COLUMBUS — Belmont County Tourism is one of nine recipients of an America 250-Ohio grant to create “Pathways to the Past.”

America 250-Ohio, the official state commission responsible for spearheading Ohio’s celebrations and commemorations around America’s semiquincentennial in 2026, announced that it awarded grants of up to $5,000 each to 57 organizations across the state for a total of $278,834.

These grants are dedicated to funding programs and initiatives commemorating Ohio’s important contribution to American history. The $5,000 grant is meant to help awardees plan, organize and implement a program or event that aligns with America 250-Ohio initiatives in two broad categories: Storytelling and Education (Next Generation Citizens).

In order to qualify for the grants, applicants needed to either be designated an official “America 250-Ohio Community,” and/or have a letter of support from that local government entity. These community-focused grants are aimed at funding local experiences that supplement the programs that America 250-Ohio is producing statewide, and that further the reach of America 250-Ohio-related educational programming statewide.

This is the third and final round of grants awarded by America 250-Ohio since its inception.

The first funding cycle, announced in January 2024, awarded nearly $400,000 in grants to 23 communities and organizations for projects with significant statewide or regional impacts, as well as smaller local activations. The second funding cycle, announced in June 2024, awarded $600,000 to 61 recipients. Grants for the first two rounds funded community-based projects and initiatives ranging from exhibitions to public events to digital and documentary media projects. All three rounds of grants have been administered, in part, by Ohio Humanities.

“We wanted to use this third grant cycle to recognize and support the work of America 250-Ohio communities across the state,” said Todd Kleismit, executive director of America 250-Ohio. “From big cities to small towns, Ohioans are making plans for the semiquincentennial in 2026, and this new round of grants will help provide them with opportunities to learn and to celebrate our state and our nation.”

Belmont County Tourism is excited to pursue the America250-OH grant to create “Pathways of the Past: Belmont County Historical Trail.” This self-guided, county-wide trail will highlight key historical sites that played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s heritage. By connecting residents and visitors with the rich stories of Belmont County history, this project will celebrate our past while enhancing cultural tourism and community engagement. Grant funding will support signage and digital resources to make history accessible to all. This initiative honors our legacy and strengthens local pride as we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and Belmont County’s 225th anniversary, both in 2026.

A full list of grant recipients can be found at america250-ohio.org.