PAOLI — Orange County’s America 250 committee is moving forward with plans to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026. The committee met on August 14th at the Paoli Library to discuss upcoming events and projects.
“We remain very excited to be able to have this Smithsonian exhibition,” said Committee Chairman Robert Henderson.
Smithsonian Exhibit and Time Capsule
A major highlight of the celebration will be the Smithsonian Exhibit, “Voices and Votes,” hosted by the Orange County Convention & Visitor Bureau (CVB) from May 14 to July 3, 2026. CVB Executive Director Joe Lannan anticipates the exhibit will draw significant interest from across the region.
In addition, the Orange County Historical Society is creating an “America 250 Time Capsule” project. Residents can now get packets with details on how to participate from the Orange County Historic Museum in Paoli.
Community Events and Courthouse Celebration
The committee is planning several events, including a series of “Community Gatherings” similar to the popular “Slices of Orange” from the state’s bicentennial celebration in 2016. The first gatherings are scheduled for:
- September 7 – Orangeville Township
- September 21 – Stampers Creek Township
- September 28 – Northeast Township
- October 12 – Greenfield Township
A special “Birthday Party and Open House” will be held on September 14 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Orange County Courthouse. The event will feature an old-fashioned picnic, guided tours of the historic building, a flagpole dedication, storytelling, and a tree planting.
Commemorative Projects
Other planned projects include the planting of a “Liberty Tree” in a significant location and the creation of historic-themed art pieces. The Lost River D.A.R. is also planning to clean the historic 1940 marker at the courthouse that memorializes soldiers and patriots buried in the county.
To help fund these activities, the committee is selling t-shirts and a special “America 250 Coin.”
The public is invited to attend the next committee meeting on September 11 at 6 p.m. at the Paoli Library. Updates on planned activities can be found on the Orange County America 250 Facebook page.
