Jun 12 - Jun 13
Albion Strawberry Festival
America 250
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the foundational document of the American Revolution, which took place between 1774 and 1783 and led to the creation of the United States of America. What is now the State of New York played a crucial and enduring role not only during the Revolutionary Era but also throughout the subsequent 250 years of the nation’s history.
Throughout the year, Orleans County will commemorate this occasion with history lectures, themed events, reenactments, parades, and more. These events are listed below and will continue to be added and updated throughout the year.
Events
Submit Your Event
If you are an organization in Orleans County hosting an event with an America 250 theme, please submit your event here to be added to the Orleans County Tourism event calendar as well as the I Love NY/America 250 calendar.
New York State 250th Commemorative Commission
New York State has awarded Orleans County Historian Catherine Cooper $15,000 to help commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026.
Orleans County has established an America 250 Committee to allocate these funds to local organizations, municipalities, and schools that are hosting America 250–themed events, as well as supporting other related projects. Scroll down for the application for NY250 funds.
While no Revolutionary War battles took place in Orleans County, several soldiers from the era later settled in the area. Some of these veterans, who are buried in local cemeteries, will be spotlighted as part of this year’s commemoration.
The New York State 250th Commemorative Commission seeks to do more than simply celebrate the Revolutionary period and the founding of the United States. The Commission also aims to highlight ongoing efforts to advance the ideals expressed by the nation’s founders. New York has played a key role in these movements, including the Underground Railroad, the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, the labor movement, and the LGBTQ+ rights movement, as noted by Gov. Kathy Hochul on May 14, 2024, when the state named members of the Commemorative Commission.
For more information on the New York State 250th Commemorative Commission, see the field guide on the commemoration here.
