America 250-Ohio 2026

Ohio Celebrates America’s 250

EMBRACE ART, FROM FAMOUS PAINTINGS TO ROCK-STAR RIFFS, ALONG THIS ROUTE.

O Creativity Trail

hioans have been innovators in the arts, be it bringing rock ’n’ roll to the masses or launching America’s studio glass art movement. From painters and sculptors to musicians and cartoonists, our state has long been a place where creativity abounds. America 250-Ohio’s Creativity Trail spans more than 100 sites, where you can explore the arts across six different categories: Visual Arts, On the Page, Music, Glass & Pottery, Carousels, and Folk & Traditional Arts. The collection of stops works together to highlight the multitude of ways that Ohioans have contributed to the arts, not just locally but also across the country and around the globe. Focus on the art of carousels, for example, and you’ll soon learn that Ohio boasts one of the United States’ largest collections of the iconic amusement ride. Or instead opt for a multimedia exploration of a particular region of Ohio to see how the communities within it have contributed to Ohio’s vibrant arts tradition. Get more details at america250-ohio.org/ohio-creativity-trail.

ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME, CLEVELAND

Murals Across Ohio

Whether in Ohio’s big cities or the Buckeye State’s tiniest towns, public artworks have rich stories to tell. Through Murals Across Ohio, America 250-Ohio is shining a spotlight on the vibrant, inspiring stories told through public art in every corner of the state.

The program, established by the Ohio Arts Council, highlights murals that depict historic milestones, celebrate unique cultures, and envision a brighter future. Murals are added to an interactive map on the America 250-Ohio website, where visitors can click on a plot point to see a photo, description, and address for each piece.

Small towns are represented, with pieces such as Circleville’s Pumpkin Show 100th , a work by Eric Henn that depicts one of our state’s beloved fall festivals, and , a piece from Joseph Prescher that honors the town’s status as the birthplace of the modern beehive, invented in 1851 by apiarist L.L. Langstroth. Shine On Ohio, Shine On, a mural by Sarah Dugger, is visible outside the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, a National Historic Landmark, in Dennison.

Ashville Fourth of July Parade mural also stands out for its depiction of a marching band in a parade that is packed with details for the viewer to uncover. “It’s just rich with hidden messages. Visitors can really spend hours there, discovering and interpreting the details,” says Donna Collins, executive director of the Ohio Arts Council. “It’s things like that that make this special. I may not have ever seen that mural if not for this project.”

Ohio’s cities find their way onto the map with Grain to Glass, a Cincinnati mural by Jim Effler that portrays each step in the beer-making process and pays homage to the Queen City’s deep ties to the industry. The Glass City River Wall, a massive artwork designed by Gabe Gault, spans 28 silos along the Maumee River in Toledo and honors the area’s Indigenous history.

“You start seeing the entire picture of not just public art and murals,” Collins says, “but the depiction of what’s going on in all corners of the state, how that’s impacted the history, evolution, and development of Ohio and its importance in the history of the U.S.”

Get more details at america250-ohio.org/ murals-across-ohio.

Two Creativity Trail Stops to See

The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown is dedicated exclusively to collecting, exhibiting, and preserving art from the United States. Several examples of works interpreting the Ohio story are showcased, Americans: Youngstown, Ohio, a painting by Alfred Leslie depicting community members faced with uncertainties following a steel plant closure. Southern Ohio Museum & Cultural Center in Portsmouth to see an expansive collection spanning the works of American Scene painter Clarence Holbrook Carter to more than 10,000 artifacts from native Ohio Indigenous tribes — from practical objects to artwork made of the local environment.

Ohio Goes to

In 2026, movie screens across the state will light up with Ohio-centric films as Ohio Goes to the Movies. Through October, each of Ohio’s 88 counties will be represented among more than 280 screenings. These are movies recognizing Ohioans in front of and behind the camera throughout cinematic history. From actors such as Lillian Gish, Clark Gable, Dorothy Dandridge, Joel Gray, Ruby Dee, Doris Day, Burgess Meredith, and Paul Newman to directors like Steven Spielberg, Jim Jarmusch, and Julia Reichert. Musicians Henri Mancini, Trent Reznor, Mark Mothersbaugh, and The National. Animators such as pioneering Charles Csuri and Mark Henn of Disney fame, along with costume designers like Oscar winner Paul Tazewell and prop designer John Zabrucky. Even Ohio writers whose books have been turned into films and more — Ohio will celebrate them all at venues large and small across the state, including drive-ins, historic theaters, art houses, and independent and commercial cinemas, as well as community centers, museums, libraries, and more. These free ticketed events are open to the public and include a preview gathering (such as a red-carpet event, trivia, etc.), followed by watching the movie

and culminating with an audience participation Q&A. Movies will include independent film, Hollywood blockbusters, and industrial/special interest films, from rare archival footage to contemporary works.

This series is the brainchild of former Ohio Bicentennial Commission executive director Stephen George, according to Molly Kreuzman, program director for Ohio Goes to the Movies. As he traveled around the state with his Ohio Bicentennial Commission duties, George noted how many people referenced locals who had made it big in Hollywood. They may be household names now, but many began their journeys, went to school, or gained career-building experience in Ohio. “We’re proud to spotlight these people from your own backyard who have done something pretty amazing in this one-of-a-kind movie series,” says Kreuzman.

From February through October 2026 — about 250 days of Ohio movie magic — will showcase Ohio’s contributions to America’s film industry and moviemaking.

GOVERNOR AND MRS. DEWINE AT THE OHIO GOES TO THE MOVIES ANNOUNCEMENT AT THE LINCOLN THEATER IN COLUMBUS

the Movies

Mark your calendar!

Here are just a few featured movies.

March 19: Philadelphia Story (1940) This Academy Awardwinning best picture was written by Columbus’ Donald Ogden Stewart. The museum will showcase costume designers who worked with Katharine Hepburn. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Dr., Kent.

March 21: A Man Called Otto (2022) The movie was filmed in part in northern Ohio. Director Marc Forster is from Columbus, as is actor Jon Osbeck, while actor Peter Lawson Jones is from Cleveland. Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St., Maumee.

March 27: Best in Show (2000)

Actress Rachael Harris is from Worthington, attended Otterbein University, and plans to attend the screening. A local rescue will promote shelter dogs. McConnell Arts Center, 777 Evening St., Worthington.

April 1: Rain Man (1988) Filmed in and around Greater Cincinnati, Rain Man helped spark the establishment of a film commission in Cincinnati. The Historic Plaza Theatre, 33 S. Main St., Miamisburg.

April 12: Cool Hand Luke (1967)

Actor Paul Newman grew up in Shaker Heights and worked at Cedar Lee Theatre. His daughter, Melissa, will speak at the screening. Cedar Lee Theatre, 2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights.

April 18: Despicable Me (2010) Steve Carell is the voice of Gru and graduated from Denison University in Granville. Hillsboro Orpheum, 135 N. High St., Ste. 2, Hillsboro.

April 22: Across the Universe (2007) Made in Ohio and co-written and directed by Julie Taymor (Oberlin College). Apollo Theatre, 19 E. College St., Oberlin.

April 23: Draft Day (2014) The film was made in Ohio (Cleveland, Aurora, Kent) and stars Jennifer Garner (Denison University). Atlas Shaker Square Cinema, 13116 Shaker Square, Cleveland.

June 24: Toy Story 2 (1999) Academy Award-winning director and editor Lee Unkrich is from Chagrin Falls. CDFF on the Triangle 3½ N. Franklin St., Chagrin Falls.

July 5: 1776 (1972) Ken Howard (Kent State University) portrayed Thomas Jefferson, and Cleveland’s Howard DaSilva portrayed Ben Franklin. Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe.

July 10: Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980) The movie stars actress Beverly D’Angelo, a Columbus native. Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., Columbus.

July 10: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) This blockbuster was directed by Trumbull County’s Chris Columbus. Robins Theatre, 160 E. Market St., Warren.

July 11: Spider-Man (2002)

The movie features a cameo and music performed by Stark County native Macy Gray. Lions Lincoln Theatre, 156 Lincoln Way E., Massillon.

August 10: E.T. the ExtraTerrestrial (1982) Director and producer Steven Spielberg was born in Cincinnati. Elm Road Triple Drive-In Theatre, 1895 Elm Rd. N.E., Warren.

August 14: A Raisin In The Sun (1961) The movie stars Cleveland actor Ruby Dee. Esquire Theatre, 320 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati.

September 12: Broken Blossoms (1919) The movie stars Lillian Gish, who was born in Springfield. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N., Canton.

September 19: The Rescuers (1977) A character is named after Orville Wright, one of Dayton’s Wright brothers. Public Library of Steubenville, Fort Steuben Amphitheater, 407 S. Fourth St., Steubenville.

September 19–20: Train Film Fest Enjoy classic films featuring trains or depots with Ohio connections. Dennison Railroad Depot, 400 Center St., Dennison.

October 2: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) Director and writer Wes Craven is from Cleveland. Briggs Lawrence County Public Library, 321 S. Fourth St., Ironton.

October 2: Zombieland (2009) Actor Woody Harrelson graduated from Lebanon High School in Warren County. KeyBank Discovery Theater at Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way, Toledo.

Innovation & Firsts

SHOWCASING OHIO’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO INNOVATION, PROBLEM-SOLVING, AND INGENUITY.

Welcome to Ohio, a state that turns imagination into working reality. With a prime location, deep infrastructure, and a “try it, fix it, make it better” mindset, Ohio has produced wave after wave of problem-solvers whose ideas reshape how we move, manufacture, protect, power, feed, and heal — then and now.

This “drive your own adventure” experience connects you to the stories and places where you can explore some of the state’s innovation stories. After all, in the words of Garrett A. Morgan, the Cleveland inventor of the three-signal traffic light, precursor to the red, yellow, and green lights used today, “If you can be the best, then why not try to be the best?“

Find out more about the 81 featured stops and stories on the Innovation Trail at america250-ohio.org/ohio-innovation-trail.

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS HEADQUARTERS

Invention With Intention

Ohio’s best ideas start with real needs. When Dayton’s Ermal Fraze couldn’t open a beer, he created the pull-tab that reshaped packaging and convenience. Toledo teen Becky Schroeder invented the Glo-Sheet to study in the dark, inspiring low-light safety tools. New Carlisle’s Roy Plunkett discovered Teflon, unlocking nonstick, chemicalresistant coatings for cookware and medical devices.

The Power of We

Innovation in Ohio is a team sport. Charles Brush’s arc lights brightened Cleveland through city-utility-lab collaboration; James Ritty’s cash register became a global standard when John H. Patterson’s NCR paired engineering with training and service; Dr. Albert Sabin’s oral polio vaccine moved from Cincinnati labs to classrooms and worldwide partners; Hoover turned Spangler’s portable vacuum into a reliable household tool via design — factory coordination; and Granville T. Woods’ railway telegraph improved rail safety with railroads and manufacturers. Industry, academia, and government continue to find solutions for tough problems by working together.

Hands-on Ingenuity

Ohio’s make-test-improve habit keeps life safer and smoother. In Akron, innovators transformed rubber into dependable tires and materials that make cars safer and medical devices more reliable. In Toledo, Michael Owens automated glassmaking so safe containers became affordable and routine. Cleveland’s Garrett Morgan brought order to busy streets with a better traffic signal, and in Dayton, Charles Kettering replaced the hand crank with the electric starter. Together, Ohio’s workshops and labs influence what you buy, keep you safer and healthier, and continue to reshape everyday life.

Grit to Glory

Ohio’s breakthroughs come from grit. Cincinnati-born Frederick McKinley Jones kept refining mobile refrigeration until food and medicine could travel safely year-round. In Toledo, physician-turned-tinkerer Allen DeVilbiss perfected the medical atomizer that evolved into the modern spray gun. Cleveland’s Sherwin-Williams pushed through failures to deliver ready-mix paint in resealable cans, changing home and industry. And Columbus-based Battelle stuck with xerography when others balked, helping turn a quirky lab process into Xerox’s workhorse. Persistence is Ohio’s signature.

Two Innovation Trail Stops to See

Tour the Airstream Factory in Jackson Center to learn how these iconic silver travel trailers are made. Watch how these trailers are made on a special behind-the-scenes factory tour with parts in development right in front of you. Swing into the Heritage Center to see historical artifacts telling the Airstream innovation story.

MAPS Air Museum in North Canton, a former Ohio Air Guard hangar, showcases aviation history in northeast Ohio. Local farmer William H. Martin created one of the first mono-winged glider aircrafts. See the glider and more than 60 other aircraft on display, along with aviation artifacts.

Trains & Transportation

Travel along the Ohio Transportation Trail to discover why America’s transportation story would be incomplete without Ohio. Ohio’s transportation history spans various transportation types and innovations, from railroads and airplanes to the invention of the first traffic signal. Air, ground, and water have all served as critical transportation routes across Ohio, and each mode has specialized vehicles to transport goods, ideas, and people. Beyond vehicles, Ohio has served as a central point in many transportation routes, from the railroads to the National Road. The driving trail connects places where visitors can learn more about transportation vehicles, inventions, and stories from, and associated with, Ohio.

Ohio’s Railroad Legacy

In the heart of the U.S., Ohio’s railroads once whistled with abundant trains, each serving at

Tracing History on U.S. Route 250 MERRY-GO-ROUND MUSEUM

More than 170 miles of U.S. Route 250 stretch through Ohio, from the lakeshore city of Sandusky to Bridgeport in Belmont County. When America 250-Ohio executive director Todd Kleismit learned this, he envisioned a fun road trip.

“The more I looked into it, the more I loved what I saw there,” he says. “U.S. Route 250 connects Lake Erie to the Ohio River. It’s scenic in certain places and has a nice, diverse mix of communities.”

Beginning less than a mile from the Lake Erie shore in Sandusky, the highway is known to many Cedar Point amusement park visitors and begins not far from the city’s Merry-GoRound Museum. From there it heads southeast, passing by Milan, the birthplace of inventor Thomas Edison, who is honored with a museum.

U.S. 250 continues through Norwalk, a city that has connections to the American Revolution. It was

the forefront of 19th-century economic growth and expansion. With the rise of automobiles and the development of the interstate highway system, railroad’s popularity for personal travel gave way to automobiles and airplanes. Today, the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum celebrates and preserves Ohio’s railroad legacy. The Depot is a National Historic Landmark and the best example in the nation of a servicemen’s canteen. To honor America’s 250th anniversary, the Depot is offering round trips aboard their passenger trains and the museum has immersive railroad history and wartime exhibits. Watch as trains run in a large model train layout, depicting Dennison in its prime. The Panhandle Theater features a film on Dennison’s rich history, focusing on its role as a WWII-era railroad canteen. Steam locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars sit well-preserved for viewing. To make the most of your experience, purchase a Victory Pass.

Get more details on dennisondepot.org.

once part of the Firelands, land set aside at the edge of the Connecticut Western Reserve for those who had lost their homes to British-set fires during the Revolutionary War. Continue southeast toward the college towns of Ashland and Wooster, named after the American Revolution’s Gen. David Wooster.

In Tuscarawas County, the Fort Laurens Museum, built on the site of a Revolutionary War outpost, can be seen by making a brief detour. Outside of New Philadelphia sits Schoenbrunn Village, where Moravian missionary David Zeisberger and his Delaware (or Lenape) Native American followers lived from 1772 to 1777. Today, it is home to 17 recreated structures built on their original sites. About 8 miles later is the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, which served as a World War II canteen that served food and drink to troops on their way to deployment or training.

Before reaching Bridgeport on the Ohio River, U.S. Route 250 runs through Cadiz, the birthplace of actor Clark Gable, who starred in Gone with the Wind

Adventure & Nature

WATERS MOVED A NATION, AND A GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND.

Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail

Discover how rivers, canals, and our Great Lake shaped our state. Before the United States took to the rails, skies, and highways, our waterways were how people and goods reached far-off places. Many Ohio towns trace their roots to the roles they played in Great Lakes shipping or their connection to the canal systems that opened the interior of the state to trade during the 19th century.

America 250-Ohio’s Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail has over 150 stops that celebrate how Ohio’s waterways contributed to the evolution of the state. It spans lighthouses, canal locks, maritime museums, and other

destinations that have a tie to our rivers, canals, and Lake Erie. These waterways were not just integral to the development of Ohio. They also helped support westward expansion and were vital to the success of abolitionists who helped freedom seekers make their way to freedom in Canada along Ohio’s portion of the Underground Railroad. Those who explore America 250-Ohio’s Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail will hear stories of the people and places that shaped our nation. These destinations along the route offer a flavor of the rich history.

Get more details at america250-ohio.org/ lake-erie-to-ohio-river.

Two Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail Stops to See

Step back in time in Coshocton at Historic Roscoe Village, once a bustling 19th-century port along the Ohio & Erie Canal, where mule-drawn boats once fueled Ohio’s growth. Today, the Monticello III — a full-scale replica canal boat — offers a charming, 45-minute journey along a restored mile of canal, pulled by powerful draft horses.

Step into the past in Dayton at Carillon Historical Park, where the toll collector once tallied the passage of passengers and freight, and the canal superintendent enforced order along the bustling waterway. Visit a Canal Superintendent’s office and explore Lock 17, nestled along a preserved section of the Miami & Erie Canal.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE GREAT LAKES, TOLEDO

Air & Space Trail

Learn how Ohioans, from the Wright brothers onward, helped the world take flight. From taking flight to escaping our atmosphere, the stories of those who helped defy the bounds of gravity are woven into Ohio’s history.

The Air & Space Trail spans more than 40 sites that highlight Ohioans’ contributions to aviation and space exploration, from the Wright brothers’ groundbreaking invention to astronaut Neil Armstrong’s giant leap for mankind.

From large museums to small historic sites, the locations along the Air & Space Trail highlight bits of history you might not know, like how automobile technology helped with breakthroughs in airplane engine development or the stories of Ohio pilots who helped

Two Air & Space Trail Stops to See

defend the nation during wartime. Since the dawn of the space program, 25 astronauts have hailed from Ohio, and more than 550 companies that support aerospace manufacturing are in operation across Ohio today.

The Air & Space Trail invites Ohioans to explore that rich heritage and learn how these stories form an interconnected tapestry that began with aviation’s first steps and now encompasses work being done to take us deeper into space. From the boyhood home of an American hero to our capital city’s beloved science center, these spots offer a glimpse of what the Air & Space Trail offers.

Get more details at america250-ohio.org/ air-and-space-trail.

Visit The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology in Newark where you can sit in the cockpit of a full-sized model of the Spirit of Columbus, the plane that Newark native Geraldine “Jerrie” Mock flew around the world in 1964. She set out on March 19 and returned 29 days later, becoming the first woman to fly solo around the world. Experience what it was like to build and maintain a WWII aircraft or to enter flight training and prepare for combat at the Champaign Aviation Museum in Urbana.

See operational WWII aircraft, learn about the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots, and watch the ongoing restoration of the B-17 Champaign Lady as volunteers perform riveting and drilling, just like it was done in the 1940s.

THE WORKS: OHIO CENTER FOR HISTORY, ART & TECHNOLOGY

Mark Your Calendars

Great Council State Park Heritage Celebration

June 6, 2026

The Heritage Celebration honors the history of the Shawnee people and early settlers at Xenia’s Great Council State Park. Step inside the 12,000-squarefoot interpretive center, designed to look like a historic Shawnee longhouse. Inside, immersive exhibits and historic interpretation share the experiences of the Shawnee people. It’s a place to learn, listen, and reflect.

A Patriotic Fourth at Marblehead

Lighthouse State Park

July 4, 2026

Celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary from the oldest continuously operating beacon on the Great Lakes. Marblehead Lighthouse has been helping ships navigate the rocky shoreline of Lake Erie since 1822. The 65-foot limestone tower played a critical role in national defense, particularly during WWII when it was a key point for monitoring shipping traffic and guiding military vessels. Listen to a free outdoor concert led by the Firelands Symphony Orchestra, play lawn games, and learn about the geological history of the area, including the glacial movements that shaped the Marblehead Peninsula. Watch fireworks across the Sandusky Bay.

Join the Celebration

JOIN IN THE CELEBRATION OF AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY DURING EVENTS HELD ALL YEAR LONG IN ALL 88 COUNTIES.

Transportation Celebration April 25–26, 2026

Located halfway between Columbus and Pittsburgh, the town of Dennison was dubbed Dreamsville, USA by the 1.3 million service members who passed through on their way to serve during World War II. Today, the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum is the only remaining example of the 242 nationwide trackside canteens that provided food and lifted the spirits of traveling soldiers.

During the Transportation Celebration, you can chug along through time with trains, planes, and automobiles and commemorate how our state

helped shape U.S. history. Trace the evolution of the automobile at the Ohio 250 Car Show in Dennison, while vintage airplanes and modern military aircraft take to the skies in flyovers meant to reflect the spirit of World War II-era aviation history. See an Age of Steam locomotive, along with other rail cars and transportation-themed displays. Other highlights include WWII reenactors, a USO show reminiscent of the entertainment soldiers were treated to during deployment, and food trucks. Admission to the Transportation Festival is free.

Get more details at dennisondepot.org.

From festivals and historical reenactments to art exhibitions and civic conversations, the events calendar is your guide to statewide moments of inspiration and celebration.

Celebrate All Year

Monthly Themes Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States by exploring all the ways that Ohio has contributed to U.S. history. During 2026, each month will focus on a different theme that reflects Ohio’s unique impact. Get details at america250-ohio.org/2026-celebration-themes.

Under-Told Stories Share your stories with America 250-Ohio to help highlight the spectrum of experiences and contributions to Ohio’s evolution over 250+ years. All Ohioans are invited to share their personal stories, family histories, and community experiences. Find out details at america250-ohio.org/ undertold-stories.

4th Grade History Pass

Spark awe and wonder about Ohio’s amazing history with the 4th Grade History Pass Program. Valid at more than 60 museums and attractions statewide, this special program gives 4th graders the chance to visit participating museums and historic sites free of charge, with a paid adult. Download the pass at america250-ohio.org/fourth-grade-pass.

Revolutionary War Veterans Graves Project

Help America 250-Ohio honor the veterans from the Revolutionary War. This project seeks to identify, document, and map the final resting places of an estimated 7,000 Revolutionary War patriots buried in Ohio. Help ensure that the sacrifices of these patriots are remembered for generations to come.

Planting History America 250-Ohio will plant a white oak tree in every Ohio county to honor our state’s role in the nation’s founding and commemorate the history of the location where it’s planted. As they grow, these trees will stand as a testament to Ohio’s commitment to conservation.

Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic July 2026

NJanuary: Ohio’s Firsts & Originals

February: Ohio Works, Innovation & Industry

March: Ohio Entertains, Music & Entertainment

April: Ohio Moves, Transportation

May: Ohio Creates, Arts, Culture, & Literature

June: Ohio Outdoors, Exploring Ohio’s Natural Resources

July: Ohio Gathers, Statewide Homecoming & Picnics

August: Ohio Goes to the Fair, The Ohio State Fair, County Fairs & Festivals

September: Ohio Plays, Sports & Wellness

October: Ohio Grows: Food & Farms

November: Ohio Serves, Remembering Veterans, First Responders & Front-Line Heroes

December: Future Ohio, Projecting Ohio in 2076

othing gets the summer sizzling quite like a picnic. Whether you plan your own or attend one of the organized Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic events across the state, the idea behind this America 250-Ohio initiative is to encourage friends and family to gather in July and celebrate our nation’s birth on its 250th anniversary.

In a partnership with Cenovus Energy, signature gatherings are planned for Lima and Toledo, as well as the Ohio History Center in Columbus, Schoenbrunn Village in New Philadelphia, the Harding Presidential Sites in Marion, the Newark Earthworks in Newark, and the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center in Wilberforce.

Groups who register to host an event will receive a picnic kit with ideas for games, trivia sessions, speakers, and even Spotify playlists, in addition to suggestions for activities such as reading the Declaration of Independence — something done frequently in public places for those who did not have access to newspapers and other public forums in 1776.

Get details on Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic events and guidance on hosting a picnic in your community at america250-ohio.org/picnic.