FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 8, 2026
Contact: Tiffani Amo, Director of Tourism, 315-386-4000 x3, tif@slcchamber.org
RE: St. Lawrence County Unveils Signature Experiences for America’s 250th Celebration
Canton, NY — St. Lawrence County is marking America’s 250th with a series of unique, place-based experiences designed to connect residents and visitors with the region’s history in meaningful and memorable ways.
A full calendar of local events continues to grow and is available at www.STLC250.com, serving as the central source for all 250th-related programming across the county.
One of the most distinctive elements of the celebration is the release of limited-edition St. Lawrence County commemorative bells, created specifically for this milestone. Available for purchase at the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center in Canton starting Wednesday April 15th, these bells invite the public to take part in “Ringing for Freedom Across the County” on July 4 at 10:00 a.m. Individuals, families, and communities are encouraged to ring their bells together, whether from home or at organized gatherings, creating a unified moment of recognition across St. Lawrence County. Participants are invited to share their experience using #STLC250.
Another cornerstone of the county’s celebration is “Open Doors to History,” a countywide program offering free and donation-based access to historic sites and cultural locations. This initiative invites visitors to step inside places that have shaped St. Lawrence County, from museums and heritage sites to historic buildings and scenic landscapes, while engaging directly with local historians and community storytellers.
Open Doors to History will take place across three Saturdays in 2026, each highlighting a different region of the county. Designated free entry days will take place in the Seaway region on Saturday May 2nd in communities including Waddington, Ogdensburg, Massena, and Madrid, in the River Valley region on Saturday June 6th in communities including Canton, DeKalb, Gouverneur, and Potsdam, and in the Adirondack Foothills region Saturday July 4th in communities including Pierrepont, Russell, and Hopkinton.
Each date will feature a unique set of participating locations, encouraging exploration across multiple communities and landscapes.
Visitors can also take part in an interactive countywide challenge tied to the program. By visiting at least one site during each designated Saturday and submitting a photo with themed Revolutionary War character cutouts, participants can earn a commemorative 250th Challenge Coin. Each visit also includes entry into a countywide raffle, with winners announced during St. Lawrence County History Month in October.
Together, these experiences offer a hands-on way to engage with local history while celebrating a national milestone through a distinctly St. Lawrence County lens.
Open Doors to History and related 250th programming have been developed through a collaboration between the St. Lawrence County Historian’s Office and the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce tourism team on behalf of the St. Lawrence County 250th Commemorative Commission.
For full event details and updates, visit www.STLC250.com.
