National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Dayton, Ohio.
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Dayton, Ohio.
An ideal opportunity to amplify the stories of Ohio's contributions to the U.S. for the past 250+ years
The Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial (also referred to as America 250-Ohio) was formed through the OH. Rev. Code § 149.309 and announced on March 1, 2022, on Ohio's Statehood Day by Governor Mike DeWine. The 29 member commission is charged with preparing the state to participate in the United States of America's 250th anniversary which culminates on July 4, 2026.
America 250-Ohio is a multi-year commemoration where Ohioans from all 88 counties will be in the spotlight of the impact Ohio’s unique role in our nation’s story.
Ohio and Ohioans have contributed much to the United States from statesmen to artists, from actors to Nobel laureates, and so much more. We will tell the story of Ohio, from the Native Americans who were here before Europeans to people who call Ohio home today. Ohio is a content-rich environment for anyone who wants to commemorate and celebrate Ohio’s contributions to national stories.
“…to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the impact of Ohioans on the nation’s past, present, and future.” —Ohio Revised Code (149.309)
Ohio’s approach to commemorate/celebrate the U.S.A.’s 250th Anniversary in 2026.
All of Ohio’s 88 counties to get involved and create local plans while joining other efforts in the region, across the state and throughout the nation.
A public awareness campaign, a collaborative vision, and a strategic approach to creating and implementing local, regional, and statewide plans.
Opportunities with partners, stakeholders, and others to create a collective approach to expand impact and share resources.
To plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the impact of Ohioans on the nation’s past, present, and future.
To plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United States and the impact of Ohioans on the nation’s past, present, and future.
To raise awareness, instill pride, and lead the strategic direction to showcase Ohio’s contribution to the nation.
To raise awareness, instill pride, and lead the strategic direction to showcase Ohio’s contribution to the nation.
To honor, recognize, celebrate, and highlight Ohio’s indispensable contributions to our nation’s past, present and future.
To honor, recognize, celebrate, and highlight Ohio’s indispensable contributions to our nation’s past, present and future.
The word “Ohio” and so many of its local communities have place names reflecting the American Indian tribes with Ohio ties. Native people and their customs have a long history here in Ohio that has shaped who we are.
Co -Chairs
Co-Chairs
Michael B. Coleman is the former mayor of Columbus, OH and now serves as a partner at Ice Miller LLC.
Doug Preisse serves as a principal at Van Meter-Ashbrook & Associates.
Michael B. Coleman is the former mayor of Columbus, OH and now serves as a partner at Ice Miller LLC.
Doug Preisse serves as a principal at Van Meter-Ashbrook & Associates.
Chris Abbuhl, Tuscarawas County Commissioner and President of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio
State Sen. Hearcel Craig, Ohio Senate
Michael B. Coleman, Commission Co-Chair, former Mayor of Columbus, OH and partner at Ice Miller LCC.
Christy Davis, immediate past president of the Ohio Local History Alliance, and curator of exhibitions of the Canton Museum of Art
Kathryn Dean-Dielman, board president of the Lorain County Historical Society
Kelly Falcone-Hall, President & CEO of the Western Reserve Historical Society
John Fleming, Ph.D., museum professional
Steve Hambley, Ph.D., Medina county commissioner
Thomas Hankins, Chapter President of the Sons of the American Revolution: Hocking Valley Chapter, and member of the Friends of Fort Laurens
Nancy Putnam Hollister, former governor, lieutenant governor, and legislator
State Rep. Adam Holmes, Ohio House of Representatives
Melinda Huntley, Executive Director of the Ohio Travel Association
Vincent Keeran, Clerk of the Ohio Senate
Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy, Supreme Court of Ohio
Megan Kvamme, Muskingum County entrepreneur
State Sen. George Lang, Ohio Senate
Adam Levine, Director of the Toledo Museum of Art
State Rep. Joe Miller, Ohio House of Representatives
Charley Moses, Board President of the Ohio History Connection
Kimberly Murnieks, Director of Ohio’s Office of Budget and Management
Paul Oyaski, Co-Chair, former Mayor of Euclid, and former Director of Cuyahoga County’s Department of Development
Elizabeth Pierce, Executive Director of the Cincinnati Museum Center
Doug Preisse, Commission Co-Chair, principal at Van Meter-Ashbrook & Associates.
Sharetta Smith, Mayor of Lima
Ted Strickland, former Governor of Ohio and former member of Congress
Samantha Turner, Youngstown Councilwoman
Ginger Warner, Board Chair of the Ohio Arts Council
Sarah Wickham, director of TourismOhio
Mackensie Wittmer, Executive Director of the National Aviation Heritage Area
Megan Wood, Executive Director of the Ohio History Connection, Ex-Officio, and Commission Secretary
Watch this space for opportunities to connect with America 250-Ohio in the future.
