Niagara County forms committee to plan US 250th celebration

Volunteers welcome to join planning committee 

By the Niagara County Public Information Officer 

Niagara County is in the process forming a committee to plan for celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States on July 4, 2026, according to Legislature Chairman Becky Wydysh. Robert Emerson, executive director of Old Fort Niagara, has been asked to chair the committee.

“Bob Emerson approached the legislature about forming a local America 250 committee so we can coordinate events across the county to celebrate this tremendous milestone; but to do so, we need ample time to prepare,” Wydysh said. “The legislature is fully behind the effort and very pleased that Bob has agreed to chair the committee. We hope to begin making appointments in the coming weeks and have the first organizational meeting within the next month or so.” 

Anyone wishing to volunteer on the American 250 committee should send an email to the County Legislature via the public information office at [email protected].

“Old Fort Niagara played a role in the American Revolution, and we want to be able to recognize that history as part of a larger celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday,” Emerson said. “We want to bring all corners of Niagara County together and make the 4th of July in 2026 something special and memorable.”