AMERICA 250-OHIO
The America 250-Ohio Commission is charged with leading Ohio’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. This is the U.S. celebrating its semi quincentennial (that’s 250 years) in 2026 and Ohio is all-in to celebrate “Ohio Style.” We will highlight Ohio and Ohioans’ unique contribution to the U.S. for 250+ years. Each month 250-Ohio will highlight a celebration theme – But, of course, we had to be different. Erie County has a rich relationship with Lake Erie; from fishing to recreation, from commercial shipping to our Islands, and our many tourists. This is the best place to start on your celebration journey. check out their Facebook page.
There are loads of projects listed on the site and here are just a few:
Explore the history of Ohio at the time of the American Revolution – A quarterly webinar series.
Explore the state’s maritime stories and places – Lake Erie opened the Midwest to the world, while the Ohio River carried dreams and goods south and west. Canals like the Ohio & Erie turned wilderness into a bustling corridor of commerce and connection. These lifelines fueled industry and growth, building the backbone of America. Today, they still shape our lives, providing clean drinking water; powering economies through shipping, recreation, and fisheries; and anchoring quaint canal towns and vibrant waterfront cities. For thousands of years, they’ve sustained life, sparked innovation, and defined Ohio’s story … one ripple at a time. This “drive your own adventure” experience connects you to the stories and places where you can.
The Revolutionary War Veterans Graves Project – The 
Ohio History Connection invites you to take part in an inspiring statewide initiative. In collaboration with the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office, Terracon Consultants, Inc., and local chapters of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, this project seeks to identify, document, and map the final resting places of an estimated 7,000 Revolutionary War patriots buried in Ohio. This is a unique opportunity to connect with Ohio’s rich history and ensure that the sacrifices of these patriots are remembered for generations to come.
SHORES & ISLANDS has lots of interesting items focusing on Erie County as well as our neighbor, Ottawa County, including links to multiple walking tours.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN ERIE COUNTY? – So now we build a list of the museums and organizations that celebrate our Lake Erie heritage and, of course, our own Ohio 250. Did you know that although Route 250 seems to run N and S, it actually runs E and W? And, it ends right in downtown Sandusky.
US ROUTE 250 TRAIL – Embark on a journey along U.S. Route 250, a historic corridor weaving through Ohio’s rich tapestry of towns and landmarks. From Sandusky’s lakeside charm to Milan’s tribute to Thomas Edison, Norwalk’s “Maple City” allure, Ashland’s academic heritage, and Wooster’s vibrant downtown, this route offers a scenic passage through pivotal moments in American history. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, exploring U.S. Route 250 provides a unique lens into Ohio’s integral role in the American story.
And check out what’s happening in nearby Ottawa County.
Check out this website: A Catalogue and Gazetteer of Forts and Fortresses, Trading Posts, Camps, Stockades, Blockhouses, Garrisons, Arsenals, and Seacoast Batteries in the United States and Canada & Associated Territories 1526 – 1956 –https://www.northamericanforts.com/East/oh.html This is a great place to explore a list of Revolutionary war (and other) forts in Ohio.
OHIO AND THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR – Ohio was admitted to the Union in March 1803, formerly part of the NW Territory. Check out some of the more prominent Historic Markers from this period including the Firelands, Fort Sandusky, the Firelands Sufferers.
LAKE ERIE IS A DESIGNATED AMERICAN VITICULTURAL AREA – The Lake Erie viticultural area is distinguished from surrounding areas by its proximity to Lake Erie, a distinct and contiguous viticultural district where there are vineyards of one acre or more located in every county, except Sandusky County, along the lake shore from near Toledo, Ohio to south of Buffalo, New York. Lake Erie is the geographical feature that defines this viticultural area. It was established on October 20, 1983. This area has an over 190-year history of grape growing and wine-making, benefiting from its late frosts, moderate temperatures, and long growing season (a growing season of 165 days is considered minimal and 180 plus days is preferable). The first mention of commercial grapes being planted appears in 1850 on Kelleys Island. “Charles Carpenter… set out the first acre of grapes planted as a field crop… The first wine from the product of his vineyard was made in 1850 in the old log house, his former residence…” This was “the first wine cellar [erected] north of Cincinnati.” In the year 1850, “George C. Huntington, made a barrel of wine, as being the readiest way of disposing of his surplus crop… The wine was called very good when it was two years old.”
OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH LAKE ERIE – Were to begin? Wineries, breweries, commercial fishing, sport fishing, tourism, boating, swimming, exploring islands, lighthouses, shipping, and so much history.
WHERE TO FIND MORE HISTORY ABOUT OUR AREA – Erie County (and its surrounding areas) have lots of historical organizations and museums. Check these out. Each page has links to and interesting information about each location:
ERIE COUNTY
Bellevue (Bellevue Historical Society, Mad River and Nickle Plate Railroad Museum, Historic Lyme Village, National Postmark Collectors Museum & Research Center)
Berlin Hts (Berlin Hts. Historical Society)
Castalia (Castalia Area Historical Society Museum includes the Blue Hole)
Cedar Point (Cedar Point Lighthouse, Cedar Point Town Hall Museum)
Huron (Huron Historical Society)
Kelleys Island (Kelleys Island Historical Assoc. Museum)
Milan (Milan Museum, Edison Birthplace)
Sandusky (Cooke-Dorn House Historic Site, Follett House Museum, Maritime Museum of Sandusky, Merry-Go-Round Museum, Ohio Veterans Home Museum, Old House Guild of Sandusky)
Vermilion (Vermilion Historical Society, Vermilion Area Archival Society)
Firelands Genealogical Society – The Erie County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society is no longer an active chapter. As a result, the Huron County Chapter OGS has changed their name to include Erie County. It is now dedicated to furthering quality genealogical and family history research in Huron and Erie Counties.
HURON COUNTY
Norwalk (Firelands Historical Society Museum & Library)
OTTAWA COUNTY
Catawba Island (Catawba Island Historical Society)
Johnson’s Island (Johnson’s Island Confederate Officers Prison Cemetery, Friends and Descendants of Johnson’s Island Confederate Prison, Ohio Veterans Home-Museum)
Lakeside-Marblehead (The Keeper’s House, Marblehead Lighthouse, Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society Museum, Lakeside Heritage Society Museum & Archives Center,)
Port Clinton (Ottawa County Museum, Ottawa County Historical Society, Liberty Aviation Museum)
Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island Lighthouse, Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, Lake Erie Island Historical Society Museum, Cooke Castle, Joseph DeRivera St. Jurgo Park)
SANDUSKY COUNTY
Clyde (General James B. McPherson Home & Clyde Historical Museum)
Fremont (Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Sandusky County Historical Society)
Can’t visit in person? Try these links to YouTube videos!
HURON HISTORICAL SOCIETY LINK
VIDEO: The Legacy of the Huron Docks
VIDEO: Commercial Fishing in Huron, Ohio
VIDEO: Life as a Great Lakes Merchant Marine Captain
DIGITAL DISPLAY: Commercial Fishing, Huron, Ohio
DIGITAL DISPLAY: Shipbuilding, Huron, Ohio
DIGITAL DISPLAY: Lake Erie Dock Industry at Port of Huron, Ohio
HISTORIC LIME VILLAGE
VIDEO: Historic Lime Village Civil War Days Reenactors in Civil War era dress filled the village, and campfires crackled beside canvas tents.
A Catalogue and Gazetteer of Forts and Fortresses, Trading Posts, Camps, Stockades, Blockhouses, Garrisons, Arsenals, and Seacoast Batteries in the United States and Canada & Associated Territories 1526 – 1956 –https://www.northamericanforts.com/East/oh.html This is a great place to explore a list of Revolutionary war (and other) forts in Ohio.