As we step into 2026 and join communities across the nation in celebrating America 250, we’re proud to say that our story in Shores & Islands Ohio begins long before 250 years ago. The lands and waters we call home (today known as Erie County and Ottawa County) have witnessed centuries of innovation, exploration, and first-of-their-kind moments that helped shape not only our region, but Ohio and the nation.
What is America 250?
America 250 is a celebration of the people, places, and events that shaped our nation over the past 250 years. It’s an opportunity to explore local history, honor our heritage, and engage communities with fun and meaningful programs. Here in Shores & Islands Ohio, we’re telling our stories through interactive tours, historic talks, and unique experiences that bring history to life.
Monthly Themes for 2026
Each month, our Time Traveler Blog will reflect the America 250 theme of the month, providing stories, historic insights, and local perspectives that tie directly to our tours and programs. Our blogs will be highlighting fascinating stories from Erie and Ottawa counties. Want to discover the next adventure in Ohio history? You’ll have to read the blog each month to find out!
January feels like the perfect month to look back at some of these beginnings. Winter has a way of quieting the shoreline, making space for reflection; and what better time to kick off a year of historical storytelling than with a celebration of our local “firsts” and “originals”?
A Shoreline of Beginnings
Long before Ohio became a state (in 1803), this region thrived as a gathering place. The Wyandot, Ottawa, and other Indigenous nations built rich communities here, relying on Lake Erie for trade, transportation, and survival. Their stories, rooted in the original caretakers of the land, form the true beginning of our local narrative.
By the 1800s, our area was growing into one of the most unique corners of the Midwest: a place where geography, ingenuity, and opportunity intersected. Lighthouses, quarries, orchards, early industries, and thriving port towns all played a role in shaping the communities we know today.
Ohio Firsts Found Here in Shores & Islands Ohio
Erie and Ottawa counties hold many claims to fame; some well-known, others surprising:
- The Marblehead Lighthouse (1822): The oldest continuously-operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes and an enduring symbol of the region.
- Johnson’s Island: The site of the only Union prison camp built specifically for Confederate officers - an original piece of Civil War history in Ohio. A talk on Johnson’s Island is set for November 2026.
- Early Tourism: Cedar Point welcomed its first bathhouse and beer garden in 1870, marking the beginning of its evolution into the world-renowned amusement park it is today. Cedar Point is the second-oldest continuously-operating amusement park in the U.S.
- Agricultural Innovation: Orchards, vineyards, and experimental farms along the shoreline helped pioneer techniques that influenced Ohio’s agricultural identity. (Who likes potatoes? I definitely do! We’ll learn more about that in October.)
- A Birthplace of Genius (a teaser for next month): Thomas Edison, born in Milan, OH in 1847, remains one of America’s prolific inventors. We’ll explore his story further for February’s theme of Innovation and Industry.
This region has always been a place of discovery - where big ideas, bold thinkers, and everyday innovators carved new paths forward.
Introducing Two New America 250 Experiences
As part of the America 250 celebration, we’re excited to launch two new heritage initiatives that highlight the stories that make our region extraordinary:
Shoreline Stories: Erie County’s America 250 Tour
This self-guided tour brings to life the people, places, and events that shaped our county - from lighthouse keepers and quarry workers to abolitionists, inventors, and early entrepreneurs. Every stop offers a window into a defining moment in our shared past.
Ottawa County’s History Mystery Tour
Part scavenger hunt, part historical treasure hunt, this tour invites visitors to unravel lesser-known stories hidden in plain sight. You’ll follow clues, uncover local legends, and learn about the county’s fascinating, and sometimes quirky, heritage along the way.
Both tours offer a fun, accessible way for residents and visitors to explore history at their own pace throughout 2026.
Snap the Past: A 2026 Selfie Scavenger Hunt
Also new this year, our Snap the Past: Selfie Scavenger Hunt challenge (featured in the 2026 Play + Stay guide!) invites you to visit iconic historical locations and recreate old photographs with modern flair. It’s a playful way to connect with the past and celebrate the places that have stood the test of time. Bring your best poses - you might just find yourself featured in our social media highlights!
Launching a Year of History
As we begin our America 250 journey, each month will explore a new theme through our Time Traveler Blog and the new Time Traveler: Shores & Islands History Talks, held at the Shores & Islands East Welcome Center in Sandusky. January sets the tone by honoring the foundations—those early moments of bravery, creativity, and community that shaped our region and our nation.
Our first history talk will take place on Tuesday, January 27, from 5:30–6:30 pm, featuring Ron Davidson of the Sandusky Library. Held at our East Welcome Center, 125 E. Water St., Sandusky, OH, this kickoff program will offer an engaging look at the earliest settlements in Sandusky, the Firelands, and the Lake Erie Islands, focusing on the region’s formative years through the 19th century.
The Time Traveler: Shores & Islands History Talks will continue on the last Tuesday of each month, with each presentation aligned with that month’s blog theme. In February, we’ll welcome Robert Wheeler from the Edison Birthplace, who will explore the story of the Edison family in Milan as part of our Innovation and Industry theme.
Mark your calendar and join us!
No registration is required—just bring your curiosity and love of history.
Ohio’s story is woven into the fabric of our shoreline. And throughout 2026, we’ll continue to uncover, celebrate, and share the chapters that came before us. After all… our story begins long before 250 years ago.
Learn more about Shores & Islands America 250 initiatives at SHORESandISLANDS.com, under Events → America 250, and be sure to explore the State of Ohio’s plans at america250-ohio.org.
Stay curious - there’s so much more to discover. See you next month!
