COLUMBUS, Ohio – America 250-Ohio, the official state commission spearheading Ohio’s celebrations and commemorations around America’s semiquincentennial, announced that 522 counties, cities, towns and villages across the state have received the official America 250-Ohio Community designation. 

This is more than double the commission’s original goal of 250 designated communities by July. 

“Ohioans have shown up for this moment in a way that is truly humbling,” said Todd Kleismit, executive director of America 250-Ohio. “When we set our goal of 250 communities, we were ambitious. To see that number more than double – to have 522 communities across this state actively engaged in planning and celebrating America’s 250th birthday – is a testament to how much Ohioans care about their history, their neighbors and this once-in-a-generation milestone. Every community in Ohio has a story to tell, and we are proud that so many are choosing to tell it.” 

The America 250-Ohio Community designation is open to counties, cities, villages and townships across the state. Designated communities receive access to a suite of resources to help them plan meaningful local celebrations and commemorations, including digital toolkits, an online community platform, regular check-ins and networking opportunities with fellow America 250-Ohio communities and formal recognition of their participation in Ohio’s America 250 programs. 

Each designated community also receives an Ohio-made America 250-Ohio Community flag. Communities are encouraged to form local committees drawing on civic, nonprofit and corporate partners to help shape activities that reflect their unique character and history. 

Here are the designated America 250-Ohio Communities in the Mahoning Valley:

  • Mahoning County: village of Poland, Poland Township, Mahoning County, city of Youngstown and Austintown Township.
  • Trumbull County: Vienna Township, Trumbull County, Mecca Township, Howland Township, Fowler Township’s Historical Society, city of Girard and Braceville Township.
  • Columbiana County: village of Wellsville, village of Lisbon, Columbiana County, city of Salem, city of East Liverpool and city of Columbiana.

In April 2025, America 250-Ohio awarded grants of up to $5,000 each to 57 organizations across the state, distributing a total of $278,834 to fund programs and initiatives commemorating the state’s contributions to American history. To qualify, applicants were required to have established an official America 250-Ohio Community designation. 

From Appalachian foothills to Lake Erie shorelines, from bustling urban centers to quiet rural townships, the 522 communities are each planning their own approach to marking the anniversary, whether through historical exhibits, public ceremonies, community festivals, educational programs or events tied to America 250-Ohio’s statewide initiatives.

A full list of designated America 250-Ohio Communities and more information about the program can be found HERE.