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O say, can you see? A summer of stars, stripes, and celebrations in the Mountain State.
This story was originally published in the June / July 2026 issue of Wonderful West Virginia.
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Written by Devin Lacy
Images Courtesy of Wheeling Heritage
Although the Declaration of Independence was not officially signed until August 2, that sunny day in July changed everything, marking the beginning of the United States as we know it today. Now, 250 years later, we observe the 4th of July with festivals, parades, reenactments, lake trips, cookouts, and plenty of fireworks. In honor of the semiquincentennial, the country is taking the chance to look back and reflect while also looking hopefully to the future. It’s a major milestone and a poignant reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we have left to go.
Celebrations have been kicking off around the nation for several months now, and, thanks to the West Virginia Semiquincentennial Commission, West Virginia is no different. The commission was established in 2021 to help the Mountain State commemorate the nation’s milestone birthday—and its members have been hard at work. From calls for artists to historical programming and educational incentives, there have been plenty of opportunities to get involved, with more still to come.
ARTS & CULTURE
America’s 250th in the Appalachian Forest
Over in Elkins, the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area (AFNHA) is telling the stories of “the people, communities, and places that have shaped our region.” Throughout the summer, America’s 250th in the Appalachian Forest invites visitors to the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center to dive deeper into America’s early days and the ways in which the region has grown with the country, exploring artifacts and images to illustrate found and submitted stories of the region and its forest communities—the places where we gather, the neighbors who forever shaped communities, the diversity of the people and cultures found within these hills, and the ways in which we’ve come together to make things better year after year. www.appalachianforestnha.org/america250
America250 Mural Project
West Virginia’s statewide America250 Mural Project is the first of its kind in the nation, offering funding for new, original mural projects that showcase Mountain State communities and their rich heritage. Since its announcement in November 2025, artists all across the state have been hard at work, and a few pieces wrapped up just in time for the summer.
Kelson Thorne’s “Gold Rush” mural in Petersburg is a love letter to the river and one of our favorite creatures in it. A kayaker cuts his way through the water, the mountain landscape rolling on behind him, as two golden rainbow trout leap from the surface in greeting. It’s a rush, as the name suggests, a golden moment on one of West Virginia’s amazing waterways in a Grant County community shaped by the South Branch of the Potomac River and the heritage that comes with it. Find this recreation-inspired creation on Virginia Avenue.
Blake Wheeler has been busy! Working on various America250 murals around the state, Wheeler is bringing color to communities through his vibrant collages featuring snapshots of local life, culture, and history. The Jefferson County Commission building in Charles Town now boasts a sprawling swath of color depicting Charles Washington, the founder of Charles Town, as well as John Brown’s Fort, Jefferson Rock, and other quintessential pieces of Jefferson County life. Meanwhile, in Morgantown, Wheeler completed a similar mural with many figures and landmarks of the city’s history—Don Knotts and the beloved Metropolitan Theatre where he performed; Ellie Mannette, creator of the steel drum; Mary Behner and her Scotts Run community center, The Shack; and much more. Uncover every detail for yourself on Wall Street.
Many other counties and communities around the state are well into the process of creating their own murals to add to the selection, so keep your eyes peeled on your summer travels.
Veterans Art Show
In November 2025, the West Virginia Department of Tourism announced the 2026 Veterans Art Show as a part of the state’s America250 initiative, showcasing pieces created by United States veterans who live in the Mountain State. Artists were asked to create works of art in their preferred mediums that honor both our national and local heritage as well as the creativity of the state’s veterans, all while exploring our connection to the state and the country as a whole.
Submitted works went on display at the West Virginia Culture Center Museum Gallery in early May, and the gallery is free to the public to view. Don’t have the chance to check out the exhibit before it closes? The top entry will soon become part of the permanent collection at the West Virginia State Museum.
WVtourism.com/veterans-art-show
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
2026 Independence Day in Wheeling
Heritage Port is the Northern Panhandle’s place to be this Independence Day. Each year, locals and visitors gather at the waterfront park for food trucks, a live performance by the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, and an unforgettable fireworks display right over the Ohio River. It’s a local holiday staple, a family tradition that is happy to welcome guests.
Wheeling Heritage is extending festivities beyond July 4, so plan to visit often. Catch an authentic Revolutionary War–era reenactment at Fort Henry Days in September, check out the Oglebay Institute Glass Museum’s new exhibit “In the Beginning: Wheeling Glass, Pewter and Ceramics from the Pioneer Days” opening on June 14, or attend one of eight programs on the Revolutionary War available through the Ohio County Public Library’s People’s University July 2–August 20.
www.wheelingheritage.org/america-250
American Discovery 250 Relay
The American Discovery 250 Relay is a continuous 6,800-mile journey across the United States. Starting in July in California, a long list of participants from 15 states will each play a role in bringing a copy of the Declaration of Independence to Delaware via the American Discovery Trail (ADT) by Thanksgiving Day. On foot, bike, wheelchair, and maybe even horseback, thousands of participants and hundreds of communities will be a part of something truly historic while reflecting on the past, present, and future of America.
West Virginia is one of the final few states the relay baton will pass through on its way to Delaware. The 281-mile path across the state travels past historical landmarks like Fort Ashby, the International Mother’s Day Shrine, and the Nancy Hanks Memorial as well as through state parks including Blackwater Falls, Canaan Valley Resort, and North Bend. Seven relay days—and two breaks—are scheduled for our portion of the event, November 7–15, broken down into smaller distances based on travel requirements: hike, bike, or run. Those interested in participating can sign up on the ADT’s website, and a member of the ADT will be in touch with more details. www.discoverytrail.org/america-250-relay
Middlebourne America 250
America’s Block Party is coming to West Virginia! America250 wants to create “the largest synchronized Fourth of July celebration in U.S. history,” with communities across the nation coming together for live entertainment, festival fun, and, of course, plenty of fireworks.
Middlebourne in Tyler County is joining the fun with a full schedule that’s free to the guests from near and far. Find a patch of sidewalk downtown and settle in for a star-spangled parade. Nearby attractions like the Tyler County Museum and Stealey Green Family Center will be open for you to explore before heading over to the Community 4th of July Picnic. Grab a plate and chow down on your favorite cookout staples—live music, games, and more will be available for the whole family to enjoy as well. www.america250.org/event/middlebourne-celebrates-america-250
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