Niagara County Allocates $7,500 to USA 250th Committee for Initial Planning
Niagara County Legislature has allocated $7,500 to the Niagara USA 250th Committee to support the planning of local celebrations for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The committee aims to highlight Niagara County’s rich history and bolster its status as a heritage tourism destination.
The 25-member committee comprises historical and cultural organizations, community leaders, tourism officials, educators, elected officials, and volunteers. This funding, from the county’s Community Partnership program, will help initiate planning activities and community engagement.
“The Niagara USA 250th Committee is eager to encourage local governments, organizations, and the public to start thinking about our nation’s milestone birthday in 2026,” said Niagara County Legislator Irene Myers, a committee member. “We aim to launch a dedicated website soon and significantly increase community involvement in planning activities.”
The funding announcement aligns with the inaugural meeting of the New York 250 Commemoration Commission in Albany. The State Commission has designated the years 2024-2033 as the commemoration era, including the New York State Parks centennial in 2024, the Erie Canal Bicentennial in 2025, and the nation’s 250th in 2026. The Commission’s work will continue through 2033, marking the 250th anniversary of the treaty that ended the American Revolution.
Since October 2023, the Niagara County Committee has been encouraging municipal officials and cultural organizations to brainstorm events and programs for these significant anniversaries. The committee aims to coordinate regional efforts to promote heritage tourism and educate residents about Niagara County’s history. Area residents are invited to share their ideas via email at niagaraUSA250@gmail.com.
Pictured left to right: Ian Seppala, Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum; Tom Collister, Historical Association of Lewiston; Catherine Emerson, Niagara County Historian; Lindsey Lauren Visser, Niagara Aerospace Museum; Marjorie Maggard, Lewiston Historian; Irene Myers, Niagara County Legislator; Robert Emerson, Old Fort Niagara; Clark Godshall, Niagara Orleans BOCES; Richard Andres, Niagara County Legislator; and James Lester, Niagara County Historical Society
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