Friday, May 24, 2024 9:25 AM
Submitted by the Public Relations Office
The Niagara USA 250th Anniversary Committee, established to coordinate local celebrations, draw attention to Niagara County’s rich history and enhance Niagara County’s status as a heritage tourism destination in preparation for the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding in 2026, has received $7,500 from the Niagara County Council to fund initial planning activities.
The 25-member committee is made up of historical and cultural organizations, community leaders, tourism officials, educators, elected officials and local volunteers. Funding was provided by the county’s Community Partnership Program.
“The Niagara USA 250th Anniversary Committee is excited to jumpstart our efforts to get local governments, organizations and the public thinking about our nation’s milestone birthday in 2026,” said Niagara County Councillor Eileen Myers, a committee member. “We hope to launch a dedicated website soon and greatly increase community involvement in planning activities.”
The funding announcement coincided with the inaugural meeting of the New York 250th Anniversary Commission, held in Albany last Wednesday. The state commission has set a commemorative period from 2024 to 2033, with the 100th anniversary of New York State Parks in 2024, the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal in 2025 and the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The commission will continue its work through 2033, the 250th anniversary of the treaty that ended the American Revolutionary War.
The Niagara County Commission has been meeting since October and is asking city officials and cultural organizations to begin considering events and programs to celebrate these important anniversaries. The Commission hopes to coordinate local commemorations, promote heritage tourism and educate residents about Niagara County’s fascinating history. You are welcome to submit your ideas. [email protected].
Pictured from left: Ian Seppala of the Herschel Carousel Factory Museum, Tom Collister of the Lewiston Historical Society, Niagara County Historian Katherine Emerson, Lindsay Lauren Visser of the Niagara Air and Space Museum, Lewiston Historian Marjorie Maggard, Niagara County Councillor Eileen Myers, Robert Emerson of Old Fort Niagara, Clark Godshall of Niagara Orleans BOCES, Niagara County Councillor Richard Andres and James Lester of the Niagara County Historical Society.
