Pulaski County celebrates milestone year with America 250 event

As 2026 marks the 250th year since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Pulaski County is celebrating this milestone with a number of events for all to enjoy with the Pulaski County America 250 event.

Rhonda Terry is a board member with the Pulaski County Historical Society, the America 250 Pulaski County liaison, and the committee chair for America 250 in Pulaski County. She’s thrilled to be a part of celebrating this important year.

“It’s the semi-quincentennial, so everything that we’ve done throughout the year has focused on that 250th year: 250 years of freedom,” Terry said. “Everything that our founding fathers put forth gives us the ability to do things that we can do today. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are all things in the Declaration of Independence and they resonate today, just like they did back then. Everything that they went through, everybody throughout history, to bring us to this moment – we wanted to carry that forward and reiterate the importance of this anniversary.”

Historical societies from each county in Indiana were asked to host commemorative events this Independence Day to be showcased at the end of the year by the state of Indiana. While Pulaski County hosts celebrations every July 4, this year they decided to add extra special events to mark this unique moment in history.

“One of our big events is ‘Power from the Past,’” said Terry. “We’re going to focus on the history involved in our county, and then we’re adding the extra layer of America 250 to that. We’re doing the same with our fair, with the Francisville Fall Festival, the Medaryville Potato festival, and with all of the events that we have scheduled in 2026. We’re just adding that extra commemorative piece to it.”

Another special moment that residents of Pulaski County can experience is the time capsule display at the historical society museum. The time capsule, which was buried in the courthouse square on America’s 200th birthday in 1976, contained a number of items including letters written by fifth grade students.

“Those students are in their 60s now, and they’re coming in with their grandkids,” Terry said. “Now, we’re doing another time capsule, and we’re gathering information throughout the county for the entire year of 2026. We’re going to lock that away for another 50 years, so on the 300th anniversary, those young people who put things in will be here. It’s going to be generational.”

Building memorable experiences for Hoosiers is at the heart of Pulaski County’s festivities this year. Families are encouraged to come and see everything there is to offer and to understand their local history.

“Our community is really focused on small town living and enjoying our neighbors and the relationships we’ve built over the years,” Terry said. “That’s what we’re going to carry forward. As we lock all these memories away in 2026, it warms my heart to see the outpouring and the involvement of our community as they come in and view all this stuff from 50 years ago. People come in and they’re not really sure what to expect, but when they leave, they have such a smile on their face because they’ve just stepped back in time. It’s such a joy to be alive today and see all of this come together.”

Veteran events are another important feature of this and every Independence Day. Each year on July 3, veterans commemorate the building of the Winamac Town Park Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Swinging Bridge. In 2023, the bridge turned 100 years old, and the celebrations continue with the help of local veteran Greg “Hank” Henry.

“It’s called ‘An Evening at The Bridge,’” Henry said. “We make it a point to relax; bring your own lawn chairs and beverages and share some time together just as they did 100 years ago.”

Henry is excited to be a leader in the community for remembering those who gave their lives for freedom as well as those who continue to fight for it every day.

“We will this year be dedicating two new flag poles which guard this treasured memorial,” Henry said. “At dusk we share the lighting of the bridge which changes as the seasons and Holidays do.”

For more information on the America 250 events, visit their website.