A young man working on his Eagle Scout project decided to pay tribute to Athens’ history by creating eight unique benches.

Aidan Harm, a 14-year-old Life Scout, developed the bench idea because he wanted to do something in conjunction with Athens’ bicentennial, being celebrated downtown this weekend.

“My father mentioned it was the 200th anniversary this year, and we formulated an idea,” he said. “It snowballed into an idea and worked out.”

Harm worked with local artists to paint the history-themed backs of the benches. He gave them free rein, more or less, but asked that they depict a specific location.

One bench has several familiar places painted inside the letters ATHENS, while one depicts the old L&N train depot. Another patriotic bench is emblazoned with the phrase, “Land of the free because of the brave.”

Benches were donated to the Limestone County Archives, Athens-Limestone Tourism Association, Alabama Veterans Museum, Family Resource Center, Limestone County Farmers Market, Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful and High Cotton Arts. Lowe’s in Athens is also getting a bench because it donated to the project.

Harm’s father, Adam Harm, said not all benches have been delivered because of the weather, but he hoped they would by Saturday. Father and son thanked all those who helped with the project, including the artists and Lowe’s.

“They were phenomenal to work with and very supportive,” Adam Harm said.

Aidan Harm said the entire project took several weeks to complete. Work began in mid-summer and construction on the benches was completed in late October.

Not only did Harm recruit local artists for the project, but he also enlisted help from his fellow Boy Scouts. They helped cut the wood, stain it and assemble the final product. Adam Harm said about 20 Scouts and adults put in more than 200 hours of work on the project.

Aidan didn’t know when he would receive his Eagle Scout badge. He will first have to go through a board review, which should take place some time this month.

He has been involved with Scouting for eight years, starting in first grade as a Cub Scout. He is a member of Troop 236, sponsored by Isom’s Chapel United Methodist Church in East Limestone.

Aidan has more than 100 service hours, has earned 33 merit badges, camped 86 nights, hiked 74 miles, and paddled 62 miles on various rivers in the past three years.