Unearth Your Family Story
Beginning your genealogy journey? Overwhelmed by your family tree? This program covers how to start, library resources, tips for brick walls, and how to make it fun. America 250 Event.
America 250
Digging into Local History: The Circleville Letters
Calling all true crime fans! Join us for a presentation on a strange chapter in local history. During the late 70s, unsigned letters spread fear and rumors throughout Circleville. America 250 Event.
Tarlton America 250 Celebration Planned for July 11
The Village of Tarlton will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary on Saturday, July 11, with a day of live music, family activities, local vendors, a tractor parade, and community fellowship during the Tarlton America 250 Celebration.
The event is part of America 250-Ohio’s Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic Signature Program, a statewide initiative encouraging communities to gather throughout 2026 to celebrate the people, places, and stories that have shaped Ohio and the nation over the past 250 years.
Located in northeastern Pickaway County, Tarlton has a long history of bringing people together. Founded by Benjamin Newell in 1801, the village remains one of the county’s oldest settlements and provides a fitting backdrop for a celebration focused on community, heritage, and hometown pride.
Activities begin at noon with vendors and children’s activities. Visitors can spend the afternoon exploring booths, visiting with neighbors, and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of one of Pickaway County’s historic communities.
A highlight of the day will be the Tractor Show and Parade at 2 p.m., showcasing a tradition that reflects the agricultural roots of the area. The parade offers an opportunity to celebrate the equipment, families, and farming heritage that have helped shape the region for generations.
Live music will follow from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., providing entertainment throughout the evening. Food vendors and community activities will be available throughout the day, and an auction featuring vintage Tarlton signs and memorabilia will offer a unique look at the village’s past.
America 250 commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Across Ohio, communities are participating in events that highlight local history while creating opportunities for people to gather and celebrate together. The Tarlton America 250 Celebration brings that mission to life through a day centered on community connections and shared experiences.
Whether you’re returning to Tarlton, visiting for the first time, or looking for a way to take part in Ohio’s America 250 celebration, the event offers an opportunity to enjoy a summer day filled with local history, entertainment, and small-town hospitality.
Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and spend the day enjoying everything the celebration has to offer.
Event Details
Tarlton America 250 Celebration
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Tarlton, Ohio
Schedule Highlights
- Vendors and Community Activities: Beginning at Noon
- Children’s Activities: Noon to 4 p.m.
- Tractor Show & Parade: 2 p.m.
- Live Music: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Food Vendors
- Auction Featuring Vintage Tarlton Memorabilia
The Village of Tarlton is currently seeking retail and food vendors interested in participating in the celebration. For additional information, contact villageoftarlton@yahoo.com
America 250 Celebration with Bob Browning & Double Barrel
Celebrate the Fourth of July in Ashville with live country music from Bob Browning & Double Barrel at Off The Rails. After a day at the Ashville 4th of July Celebration, stop in to cool off, grab a bite from Perry’s Pizza, and enjoy an evening of live music, drinks, and community.
The band takes the stage at 6 p.m. and keeps the music going into the evening as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.
Tours of the Pickaway County Historical & Genealogical Library
Ever wondered what stories are hidden in old photographs, family records, and local archives? This summer, take a free behind-the-scenes look at the Pickaway County Historical & Genealogical Library and discover the people, places, and events that helped shape our community.
Browse fascinating historical resources, learn how to trace your family history, and explore a treasure trove of local stories preserved right here in Circleville.
As a special bonus, each touring family will receive a complimentary goodie bag filled with Pickaway County keepsakes and mementoes.
Bioblitz – Race to 250 – Deer Creek State Park
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by racing to find 250 species at Deer Creek State Park! Search for plants, insects, birds, and animals across the park and log them using the free iNaturalist app. ODNR Naturalist Rylee Santini will provide an iNaturalist tutorial at the Nature Center before you explore. Bring a smartphone or tablet. Enclosed shoes and water recommended. Open to all ages — explore on your own or as a group. Free to attend.
Presented by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)
Contact: Rylee Santini | rylee.santini@dnr.ohio.gov
Location: Start at the Nature Center
Ring Bells for America’s 250th
On July 4, 2026, bells across America will ring out together to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday — and Pickaway County is joining in!
Organized with the Daughters of the American Revolution Pickaway Plains Chapter, this community bell ringing is open to everyone — churches, organizations, schools, and individuals with handheld bells are all welcome to participate.
Ring your bell on July 4, 2026 at 2:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time.
Whether you have a church tower bell, a carillon, or a small handheld bell on your front porch — your participation makes history. This is a once-in-a-generation celebration of 250 years of American community and spirit.
Sign up to let us know you’re participating and receive a reminder the day before:
Sign Up: https://form.jotform.com/261464371019051
Document your moment and share it on social media using #America250 and #BellsAcrossAmerica!
For ringing guidelines, visit bells.org/blog/bell-ringing-guidelines-americas-250th
That Big Spring Show: Celebrating America 250 and… Mom!
Enjoy an evening of barbershop harmony at the Circleville Men’s Barbershop Chorus annual spring show. “That Big Spring Show” celebrates America 250 with a special nod to Mother’s Day, featuring a lively mix of classic barbershop music and patriotic favorites.
The evening includes a featured performance by special guest quartet The Core, representing the Buckeye Columbus Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Known for their strong harmonies and competitive success, The Core brings high-energy entertainment to the stage.
Tickets available online or at the door, as well as at DeLong Insurance Agency in Circleville. Kids 12 and under admitted free.
Stars, Stripes & STEAM: Celebrating America 250
Stars, Stripes & STEAM is a celebration of America’s 250-year journey of discovery, ingenuity, and problem-solving. Through hands-on experiences, interactive demonstrations, and inspiring conversations, Stars, Stripes & STEAM connects the ideals of curiosity, independence, and collaboration with modern science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Participants of all ages are invited to explore how innovation has powered the American experiment—and how the next generation of thinkers and builders will lead the way forward.
America 250 Pickaway Workshop & Open House
Join us for a drop-in America 250 Pickaway Workshop and Open House!
Stop by anytime between 9 AM and noon to share ideas, brainstorm projects, or learn more about how Pickaway County will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
This is a relaxed, come-and-go session — no presentations or formal agenda, just an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and get creative together. Whether you represent a local organization, enjoy history, or simply want to get involved, everyone is welcome.
Wi-Fi available if you’d like to bring a laptop or device to work from.
If you can’t make it but want to stay involved, email jrhoads@pickaway.com to be added to our contact list for updates and access to shared planning materials.