AUSTINTOWN — The township will be a focal point of the celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.

Trustee Robert Santos said Friday that Austintown has been designated as an official “America 250 Community,” and can apply for state funding to host events that celebrate American history in 2026.

“This designation reflects our commitment to honoring our nation’s rich history and promoting civic engagement within our community,” Santos said in a press release. “Austintown Township will be organizing a series of events and activities aimed at bringing residents together to celebrate our shared heritage. These events will provide opportunities for education, reflection, and celebration of the values that unite us as Americans.”

Santos said that legislation passed by the State of Ohio means Austintown can apply for up to $5,000 to support the events.

Santos said the specifics are yet to be determined but the township’s initial plan is to incorporate at least most of the activities into the annual Austintown Community and Family Day at Austintown Township Park in August 2026.

“We’re going to work with everybody to make this happen,” he said. “We’ll collaborate and try to make it a fun-filled educational day and welcome anybody who wants to assist.”

Santos said that the township may be able to acquire a descendant seed from George Washington’s famous cherry tree from the Sons of the American Legion to plant in the township. Other ideas may include historic landmarks like the Austin Log Cabin or the Strock Stone House.

The landmarks are among those featured on the township seal trustees had commissioned and unveiled in July 2023.

Santos said nothing is set in stone, and he’d prefer to see everything at one site if possible.

Santos said the money will help if they are successful, but it is not guaranteed.

“You’re competing against all these other cities and villages, so we’re hoping we’ll be approved,” he said. “We will still have an event to celebrate the 250th but this grant will just help us make it that much bigger.”

According to the press release, ‘America 250’ is a nationwide initiative to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. It encourages communities to participate in commemorative events that highlight the nation’s history, culture, and shared values.”

Residents are invited to contact Santos to share ideas for the celebration. He can be reached at 330-531-1007.

The state’s website says Ohio’s 29-member Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial was announced on March 1, 2022, on Ohio’s Statehood Day by Gov. Mike DeWine. The website states America 250-Ohio is a multi-year commemoration that will include Ohioans from all 88 counties to highlight Ohio’s unique role in American history.

Eight U.S. Presidents were elected from Ohio: Rutherford B. Hayes, Ulysses S. Grant, William Henry Harrison, Benjamin Harrison, William Howard Taft, Warren G. Harding, James A. Garfield and William McKinley, who was born in Niles and lived in Poland for a time.

Youngstown, Braceville, Salem and East Liverpool also have been designated America 250-Ohio Cities.