Medina plans yearlong America 250 celebration

Medina has planned a yearlong celebration in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday. The city was officially recognized as an America 250 Community by the state of Ohio in 2024. Since then, Medina’s America 250 committee has partnered with city and county organizations to plan events and festivities honoring local history.

The 30-member committee used monthly themes developed by Ohio 250 as a guide for planning events. 

“Locally, the city’s focus is on the stories and contributions that stand out in our history and make our city special,” said Barbara Dzur, chair of the Medina 250 Committee and the city’s economic development and marketing manager.

A free America 250 printed guide with details of all events is available at City Hall and in shops throughout the Historic District and South Town. Event information is also available at medinaoh.org in the Visitors section of the city’s website.

Events began this month with presentations on Medina’s history as it relates to the American Revolution. Innovations and social connections will be explored in February. Medina’s culture and arts will be featured in March, including an exhibit and luncheon about Ohio’s first ladies. April will focus on transportation, May will highlight music, and June will explore natural resources.

A special America 250 dedication honoring veterans of all wars will be held Saturday, April 18, at 10 a.m. at the Vietnam Veterans Monument at Spring Grove Cemetery. The 2026 Memorial Day parade will also end at the Soldiers’ Mound at Spring Grove Cemetery, where a ceremony will include the dedication of a plaque recognizing the America 250 celebration.

On June 14, at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., walking tours of Medina’s Underground Railroad will be offered, sponsored by the Medina Friends of the Cemetery. The tours will begin at the Old Courthouse, stop at several homes that provided refuge for freedom-seekers, and end at abolitionist graves at Spring Grove Cemetery.

The weekend of July 4 will mark the pinnacle of the celebration. Fireworks will be held July 3 at Medina High School. The 50th annual Medina Twin Swizzler Races will begin at 7:45 a.m. on Independence Day, followed by the Medina Square Farmers Market.

On July 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a Spirit of ’76 Celebration, sponsored by the Friends of the Cemetery, will be held in Medina’s Old Town Graveyard on East Liberty Street next to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. A military honor guard will salute and lay wreaths honoring Revolutionary War patriots Frederic Jones, Harmon (Herman) Munson and John Clark, who are buried in the cemetery.

The three patriots settled in Medina following the war. Like many early settlers, Munson and his son-in-law, Clark, lived in Connecticut before traveling to what was then known as the Western Reserve. Munson received a land grant in recognition of his military service. Jones enlisted as a private in New York, moved to Medina County after the war and died in 1811.

During the Spirit of ’76 event, committee members will portray local historical figures including Harmon and Anna Munson, Jim Smith, Rufus and Hannah Ferris, and Austin Badger and his wives. George and Martha Washington, Betsy Ross, Paul Revere and Molly Pitcher will also make appearances.

The early American vocal group Maidens Kiss will perform, along with a dulcimer player and a fiddler. Early American crafters will demonstrate their skills. Children will enjoy themed games and crafts, and photo opportunities will be available.

Friends of the Cemetery President Teresa Merkle encouraged residents to attend. 

“Make plans to join us in celebrating our country’s 250th birthday in style right here in Medina,” she said.

At 4 p.m., the Fourth of July Parade will include Spirit of ’76 actors. The parade will begin at Medina High School and end in Medina Square, where participants will be encouraged to form “250 Hands Around the Square.” At 8 p.m., the Medina Community Band will conclude the day with a patriotic concert.

The Medina County Historical Society will host an automobile transportation trophy show July 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Medina County Administration Building parking lot.

On July 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., small groups will depart every half hour from Town Hall and the Engine House Museum for “Second Story Walking Tours” at locations throughout Medina.

Traditional Medina events in the second half of 2026, including the Spring Grove Cemetery Historical Walk, Medina County Fair and Candlelight Walk, will also include America 250 tributes.

New history book out now

The Medina County Historical Society has published Voices of the Revolutionary War, a collection of stories about 45 Revolutionary War soldiers buried throughout the county. The book was created after extensive research by a 30-member committee, with illustrations by Rich Doyle and Kathy Kraus. Copies are available at the John Smart and McDowell-Phillips house museums for a $10 donation, and a PDF version is available through the Medina Library. Copies may also be requested by emailing mchs@zoominternet.net.