America 250 ~ NYS 250
Celebrating and Commemorating Our National History
Residents and visitors across Wayne County are invited to explore America’s national identity through the lens of our collective ancestors. This year will feature countywide programs that educate the public about our country’s history — marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
At the center will be Revolutionary-era themes that shaped the nation while also affecting the earliest inhabitants of our region which continue to influence us today. These initiatives are designed to foster appreciation for local history, encourage civic engagement, and connect past and present through shared stories and experiences.
NYS & Wayne Co. 250 Programs
Brewing Conflicts
Join us at the local "coffeehouse" for lively, interactive history-based discussions. Scripted and spontaneous debate on historical and contemporary issues — mirroring how Revolutionary War issues were debated and discussed. Historical organizations sponsor lively, facilitated, history-based discussions for ages 14 & up, facilitating debate on historical and contemporary issues.
These interactive programs ask participants to consider the difficult choices faced during the colonial period and to reflect on their modern parallels. Enjoy brewed beverages offered: Tea, Coffee, and Hot Chocolate!
Programs will be FREE to attend. Space is limited. Please RSVP in advance.
Special Appearances by two historic characters.
Business Sponsors: Imprint Coffee, Freedom Blend, Good Life Tea, Earl Grey
NEXT BREWING CONFLICTS EVENTS:
Ye Hills of Wayne: County History Driving Tour
Take a Self-guided tour while traveling through Wayne County’s historic countryside, along the shores of Lake Ontario to the banks of the Erie Canal. Routes explore the people and places that shaped the region and highlight historical stops. Tours will be available online, via a mobile app, and in print by June 2026.
Routes will wind through historic hamlets and culturally significant landscapes, encouraging exploration of places and people that shaped the region. Tours will include audio playback and suggested historic stops, allowing participants to learn at their own pace while experiencing the county’s colonial and national heritage related to first inhabitants of the land, Revolutionary ancestors, and all that came after...
Communication 250: Broadsides and Wampum Belts
How did news travel 250 years ago?
Who was writing and printing, and what were they saying?
How did the Haudenosaunee communicate with European traders, governments, military and settlers?
Join us for answers to these questions and more at the Great American Wayne County Fair,
Wednesday, August 12th. FREE YOUTH DAY AT THE FAIR 10AM-5PM.
Wayne Co. 250 - Keynote Speaker "Stolen Ground"
Thank you to Dr. Michael Oberg from SUNY Geneseo for sharing his unique perspective on America 250. Based on a quarter-century of Native American research, his talk focused on overlooked aspects of the Declaration of Independence. The depiction and treatment of Indigenous people and the systematic dispossession of Indigenous land.
YouTube Link (TBD)
These America 250 programs are made possible through support from the
New York State Department of Education and will be presented in partnership with local historical societies, municipal historians,
civic organizations, and community venues throughout Wayne County.