Johnston County will mark America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 with a series of commemorative events, heritage programs, and community celebrations designed to honor the nation’s founding while highlighting the county’s own historic legacy and cultural traditions.
Throughout the year, residents and visitors will find opportunities to engage with Johnston County’s past through special ceremonies, educational programming, historical tours, performances, and family-friendly public events hosted by municipalities, arts organizations, historical groups, and local partners.
A Fun Local Fair, Plus a Broadway Play
The headlining event will be the America 250 Fair at Johnston Community College, scheduled for June 27, 2026, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, on the college’s main campus. The Fair will include a living history encampment by Camp Flintlock, with a parade of their fife and drum corps, as well as cannon firing, horse-drawn carriage rides, a puppet show put on by the Women's Club of Clayton, and vendor booths of local organizations, as well as food and craft vendors. Plus art and history displays presented by the Johnston County Arts Council and the Johnston County Heritage Center.
Also happening that same weekend, enjoy performances of the Broadway musical “1776,” written by Peter Stone and directed by Andrew Wade of Clayton Theatricals, at the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium at Johnston Community College on June 26 and 27 at 7:00 pm, and June 28 at 3:00 pm.
“America 250 gives us a meaningful chance to celebrate the people, cultures, and historical milestones that shaped both our nation and Johnston County,” said Todd Johnson, Executive Director of the Johnston County Heritage Center. “Through these events, we invite residents and visitors alike to explore, learn, and be part of this historic anniversary year.”
Art and Photography Show at the 250th Fair
Johnston County’s America250 Fair will feature a juried exhibition of paintings and photography in the Tart Building. This joint project of the Johnston County Arts Council and the Johnston County Committee for America250NC is sponsored by a grant from Grifols. The show’s theme is “Everyday Life in Johnston County, Past and Present.” Artists and photographers are encouraged to capture scenes of everyday life either on canvas or through photography (conventional or digital). Paintings may include oils, acrylics, watercolors, colored pencils, pastels, pencil, charcoal, or pen-and-ink. Each artist will provide no more than two framed works displayed on easels.
Historical Guided Tours of JoCo in May
The Johnston County Committee for America250NC is offering a series of bus tours of local historic sites in May. The first excursion will take place May 16, featuring interior tours of White Oak (the Sanders-Hairr House) in Cleveland Township, the C. T. Johnson House (now known as the Grande Magnolia) in Benson, and the Atkinson-Smith House (now called House of Harmony) in the Brogden community.
“This is a unique opportunity to see up close the remarkable architecture and craftsmanship of some of Johnston County’s oldest and grandest homes,” says tour conductor Todd Johnson. “Each one has a fascinating story.”
On May 23, there will be a tour of African American sites, including interior tours of the Boyette Slave House near Kenly, Bentonville Disciples Church, and Johnston County Training School gymnasium (now called the Reginald Ennis Pavilion) in Smithfield. There will be drive-by visits to Princeton Graded School and the Smithfield Freedmen’s Schoolhouse, both now under restoration. Dr. Chris Wyckoff will narrate the tour.
“Church Art and Architecture” will be the theme for a final tour on May 30, featuring visits to Hannah’s Creek Primitive Baptist Church near Benson, Benson Baptist Church, Horne Memorial United Methodist Church in Clayton, and Elizabeth United Methodist Church near Smithfield. Todd Johnson will lead the tour.
Each tour will depart from the Johnston County Heritage Center, 241 E. Market Street, Smithfield, at 9:30 am. Tours will end by 3 pm. Tickets are available for $38, including a box lunch. Tickets may be purchased online by visiting https://www.johnstonnc.gov/America250/bustours. They may also be purchased in person at the Johnston County Museum, 329 E. Market Street, Smithfield, Monday-Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm.
Tuscarora Mural in Downtown Smithfield
Following the dedication ceremony in April, visitors were invited to experience the new Tuscarora mural in Downtown Smithfield, a lasting tribute to the Indigenous people who once called this area home. Created by Greensboro artist Brian Lewis, the mural honored the history, culture, and continued presence of the Tuscarora people through meaningful symbolism and storytelling.
The dedication featured speeches, stories, and traditional songs shared by Tuscarora descendants in both English and the Tuscarora language, culminating in the unveiling of an interpretive plaque explaining the mural’s symbols and significance. Supported through a grant from America250NC, the project created a meaningful space for reflection, recognition, and connection in the heart of Downtown Smithfield.
“We are thrilled to have this beautiful masterpiece honoring indigenous people who once called Johnston County home,” said Allison Elsee, Johnston County Chairperson for America250NC. “We sincerely hope members of the Tuscarora Nation will find this to be a meaningful place to visit and pay homage to their ancestors.”
Other America 250 highlights planned across Johnston County:
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Johnston County will be a part of the "Beyond Liberty Tree" initiative to assist Western NC’s continued Hurricane Helene recovery. JoCo’s Liberty Tree will be a white oak planted on the new Four Oaks campus of Johnston Community College, with support from the Four Oaks Chamber and the Smith-Bryan Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The tree dedication ceremony will be on June 25th at 10 am; event details included in the poster below.
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The unveiling of new historical markers, including three Revolutionary War markers in Smithfield and Meadow, with programming dates to be announced.
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Curated Walking Tours of many of JoCo’s historical downtowns, focusing on period architecture, notable Johnstonians through history, and more; coming this Fall.
Local leaders note that the America 250 commemoration represents an opportunity not only to reflect on national history but also to share Johnston County’s local stories, artistic expression, and community pride with a wider audience.
“All of these events are our county's way of commemorating this historic milestone and celebrating Johnston County's part in the Revolutionary era that brought forth our country, the United States of America!” said Elsee, “We hope every Johnstonian will come out to all of these events and be a part of celebrating America's 250th Anniversary!”
Additional programs and commemorative activities may be announced as plans continue to develop throughout 2026. Info is available at www.johnstonnc.gov/America250; the site will be updated throughout the year.
These projects and programs are supported through a grant from America250NC, a program of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, as well as local sponsors, including the County of Johnston and First Citizens Bank.
