Highland County's America 250 Celebration this weekend
The historic Highland County Courthouse, Ohio's oldest courthouse in continuous use as such. (HCP file photo.)
By Jamie Wheeler
Executive Director
Visitors Bureau of Highland County
Highland County is ready to celebrate, and this weekend is the time to do it. Residents and visitors are invited to join a special America 250 event honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States on Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18. Spread across Hillsboro and several of Highland County's historic villages, the weekend is packed with live performances, courthouse tours, living history presentations, and patriotic entertainment for all ages.
Friday Night: A Story Worth Telling
The weekend opens Friday, July 17 at 7 p.m. with "Fire in the Night Season: The Trial of Philip Partridge," a one-night-only docudrama at the Edward K. Daniels Auditorium at Southern State Community College in Hillsboro.
Written and performed by Susan Banyas and Rainee Angles, the production weaves lyrical passages from The Hillsboro Story with a dramatic staging of the trial of Philip Partridge, a trailblazing Highland County Engineer who stood trial for burning down the Lincoln School in Hillsboro. It is a powerful story about courage, justice, and the freedom fighter spirit that runs deep in this community.
This production is presented in part through the generosity of the Paul and Mae Jane Pence Trust Patron of the Arts Fund through the Southern State Foundation and the America 250-Ohio Commission. The production is sold out but if seats become available they will be posted on sscctheatre.com.
Saturday: Let the Bells Ring
Saturday's celebration kicks off with a countywide "Ringing of the Bells." The Highland County America 250 planning committee is inviting everyone across Highland County to participate — individuals, businesses, organizations, churches, and anyone else with a bell is encouraged to ring it for 25 seconds. It is a simple, unified moment that connects all of Highland County to 250 years of American history, and a fitting way to open a day full of community and celebration.
Saturday: History Comes Alive on the Courthouse Square
Saturday's main events center on the historic Highland County Courthouse Square in Hillsboro. At 11 a.m. and again at 1 p.m., six living historical figures will take the lawn to share their stories and explain their lasting impact on Highland County's development and legacy. These presentations are educational, engaging, and genuinely fun for families with kids of all ages.
Guided tours of the historic Highland County Courthouse will be available throughout the day. Built in the late 19th century, the courthouse is Ohio’s oldest working courthouse in continuous use. Tours are free, but space is limited and reservations are required. Book yours now at www.VisitHighlandCounty.com before spots fill up.
Explore all areas of Highland County
Saturday's celebration extends beyond the county seat. The Villages of Leesburg, Greenfield, and Lynchburg will each host their own special tours and events throughout the day, spotlighting local history, landmarks, and community pride. It is a great opportunity to explore corners of Highland County you may not have visited before.
Saturday Evening: The Hillsboro Military Band
The weekend wraps up with an evening performance by the Hillsboro Military Band on the Courthouse lawn, sponsored by the Highland County Historical Society. It is a fitting, patriotic close to two days of history, community, and celebration.
This event is a collaborative effort made possible by community partners, local volunteers, municipal leaders, and the America 250-Ohio Commission. Together, we are proud to share the authentic, locally rooted history that continues to shape this region.
All events are free and open to the public. Courthouse tour reservations and full event details are available at www.VisitHighlandCounty.com.
To learn more about the event or Highland County’s participation in the America 250-Ohio initiative, visit www.VisitHighlandCounty.com.
About Visitors Bureau of Highland County
The mission of the Visitors Bureau of Highland County is to attract visitors to Highland County through education, promotion and marketing of attractions and activities in the region. The purpose of the VBHC is to educate, promote and provide support to tourism in Highland County. Learn more at www.visithighlandcounty.com.