The Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial (also referred to as America 250-Ohio) was formed through the OH. Rev. Code § 149.309 and announced on March 1, 2022 on Ohio's Statehood Day by Governor Mike DeWine. The (29) member commission is charged with preparing the state to participate in the United States of America's 250th anniversary which culminates on July 4, 2026.
For more information, click on: Getting to Know America 250-Ohio_updated May 2023
During this multi-year commemoration, Ohioans from our local communities in all 88 counties, will be the spotlight of the impact that has/is/will be made on our nation's story. From the many "Firsts" that came from Ohio, (i.e. Aviation, Universities/Colleges, National Organizations), to the sacred stories of our residents, and the unique areas of the state that continues to evolve, the rich content of our state will be an opportunity for all people to connect and see themselves in Ohio's story...as well as the story of our nation. Please join us!
Recommendations to the People of Ohio
In compliance with the OH. Rev. Code § 149.309: H1-4, the commission released an initial report with recommendations for Ohio’s participation in the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary on September 30, 2022 to Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly. Click here to view the 2022 recommendation report
Annual Report
In compliance with the OH. Rev. Code § 149.309: N, the commission will release an annual report by December 31 of each year to Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly. Click here to read the 2022 annual report
America 250-Ohio Blog
The America 250-Ohio commission is proud to serve all 88 counties. Over the next few years, a variety of commissioners, staff, and special guests will share their thoughts, experience, and fun facts about our state through the AM 250-OH Blog. Click here to read all past entries, and our most recent post.
Public Relations Firm RFQ/RFP Opportunity - Posted 5-17-23, Updated 6-6-23
America 250-Ohio is seeking a Public Relations firm to assist in creating awareness, managing media relations, and contributing to social media content as well as other activities. The America 250-Ohio_PR Firm RFQ-RPF Overview and Requirements outlines the details of the desired scope of services, the requirements and timeline for submission, and the scoring rubric. All firms based in the U.S. are welcome to apply. The question and inquiry period occurred from May 17, 2023 through May 24, 2023 (12:00 p.m. Eastern). A document that outlines those questions and answers can be found here: RFP- RFQ Question and Answers. The deadline to submit was June 5, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern). Firms who submitted will be notified via email regarding outcomes and next steps.
COMMISSIONERS and STAFF
Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial members:
Commission Co-Chairs
Doug Preisse, principal at Van Meter-Ashbrook & Associates
Michael B. Coleman, former mayor of Columbus, and partner at IceMiller LLP
Commission Members
State Sen. Hearcel Craig, Ohio Senate
Christy Davis, immediate past president of the Ohio Local History Alliance, and curator of exhibitions of the Canton Museum of Art
Kathryn Dean-Dielman, board president of the Lorain County Historical Society
Kelly Falcone-Hall, executive director of the Western Reserve Historical Society
John Fleming, Ph.D., museum professional
Steve Hambley, Ph.D., Medina county commissioner
Thomas Hankins, chapter president of the Sons of the American Revolution: Hocking Valley Chapter, and member of the Friends of Fort Laurens
Nancy Hollister, former governor, lieutenant governor, and legislator
State Rep. Adam Holmes, Ohio House of Representatives
Melinda Huntley, executive director of the Ohio Travel Association
Vincent Keeran, clerk of the Ohio Senate
Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy, Supreme Court of Ohio
Megan Kvamme, Muskingum County entrepreneur
State Sen. George Lang, Ohio Senate
Adam Levine, director of the Toledo Museum of Art
Glenn Miller, Henry County commissioner, and president of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio
State Rep. Joe Miller, Ohio House of Representatives
Charley Moses, board president of the Ohio History Connection
Kimberly Murnieks, director of Ohio's Office of Budget and Management
Paul Oyaski, former mayor of Euclid, and former director of Cuyahoga County's Department of Development
Elizabeth Pierce, executive director of the Cincinnati Museum Center
Sharetta Smith, mayor of Lima
Ted Strickland, former governor of Ohio and former member of Congress
Samantha Turner, Youngstown councilwoman
Ginger Warner, board chair of the Ohio Arts Council
Mackensie Wittmer, executive director of the National Aviation Heritage Area
Ex-Officio, and commission secretary
Megan Wood, executive director of the Ohio History Connection
America 250-Ohio's staff members:
Todd Kleismit, executive director
Jodie Engle, managing director
Chris Hurtubise, communications director
Taylor Tomu, community engagement representative
MEETINGS and WORKING SESSIONS
2023 Meeting Schedule* for the Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial:
All meetings are open to the public and will typically be held from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Friday, June 16 at the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center in Wilberforce
Thursday, September 14 at the Cleveland History Center in Cleveland
Friday, December 15 at the Ohio History Center/Ohio Expo Center in Columbus
*Subject to change
For more information, or to rsvp as a public attendee, please email Jodie Engle.
Recent meetings for the Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial:
March 9, 2023-The 2023 1st qtr. commission meeting was held at the National Veterans Memorial & Museum in Columbus
December 8, 2022-The 2022 4th qtr. commission meeting was held at the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
September 16, 2022-The 2022 3rd qtr. commission meeting was held at the Ohio History Center
September 8, 2022-A work session for the America 250-Ohio report was held at the Ohio History Center
September 7, 2022-The committee's co-chair debrief was held at the Rhodes State Office Tower, 35th Floor
June 10, 2022-The 2022 2nd qtr. commission meeting was held at the Adena Mansion & Gardens
March 1, 2022-The 2022 1st qtr. commission meeting was held at the Ohio Statehouse
