By Lori Jennings, Clerk of Hamilton County Courts and Bridget Doherty, Hamilton County Commissioners
America’s 250th Anniversary is less than 18 months away and Hamilton County is already gearing up to celebrate our county’s unique contributions to our national and regional history. The Board of County Commissioners officially invite Hamilton County citizens to apply to serve on the official America 250-Ohio Hamilton County Committee by visiting HamiltonCountyOhio.gov/250. This is a voluntary, uncompensated, community service opportunity for Hamilton County, Ohio registered voters. The County is seeking 10 to 20 people to join.
This special group is tasked with supporting public awareness of Ohio’s statewide initiatives, and coordinating recommendations of local events and programs leading up to the 250th anniversary.
The America 250-Ohio Hamilton County Committee is led by co-chairs Pavan Parikh, Hamilton County Clerk of Courts and Elizabeth Pierce, Cincinnati Museum Center CEO.
Hamilton County has a rich history, from its founding in 1790, the emergence of townships, and the establishment of the City of Cincinnati on the Ohio River. The County grew as the steamboat transportation transformed the movement of people and products. Hamilton County was a critical stop for the Underground Railroad.
“Hamilton County has always been a place where innovation and hard work is valued,” said Commission President Denise Driehaus. “As we prepare for America’s 250th Anniversary, this is a unique opportunity to reflect on our shared history and the contributions our region has made to the nation’s story.”
“From its role in the Underground Railroad to its lasting cultural and industrial contributions, Hamilton County holds a special place in American history,” said Commission Vice President Stephanie Summerow Dumas. “We are calling on residents to join us in making this celebration meaningful and diverse, ensuring that every voice and every story is part of this historic milestone.”
“Our county’s history is rich with stories of perseverance and progress, playing a significant role in the journey toward freedom,” said Commissioner Alicia Reece. “It’s a story that must be shared, and we encourage our residents to actively participate in bringing these stories to life, while celebrating the beautiful cultural legacy of our vibrant communities.”
“Hamilton County is a very historic place,” Clerk Parikh. “And that’s why we’re excited about this project because we have the opportunity to tell stories from every corner of the county—from the Native Americans who first lived here, to the diverse community of over 800,000 people that we are today. We encourage anyone who is engaged or even interested in local history to apply for this committee to ensure we are reflecting that diversity.”
Hamilton County is home to the first professional baseball team, the Red Stockings (1868), as well as one of the country’s most enduring manufacturing companies, Procter & Gamble (1879).
To learn more about the commission, watch the presentation of the official America 250 Flag presentation to the Board of County Commissioners on youtube.com and/or visit HamiltonCountyOhio.gov/250.
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.