s participation, engaging storytelling sessions, book giveaways for families, and decorations to create an immersive experience. Building on past successes—such as the 750 attendees at January’s Funday Sunday and over 400 community guests at Patricia Polacco’s last public appearance—this initiative amplifies Mazza’s mission to promote literacy and enrich lives through picture book art. Aligning with the AM250 goal of energizing the community at the start of the year, this event will highlight the cultural and educational value of American stories while fostering a love of reading for all ages.

Organization: Village of Deshler
Project Title: Storytelling  
Location: Deshler, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

The Village of Deshler will hold three Storytelling events for this program: Presidential Train visits made in Deshler. The Village has had several Campaigning Presidents make train whistle-stop speeches here. There has been a presidential funeral stop made in Deshler. The goal is to memorialize and preserve these events. Presidents to be discussed include Truman, Eisenhower, Nixon, Reagan, McKinley and others. Local Veteran Stories will be shared and saved for the future. 2026 Summer Reading Program-History theme to help educate the Village of Deshler youth. Eight topics will be covered during the program.

Organization: City of Oregon, Ohio
Project Title: Jake & Cooper’s Bark Park Heritage Tree Project  
Location: Oregon, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

Bringing community together and shared stories are at the heart of this project. Jake & Cooper’s Bark Park is in Oregon, Ohio and was created as a place where people struggling with mental health issues can safely gather, share stories and attend free educational sessions. This project will help plant trees to make it more hospitable as well as a memorial sign to commemorate the namesake of the park that will include a QR code for visitors to share their stories anonymously for the benefit of others.

Organization: Maumee Valley Historical Society
Project Title: Maumee 250: Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future  
Location: Maumee, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

The Maumee 250 project unites the community to honor Maumee’s history as part of the America 250 celebration. Through exhibits, storytelling, and hands-on activities, we will identify and document Revolutionary War soldiers and veterans, create the ‘250 Years, 250 Items’ exhibit, and engage citizens in making the Maumee City Community Quilt. Students will participate in ‘Bricks and Bytes: Recreating History with AI and LEGO,’ update the 1987 ‘Maumee Mania’ board game and explore historic battlefields. Activities will align with the Ohio State 250 monthly themes, such as honoring veterans in November and celebrating arts and culture in May. The project will be evaluated through participation, educational impact, and community engagement, leaving a legacy. By fostering civic pride and intergenerational collaboration, Maumee 250 ensures that history is preserved and shared for future generations.

Organization: Waterville Historical Society
Project Title: America 250: Celebrating Waterville’s Contribution to the Nation – Stories of Our Past, Stories for Our Future  
Location: Waterville, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

With a $5,000 grant and $3,380 cost share, the Waterville Historical Society (WHS) will host three America 250 – Waterville programs. The America 250 – Waterville: Stories of our Past, Stories for our Future exhibit will be housed in WHS’ Wakeman Hall. It will be structured around Ohio’s 12 Monthly Themes. To tell Waterville’s story, WHS will use key objects and images from its collection and archives. The exhibit will include children’s activities and programming. The

America 250 – Waterville Speakers Series will include 4-6 programs presented at Wakeman Hall. Each will tell our local stories and relate to one of the 12 Monthly Themes. The Kids Dig History Fun Day will provide a multitude of hands-on activities to engage children with Waterville’s history. It will be on the Wakeman Hall grounds or at Parker Square. WHS will collaborate with the City of Waterville and community organizations to ensure a successful, memorable, and enduring 250th celebration.

Organization: Ottawa County  
Project Title: Call to Duty Salute  
Location: Port Clinton, Ohio
Grant Award: $4,750

America has been involved in a number of military engagements throughout its history. It is important to continually educate the public on the conflicts and highlight the human involvement in them, i.e., veterans. Through storytelling, this project honors veterans from American Revolution to the present by a trail of markers installed at designated cemeteries. The project will culminate in a series of public dedication ceremonies held throughout the county. Due to marker size constraints, each marker (round disk, 10” diameter) will have the same short, descriptive statement dealing with U.S. conflicts and veterans. An embedded QR code in the marker text will link to a website landing page that will provide more information on the cemetery, U.S. conflicts and veterans, along with additional links to ‘read more’. All three aspects of the project, i.e., marker, website, public event, provides a storytelling opportunity in which to honor veterans who have served the country.

Organization: John Paulding VFW Post 587  
Project Title: Battle Cross Monument for the Paulding Veterans Memorial  
Location: Paulding, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

The Paulding Veterans Memorial project is a joint community improvement project between John Paulding VFW Post 587 and the Paulding Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2405. We are planning to build a memorial that honors each branch of the United States Armed Forces and all those who have served. The Paulding Veterans Memorial Park is for the community to recognize the efforts of all citizens, past and present, who have served to maintain our freedom. There have been over three hundred Paulding County citizens who have lost their lives in combat while serving in the armed forces of the United States of America. The battlefield cross monument will be erected in their honor. The battlefield cross is a symbolic replacement of a cross, or memorial marker appropriate to an individual service-member’s religion, on the battlefield or at the base camp for a soldier who has been killed.

Organization: Village of Kalida
Project Title: Small Town Men with Big Stories  
Location: Kalida, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

“Small Town Men with Big Stories” is a project specifically dedicated to the Purple Heart Medal recipients from Kalida, Ohio. This project focuses on remembering and honoring these men, by collecting and documenting their personal stories and memories. As time quickly passes us by, the opportunity to collect the details of these men becomes increasingly more difficult each year. If we are to save the facts and accolades of these remarkable Ohioans, who fought for this great nation, we need to act quickly. This project encompasses 115 years of American history wrapped up in one small town. The Village of Kalida seeks to make an outward and lasting impression that this community appreciates the heroism and sacrifices of our military men and woman. As we prepare to celebrate 250 years of the greatest nation, we must also celebrate the soldiers who fought to make this nation the land of the free and home of the brave. America’s history begins with the American soldier.

Organization: Jackson Center Local Schools PTO
Project Title: JC PTO Family Night at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum  
Location: Jackson Center, Ohio
Grant Award: $3,296

A core focus of the JC PTO is building strong families. In alignment with the Education Activations: History Pass. This project will allow students and their families the opportunity to attend the Armstrong Air & Space Museum at no cost to them and provide access to a historical museum they may not otherwise have. Students will be able to learn about the legend Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon and an Ohio native. Through collaboration with the Armstrong Air & Space Museum, we will be able to provide their package of an All Inclusive Field Trip Experience for up to 100 students and their families. On average we have 100 students plus their families in attendance at our events. As listed on their website, the museum provides STEM experiences for all grades and ages, which aligns with our PTO goals. We serve all of Jackson Center Local Schools Community Preschool – 12^th grade and families.

Organization: Wyandot County Archaeological and Historical Society
Project Title: Sharing Our County’s Heritage: From the Wyandottes to the Present  
Location: Upper Sandusky, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

The Upper Sandusky Community Committee plans to share stories about various aspects of Wyandot County history through a variety of methods including inviting Chief Billy Friend and cultural historians from the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma to share how the American Revolution and later events impacted their citizens with students, residents, and a podcast; creating travelling history trunks for elementary school students focusing on the county’s veterans, early pioneer history, and American Indian heritage; organizing a 4th of July parade allowing our county’s smaller communities to showcase their heritage; cleaning, repairing, and/or replacing Revolutionary War veteran headstones; creating brochures and maps for self-guided driving tours of heritage site in the county; providing a handful of guided bus tours of historic sites in the county based on the maps; as well as incorporating the semi quincentennial colors and stated monthly themes to several existing county events.

Organization: Rossford CVB
Project Title: Guided Audio Tour and Brochure  
Location: Rossford, Ohio
Grant Award: $4,244

The Rossford Convention and Visitors Bureau will create a guided audio tour and brochure showcasing Rossford’s rich history and architecture. These resources will provide an immersive experience, highlighting the unique stories of this historic “company town.” Rossford’s 125th anniversary in 2024 showcased an overwhelming interest from residents and visitors in learning more about our history, with sold-out tours of the former Libbey-Owens-Ford factory and historic Eagle Point Colony. A special history magazine generated nationwide requests, proving the community’s enthusiasm for its heritage. With landmarks spread throughout the city, a driving tour is ideal. The new audio tour, available via QR codes, mobile phone apps, and CVB website, will offer easy access and flexibility. The brochure will feature photos and engaging historical anecdotes. This project will enhance accessibility, boost visitor engagement, and put Rossford’s history on the virtual map.

Southeast

Organization: Belmont County Tourism Council
Project Title: Pathways of the Past: Belmont County Historical Trail  
Location: Saint Clairsville, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

Belmont County Tourism is excited to pursue the America250-OH grant to create ‘Pathways of the Past: Belmont County Historical Trail.’ This self-guided, county-wide trail will highlight key historical sites that played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s heritage. By connecting residents and visitors with the rich stories of Belmont County history, this project will celebrate our past while enhancing cultural tourism and community engagement. Grant funding will support signage and digital resources to make history accessible to all. This initiative honors our legacy and strengthens local pride as we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and Belmont County’s 225th anniversary, both in 2026.

Organization: Fairfield County
Project Title: Fairfield County Veterans Hall of Fame: Celebrating Local Veterans  
Location: Lancaster, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

Fairfield County is seeking funding for a ceremony to unveil the Fairfield County Veterans Hall of Fame, honoring local veterans for their service and sacrifices. The Fairfield County Veterans Hall of Fame will be a lasting tribute to their contributions, inspiring future generations and reinforcing the value of community service and patriotism. As part of the event, a permanent marker near the courthouse will be installed, explaining the significance of the Veterans Hall of Fame and showcasing the names and stories of inducted veterans. This marker will offer historical context and highlight the profound impact these individuals have had on the community. It will serve as a testament to their heroism, ensuring their sacrifices are remembered. The ceremony, along with educational materials and speaking opportunities for inductees in local schools, will help preserve and share these stories, honoring their legacies and inspiring the community through their remarkable contributions.

Organization: Bossard Memorial Library
Project Title: Transporting Youth Back in History  
Location: Gallipolis, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

For this project, the Dr. Samuel L. Bossard Memorial Library would charter a bus (the “Opportunity Bus”) and transport students with an accompanying adult(s) to the Ohio History Center for a fun-filled, educational outing. As the capacity for the “Opportunity Bus” will be about 50 participants, the library would also provide “History Passes” for students (and accompanying parent(s)/guardian(s)) who would be able to provide their own transportation to visit the Ohio History Center on the day of the Opportunity Bus trip or an alternate date. Through this grant, the library would provide “gas vouchers,’ if needed, to cover the cost of fuel for the trip from Gallipolis to Columbus. The library would provide an educational “scavenger hunt” type challenge for students who visit the Ohio History Center to complete for a chance to win the grand prize of a bundle of books relating to American and Ohio History. Breakfast and lunch provided so there are no barriers to participate.

Organization: Jackson County Forward
Project Title: Bringing History to Life Through Large Murals  
Location: Jackson, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

Jackson, County Ohio is a community steeped in rich history. It is the birthplace of innovators, explorers, entrepreneurs, artists, and highly decorated members of the military. But it is also the location of many natural resources that provided a young United States with vital materials including salt, iron and coal. For a nation at war, the salt of Jackson County was instrumental in sustaining life in the mid to late 18th Century by providing food preservation. In the 19th Century, Iron Ore and Coal were vital to the development of the Industrial Age. Without these materials, Ohio and the US would not have seen the development of our emerging country. With these grant funds, we are excited to shine a light on our history and culture through murals depicting these aspects of our community. We will tie it all together as part of the AM 250-OH theme, by including in the electric box and building murals the dates of the establishment of our country, state and county.

Organization: City of Jackson
Project Title: Telling the Story of Boone Rocks – Hike and Learn Project  
Location: Jackson, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

Telling the Story of Boone Rocks – Hike and Learn Project seeks to improve the current path to Boone Rocks, an outcropping of rocks named from the legendary local pioneer, Daniel Boone and provide interpretative signage to share the vast historical reports, archeological artifacts, and local folklore surrounding this area.

Organization: City of Steubenville
Project Title: Historic Steubenville: A Celebration of Stories and Roots  
Location: Steubenville, Ohio
Grant Award: $4,994

The project will honor the city’s rich history through storytelling, public events, & environmental enhancements. Centered on Market Street in Steubenville this project will highlight overlooked historical figures & events while fostering community engagement. A key component is a storytelling event, planned alongside a major celebration like the July 4, 2026, festivities. Local students will research & create artistic works—paintings, films, or exhibits—showcasing history, which will be displayed in event tents along Market Street. The event will unveil permanent historical markers to commemorate contributions to the city’s heritage. Additionally, heritage trees will be planted, marked with plaques detailing their significance, alongside other commemorative elements. Led by a collaborative team of educators, students, & committee members, this project will foster civic pride, educate future generations, & enhance Steubenville’s cultural and environmental landscape.

Organization: America 250 – Lawrence County Ohio
Project Title: Lovely Lawrence County  
Location: Ironton, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

Lovely Lawrence County is an educational initiative designed to engage fourth-grade students in exploring the rich history of our county. Each student will receive a book that highlights key historical points of interest throughout the county, organized alphabetically. The book will serve as an educational resource, providing students with insights into significant landmarks, structures, and events that have shaped our community. Upon completing the book, students will be encouraged to visit these historical sites firsthand. They will then write an essay reflecting on the historical significance of each location, detailing its original use and describing what it would have looked like during its most vibrant and active periods in history. This project aims to foster a deeper connection to local history while encouraging critical thinking and writing skills.

Organization: Muskingum County History
Project Title: Muskingum 250 – Trailblazers & Founders Memorial Project  
Location: Muskingum, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

The Trailblazers & Founders Memorial Project will tell the story of the Revolutionary War veterans and pioneers who forged the Zane’s Trace through Muskingum County and founded the city of Zanesville. The project entails a memorial to be installed at Confluence Park on SR 40, west of the historic Y-Bridge, and the creation of a booklet that will tell the story of the Zane family, the Zane’s Trace, and the founders of Zanesville in greater detail. The memorial will be installed in July, and the booklet will be published in September of 2025. A memorial dedication and community event will be held in 2026 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, as well as the 230th anniversary of the Zane’s Trace. The Trailblazers & Founders Memorial will be the first public site in Zanesville to honor the Revolutionary War veterans who impacted Ohio history and growth by making the first federally commissioned road in the United States.

Organization: Village of Somerset
Project Title: The Jacob Miller Tavern Archaeological Geophysics Survey Project  
Location: Somerset, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

The Jacob Miller Tavern Archaeological Geophysics Survey Project aims to identify subsurface archaeological deposits associated with the early nineteenth-century use of the property as a public house during the rapid settlement of southern Ohio. A geophysical survey will include the use of ground penetrating radar (GPR) to assess the property for archaeological potential. This work will be conducted by qualified archaeologists ahead of planned development of the property.

Southwest

Organization: Adams County Board of Commissioners
Project Title: The America – Ohio Adams County Project  
Location: West Union, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

The America-Ohio 250 Adams County Project aims to address a significant gap in the education of our youth-the understanding of America’s founding and the role Adams County and Ohio have played in shaping the nation. As schools rarely focus on local history, we seek to ignite excitement and momentum among students by providing an engaging, educational activity pool. This book will highlight key moments in U.S. history while illustrating Adams County’s contributions to the American story. Additionally, we will produce a commemorative adult booklet that further explores American and Ohio history, emphasizing Adams County’s impact, however, that will be funded with local dollars.

Organization: City of Middletown
Project Title: Rededication and Celebration of Middletown’s Bicentennial Park and Riverfront Amphitheatre  
Location: Middletown, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

Middletown’s Bicentennial Park was created as part of the City’s celebration of its 200th anniversary in 2002. The park was designed to serve as a central gathering space, incorporating elements that honor the City’s history, as well as providing a place for modern-day events with its riverfront Amphitheatre, originally dedicated by AK Steel (now Cleveland Cliffs). It is located along the Great Miami River, which is central to our industrial heritage. Middletown seeks to rededicate the park, rename the Amphitheatre and hold a celebration of America’s 250th birthday with historical reenactments, speakers/storytellers, the unveiling of 10 historic plaques, planting heritage trees, showcasing individuals and lesser known/under told stories central to the history of our community. The event will serve as an engaging, educational, hands-on experience that will increase awareness, instill pride and honor our heritage as an industrial community originally founded by pioneers and entrepreneurs.

Organization: Clermont County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau
Project Title: Clermont County Historical Passport  
Location: Batavia, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

Clermont County has fifteen (15) historic museums and societies. Together these fifteen organizations are working together to create an interactive historical passport to celebrate the history of Clermont County, Ohio, and America 250. The historical passport committee meets to discuss the America 250 initiatives and ways to work together and bolster attendance at all Clermont County historical museums. The goal is to encourage visitors, students, adults, and families, to learn about the rich history of Clermont County. The Next Generation Citizens Initiative- History Pass (open to students of any age including adults) reflects the opportunity this passport will provide to explore historical sites and museums. This passport will be designed to enhance the understanding of Clermont County history through experiential learning on sites where history occurred.

Organization: City of Xenia
Project Title: Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphans’ Home  
Location: Xenia, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

The City of Xenia, established the same year as Ohio, played a crucial role in the aftermath of the Civil War. The conflict left many men disabled, creating a need for an orphanage. Xenia was chosen for its strategic location near railroads and the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Dayton. The Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphans’ Home (OSSO) was established by the Grand Army of the Republic and taken over by the state in 1870. It housed hundreds of children, later accepting non-military orphans, and closed in 1997. The campus now hosts Athletes in Action, a sports ministry. The story of OSSO will be shared through exhibits and digital archives by local stakeholders, including the City of Xenia, Greene County Historical Society, Xenia Chamber of Commerce, and the Association of eX-Pupils. The exhibit will debut at the 2026 Independence Day celebration in Xenia.

Organization: City of Madeira
Project Title: Tracks Through Time: Madeira Edition  
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

Tracks Through Time: Madeira Edition’ is an interactive scavenger hunt that takes participants on a journey through Madeira’s rich history. Small train-themed markers will be placed at key locations throughout the city, each providing a historical story about Madeira and a clue to the next stop. The hunt will be developed in partnership with Madeira Historical Society and the local library branch, ensuring accurate and engaging narratives. Participants can access additional details and track their progress via a dedicated feature on the city’s website. This educational and fun experience encourages exploration, promotes local heritage, and strengthens community ties.

Organization: Walnut Hills Area Council
Project Title: Walnut Hills: A Diverse Community Since 1800 – Celebrates our Culture  
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

The America 250 commemorations provide a diverse community like Walnut Hills with the opportunity to engage our residents and supporters. Through storytelling about our local history, we can utilize several of the monthly themes to educate and applaud our neighborhood’s culture. We are planning two neighborhood events and multiple educational blogposts. The events will coincide with the May theme of Arts, Culture, and Literature and the July theme of Homecoming and Picnics. May’s event will bring together the cultural organizations of the neighborhood – The Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Walnut Hills Historical Society, Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Ballet, Artworks, Walnut Hills branch library (a Carnegie library building), and other local artists. The July event will feature a neighborhood picnic and jazz concert on the Harriet Beecher Stowe House lawn.

Organization: Visitors Bureau of Highland County
Project Title: The Highland County Ohio Story  
Location: Hillsboro, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

During our community’s 2025 Annual Festival of the Bells, we will celebrate the planting of our Heritage Tree. The festival celebrates the C.S. Bell Company, which, beginning in 1875, manufactured bells for warships and institutions. We expect this momentous occasion to fuel the excitement for the many events planned thereafter. In July 2026, ‘Highland County’s Story Day’ will center around Ohio’s oldest working courthouse, where mock trials and tours take center stage.

On the courthouse lawn, the Pioneer Days exhibits will highlight key aspects of Highland County’s heritage, including our agricultural, industrial, and cultural contributions throughout history. This event will culminate in a ‘living history’ concert recreating the Hillsboro Military Band, which played an integral role in community gatherings from 1880 to 1910. Through this unique musical experience, attendees will better appreciate the traditions that shaped our county.

Organization: Pleasant Hill Events Committee
Project Title: America 250: Pleasant Hill; Our story!  
Location: Pleasant Hill, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

The village of Pleasant Hill celebrates an annual ‘Lights up the Night’ festival. At the June 28th, 2025 festival, we will kick off our excitement, building throughout the year working toward the finale at the June 27th, 2026 Lights up the Night extraordinary celebration! We enjoy the idea of various celebrations, with our twist. Planting a Pawpaw tree grove with the ODNR celebrating our native state fruit, and its importance to history. Placing a colorful recreation wall mural in center of the Village. Presenta a play/drama of historical figures, as, 1st slave to vote Miami County (for Lincoln), as well as founder Nathan Hill’s father served in the Revolutionary war and is buried beside him in our Village cemetery. Ellie Wampler dedicated her home to becoming a library and continuing the storytelling. Local educators and inventors of the Beery School of Horsemanship; Jesse Beery, Mike Sells; local potato chip company, and the inventor of Teflon; Roy Plunkett. And much more!

Organization: Mainstreet Piqua, Inc.
Project Title: Piqua’s Past, Present & Possibilities  
Location: Piqua, Ohio
Grant Award: $2,025

‘Piqua’s Past, Present & Possibilities’ is a community-driven initiative to collect, organize, and share Piqua’s local history through an engaging and accessible website. This digital archive will serve multiple functions: as an educational tool for schools, a research resource for the library, a guide for historical walking tours, and an interactive feature for the city’s wayfinding digital sign. The project will highlight the city’s industrial and commercial contributions, cultural landmarks, and pivotal historical moments, ensuring that future generations remain connected to Piqua’s legacy. To bring this project to life, Mainstreet Piqua will collaborate with local historians, the library, schools, and community organizations, as well as employ students and businesses to contribute content.

Organization: Preble County Historical Society
Project Title: Sharing Preble County Underground Railroad through Stories  
Location: Eaton, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

As our work with the America 250 grant (called Preble 250) started this past year with documenting historical sites for our historical plaque program, a 250 year timeline, and a resulting history trail, we soon found a portion of our history that needs additional research, documentation, and story sharing through the development of an on-site Underground Railroad (UGRR) exhibit. This exhibit can then serve as a collection and informative storytelling point which will then lead visitors, interested patrons, and scholars to explore the rich history of Preble County, Ohio involvement as an important piece of the UGRR.

Organization: Springboro Area Historical Society
Project Title: America 250: Springboro’s Revolutionary Journey  
Location: Springboro, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

America 250: Springboro’s Revolutionary Journey includes several initiatives that honor our local veterans and our local community. 1. The planting of a sugar maple tree will be a living tribute to Springboro’s agricultural past including the role of sugar and maple syrup. This is particularly significant due to Springboro’s designation as a Tree City USA. 2. Springboro is the home of the Null Log Home which was built in 1798. It still stands in its original location. A dramatization of the Null Brothers Journey from Virginia to Ohio and building of the log home will delight and educate all ages at the Annual Ice Cream Social. 3. The Revolutionary War Driving Tour will add a new way to visit local Revolutionary history. This tour will consist of an opportunity to travel to the burial sites along with companion stories of the military and personal lives of at least 12 veterans in Clear Creek Township and provide a lasting recognition of their important contribution.

Central Ohio

Organization: Delaware County Historical Society
Project Title: Honoring Revolutionary War Soldiers buried in Delaware County as well as our native population, in 1776.
Location: Delaware, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

Delaware County’s rich history will come alive with a tribute to our over 100 Revolutionary War soldiers buried in our county. The initiative aims to recognize and honor these individuals who played a significant role in shaping our history. We will spotlight cemeteries where patriots are buried, create a driving tour, and distribute printed materials about their lives. This will include costumed reenactors sharing the stories of these heroes at their gravesites. We will also install 13- star flags to identify graves. We will create exhibits in our museums which will include informational panels, costumes, and educational materials, engaging visitors and promoting a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This initiative aims to increase public awareness and appreciation of our role in obtaining our freedom. Our efforts include displays on our Native American population in 1776 and a student ambassador program with the local high schools.

Organization: Westerville Historical Society
Project Title: Westerville Commemorates the U.S. 250th
Location: Westerville, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

The Westerville 250th Committee will highlight the under-told history of our community. We will commission 12 vinyl murals to place on buildings in our community. We are using the monthly themes of the Ohio 250th as a framework for choosing the stories to tell. Local historians and artists will create the project content. The murals will be placed at sites which are connected to or represent the stories and will remain in place for five to seven years after 2026. We want to spread historical content throughout our community.

Each mural will have the URL which will take visitors to a tour app on the Westerville Public Library’s website. The app will have a tour map, images of all 12 murals and written content that tells the individual stories. Residents are familiar with our Anti-Saloon League and Underground Railroad history. We want to look beyond those subjects to other historical content. As we commemorate the 250th we hope that they will engage with Westerville’s under-told stories.

Organization: Blendon Township (Franklin County)
Project Title: Blendon Township: Our stories and their legacy
Location: Westerville, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

Blendon Township seeks to educate and tell the fascinating stories of the founding of our township. Revolutionary War veterans buried in our cemeteries who fought for America’s independence, along with other key pioneers who were the original settlers of our township, deserve to have their stories told. We will be partnering with elementary schools in our community to provide educational programming and activities that align with their Ohio Learning Standards, teaching children local history stories and honoring our veterans. We will also partner with the Blendon Senior Center and present a mini-series on our local history. A program will share the stories that were significant to our township’s development, and a Veterans Day program for the whole community will honor our veterans, highlighting those who served in the American Revolution and their impact on the development of our community.

Organization: Hilliard Historical Society
Project Title: Hilliard Ohio Historical Society will be the lead community organizer on a Transportation Open House and Heritage Day Celebration.  
Location: Hilliard, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

The Transportation Open House will feature trains, planes and automobiles. The Historical Village has a train caboose and the relocated Hilliard Train Station. We also have a Model T, Model A, and the Norwich Twp 1930 Chevy Boyer Fire Truck. We plan to create and feature a model train exhibit in the Museum telling the story of Hilliard being founded as a railroad town and how the development of the railroad system changed America. We have items from an old Hilliard filling station that will be turned into an exhibit. Heritage Day will be held in September and feature historic interpreters to share stories of early pioneer life and a historic baseball game played by the Ohio Village Muffins. There will be hands on opportunities to churn butter, shuck corn, make corn stalk and handkerchief dolls, sample bean soup and cobbler made over the fire, and more. The Franklin County Fair will incorporate additional farm exhibits and highlight our current chicken, cow and bee exhibits.

Organization: City of Johnstown  
Project Title: Connecting Johnstown’s Past with the Present & Future  
Location: Johnstown, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

The ‘Connecting Johnstown’s Past with the Present & Future’ project aims to celebrate and preserve the rich history of Johnstown, Ohio, through the powerful medium of storytelling. By engaging the community in sharing and exploring local history, we seek to foster a deeper connection between residents and their heritage, while inspiring future generations to appreciate and learn from the past.

This project will involve a series of events designed to gather, document, and share the diverse narratives that shape Johnstown’s identity. Through workshops, storytelling sessions, and history fairs, participants will have the opportunity to contribute their own stories and discover the stories of their neighbors, creating a vibrant tapestry of local history.

Organization: Village of Plain City
Project Title: Uptown Historic Building Signage Project  
Location: Plain City, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

This project seeks to acquire and install a total of eleven signs in the Uptown area of Plain City. The eleven signs will include important historical information about the buildings and illustrate the importance of historic preservation and education. One of the prominent buildings included in the project is the Farmer’s National Bank, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Organization: Marion Community Foundation
Project Title: Marion’s Mark: Stories for the 250th  
Location: Marion, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

Marion has made its mark on history. Home to President Warren G. Harding and the Marion Power Shovel used to excavate the Panama Canal, this Legacy City has made a global impact. Once an industrial powerhouse, Marion has become an innovative education corridor and is home to RAMTEC Ohio, known throughout the nation as a flagship school for robotics training. Marion’s Mark: Stories for the 250th will engage with Marion’s history by leveraging the 2017 community pride initiative, MarionMade! and using the America 250-Ohio monthly themes to bring local stories to life. From the internationally recognized Wilson Bohannan Lock Company (Ohio Works) to Mary Ellen Withrow, the nation’s first person to serve as local, state, and U.S. Treasurer (Ohio’s Firsts), to other hidden gems, we’ll connect people near and far with the stories of our past while inspiring our future.

Organization: Selover Public Library
Project Title: Morrow County Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday
Location: Chesterville, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

With funding from this grant, the four libraries of Morrow County will provide programs that encourage connection within our rural county to the celebrations of our nation’s 250th birthday throughout the state and country. Through collecting written and oral history stories, the libraries will invite involvement at home that encourages a sense of belonging to the wider celebrations.

Organization: Union County Tourism
Project Title: America 250 – Ohio Celebration Trail  
Location: Marysville, Ohio
Grant Award: $5,000

The Union County America 250 Celebration Trail will provide the opportunity for residents and visitors to Union County to experience all that Union County and Ohio have to offer through the lens of 12 monthly themes celebrating the semiquincentennial of America. This digital passport will engage participants, allowing them to discover the places and stories of Union County, earn points, redeem prizes, and receive discounts through GPS check-ins to more than 150 events and attractions, presenting a unique way to celebrate 250 years of history, heritage, recreation, innovation, and memory making.