The membership of the Hamilton County Bicentennial Commission has been established with one member from each of the county’s nine townships, according to Brenda Myers, director of county tourism, who will lend support to the commission.
Chairing the commission will be Jessica Petty, who also serves as president of the county historical society. Co-chairs are Kathy Williams and Kent Ward.
The commission is charged with developing a bicentennial celebration in the year 2023. The county was organized in 1823 after the Indiana General Assembly created the county and established its boundaries.
The county was named for Alexander Hamilton, considered one of the nation’s ‘founding fathers’ and a Revolutionary War hero. Originally the county was larger in area, including the southern half of what is now Tipton County.
The Bicentennial Commission will meet in December to review a charter and goals for the celebration. The charter will be adopted by county commissioners.
Township members of the commission are: Ron Stone, Adams Township; Debbie Gangstad, Clay Township; Rick Fain, Delaware Township; Diane Whelchel, Fall Creek Township; Nicole Duncan, Jackson Township; Dottie Young, Noblesville Township; Diane Nevitt, Wayne Township and Jamie Rulon, White River Township.
County Historian Dave Heighway will serve as an ex-officio member.