Article

Key Points:

• Ohio has spent four years planning for the nation’s 250th anniversary through the America-250 Ohio Commission, using monthly themes to showcase the state’s historical legacy.
• October is designated as “Ohio Grows: Food & Farms” month, highlighting the massive impact generations of Ohio farmers, innovators, and rural communities have had on a national scale.
• Running through September and October, the Ag-Venture Guide serves as a map for visitors to explore local agritourism destinations across the state, including orchards, historic farms, and fall celebrations. The guide will be available Sept. 1.

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As the country celebrates her 250th birthday this year, Americans have swelled with pride.

Witnessing the patriotic fanfare on the Fourth of July and catching World Cup fever by seeing the best of our country through visitors’ eyes was inspiring. Even though the fireworks are over and the soccer champion is crowned, the birthday celebration is still going strong.

Ohio started making plans for the semiquincentennial celebration back in 2022, with the establishment of the America-250 Ohio Commission. The 29-member commission has spent the last four years developing ways to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States by exploring all the ways Ohio has impacted U.S. history.

Through thoughtful planning, each month of the year has focused on a different theme that demonstrates a comprehensive story about Ohio’s legacy in America and highlights different aspects of the state’s history, from First Peoples to sports, from music to transportation. The themes were selected to tell a statewide story that is diverse, inclusive, and representative of Ohio’s role in shaping the nation.

The state’s farming industry will shine in the America-250 spotlight this fall when agriculture takes center stage as October is Ohio Grows: Food & Farms month.

“Agriculture was a natural choice for one of our 12 monthly themes because farming has shaped Ohio’s history, economy, communities and culture since before Ohio even became a state, and Ohio’s contributions to agriculture have had massive impacts on a national scale,” said Lacey Bonar Hull, Theme Months Project coordinator “Our Ohio Grows: Food & Farms theme recognizes the many generations of Ohio farmers, innovators, and rural communities that have helped to feed our nation throughout our history.”

At the center of the recognition is the Ohio Ag-Venture Guide. Running through September and October, the guide highlights different food and farm-related sites around the state that are open to visitors, including orchards, historic farms, fall celebrations, and other agritourism destinations. Ohio Farm Bureau partnered with America 250-Ohio to launch the guide.

“Rural Ohio offers visitors a chance to connect with agriculture, history and community in ways that are unique to our state. Overall, we hope Ohioans end this year with a deeper appreciation of our state and its rich history,” Bonar Hull said. “When it comes to the Ohio Ag-Venture Guide in particular, people have the chance to experience Ohio agriculture firsthand and make personal connections with farms, businesses and destinations that contribute to Ohio’s agricultural economy and our nation’s quality of life.”

The america250-ohio.org website is filled with blogs, event calendars, and experiences organized by date, by county and by monthly theme. Find the Ohio Ag-Venture Guide and other food and farm themed events at america250-ohio.org/october-2026.

“This semiquincentennial year is the perfect time to shine a spotlight on Ohio’s agricultural contributions to our nation, but we hope the Ohio Ag-Venture Guide and spotlight on our state’s agritourism sites long outlast our commission,” Bonar Hull said.

What’s Next:

Many of the programs created for America 250 will extend beyond this anniversary year. For more on the ongoing Ohio activities to help celebrate America’s 250th, visit america250-ohio.org.

America 250-Ohio Barn Murals

The America 250-Ohio Barn Murals were commissioned by the state’s semiquincentennial committee to be painted by Ohioan Scott Hagan, The Barn Artist.

Following is a list of the commissioned paintings:

• U.S. Route 250 Barn Mural, Wayne County, 10354 Ashland Road, Wooster
• Agricultural Barn Mural, Sandusky County, 3888 West State Street, Fremont
• Johnny Appleseed Barn Mural, Ashland County, 2724 County Road 967, Perrysville
• Northwest Ordinance Barn Mural, Athens County, 1145 State Route 7, Coolville
• Underground Railroad Barn Mural, Clermont County, 4263 McKeever Road, Williamsburg
• Homer Noble Farm Barn Mural, depicting American patriotic themes, Lucas County, 6095 Weckerly Road, Whitehouse
• Air, Sea & Land Barn Mural, Wood County, 13622 Pemberville Road, Perrysburg
• America 250-Ohio Barn Mural, Cuyahoga County, 7450 W. 130th Street, Middleburg Heights
• Ohio Manufacturing Barn Mural, Clinton County, 901 Oglesbee Road, Wilmington

NOTE: America 250-Ohio also commissioned one commercial building that was painted by Hagan at the American Nitrile building, located at 3500 Southwest Blvd., Grove City.

Photos submitted.