America 250-Ohio at the Statehouse!

In recognition of the America 250-Ohio initiative to celebrate the semiquincentennial of the United States of America, Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board is proud to announce upcoming events and exhibits that honor 250 years of Americas history! More events and exhibits will be added, so be sure to check in to this page often!

Events

Fossil Fest and Tour
June 25, 2026
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse Atrium

Join experts from ODNR and OSU for a day dedicated to Ohio fossils. More details about this free event for all ages.  

America 250-Ohio

Signature Homecoming & Picnic
July 4, 2026
11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse West Lawn, Ohio Theatre and Columbus Commons

Celebrate with free activities, food trucks, concerts and movies in downtown Columbus.  More details and tickets.  

Family Day:  Ohio Inventors Day!

July 29, 2026

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Ohio Statehouse Atrium

Free activities for families and friends.  More details.  

Exhibits

Mapping the American Revolution
January - July 28, 2026
Map Room 

Tony Holbrook, longtime member of the Brigade of the American Revolution and collector of American Revolution artifacts will exhibit some of his 18th century surveying equipment. This exhibit includes maps from the time period of the Revolution, as well as maps made in the 18th century manner by Tony himself. This exhibit will show visitors the methods and tools of the surveyor and mapmaker.

The American Freedom Train
March 27 - July 31, 2026
Governor's Hallway

In 1976, the Freedom Train moved across America for the nation’s Bicentennial, carrying artifacts that told the story of 200 years of history. This exhibit brings the train’s journey to life with photographer Warren Motts’s powerful images and rare antiques, including an original side panel from the famous train itself!

Darke County, Ohio D.A.R. Chapter of Greeneville
June - July 2026
Governor's Hallway 

This banner exhibit by the Daughters of the American Revolution will feature such subjects as Patriots, Economy, Frontier, People and Places centering around Darke County 250 years ago.

American Revolution Experience
July 17-23
South Hallway 

This innovative exhibit uses storytelling, illustration and unique artifacts to connect modern audiences with the people and places that shaped the birth of our nation, and is provided by the American Battlefield Trust and the Daughters of the American Revolution. 

Fort Laurens
August 5 - December 2026
Map Room

The exhibit contains artifacts from the fort including musket balls, shoe buckles, gun locks, coinage, etc. Additionally, there will be artifacts from Native American towns near to Fort Laurens. Exhibit artifacts include gun parts, thimbles, trade silver, knife fragments and more! 

Liberty Tree

July 1 - December 2026

Museum Gallery

This exhibit features a sawn section of the last standing Liberty Tree from the American Revolution, an iconic symbol of revolt as the colonies rebelled against England.

Early Ohio Land Patent

September 11 - December 2026

Museum Gallery 

The exhibit contains an original Ohio Land Patent issued to Jacob Dittoe of Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1808. The patent has the signature of President Thomas Jefferson, and is also signed by Secretary of State James Madison.

Resources

America250 Day by Day - list of history events for 250 years