In 2026, residents and visitors across Wayne County will be invited to join a countywide commemorative program exploring America’s national identity. Through the ongoing efforts of professional and volunteer historians, a series of engaging public programs will encourage thoughtful reflection, civil discourse, and community participation using the Revolutionary-era themes that shaped the nation, affected the earliest inhabitants of our region, and continue to influence us today.
These programs are made possible through support from the New York State Department of Education and will be presented in partnership with local historical societies, municipal historians, civic organizations, and community venues throughout Wayne County. The countywide programs are aimed at educating citizens and supplementing local celebrations of both the America 250 and New York 250 initiatives.
First, live events called Brewing Conflicts will invite adults to local venues where historical organizations will sponsor lively, facilitated, history-based discussions for participants, combining scripted and spontaneous debate on historical and contemporary issues. These interactive programs ask participants to consider the difficult choices faced during the colonial period and to reflect on their modern parallels. Trivia, games, and giveaways will be included, with brewed beverages offered where appropriate. Multiple dates will be announced in partnership with participating local sponsors and venues. Programs will be free to attend with advance RSVP.
Driving History Tours will be created as free self-guided driving tours, available online, in a mobile app, and in print, that will lead participants through Wayne County’s historic countryside, along the shores of Lake Ontario and the banks of the Erie Canal. Routes will wind through historic hamlets and culturally significant landscapes, encouraging exploration of places and people that shaped the region’s past. Tours will include audio playback and suggested historic stops, allowing participants to learn at their own pace while experiencing the county’s colonial and national heritage related to Revolutionary ancestors and first inhabitants of the land.
A keynote presentation will bring Town of Ontario native and nationally recognized author and historian Jack Kelly back to Wayne County to present an engaging lecture with modern commentary on Revolutionary-era citizen soldiers, some of whom are buried in our local cemeteries. He will also pro-vide more in-depth discussion of General “Mad Anthony” Wayne, the county’s namesake. Kelly’s presentation will focus on his research into figures such as Thomas Paine, blending scholarship with accessible, common-sense insights. The date and location of the keynote event will be announced at a later time.
Last, a “broadside” marketing campaign will include media development and targeted placement of online and printed materials distributed to schools, libraries, and community locations to ensure broad public awareness and access across Wayne County. Broadside flyers were the primary form of printed marketing materials of colonial America. Together, these initiatives are designed to foster appreciation for local history, encourage civic engagement, and connect past and present through shared stories and experiences.
Programs are tentatively set to begin in March and residents are encouraged to contact their local historical societies or historians. The program is being administered by the Wayne County Historical Society which can be contacted at info@waynehistory.org or 315-946-4943.
