For Immediate Release
Contact: info@buncombe250.org

America250 NC Buncombe County to Host Community Listening Sessions on Upcoming 250th Anniversary of Our Nation

Local residents and organizations are invited to share ideas on October 28th and November 12th for commemorating America’s 250th anniversary in Buncombe County and beyond.

(Asheville, N.C.)- The America250 NC Buncombe County Committee (Buncombe250) will host Community Listening Sessions to gather public input and ideas for projects, events, and programs leading up to the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026. These interactive sessions invite residents, organizations, and community leaders to help shape how Buncombe County commemorates this milestone locally and contributes to the statewide celebration.

“We’re here to share America250 NC resources, and hear your ideas – what you’d like to see and how you’d like to participate,” said Glenn Stach, Director of America250 NC Buncombe County. “The 250th is about connecting our shared history to our shared future, and we want everyone in Buncombe County to contribute to this momentous commemoration.”

The session will include remarks from state partners with the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, who will highlight statewide resources and opportunities for local communities to participate in the 250th anniversary celebration. A facilitated discussion will guide participants through conversations about the significance of the semiquincentennial (the 250th), key stories from Buncombe County’s history, and creative ways to honor the past, present, and future. Attendees will also explore opportunities to get involved in initiatives such as commemorative tree plantings through the “Beyond the Liberty Tree” program, as well as educational and civic projects, local arts and history initiatives, community service efforts, and public celebrations.

By gathering local input, Buncombe250 aims to unite local organizations in a county-wide commemoration that inspires and reflects Buncombe’s community spirit.

Where & When:
Residents, community organizations, local government, schools, businesses, tourism partners, and faith communities are all encouraged to attend. To date, two listening sessions have been scheduled with others planned. The first two opportunities are planned for:

• Tuesday, October 28th, 12:00pm Noon, Pack Memorial Library
• Wednesday, November 12th, 6:00pm Skyland/South Buncombe Public Library

Other Times and Locations TBD

These sessions are part of the America250 NC initiative, a statewide effort led by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. The Buncombe250 Committee, established by resolution of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, is working to ensure that both residents and visitors to Buncombe County may participate in this national milestone.

Start Planning Now for 2026!
Community organizations, local government, schools, businesses, tourism partners, faith communities, and individuals are encouraged to begin planning programs, events, and projects that celebrate 250 years of American and NC history. Find out more at www.buncombe250.org

More Information:

• Local (America 250 NC Buncombe County Committee):
  Website: www.buncombe250.org
  Instagram: @buncombe250
• Statewide (America 250 NC):
  https://www.america250.nc.gov
• Planning Resources:
  America 250 NC Planning Guide