West Virginia University at Parkersburg Director of Civic Engagement Senta Goudy appeared before the Wood County Commission on Thursday to discuss local plans many groups and organizations have for 2026 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. Dottie Bibbee of the Wood County Historical Society also provided some information to the commission about things they have planned as well. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

PARKERSBURG — Local officials are planning to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America throughout 2026 with special events and activities.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg Director of Civic Engagement Senta Goudy appeared before the Wood County Commission on Thursday to talk about plans and events the Arts Collaborative of the MOV and Downtown PKB have for the area to commemorate the nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026.

Goudy said they have a number of things planned.

Among those things are Patriot Gardens where different sites in the area will have flowers planted in a red, white and blue pattern. They are looking to work with the Master Gardeners to see what can be done. They are planning to do those at Henderson Hall, Tavenner House, Cook House and elsewhere. Organizers are also asking people to do it in their own gardens where they will have a contest where they could win prizes that organizers are now working to secure.

“We are having a lot of fun with that,” she said.

Discussions are taking place to see if the Actors Guild of Parkersburg could do a live production of the musical “1776” at Point Park on July 4.

“We are looking for some resources to be able to help us with that,” Goudy said.

She talked about having “tea parties” at some of the historical sites in the area.

Goudy said they can apply to the state for $5,000 to do a small mural combining the 250th anniversary of America and tie that in with aspects of Wood County. The application is due in April so officials want to be quick about it. They are looking for a site where they can put it.

She acknowledges they may not have the time to do a mural.

Commissioner Jimmy Colombo said the celebration subject may not be conducive for a long-term mural that could be in place for many years.

“You don’t want to wait 10 years and still have it hanging there,” he said. “You have to be careful. You can go to some cities in West Virginia … and see stuff that has been there for 100 years.”

They talked about how some local murals are designed in a way where they could be removed

Goudy said they are going to talk to officials at the Smoot Theatre to see if they will be able to show the film version of “1776” starring William Daniels or to do a showing of the Ken Burns documentary “The American Revolution.”

There are also tours planned for the grave sites of local Revolutionary soldiers to be done by the Wood County Historical Society. There will also be a tour of sites locally that mention George Washington.

Other plans include having an enlarged copy of the Declaration of Independence printed up and have them put up at special events where people will be able to sign it. Organizers eventually want to put it on display at the Judge Black Annex.

Goudy said they are looking for some financial support from the county to be able to do that and some other things. They are also looking to rent costumes for the live production of “1776” and will need some help there.

Commissioners asked Goudy to get a quote on what the costs would be and submit it to them.

In other business, Wood County Historical Society President Bob Enoch and member Mark Rhodes also discussed the status of the numerous historical cemeteries the historical society mows and takes care of.

The commission has provided funding to the society to take care of around 19 historical cemeteries in the area that are visible to the public. There are others that they have coordinates for so they won’t be lost.

They have four people they are paying to mow cemeteries in addition to six volunteers who are also doing work around the area taking care of cemeteries. Some are being cared for by particular groups

Enoch said to qualify as a cemetery they have to have one burial.

In other business, the commission approved going out to bid to demolish dilapidated/abandoned properties located at 96 Cedar Lane in Mineral Wells and 6372 Volcano Road in Walker.

The commission interviewed and put Ronald Kestner in nomination for a position on the Lubeck Public Service District Board. The commission put Charles Pickering, Mike Miller, Kelsey Doolittle, Rick Koher, Steve Scholl, Jane Wise, Blainey Auville, Gwen Crum, Ronald Utt, Jeremy Bell, Jason Matthews, Mike Kesterson, Mike Shook and Derek Wilson on the Wood County Local Emergency Planning Committee.

Brett Dunlap can be reached at bdunlap@newsandsentinel.com