YSU has announced plans for the community to gather in celebration of America250, the nation's 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

With the nation's 250th birthday in July, the university will begin celebrating early with its first event taking place at Noble Creature Wild Ales & Lagers in Youngstown.

"This is a chance to show future penguins what mattered to us in 2026," Associate Professor of History Amy Fluker stated. "Our goal is to celebrate not only the founding ideas of the nation, but also the everyday stories, traditions and people who make our community unique."

The brewery event, "Tavern Talk," will feature a George Washington reenactor as well as a recreation of one of Washington's original beer recipes. The brew will be made by Instructor of History Kyle Starkey and Noble Creature Owner Ira Gerhart.

The event is free from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 9, with registration required before Jan. 7.

“Citizens by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of ‘American’ which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations," Washington said in his 1976 farewell address. 

With events throughout the year, YSU has also planned a vintage baseball gamebetween the Akron Black Stockings and YSU Athletics for September. The game will include 19th-century rules to celebrate America's pastime of the sport.

Students from YSU will also be invited to courses discussing the American Revolution, Civil War and the nation's changing identity, taught by several professors on campus.

YSU invites students, faculty, staff and community members to attend America250 events, share ideas and highlight work happening across campus that reflects the spirit of the anniversary year. The full event schedule and additional information are available at the YSU250 website.

Noble Creature Wild Ales & Lagers is located at 126 E Rayen Avenue.