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America250 Ohio commission seeks funding to support statewide semiquincentennial programs
Summary
The America250 Ohio Commission urged the committee to fund a concentrated slate of statewide programs for 2026, including county-level activations, film series, driving trails, educational passes and commemorations tied to the nation's 250th anniversary.
Todd Kleismann, executive director of the Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial (America250 Ohio), told the House Workforce and Higher Education Committee that the commission needs state appropriations for FY26 to execute a yearlong slate of activities celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026.
Why it matters: The commission said its temporary, legislatively created body has already engaged all 88 counties with resolutions to participate and that FY26 funding is essential to scale programming statewide in the calendar year 2026.
Kleismann summarized planned initiatives that include a 250-day film series in all 88 counties called "Ohio Goes to the Movies," six themed driving trails highlighting Ohio contributions in areas such as air-and-space and creativity, a fourth-grade history pass for free museum admission, county-level Revolutionary War veteran mapping and commemorations, public art and mural programs, and a series of monthly themes designed to sustain public engagement across the calendar year. He said the commission distributed $1 million in earlier grants to jump-start local projects and requested $7.5 million for FY26 and $2.5 million for FY27 in the governor's proposal.
Kleismann said the commission is temporary and will sunset no later than June 30, 2027, and he asked legislators to prioritize FY26 funding because the bulk of national anniversary activity occurs during calendar year 2026.
What was not decided: The committee did not take action during the hearing; members asked how representatives could support local activations outside of appropriations.
Looking ahead: Kleismann said he will follow up with members on district-level needs and local committee activities and asked for legislative help connecting local organizers to state resources.
