Cleveland’s 230th Birthday Inspires Local Artists and Leaders

Citywide mural projects and event series celebrate Cleveland’s 230th birthday, which lands on July 22.

by Liza Marra | Jul. 15, 2026 | 5:00 AM

Photo courtesy Erik Drost via Flickr

The Cleveland Public Library’s One Cleveland project launched May 15, honoring the city’s 230th anniversary with 230 days of celebration, including the city’s official 230th birthday on July 22.

“Many organizations are focused on America 250,” says Andrianna Sheriff, CPL’s marketing and communications manager. “We’re focusing on Cleveland to tell that story.”

This civic pride campaign features a partnership with numerous Cleveland organizations and recognizes standout citizens who contribute to our home city, plus community events.

Elsewhere, other Clevelanders are celebrating the birthday in their own ways. Artist Jake Kelly’s Cleveland 230 Mural Project honors the many historic events and facets of our city in collage-like paintings around town.

“I think that an understanding of history, the history of where you live, animates the world around you,” Kelly says. “Cleveland has amazing history around every corner, and it’s been fun to bring some of these old things to light again.”

He has now completed more than 10 out of 50 total murals at various sites around the Land.