MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - Rutherford County is gearing up for a milestone moment in our nation’s story, and local leaders want the community to be part of every bit of it. The Rutherford County Convention & Visitors Bureau—better known as Visit Rutherford—has officially launched the Rutherford 250 Events initiative, a countywide effort to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by spotlighting the people, places, and stories that make this corner of Middle Tennessee so special.

With the United States preparing for its semi quincentennial in 2026, communities across the country are planning ways to honor the nation’s past. Here at home, Visit Rutherford is pulling together cultural organizations, museums, historic sites, community groups, and local businesses to create a shared calendar of events that reflects both national history and the unique heritage of Rutherford County.

A new website—Rutherford250Events.com—will serve as the central hub for everything happening locally. Residents and visitors can browse upcoming programs, tours, exhibits, and celebrations tied to the anniversary, with new events added throughout the year. The goal is to make it easy for anyone to jump in, whether they’re longtime history buffs or simply curious about the stories behind the landmarks they pass every day.

“Rutherford County has a remarkable story to tell,” said Barbara Wolke, Senior Vice President of Visit Rutherford. “The Rutherford 250 initiative gives us a unique opportunity to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary while highlighting the people, places, and stories that have shaped our community. By bringing together partners across the county, we hope to inspire residents and visitors alike to explore our local history and take part in this once‑in‑a‑generation celebration.”

Throughout 2026, Visit Rutherford will promote Rutherford 250 events through social media, tourism marketing, community partnerships, and Chamber communications. Local organizations are encouraged to join the effort by submitting their own events. Submissions can be sent to Ivy Albright, Director of Cultural & Heritage Tourism, at ialbright@rutherfordchamber.org.

For a full list of upcoming events—or to learn how your organization can participate—visit www.rutherford250events.com.

As a division of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, Visit Rutherford continues its mission to promote the county as a vibrant destination for visitors, meetings, and cultural experiences. The Rutherford 250 initiative is the latest example of how the bureau works to strengthen community pride while supporting the local tourism economy.