West Virginia University at Parkersburg Director of Civic Engagement Senta Goudy and Wood County Historical Society President Bob Enoch appeared before the Wood County Commission on Thursday to discuss plans locally to mark the historic 250th anniversary of the U.S.’s founding. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

PARKERSBURG — The Wood County Commission approved $4,550 for organizers who are doing local commemorations for the United States’ 250th anniversary this year.

Wood County Historical Society President Bob Enoch and West Virginia University at Parkersburg Director of Civic Engagement Senta Goudy appeared before the Wood County Commission on Thursday to discuss plans locally to mark the historic anniversary of the U.S.’s founding.

Goudy presented a list of things they need, including $300 for a large copy of the Declaration of Independence printed with a foam core back for travel; $400 for supplies for Anti-Tea Parties (eight at $50 each); $250 for garden signs for each Patriot Gardens (50 at $5 each); $300 for a trail brochure (500 copies); $1,350 for Wood County 250th pins (1,000 at $1.15 each plus shipping); $450 for two large banners that will go at the Wood County Courthouse and the West Virginia Welcome Center in Williamstown; $500 for flyers, advertising and marketing; and $1,000 for garden pots (50 at $20 each).

“There are a lot of things we are doing and there are a lot of things organizations are donating,” Goudy said. “As the year progresses more things are being planned.

“It is going to be a great celebration throughout the summer.”

A logo created by Abby Hayhurst to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary and Wood County’s place in that history. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

A group of organizations and area businesses have been meeting since the fall of 2025. They have developed a list of activities and special events to help commemorate the nation’s Semiquincentennial.

Those include the Wood County Historical Society; Sons of the American Revolution, Captain James Neal Chapter; Daughters of the American Revolution, James Wood and Blennerhassett chapters; Blennerhassett Museum and State Park; Museums of the MOV; WVU Parkersburg; Downtown PKB; Wood County Historic Landmarks Commission; and Daughters of American Pioneers.

Goudy said that over 9,000 people visited the Welcome Center in Williamstown last summer and that is why organizers want to place a banner there.

“We want to make sure the county is well represented down there,” she said.

The large Declaration of Independence would be created and moved throughout the community during 2026 at different events, allowing residents to sign it and have it on display for everyone to enjoy.

Goudy said they are looking at getting two large copies of the Declaration of Independence.

“We have a lot of events and we want to get a lot of people signing it,” she said.

To commemorate the Boston Tea Party and 17 others that took place across the colonies in 1775, five local groups will be hosting Anti-Tea Parties. The Anti-Tea Parties will have coffee and lemonade, but no tea.

There is also money for marketing and advertising to let people know when and where events will be held.

Downtown PKB and the City of Parkersburg also are planning a July 4 event at Bicentennial Park. The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg will present the play “1776” the evening of July 3 at Point Park and ceremonies will be taking place starting at noon on July 4.

A special Wood County logo will be created and shared on stickers, pins and other memorabilia. Local arts organizations are planning special exhibits and tributes to the nation’s birthday.

A brochure featuring the Revolutionary and patriotic sites in Wood County will be created and produced for locals and visitors to explore places in Wood County where the founding fathers are recognized, where local Revolutionary War soldiers are buried and other interesting historic locations.

Patriot Gardens are being sponsored by the planning group, encouraging everyone to plant the garden and install a special Wood County 250th logo that was created by Abby Hayhurst that will be put on special pots.

“We really want to celebrate Wood County and our involvement in the founding of our country,” Goudy said.

The commission unanimously approved the money for the items listed.

The commission also approved an application to the state for $5,000 to do a mural on a permanent sign at Mountwood Park that would also commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Originally, Goudy wanted to put a mural on the Judge Black Annex facing 4th Street but it was determined that it wouldn’t work there.

“The reason to do it is that the state is creating a ‘mural trail’ that they are going to market and promote for a tourism trip,” Goudy said of something people could do in a day or so.

Enoch thanked Wood County Commissioner Robert Tebay for his years of service to the county and support for historic efforts and then thanked each of the commissioners in turn.

“We thank you,” he said.

Tebay recently announced his retirement and will be stepping down from the commission, with Thursday, March 5 being his last meeting.

Commissioners are considering applicants to replace Tebay for the rest of his term which lasts through the end of this year. Wood County Commission President Blair Couch said they have already gotten eight names and are trying to narrow those down to a couple they plan to bring in for an interview.

Brett Dunlap can be reached at bdunlap@newsandsentinel.com