Westerville Plans Murals to Mark America’s 250th Anniversary
Westerville Plans Murals to Mark America’s 250th Anniversary
Westerville will participate in America’s 250th birthday celebration in 2026 with a mural project that showcases lesser-known aspects of the city’s history. The America 250 Westerville Committee is commissioning 12 murals to highlight stories that go beyond the city’s well-known Anti-Saloon League and Underground Railroad history.
The murals are scheduled for installation in June 2026 and are expected to remain in place for at least three years, potentially up to five years. They will be printed on durable vinyl panels and installed at both indoor and outdoor locations throughout the city. Each mural will feature a QR code that links viewers to additional information and interactive content.
“This is a chance to share stories that don’t always get told and connect residents and visitors to the deeper layers of our history,” the committee said.
Connection to Statewide Celebration
The project is designed to align with the America250-Ohio Commission’s monthly themes for 2026. Those statewide themes highlight areas such as innovation, transportation, agriculture, arts, veterans, and Ohio’s many “firsts.” By tying Westerville’s murals to those broader themes, the city ensures its local stories contribute directly to Ohio’s larger commemoration of the nation’s anniversary.
For example, murals tied to the “Ohio Outdoors” theme will highlight the city’s wetlands and early parks. At the same time, “Ohio Serves” connects to Westerville’s recognition of Black war veterans and good citizens. The approach ties together the city’s heritage with Ohio’s role in the nation’s story.
Bringing Local Stories Forward
Among the themes, one mural will highlight the role of the Ohio School for the Deaf and its historic ties to Westerville, recognizing how the Deaf community influenced education and civic life in the area. Another mural will honor the Muscogee Nation, the Indigenous people who lived in Ohio before removal policies forced them westward. Both subjects serve as reminders that Westerville’s story goes far beyond the city limits, holding national and cultural significance.
The city’s transportation history will also be depicted through a mural dedicated to State Route 3, the road that cut through Westerville in the late 19th century and became part of the interurban rail system. It opened the city to new commerce and travel during a time when industry and population were booming.
Otterbein University’s involvement in athletics will be another key aspect, illustrating how college sports fostered community pride and connected students to the broader collegiate world. From early football games to track and field events, athletics provided Westerville with a platform to display talent and spirit.
And in a city once surrounded by farmland, the agricultural hub theme will highlight Westerville’s strong connection to food production. Farms and markets were the foundation of daily life, shaping both economy and culture well into the 20th century.
Stories Wanted from the Public
In anticipation of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, the America250 Westerville Committee is seeking compelling stories, artifacts, images, and experiences that reflect Westerville’s history over time, both before and after European settlement. The goal is to showcase people, places, and events that haven’t been the main focus of previous history and tourism efforts. Submissions can be made via the committee’s online form, with supporting documentation sent to america250@westerville.org.
Artists Invited to Apply
Professional artists based in Ohio have until October 20, 2025, to submit proposals. Each commission is valued up to $1,000, and artists may apply for more than one mural concept. The committee is seeking bold, historically accurate designs that spark public curiosity. Selected works will be reproduced on durable, long-lasting vinyl, ensuring they remain accessible in public settings.
Artists are asked to create original works or adapt existing pieces, and each design must be submitted in a digital format suitable for large-scale printing. The committee will manage the installation process.
Sponsorships and Community Role
The project is partly funded by the America250-Ohio Commission and the Ohio Arts Council, but community support is also being promoted. Sponsorship levels range from $250 to $5,000, with recognition options including listing names in state and local guides, as well as logo placement on promotional materials and websites. Sponsors will also be acknowledged through Visit Westerville’s America 250 page, social media posts, and the city’s visitor guide. The aim is to unite businesses, organizations, and residents in a common celebration that honors history and promotes local storytelling.
Links:
America Westerille 250 website
RFP for Artists
Westerville America Sponsorships
Planned Mural Themes
The America 250 Westerville Committee has selected 12 themes that will guide the mural project:
Westerville’s Deaf School and Community – Celebrating the Ohio School for the Deaf’s connections to Westerville and the lasting contributions of Deaf residents.
The Muscogee Nation – Acknowledging the original inhabitants of the land and their enduring legacy.
Westerville’s Festival & Fair Grounds – Honoring the city’s long tradition of community gatherings and celebrations.
Games & Entertainment – Highlighting recreation and leisure as part of daily life in Westerville’s past.
State Route 3 – Tracing the importance of this historic transportation route and its role in shaping commerce and travel.
Otterbein’s Women in the Arts – Showcasing the impact of Otterbein University’s women artists who shaped local and regional culture.
Otterbein Athletics – Recognizing the college’s proud sports history and community spirit.
Westerville’s Wetlands – Reflecting the ecological significance of the city’s natural landscapes.
Westerville’s Agricultural Hub – Telling the story of farms and food production that fueled the community’s growth.
Black War Veterans – Honoring the service and sacrifice of Black soldiers connected to Westerville.
Westerville’s First Park – Marking the creation of civic spaces for public recreation.
Westerville Good Citizens – Celebrating individuals whose service and leadership shaped the city’s character.
State Street Overnight Repairs
Westerville Service Department workers use high-pressure water wands and a vacuum truck to excavate around one of two leaking water main valves in the northbound lane of State Street, across from City Hall.
The valves had been leaking for several days, but not at a level that required immediate attention. The work was begun overnight on Tuesday, with continued repairs scheduled for Wednesday night. Water remained turned off to Westerville Grill, which did not open on Wednesday.
The hydro excavation process uses high-pressure water jets and a powerful vacuum system to remove soil and debris, creating a "slurry" that is then sucked into a debris tank. It's an alternative to traditional digging methods, used without causing damage, especially in sensitive areas.
The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.
Explore more hyper-local reporting by subscribing to The Hilliard Beacon, Civic Capacity, Marysville Matters, The Ohio Roundtable, Shelby News Reporter, This Week in Toledo, and Into the Morning by Krista Steele.
