Planning is moving along in Poland Village and Township as residents prepare to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. One of the plans took a leap a few weeks ago when a generous donation was made.

The Poland Historical Society decided to get behind the plan to bring a one-of-a-kind William McKinley statue to the Village Green in 2026. Fundraising for the project began last month and gained momentum when the society donated $10,000 towards the statue.

“We raise funds from various fundraisers and from our annual historic home tours,” said society member and historian Dave Smith. “We felt this project (the statue) was important for Poland.”

What makes the statue unique is the fact it will be the only statue in existence that depicts President William McKinley as a young man during his days in Poland Village, long before taking the presidency. Most McKinley statues show him as he would have appeared during his presidency.

While the creation of the statue is underway, the most recent America 250 idea was how to unveil it next year. An idea for a soiree was presented at the Dec. 2 Poland Village meeting by Historical Society member Mary Tursky.

“I would like to hold the unveiling on Oct. 10, 2026,” Tursky said.

Her idea was to have an upscale soiree on Village Hall property. The event could be capped at around 300 people and would include major donors of the statue.

“We could have a private showing for them before the unveiling,” she said.

The event could have greeters in period-style dress to welcome guests. It would also include a high-end catered dinner, dancing and music.

Inside Village Hall, Tursky said she would like to make a museum atmosphere with artifacts that will be touring the nation under America 250. She said Poland is an official stop on that tour.

“I got the idea for the event from Shaker Heights,” she said. “We could charge $175 to $200 a plate to cover the event and the proceeds would go to the Poland Historical Society.”

She said the date for the event would be adjustable. It is estimated the foundry in Colorado, who will make the bronze statue, would need most of 2026 to complete it. Tursky said she expects it to be done by the Oct. 10 event date next year.

Historical society member Joan Smith said, “A Soiree is so exciting. It would be a night to remember. Let’s make it happen.”

Tursky said she wants to know if the Village Council would be on board to allow the event to take place on the Village property next year. All six council members and the mayor seemed to like the idea.

Mayor Tim Sicafuse added that he is requesting large donations from some area foundations and trusts to help cover the cost, which will be around $110,000.

With the positive feedback, Tursky said she will go to work on the event.

“We have a lot of details to work out,” she said. “And we still have to take it to the America 250 committee.”

Also working on next year’s 250 celebration are members of the Poland Historical Society. Society President Laurie Fox, historian Dave Smith is already putting together the data.

“Dave Smith is our historian and will have information about McKinley’s life in Poland and the importance of portraying his history as a student and young man going off to serve in the Civil War before becoming involved in politics,” Fox said. “I’d like to include acknowledgment and appreciation to the members of the Historical Society who have worked on various fundraising projects over the years. Through fundraising, donations and membership dues, we are able to maintain the Little Red Schoolhouse and property while also providing educational programs and opportunities for the community related to Poland’s history. Members give their time, expertise and energy to fulfill the Historical Society’s mission. We also appreciate the continued support of the community.”