Indiana Celebrates America 250

I have been asked to create a local committee to become a part of Indiana’s celebration of the United States of America's – yes, this is a real word – semiquincentennial.

Indiana created the Indiana Semiquincentennial Commission in 2022. During 2023, they began work on the structure for planning programs and projects of Indiana’s celebration. Their objectives:

• To involve all Hoosiers in the Celebration of America 250,
• To emphasize the strength of Hoosier ideas, hopes, and dreams, and
• To achieve a 250^th Commemoration on which Hoosiers can reflect as a positive achievement at this time in Indiana’s and America’s history.

They have reached out to all 92 counties and have asked that each form an America 250 Committee. They would like to see all committees formed by this fall. Their website: https://www.in.gov/usa250/.

I have resisted becoming involved in yet another activity, but this opportunity – the 250^th anniversary of our country – will never come around again. So here I am, once again, asking that you carefully consider the opportunity for your organization to become involved. (Hint: If you want to know why you have received this email, take a look at the list included.)

I ask that you appoint one person from your organization to this committee, with the ultimate goal of a celebration on July 4, 2026. They suggest that 15 – 20 members be chosen to be a part of such a committee, and I am going to cut a wide swath through the community asking for volunteers. I say this, so you will know that you won’t be alone, and no one person will shoulder an overwhelming responsibility.

Please consider the realization that I have had. This opportunity will never come around again.

I would like to hear from you by May 31 with “no thank you,” or “here is the name and contact information of the person who will be on the committee.” Examples might be, for a school corporation, a history teacher. Or for a town, someone on your council or from your community that is interested in activities of this type. I hope this time frame gives you an opportunity to meet with your organization and come to a decision.

I will represent the Historical Society. By July 2026 (actually, by June 2025), we will have a new building, and some activities could be held right there. The sky is the limit, however, and we can and will consider celebrations all over the county.

Again, please get back to me by May 31 with a yes or no, and if it’s yes, please give me the name and contact information (email and cell phone should suffice) of your organization’s representative.

Kathi

Kathi Thompson, Pulaski County Historical Society

kathit@pwrtc.com / 574-270-0128

Invitation List

Please Let Me Know If Someone Else Should Be Included