PAOLI – Orange County’s “America 250” committee is actively planning a year-long celebration to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The working group met on July 10 at the Paoli Library to continue organizing events and projects that will mark this significant historical milestone.
Committee Chairman Robert Henderson briefly reviewed the successful kickoff event held on June 14 in historic Orleans, which officially launched the special year-long celebration culminating on July 4, 2026.
Smithsonian Exhibit and Time Capsule Project
A significant highlight of the upcoming festivities will be the Smithsonian Exhibit, “Voices and Votes,” hosted by the Orange County Convention & Visitor Bureau (CVB) from May 16 to June 28, 2026. Martha Nice reported on the exhibit, which is expected to draw considerable interest and attendance from both residents and visitors across the region. “We are super excited to be able to have this Smithsonian exhibition, here in our own Orange County next year during the 250th anniversary,” said Henderson. More details on the exhibit will be announced soon.
In a move to engage the community, Roger Moon presented plans for an “America 250” Time Capsule project, approved by the Orange County Historical Society. Details on how Orange County residents can participate in this unique initiative will be unveiled very soon. The committee also noted that plans are underway for the opening of a time capsule buried on the Courthouse lawn by the Paoli Jaycees in 1976, which will be part of ceremonies planned for July 4, 2026, in Paoli.
Honoring Patriots and Community Gatherings
Henderson proposed that the committee collaborate with the Lost River D.A.R. and Orange County Commissioners to clean and formally rededicate the historic 1940 marker at the Courthouse, which memorializes Revolutionary War soldiers and patriots buried in Orange County. He presented a list of Orange County Patriots who fought in the war.
Beyond these initiatives, several key events are planned for Paoli, French Lick, and West Baden over the coming months. The first of several “Community Gatherings,” similar to the popular “Slices of Orange” held during the state’s and county’s bicentennial in 2016, are scheduled for this fall:
- September 7: Orangeville Township
- September 21: Stampers Creek Township
- September 28: Northeast Township
- October 12: Greenfield Township
The celebration’s overall plan aims to showcase Orange County’s storied past and rich history, including its early settlers, significant residents, and historic sites. Orange County Historian Jeff Lane shared a list of historic tidbits and trivia linked to the county’s 200 years of history.
Special Anniversaries and Legacy Projects
The 175th Anniversary of the Orange County Courthouse will also be spotlighted during the 2025 happenings, with a “Birthday Party” planned for early September, along with a special recognition of all area Veterans this November.
Two key legacy projects are also in the works: the planting of a “Liberty Tree” in a significant location – a symbolic nod to the rally spots for early Patriots during the Revolutionary War – and the creation of historic-themed art pieces depicting Orange County’s America 250 celebration.
To help fund these activities, the group will be selling t-shirts and an exceptional America 250 Coin, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the celebratory events.
The Orange County America 250 committee will hold its next meeting on August 14 at 6 p.m. at the Paoli Library. Community members interested in assisting with planning efforts are encouraged to attend. Residents can also stay updated on planned activities by following the Orange County America 250 Facebook page.
For broader state-level information, a special Indiana USA 250 website has been created: https://www.in.gov/usa250/
