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America250 Ohio outlines statewide trails, film series and small grants ahead of 250th anniversary
Summary
The America250 Ohio Commission described themed driving trails, a statewide film series, a fourth-grade history pass and modest local grant plans to increase public engagement for the U.S. 250th anniversary celebration.
Todd Klesman, executive director of the America250 Ohio Commission, told the Arts, Athletics and Tourism Committee that the commission is building a statewide program of experiential “trails” and public programming ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Klesman described six themed driving tours that package clusters of sites and attractions for visitors. The Ohio Air and Space Trail launched in May 2024 and links 34 museums, science centers and sites focused on aviation and aerospace; Klesman said participating sites have reported increased visitation. The commission also launched an Ohio Creativity Trail featuring more than 100 sites and reported more than 5,000 website visits in the trail’s first month. Other planned trails will focus on waterways and freshwater access, leadership, transportation networks and innovation.
The commission is also organizing “Ohio Goes to the Movies,” a statewide film series of community-led screenings in 2026, and has created an Ohio movies database. Klesman described a fourth-grade history pass program that offers free admission for fourth-grade Ohio students at more than 50 participating museums and historic sites.
Klesman said the commission previously disbursed about $1,000,000 in local grants during one fiscal year and plans modest ($5,000) local grants in the near term to communities that have passed America250 resolutions and organized local committees. He noted broad participation by more than 400 businesses and organizations in signature programming and said earned media has produced more than 70 million impressions and 62 news stories so far.
Klesman referenced the Ohio Revised Code, section 149.309, describing the commission’s statutory charge to coordinate with federal, state and local partners to welcome and encourage tourists. He asked committee members to help promote local awareness of America250 resources and to direct constituents to america250ohio.org for tools and liaison contact information.
