America 250-Ohio Upcoming Events
Ohio's Firsts & Originals
Celebrate Kettering's unique contributions and "firsts."
Crafternoon: Pop-Top Art
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
4 - 5 p.m.
Kettering-Moraine Branch
3496 Far Hills Ave.,
Kettering OH 45429
Did you know the pop-top can was first patented by a Daytonian in the 1960's? Learn more about inventor Ermal Fraze, and then create art using pop-top tabs!
Register at the Dayton Metro Library
Preschool STEAM Storytime
Thursday, February 19, 2026
1 - 2 p.m.
Wilmington-Stroop Branch
Community Room
3980 Wilmington Pike
Kettering OH 45429
Join us for stories, songs, and other fun learning activities designed to develop the language, literacy, and social skills your preschooler needs for school success. In this story time, our themes will center around Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). In recognition of America 250-Innovations, we will be building bridges. For ages 3-5.
Get Involved at the Dayton Metro Library
Kick Off to our 250th Celebration of America/Ohio:
Kettering History Talk with John Brannick
Friday, January 23, 2026
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Charles Lathrem Senior Center
2900 Glengarry Dr
Kettering, OH, 45420
(937) 296-2587
It Started Here! Join us for the kick off to the country's Semiquincentennial (our year-long USA 250th birthday party). You're probably familiar with Charles F. Kettering's automobile self-starter and Ermal Fraze's pop-top can, but what other famous firsts can Kettering, Ohio claim? From blazing trails through the wilderness to exploring outer space, we'll look at our history and how local residents helped shape the city, state, nation, and world and give you a sneak peak of how Kettering will celebrate America 250 - Ohio ahead. Registration deadline is Jan 16. (Ages 55+)
Aqua Alive, Aqua Drum Gold and Aqua Mom2B
Multiple Dates
Kettering Recreation Complex
2900 Glengarry Dr
Kettering, OH, 45420
Hop in and celebrate the first classes in the United States bringing Drums Alive to the pool.
Ohio Works: Innovation, Business & Work
Spotlighting Ohio inventions, businesses and workers.
American Threads Book Club
Saturday, February 28, 2026
10 - 11 a.m.
Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Community Room
3980 Wilmington Pike
Kettering OH 45429
Join us for a new quarterly community book club as we launch our 2026 American Threads reading series which is part of a nationwide celebration of America's 250th anniversary and Ohio’s lasting impact on the nation’s story. This event also aligns with Ohio’s February theme: Ingenuity and Innovation, spotlighting the practical creativity and determination at the heart of American progress.
Our first title is Made in Ohio by Conrade C. Hinds. From the cash register to the Wright brothers’ airplane, Ohio has long been a cradle of innovation. Made in Ohio highlights the inventors, ideas, and industries that helped shape not only Ohio but modern America itself.
This book club welcomes readers of all backgrounds and viewpoints. As part of the America 250 initiative, the event aims to foster respectful, thoughtful discussion rooted in history and what unites us as Americans.