Columbus, OH (Jan. 13, 2025) – America 250-Ohio, the official state commission responsible for spearheading Ohio’s celebrations around America’s semiquincentennial in 2026, announced today the release of its 2024 Annual Report. The report, which can be viewed online, highlights the successes of its programs and initiatives that took place throughout the year, including:

Awarded $1 million in grants to 84 organizations across 50 counties

Launched signature programs to engage and educate Ohioans about our state’s place in American history, including the 4th Grade History Pass, the Air & Space Trails & Tales experiential driving trail, Ohio’s Homecoming and Picnic, and Ohio Goes to the Movies

Dedication of the second America 250-Ohio barn mural in Sandusky County and the first building mural at American Nitrile in Grove City

Engagement with thousands of Ohioans at the Ohio State Fair

Co-hosted a first-ever gathering of Ohio’s Underground Railroad sites with the National Parks Service

Secured a Visionary Partnership with Cenovus Energy

Todd Kleismit, executive director of America 250-Ohio

“We have accomplished a great deal in 2024 thanks to the exemplary work of the America 250-Ohio team and our partners across the state. Looking ahead to 2025, we have big plans to expand and deepen our engagement with Ohioans in all 88 counties as we set the stage for our nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.” 

The 2024 America 250-Ohio Annual Report also outlines new programs and initiatives that will begin in 2025 and 2026, including the Next Generation Citizens (Education) program, new Trails & Tales driving trails, the Heritage Trees planting program, Murals Across Ohio, Ohio Women’s Suffrage Monument, and a Revolutionary War veteran grave identification and recognition project. 

The America 250-Ohio 2024 Annual Report is available to view and read online at https://america250-ohio.org/2024-annual-report/.

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About America 250-Ohio:

In 2026, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial, which is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Each state has been encouraged to create a celebration and commemoration of this anniversary to reflect the unique character and contributions of each state to the nation over the past 250 years. Ohio is fully embracing this opportunity. The Ohio Commission for the Semiquincentennial (aka America 250-Ohio Commission or AM250-OH) was created by the Ohio legislature and launched on March 1, 2022. The charge of the AM250-OH Commission is to “…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.” — Ohio Revised Code (149.309). More information can be found at America250-Ohio.org.