CRESTLINE, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Patriotic songs filled The Hub in Crestline on Sunday afternoon as residents from across Crawford County gathered to launch a once-in-a-generation celebration: the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The March 1 “America 250-OH Kickoff and Big Birthday Bash,” hosted by the Crawford County History Alliance (CCHA), marked the start of a yearlong local observance tied to the national semi-quincentennial on July 4, 2026.
The open house-style event also celebrated Ohio’s 223 birthday on March 1 and Crawford County’s upcoming bicentennial next month, creating what organizers described as a “triple celebration of nation, state and county.”
Across the country, communities are preparing for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Through the America 250 initiative, states, counties, and cities are encouraged to reflect on their history, celebrate their present, and imagine their future.
Ohio has been preparing for the milestone since 2022 through the America 250-Ohio Commission, urging all 88 counties to share their local stories as part of the broader American narrative.
Crestline Mayor Linda Pitt opened the program, welcoming attendees on behalf of the village and setting the tone for the months ahead.
“Right here in our own county, we will explore history, local landmarks, and the everyday citizens whose lives built the America we know today. National history is not written only in Philadelphia or Washington. It was also written here—in small towns like Crestline, Galion, Bucyrus, and New Washington.”
Pitt noted over this entire celebratory year, residents will visit historical sites, attend programs, and explore Crawford County through shared experiences for all ages.
She thanked the Crawford County History Alliance, an umbrella organization uniting 14 historical and cultural groups, for leading the local effort.
The CCHA includes the following organizations: Bucyrus Historical Society, Crestline Historical Society, the Galion History Center, New Washington Historical Society, Bucyrus Copper Kettle Works Museum, Harvey One Room School House, Bucyrus Preservation Society, the Lauretta Schimmoler Museum, the Lincoln Highway Association, Galion Big Four Depot, the Bucyrus Public Library, Crawford County Art Center, Norton Park and the Crawford Park District. Each contribute a different piece of America’s unique heritage.
Singing group, United in Harmony, followed Mayor Pitt’s remarks with performances of “The National Anthem,” “God Bless America,” and then they invited the crowd to join in on a spirited rendition of “Happy Birthday” in honor of America, Ohio, and Crawford County.
Throughout the afternoon, visitors browsed exhibit tables hosted by all 14 CCHA member organizations. Artifacts, photographs, educational banners, and displays highlighted local stories stretching from early settlement to modern innovation. Additional groups, including the Citizen to Patriot and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), emphasized the U.S. Constitution, the Revolutionary War era, and the marking of veterans’ graves.
Castle Coin Company’s display of “250 Years of U.S. Coins,” featured an example of every U.S. coin ever minted, including colonial-era pieces. Many coins were paired with historical context from each period. Nearby, the Cabin at Willow Hollow displayed framed historical prints, reproduction furniture, and America 250-themed art.
The Bucyrus Public Library contributed a Revolutionary War-era “Story Walk” centered on the Liberty Tree, inviting families to experience history through reading and movement. The center of the room also featured a Liberty Tree adorned with paper lanterns in recognition of lanterns once hung on Boston’s Liberty Tree in celebration of the repeal of the Stamp Act in 1766.
There was also display of America’s historical flags—flags from 1775 to the present.
And the day was not just about looking back. The CCHA also unveiled two major initiatives designed to carry the celebration forward over the entire year and beyond.
First was the 2026 CCHA Passport, a countywide program encouraging families, students, and visitors to explore participating historical sites and collect participant stamps along the way.
Alongside the passport debut was the premiere of new storytelling banners for each CCHA organization. Each banner highlighted a distinct slice of local history — a person, place, or time — forming a countywide tapestry of stories that together illustrated Crawford County’s role in the American story.
“We are thrilled to bring together individual stories that, when seen side by side, reveal the depth and diversity of Crawford County’s heritage. These stories offer a collective portrait of the people, places, and moments that helped shape both Crawford County as well as our entire country,” said Elaine Naples, CCHA Projects Director.
CCHA Co-Chair Amber Wertman said the goal is to always make history accessible and engaging for all ages. “This event and our future events are about bringing our community together to celebrate our shared heritage and the stories that connect us to America’s founding ideals,” she said.
CCHA Chairman Randy Fischer echoed that sentiment, reminding attendees that history is not confined to textbooks or museum shelves.
“Hosting events such as this America 250 Kickoff demonstrates that history is not sitting on a shelf — it is alive in this room,” said Fischer. “America 250 gives us a powerful opportunity to educate, engage, and inspire people of all ages while honoring the spirit of our nation.”
As guests shared birthday cake and continued exploring exhibits, the sense of momentum was strong. The CCHA hopes that what began Sunday afternoon in Crestline will ripple outward over the next months and years — through museum visits, special programs, commemorations, and community conversations.
Photos: Crawford County History Alliance
