America 250

Our country will celebrate its Semiquincentennial, that’s its 250th birthday, on Friday, July 4, 2026. And anything that’s been around for 250 years deserves to be celebrated for more than just one day. 

That’s why America 250, the United States Semiquincentennial Commission established by Congress, has kicked off a celebration that will run from 2025 through 2033, celebrating events from the first shots of the Revolution fired in April 1775 through the Constitution signing in 1783.

It turns out they aren’t the only ones getting a jump on the party. The Lake County History Center (LCHS) is joining in with celebrations of the State of Ohio’s accomplishments as well as the unique history of Lake County itself. 

“Right here in Lake County, we will kick off our own America 250 celebration with a community picnic on Saturday, June 21, at the Lake County History Center,” Interim Director Lisa Lewins says. “Ohio’s Governor Mike DeWine has asked all Ohio communities to take part in America 250 with celebrations to mark the occasion. Our picnic will include free activities, music and food for everyone to enjoy.”

And speaking of planning, Lisa invites people of all ages to join the America 250 picnic planning committee. There will be an open committee meeting on Friday, May 23 at the History Center for anyone interested in helping out.

“We are looking for local residents of all ages and abilities to help with the planning and to volunteer at this very special event,” Lisa says. “And if this year is too busy, we’re already looking forward to next year’s picnic on June 20, 2026. This celebration will become an annual event at the History Center.”

In addition to working with America 250, the History Center is open to the public for tours, holds educational events for school children, hosts holiday open houses, and has research plus collections experts available to the public. Most recently, the History Center sponsored the Painesville Suffrage Trolley Tour to highlight the role of Painesville in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s with women’s voting rights in the U.S. 

“Our goal is to continue to educate the community in areas like women’s suffrage and the revolutionary war heroes who were among the early settlers in our region. There is so much history to explore right here,” Lisa says. 

Schools, groups, and families can visit the History Center to immerse themselves in the Pioneer Village with 1824 representative buildings such as a cabin, schoolhouse, general store and candle making barn. The History Center also is available for private event rentals in Heritage Hall or the Barber Barn. 

“We’re consistently updating the History Center, both inside and outside. This America 250 picnic is a chance for people to come visit and learn how important Lake County has been in the history of Ohio and of the United States as it developed westward. There is always something new to learn about our own backyard,” says Lisa. “We hope you’ll join us in June.”

 For more information on Lake County History Center, visit the website LakeHistoryCenter.org or find it on Facebook. For America 250 planning committee volunteer questions, email Lisa Lewins at llewins@lakehistory.org.