YSU launches community-wide effort for America’s 250th anniversary

Youngstown State University is launching a full slate of events, courses and community partnerships in celebration of American250, the nation’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The initiative, led by Amy Fluker, associate professor of history, will run throughout the 2026 calendar year and feature interactive, community-focused programming designed to explore both the history and culture that shape the American experience.

“Our goal is to celebrate not only the founding ideas of the nation, but also the everyday stories, traditions and people who make our community unique,” Fluker said.

The university’s first America250 event takes place Jan. 9 at Noble Creature Cask House, featuring a George Washington reenactor and a special recreation of one of Washington’s original beer recipes. The brew is being crafted by Kyle Starkey, instructor of history, and Ira Gerhart, Noble Creature owner, who will discuss historical brewing techniques during the program. The event is free and open to all ages, however the beer is only available to those of legal drinking age.

Throughout 2026, YSU will host food demonstrations, living-history programs, lectures and community collaborations, including a planned vintage baseball game between the Akron Black Stockings and YSU Athletics in September 2026. Played by 19th-century rules, the game will offer a hands-on look at America’s pastime. Other major events are in development, including a planned partnership with the Skeggs Lecture Series.

In addition to public programming, Fluker and Luke Hardy, associate professor of english, are offering special-topics courses tied to America250 themes, inviting students from all majors to explore the American Revolution, Civil War, cultural histories and the nation’s evolving identity. Additional courses will be taught in the fall of 2026 by Mark Vopat, professor of philosophy and religious studies, and Adam Fuller, associate professor of politics, international relations and Rigelhaupt Pre-Law Center, on political and constitutional history. “These courses give students the chance to engage with big questions about who we were, who we are and who we want to be,” said Fluker.

A key component of the initiative is the creation of an America250 time capsule to be buried on campus alongside a newly planted Liberty Tree. Fluker is asking each college to contribute one small, durable, non-paper artifact that represents its identity today. The capsule will be opened in 25 years, with contents to be preserved by YSU Archives and Special Collections. “This is a chance to show future Penguins what mattered to us in 2026,” she said.

YSU invites students, faculty, staff and community members to attend America250 events, share ideas and highlight work happening across campus that reflects the spirit of the anniversary year. The full event schedule and additional information is available at the YSU250 website. To participate or get involved contact Amy Fluker.