America 250 Celebrations in Highland County

Highland County Prepares to Celebrate America 250 Two-Day Celebration Planned for July 17–18, 2026

In 2026, Highland County will join communities across the nation in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. This once-in-a-generation celebration, part of the nationwide America 250 initiative, will honor the people, places, and stories that have shaped both Highland County and our nation.

The Highland County America 250 celebration will take place on Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, 2026, featuring theatrical performances, Pioneer Day exhibits, courthouse tours, community activities, and a grand finale concert on the courthouse lawn. It promises to be a weekend that both honors the past and celebrates the future.

Friday, July 17 – Fire in the Night Season: The Trial of Philip Partridge

Fire in the Night Season: The Trial of Philip Partridge is a docudrama celebrating the freedom fighter spirit in all of us. As part of the America 250 Celebration in Highland County, Susan Banyas and Rainee Angles retell the story of the trailblazing County Engineer, Philip Partridge, who stood trial for burning down the Lincoln School in Hillsboro, Ohio.

In May of 1954, the Brown v. Board of Education ruling declared racial segregation of public schools was unconstitutional. In Hillsboro, the white children went to Washington or Webster elementary, while the Black children attended the Lincoln School, a school badly in need of repair and improvements. However, voters had passed a levy to upgrade the two white schools, and this motion placed integration on the back burner indefinitely. Enter Philip Partridge, July 5th 1954. At 2:00am, he lit the match that forced integration in this small, rural town.

The play weaves lyrical passages of The Hillsboro Story, written by Susan Banyas, with a dramatic staging of Mr. Partridge’s trial. Rainee Angles will be directing the play, with a one-night-only performance on July 17th at the Edward K. Daniels Auditorium, Southern State Community College, Hillsboro Ohio. The performance begins at 7:00pm. Admission is free.

Auditions will be held May 9th from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the Edward K. Daniels Auditorium, Southern State Community College. Auditions are open to anyone with an interest in telling this story. You can sign up for an audition time slot by visiting the SSCC Theatre website: https://sscctheatre.com/

This production is being presented in part by the generosity of the Paul and Mae Jane Pence Trust Patron of the Arts Fund through the Southern State Foundation and the America 250-Ohio Commission. Fire in the Night Season kicks off Highland County’s weekend celebration of America’s 250th anniversary of our independence. 

Tickets for this event will go on sale June 17 and can be purchased at https://sscctheatre.com/

Saturday, July 18 – A Countywide Celebration

Saturday will be filled with activities stretching across Highland County, perfect for history lovers, families, and anyone seeking a memorable summer outing. The day begins in Hillsboro at 9 am with Opening Ceremonies that kick off a jam packed day. At 10 am the Farmers Market at the courthouse square will begin, where visitors can browse local produce, handmade goods, and enjoy the lively energy of the community. Around 10:00 a.m., Pioneer Day exhibits and museum openings will get underway. Food trucks will be open in the area and tours will be offered of Ohio’s oldest continuously operating courthouse.

In Leesburg, visitors will be able to explore the village’s history through tours of the Train Depot, the Veterans Memorial, and the Historic Leesburg Friends Meeting House. By late morning, attention shifts to Greenfield, where the historic Edward Lee McClain High School will open their doors for tours and the Mainstreet Greenfield will host a series of programs running from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

By early afternoon, the celebration moves west to Lynchburg. Beginning at 1:00 p.m., guests can visit the Lynchburg Historical Museum, enjoy a walk across the charming covered bridge, or take part in learning about the former local distillery.

Throughout the day, the historic Hillsboro area will feature walking tours, courthouse presentations, and screenings of old films that showcase the community’s past. Each community’s events will add a unique flavor to the overall celebration, painting a complete picture of Highland County’s rich heritage.

As the day draws to a close, the community will come together in Hillsboro for two very special events. At 6:00 p.m., a new Revolutionary War Memorial will be unveiled on the courthouse grounds, honoring the sacrifices of Highland County residents who contributed to America’s independence. Immediately following the dedication, the courthouse lawn will transform into a concert venue. The evening will conclude with a recreation of the beloved Hillsboro Military Band, whose spirited performances were a highlight of community life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

A Celebration for All

No matter your interest—history, music, food, or family fun—there will be something for everyone during Highland County’s America 250 celebration.

“This is an opportunity to honor our roots while celebrating the future,” said Brad Roades, of the Highland County Board of Commissioners. “The events we have planned will highlight the stories, people, and places that make Highland County unique while connecting us to America’s broader history.”

Mark your calendars for July 17–18, 2026, and join us as we honor our past, celebrate our present, and look ahead to our future.

Stay updated by following Highland County’s America 250 Celebration on Facebook or visiting www.VisitHighlandCounty.com.

Thank you sponsors - updated 4/23/2026

This event is being held with the support of several local sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring this event please reach out to:
Visitors Bureau of Highland County - 937-393-1111 - info@visithighlandcounty.com

Revolutionary Sponsors

Fraternal Order of Eagles 1161

Media Sponsors

iHeart Media - WCHO - WSRW

Freedom Sponsors

Seal-Tite LLC

Pioneer Sponsors

Alley Neighborhood Grill/Highland Lanes
Greystone Systems
Rick's Hometown TV & Appliance Center
Southern Hills Community Bank
Visitors Bureau of Highland County

Community Sponsors

First State Bank
Hillsboro Orpheum
Huhtamaki
Southern State Community College
Waw-wil-a-way Chapter NSDAR
Weastec, Inc.
Wilkin-Wilkin Insurance

Friend of Highland County Sponsor

Amy Davis & Associates Realty Co
C.W. Digital Marketing, LLC
Highland County Chamber of Commerce
Horne Law Office
Lynchburg Historical Society
Lynchburg Lions Club
Main St. Mercantile
McCarty Associates, LLC
Peace Lutheran Church of Hillsboro OH
The Sugar Shack
Wilmington Savings Bank

Tentative Schedule of Events

Overview

• Closest City: Hillsboro
• Region: Central
• Category: Things to Do
• Sub-Category: Outdoor Adventure, Indoor Fun, Attractions