This momentous occasion has sparked a national initiative — America250, which celebrates this historic milestone across the United States and honors the past contributions of all Americans, and looks towards the future.

Across the country, Americans have planned unique and exciting celebrations for this event. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has their own initiative called America250PA, with 67 counties taking part in signing the resolution to celebrate.

Maria Boileau, Director of Voter Registration & Elections for Clinton County, spoke about the importance and significance of America250PA during the Clinton County Board of Commissioners meeting this week.

“America250PA was created in 2018 and was known as Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. The theme for Pennsylvania is EPIC — Educate, Preserve, Innovate and Celebrate,” said Boileau.

The commissioners created the America250PA-Clinton County committee, which also has three established sub-committees — Educate & Preserve; Innovate; and Celebrate.

Elizabeth Whitty, Community Development and Housing Coordinator for Clinton County, held up the logo which was created by Kasey Dumm, Community Life Coordinator for the City of Lock Haven and member of the America250PA Clinton County Committee.

“(The logo represents) the theme 250 years and still growing,” said Boileau.

One of the first initiatives of this committee is to plant 250 native trees and pollinators. The Innovate Committee will be handling this initiative and their partners include but are not limited to DCNR, the Conservation District, the Clinton County Economic Partnership, local municipalities like the City of Lock Haven, and Downtown Lock Haven Inc., Keystone Central School District and many more. They are also working on offering seed packets of native pollinator plants and conducting tree sales with the Clinton County Conservation District.

The Educate and Preserve committee is providing schools, community groups, organizations, families and individuals with ways to learn and share facts about Clinton County, Pennsylvania and the United States. They are taking on the creation of an interactive map, highlighting historic sites and points of interest throughout the county. They are also supporting Bucktail High School Students in their efforts to change the State Fossil to the Hynerpeton Bassetti — Clinton County’s own fossil.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS The Clinton County Commissioners and Desiree Myers, the Chief Clerk, are pictured revealing the new America250PA logo for Clinton County.

The Celebrate Committee is working on the county’s web page and social media sites. They are creating a “Share Your Story Video Series” to encourage the community to share their interests, business and history with the community.

Residents of Clinton County are encouraged to share their story. Clubs, schools and municipalities can adopt a resolution and become an America250PA Clinton County Partner. Families, businesses and individuals can plant a native pollinator or tree.

In addition to the presentation of the logo, the commissioners presented a resolution from the first club in the community to join the initiative: the Lock Haven Kiwanis Club.

“We hope to have all Clinton County municipalities along with local clubs like the Kiwanis Club, businesses, schools and community groups join us in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary,” said Commissioner Jeff Snyder.

“We encourage the public to join us as we start to implement this process. We will be posting regularly on Instagram, Facebook and our website — so look for America250PA Clinton County,” said Boileau.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Maria Boileau, left, and Elizabeth Whitty are pictured presenting information on America250PA.

You can learn more about the national celebration at america250.org and the local celebration at www.clintoncountypa.gov/government/america250pa