What is America250?

On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation's past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.

Communities throughout the nation will engage in special events, storytelling and remembering the past as part of a national commemoration of the “America250”. America250 is a product of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, established by Congress in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the 250th anniversary. The Commission is directed to engage Americans across the country in designing the largest and most inclusive anniversary observance in our nation's history.

In partnership with the Westerville Public Library, Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce, Visit Westerville and other community partners, the City is participating in the planning and development of a series of special events, installations and programs to mark this national milestone.

The America 250 Westerville Commemoration Committee is currently seeking submissions for stories of Westerville: past, present and future. These stories may include people, places and events in Westerville history that haven't been the primary focus of the City's history and tourism efforts in the past. These stories will be turned into exhibits that will be installed around Westerville beginning April 2026.

Use the form below to submit a story about a person, place or event in Westerville. The focus should be on the “untold” stories of Westerville and its residents throughout history. Story submissions will be reviewed by the America250 Westerville Committee and selected for inclusion in exhibits by a panel from the committee. If there are pieces missing from your story, or you require assistance with historical evidence or facts, please feel free to contact the Westerville History Museum at ask@westervillelibrary.org.

ALL STORIES MUST BE SUBMITTED BY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 TO BE CONSIDERED FOR INCLUSION IN AN EXHIBIT.