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Johnston County forms America250 committee, secures $40,000 in state grants and plans 2026 countywide events
Summary
The county’s America250 committee has 32 volunteers, has received $40,000 in state grants for a tour guidebook, markers and a Tuscarora mural, and plans a major county commemoration on June 27, 2026, ahead of the national 250th anniversary events.
The Johnson County America250 committee updated commissioners July 21 on activities to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States and North Carolina’s historic role.
Chairperson Lisonbee Elsie (appointed by the Johnston County Heritage Commission) said the locally organized committee has 32 members from across the county and has secured $40,000 in state grants to support three initial projects: a printed and online historical tour guidebook (walking and thematic driving tours), placement of new historic markers for Revolutionary‑era sites, and a planned mural in downtown Smithfield honoring the Tuscarora people. The committee has staged events in 2024 (a commemoration of the Johnston Resolves and other living‑history activities) and plans a countywide public event on June 27, 2026 — one day before the national July 4 observance — at Johnston Community College that will include a parade, living‑history encampment, performances and educational programming.
The committee is also pursuing theatrical productions, school programming, marker unveiling ceremonies and town‑level events across the county. Elsie asked commissioners to note the June 27, 2026 county celebration and encouraged town participation, and invited the public to participate in planning and events.
