January/February 2015

Volume 31 Issue 1 January/February 2015

THE Local Historian Invitation to Innovation: Attend an Alliance Regional Meeting

By Mark Sundlov, Local History Office Manager, Ohio History Connection, Columbus To say I’m excited that the time for the 2015 Regional Meetings is quickly ap- proaching is an understatement. As those of you who have attended regional meetings in the past will attest, the meetings are much more than a day of educational workshops and sessions—they are a time to reunite with old friends, meet new ones, find new sources of support, and share our stories of successes and struggles. Simply The Alliance’s put, regional meetings recharge our bat- regional meetings teries and get us excited for another year kick off March 15. Regional meetings of inviting guests through the doors of our are a great place to historical organizations to share our rich connect with friends, Ohio history. learn new skills, and visit new places. Besides the chance to network and Photo courtesy of learn new skills, the regional meetings are the Ohio History a great opportunity to visit museums and Connection. historic sites you may not have had the chance to visit before. This year we have another fantastic slate of host sites for the listed properties. regional meetings ready to “put the coffee TheTrumbull County Historical on” and invite us into their unique spaces. Society rolls out the red carpet on April Consider this your Invitation to Innova- 18 for the Region 4 meeting. While we tion. will meet in the Warren-Trumbull County WHAT’S INSIDE: On April 11, the Hancock Historical Library, we will have the opportunity to Museum is ready to welcome us to Region visit the neighboring John Stark Edwards 2 President’s Message 1. The museum is comprised of the Hull- House and Museum, the Sutliff Museum, 3 Statehood Day Flater House, the Crawford Log House, and the Upton House. a barn, and the offsite Little Red School- If you are ready to have your mind 4 Young Ohio Preservationists house and Riverside Train. blown by the beauty of late 19th century 5 Your Tax Return architecture and interior design, don’t turn TheMerry-Go-Round Museum wel- Can Make History comes us to Region 2 on April 18. Located down the Massillon Heritage Founda- in the historic Sandusky Post Office, the tion’s invitation to attend the Region 5 6 Announcements meeting on March 14 at the Five Oaks museum has a collection so rich that the 10 Calendar White House requested they display four mansion in Massillon. of their carousel horses in the East Room TheGahanna Historical Society 11 News from the Regions for Christmas. hosts the Region 6 meeting on March 21 12 New and Renewing at the Olde Gahanna Sanctuary. The GHS TheRegion 3 meeting is hosted by the Members Bedford Historical Society and Museum— also invites us to visit the neighboring his- while the meeting will be in the 1892 Old torically rich Lily Stone Bed & Breakfast, Baptist Church, we’ll also be welcomed John Clark house, and Log House. into the rest of their National Register Continued on page 3 1 President’s into practice new techniques and schedule new Ohio local history. programming opportunities. I love that feeling of I am honored to begin serving as your Message: renewal! president. Please help me and your Alliance board Why mention this now? As we begin 2015, members as we try to create opportunities to help all of us are setting goals for ourselves and our you and your organization. If you have an idea for For over two decades, I have been the organizations. We are looking for ways to create an educational workshop or webinar that would beneficiary of educational opportunities provided exceptional programming, increase our funding, assist you in meeting your goals, please do not at regional meetings and the annual conferences use technology to reach new audiences…the list hesitate to share your thoughts with your region’s as I joined my fellow Ohio local historians at these goes on. Please take advantage of the educational representatives or any of the officers. gatherings. I have grown in knowledge as I have opportunities offered by the Ohio Local History listened to my peers discussing issues that concern Alliance through articles in The Local Historian; Beth Weinhardt us all and experts in specialized areas providing learning and networking opportunities at the President, Ohio Local History Alliance Local History Coordinator, Westerville Public Library their know-how. The Monday after each meet- regional meetings and the annual conference; and (614) 259-5028 ing and conference, I have walked back into my now a series of webinars – all provided to help us [email protected] museum bubbling with enthusiasm, ready to put meet the common goal of preserving and sharing

2015 Board Members Ohio Local History Alliance President Region 1 [email protected] Beth Weinhardt, Coordinator Gary Levitt, Director http://www.fairfieldheritage.org Anti-Saloon League Museum, Westerville Museum of Postal History, Delphos Region 7 (614) 882-7277, Ext 160 (419) 303-5482 Chris Burton, Executive Director [email protected] [email protected] Armstrong Air & Space Museum http://westervillelibrary.org/local-history http://www.postalhistorymuseum.org Wapakoneta The Ohio Local History Alliance, 1st Vice President Holly Hartlerode, Curator (419) 738-8811 organized in 1960 under sponsorship of Todd McCormick, Curator/Director Wood County Historical Center [email protected] the Ohio History Connection, is composed Logan County Historical Society Bowling Green http://www.armstrongmuseum.org of local historical societies, historic preservation Bellefontaine (419) 352-0967 Kasey Eichensehr, Curator groups, history museums, archives, libraries, (937) 593-7557 [email protected] Clark County Historical Society and genealogical societies throughout the state [email protected] http://www.woodcountyhistory.org Springfield involved in collecting, preserving, and interpreting http://www.loganhistory.org Region 2 (937) 324-0657 Ohio’s history. 2nd Vice President [email protected] Brenda Stultz, Curator http://www.heritagecenter.us/ The Local Historian (ISSN 9893-3340) is published Wendy Zucal, Executive Director Clyde Heritage League, Clyde Dennison Railroad Depot Museum bimonthly by the Ohio History Connection, 800 E. (419) 547-7946 Region 8 Dennison 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211-2497, as a [email protected] Kelsey Berger, Property & Farm Director (740) 922-6776 http://www.clydeheritageleague.org Gorman Heritage Farm benefit to Ohio Local History Alliance members. [email protected] Periodicals Postage Paid at Columbus, OH. Cincinnati http://dennisondepot.org Gale Martin, Executive Director (513) 563-6663 Secretary Marion County Historical Society, Marion [email protected] POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: (740) 387-4255 http://www.gormanfarm.org The Local Historian, Local History Office, Ohio Ruth Brindle, Curator [email protected] Quaker Heritage Center History Connection, 800 E. 17th Avenue, Columbus, http://www.marionhistory.com Joel Kohler, Historian Wilmington College, Wilmington OH 43211-2497. Editors: Amy Rohmiller, Mark Mason Ohio Historical Society (937) 382-6661, Ext 719 Region 3 Mason Sundlov, Rosa Rojas [email protected] Rebecca Larson-Troyer, Librarian (513) 398-6750 Please direct materials or phone inquiries to: http://www2.wilmington.edu/qhc Special Collections Division [email protected] Akron-Summit County Public Library http://www.masonhistoricalsociety.org/ The Local Historian Treasurer Akron Local History Office Kathleen Fernandez, Executive Director (330) 643-9030 Region 9 Ohio History Connection North Canton Heritage Society [email protected] Margaret Parker, President North Canton 800 E. 17th Avenue http://sc.akronlibrary.org Meigs County Historical Society, Pomeroy (330) 494-4791 (740) 992-3810 Columbus, OH 43211-2497 [email protected] Timothy Daley, Executive Director [email protected] 1-800-858-6878 http://www.northcantonheritage.org Cuyahoga County Soldiers’ and Sailor’ http://meigscohistorical.org FAX: (614) 297-2567 Monument, Cleveland [email protected] Trustees-At-Large (216) 621-3746 Jessica Cyders, Curator Leann Rich, Manager of Education [email protected] Athens County Historical Society, Athens Visit The Alliance online at www.ohiolha.org & External Relations http://www.soldiersandsailors.com (740) 592-2280 and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ohio- Mahoning Valley Historical Society [email protected] localhistoryalliance Youngstown Region 4 http://athenshistory.org Lae’l Hughes-Watkins, University Archivist Annual Membership Dues: (330) 743-2589 [email protected] KSU Department of Special Collections Region 10 Organizations: http://www.mahoninghistory.org & Archives, Kent Jim Geyer, Director for Museums Annual budget over $200,000: $100 ($190 for 2) (330) 672-1639 Pioneer & Historical Society of Muskingum Annual budget $100,000-$200,000: $75 ($140 for 2) Jim Oda, Director [email protected] County, Zanesville Annual budget $25,000-$100,000: $60 ($110 for 2) Piqua Public Library, Piqua http://www.library.kent.edu/page/10300 (740) 454-9500 Annual budget below $25,000: $35 ($65 for 2) (937) 773-6753 [email protected] [email protected] Region 5 http://www.muskingumhistory.org Individuals: http://www.youseemore.com/piqua Kate Smith, Special Projects Coordinator Affiliate: $35 ($65 for 2) Dennison Railroad Depot Museum Individual: $50 ($90 for 2) Immediate Past-President Dennison Maggie Marconi, Museum Administrator Students: $20 (740) 922-6776 Sandusky Library/ Follett House Museum [email protected] Business: $100 ($190 for 2) Sandusky http://www.dennisondepot.org Individual subscriptions to The Local Historian (419) 625-3834 only are available for $25 annually. [email protected] Cristina Savu, Massillon http://www.sandusky.lib.oh.us/follett_house © 2015 Ohio History Connection Region 6 Leslie Blankenship, Trustee Ex-Officio (Executive Secretary) Franklinton Historical Society Mark Sundlov, Department Manager Columbus Local History Office, (614) 527-1957 Ohio History Connection, Columbus [email protected] (614) 297-2343 http://franklintonhistoricalsociety.org [email protected] Andrea Brookover, Executive Director http://www.ohiohistory.org Fairfield Heritage Association, Lancaster (740) 654-9923

The Local Historianᅵ Jan/Feb ᅵ 2015 2 Register NOW to Attend 2015 Statehood Day By Todd Kleismit, Director of Community and Government Relations, Ohio History Connection, Columbus

History lovers will once again have “Statehood Day has been such a the opportunity to share their passion for rewarding experience for those who Ohio history and preservation at the an- have participated in the past,” said Todd nual Statehood Day advocacy event at the Kleismit, the Ohio History Connection’s Ohio Statehouse on Wednesday, March 4. director of community and government You can register for the event online relations. “People from across Ohio who at www.ohiohistory.org/statehoodday. care about protecting and projecting The Statehood Day event brings state and local history come together to together Ohio’s history supporters and recognize the state’s birthday and share gives them the opportunity to meet with with state legislators why what we do is their state legislators and network with important.” fellow history-related professionals and Registration for the event is $30 advocates. Attendees are encouraged to (for lunch) through Friday, February 27. schedule a meeting with their state repre- To register and for more information, sentative and/or state senator. Governor visit online at www.ohiohistory.org/state- John R. Kasich has been invited to be hoodday. the keynote speaker at the luncheon. Statehood Day is sponsored by Ohio In addition to legislative advocacy, History Connection, Heritage Ohio, the the Ohio History Connection will an- Ohio Archaeological Council, the Ohio nounce its 2015 History Fund grant Local History Alliance, the Ohio Genea- Statehood Day, an annual advocacy event, will take place on March 4, 2015. Photo awards, funded through income tax logical Society, the Ohio Historical Re- courtesy of the Ohio History Connection. donations from Ohioans. Senator Frank cords Advisory Board, Preservation Ohio, LaRose (R-Akron) will be the recipient of the Ohio Travel Association, the Ohio the Ohio History Leadership Award, pre- Academy of History, the Ohio Council for sented annually to a state legislator who Social Studies, the Capital Square Review has “gone above and beyond” in promot- and Advisory Board and the Society of ing Ohio history. Ohio Archivists.

Invitation to Innovation (Continued from page 1)

While we all love historic museums, decades, the MCHS certainly knows its ohiohistory.org/local-history-office/pro- we also love new museums! On March business when it comes to Ohio history! fessional-development/alliance-regional- 14, the Logan County Historical Society Right in the heart of Region 10, the meetings. Remember, you are not limited invites us to Region 7 and into their newly Noble County Historical Society has to attending just the meeting of the region built, and fantastic, Logan County Trans- invited us to their place on March 28. you live or work in. You can attend any re- portation Museum. It’s hard to think of a better site to host gional meeting that looks interesting, and On March 21 the Mason Historical this meeting than the 1832 Ball-Caldwell you can certainly attend more than one. Society invites us to Region 8. It’s a great House and Barn! To register for a regional meeting, year to be in Mason—the city and MHS are Each meeting features exciting ses- complete and return the form attached to excited to celebrate Mason’s Bicentennial sions on always timely topics. Sessions the brochure or register online at www. this year. The meeting will be held at the cover everything from grant-writing to ohiohistory.org/register. Registration is Historic Mason School on N East St, near entrepreneurial ways to earn revenue, $30 for Alliance members and $35 for non- their wonderful Alverta Green Museum. from programming for school groups to members. Registration includes a conti- In the beautiful hills of Southeast attracting young professionals, from caring nental breakfast and lunch. If you have any Ohio, the Meigs County Historical Soci- for old buildings to caring for old objects. questions don’t hesitate to call us here in ety invites us to their museum in Region You can find the complete details for each the Local History Office of the Ohio 9 on March 28. Organized in 1876, and a meeting in the brochure, coming through History Connection at 1-800-858-6878. member of the Local History Alliance for the mail, and available online at www.

The Local Historianᅵ Jan/Feb ᅵ 2015 3 By Nick Emenhiser, Sarah Mar- Henry Morrison Flagler Ohio Historical Ohio’s Young Preservationists meet to discuss their som, and Rebecca Torsell, Young goals for 2015 at their first meeting in German Village in Columbus. Photo courtesy of Young Ohio Preservationists, Columbus Ohio Preservationists. Young Ohio Preservationists Spring into Action Statewide Young Ohio Preservationists (YOP) ties for members to take part in learning group of thoughtful, committed citizens can is an initiative of Heritage Ohio, the state’s new skills through workshops and putting change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing official ‘Historic Preservation and Main theory into practice during actual hands-on that ever has,” the Young Ohio Preservation- Street’ organization. Heritage Ohio has volunteer sessions.” ists aspire to be part of a committed change been working hard to connect Young Young preservationists are involved in to improve preservation across Ohio. The Ohio Preservationists to places across the their communities and eager to make a dif- organization’s members are young profes- state where a difference can be made. It all ference through saving our historic spaces. sionals involved in their own communi- started when Heritage Ohio began hosting These historic spaces not only connect ties. Sarah Marsom, Historic Preservation preliminary YOP focus groups in early 2014 members of the community to a sense of Advocate for the German Village Society, to gauge what preservation related activities authenticity, but also present valuable eco- is leading the group as its first president. the 40 and under demographic wanted to nomic opportunities to communities that She is excited for the coming year stating, engage in. After months of discussions, the need just that. Heritage Ohio has achieved “Throughout 2015, the board will build a Young Ohio Preservationists were able to remarkable buy-in from communities strong foundation for the organization that create a nine-person board and start plan- across the state, who have enthusiastically will ensure its status as a resource for young ning events for 2015. On December 5, the supported their Main Street program and professionals and communities, through the YOPs launched a successful inaugural event gotten a great return on their investment. creation of workshops, networking events, in Columbus’s German Village Historic Similarly, YOP wants the state to organize and professional development opportuni- District, which drew approximately 40 pres- and evaluate the roles played by younger ties. I believe the Young Ohio Preservation- ervationists from around the state (some as preservationists, not only to enhance ists group will prove to be another way far as Cleveland and Cincinnati!). preservation-related opportunities, but also Heritage Ohio makes a positive difference YOPs stand ready to offer their preser- to influence and move the preservation field across the state.” vation services to help give back to the com- forward with out-of-the box and cutting- Do you want to keep up with the munity: volunteer labor for small clean-up edge solutions to the challenges faced by so YOP or become a member? Email yop@ and rehab projects with the goal of giving many communities. It is the hope that YOP heritageohio.org to be added to our mailing just enough care to make a difference in pre- members can be the first point of contact list. You can also find us onFacebook and serving an historic resource. Vice president through which a community can Heritage Ohio’s website. Stay in-tune with Rebecca Torsell commented, “The board be changed with the services offered by our upcoming activities as we work hard to is working hard to reach out to a variety of the Young Ohio Preservationists. make a difference in Ohio’s communities. potential candidates to offer their volunteer Building upon the successful kickoff, services, including affordable housing mar- YOP is setting out to challenge norms, kets, local historic districts, and individuals inspire communities, and make a difference that need a hand to put preservation into in Ohio. Strong believers in the Margaret practice. YOP hopes to create opportuni- Mead quote, “Never doubt that a small

The Local Historianᅵ Jan/Feb ᅵ 2015 4 Ohio Income Tax Check-Off = History Fund Grants: Ohio IT-1040, Line 27c Means Grants for Local History

By Andy Verhoff, History Fund Grant Manager, Ohio History Connection, Columbus

Last year, the Ohio History Connec- To meet this threshold we need tion drafted Annie Oakley, General U.S. your help! We’re asking you to not only Grant, and the Wright Brothers to help contribute to the tax check off yourself, Join Annie Oakley, Ulysses S. Grant, and the increase donations to the tax check off for but also to encourage you to tell history- Wright Brothers and help the Ohio History Ohio History on state income tax returns. loving family and friends about it, too. Connection promote the income tax check off that supports the History Fund grant The tax check off is the main source of To help, the Connection has a media kit program. Find promotional materials at support for the History Fund grant pro- online at www.ohiohistory.org/make- www.ohiohistory.org/makehistorycampaign. gram, the only grant program in the state historycampaign. Shannon Thomas, the devoted exclusively to making grants for Connection’s assistant director for mar- local history, historic preservation, and keting and communications, notes that archeology projects. “we created the materials for use by local Thanks to the generosity of Ohioans, history and preservation organizations. and the hard work of Ms. Oakley, Gen. We would really appreciate it if members Grant, and the brothers Wright, contribu- of the Alliance would reprint the articles tions spiked. The tax check-off, found on and associated graphics in their newslet- Ohio tax return form IT-1040, Line 27c, ters and websites, and on Facebook and “Ohio Historical Society” (or Line 20c other social media.” “The videos are fun to on the EZ form) generated $165,000 as post on social media and generate a lot of of the end of the 2014 fiscal year in June. interest,” she adds. By contrast, the check-off brought in just In addition to the tax check-off, there under $139,000 for all of 2013. From 2013 are other ways to support the History to 2014, the number of donors increased Fund grant program. Available since by almost 1,100 (from 16,003 to 17,085), April, the Ohio History license plate as did the size of their average donations, features Conway the Mastodon. Twenty from $8.69 to $9.68. dollars from the sale of each set of plates To keep the History Fund alive, the benefit the History Fund grant program. Ohio History Connection has to again Applications for grants for 2015 are raise $150,000 through the tax-check currently under review. Recipients will be off. The tax check-off must generate a publicly announced at the Statehood Day minimum of $150,000 in contributions event, March 4, at the Ohio Statehouse per year to stay on the tax form. Failing (see article on page 3). The deadline for to reach this minimum two years in a row applications for 2016’s round of grants means the check-off will be removed from will be posted in June 2015 on the History Ohio’s income tax form and threaten the Fund’s webpage: www.ohiohistory.org/ History Fund grant program. If each of historyfund. The webpage also includes the 17,000 donors who gave last year gives information about eligible projects and just $10 or $11 from their tax refund in applicants, grant amounts, and instruc- 2015, we’d cross over the $150,000 thresh- tions for applying. Or, contact History old easily and have even more Fund Grant Manager Andy Verhoff at to grant. 614-297-2341 or averhoff@ohiohistory. org. The tax check-off supports the His- tory Fund. The History Fund supports you!

The Local Historianᅵ Jan/Feb ᅵ 2015 5 ANNOUNCEMENTS

Contribute! Promote!

How the Tax Promote Tax Check-off and History Fund Donations “Check-Off” Works Here’s how: • Ask local libraries to hang the posters at www.ohiohistory.org/makehistory Courtesy, Echoes, the bimonthly newsletter • Cut and copy the sample article campaign in places where they of the Ohio History Connection (January/ and include it in your organiza distribute tax return forms and February 2015) tion’s newsletter in February, March, instructions. and April (before the tax filing deadline of April 15). Send a letter to the editor of your Although we call it a “check-off,” on • • local newspaper about the tax check- your tax form, you won’t find a box • Contribute yourself, and tell friends off and History Fund (samples at, you to check. and family and tax preparers about guessed it, www.ohiohistory.org/ the Ohio History tax check-off and Toward the end of your individual makehistorycampaign). • the History Fund. Just include the Ohio state income tax return, after amount of your refund you want to In addition to the tax check-off, there you’ve calculated the amount of • donate on your 2014 Ohio income are other ways to support the His your refund (if you are receiving tax return, Form IT-1040, Line 27c tory Fund grant program. There’s a refund), you’ll find a line that asks or Form IT-1040EZ, Line 20c, a new license plate for Ohio History, “Amount of line 00 that you wish to “Ohio Historical Society.” featuring Conway the Mastodon. donate to the following funds.” (The Twenty dollars from the sale of each line number will differ depending • Post the YouTube videos and set of Ohio History license plates on which version of the Ohio state other images at www.ohiohistory. benefits the History Fund grant pro income tax return you’re using — org/ makehistorycampaign on your gram. To learn more, visit: http:// hence we’ve used 00 to represent website, Facebook, and other social www.bmv.ohio.gov/sp_history.stm. the line number here.) media pages. • One of the four options is “Ohio Sample Newsletter Article Historical Society” (The tax form has not caught up with our recent Make History with Your Tax Return! name change to Ohio History Connection yet.) Editor’s Note: Feel free to cut and paste this article and insert it in your organization’s newsletter. For other fun promotional materials, visit www.ohiohistory.org/makehistorycampaign. • Under “Ohio Historical Society,” fill in the amount that you’d like It’s tax season again, and this is just a reminder that the voluntary tax “check-off” for the to contribute. Last year’s average Ohio History Connection that you’ll find on your Ohio individual income tax return benefits contribution was $9.68, so even history, pre-history and preservation-related organizations across the state. When you opt to a small donation can make a big donate a portion of your state income tax refund to the Ohio History Connection, it supports difference. the History Fund, which makes grants to organizations for local history projects in communities throughout Ohio. The amount you contribute to • For 2014, the History Fund received $165,000 in donations from 17,000 Ohioans who con- the Ohio History Connection tributed a portion of their state income tax refund. Most donations are small, averaging $9.70 through your Ohio state income in 2014, but the impact is big for those who receive History Fund grants. The matching grants tax return goes specifically to sup are awarded on a competitive basis. port the History Fund, which makes grants to help support local history The tax check-off benefiting the History Fund first appeared on state income tax forms and preservation-related projects in 2012. The first History Fund grants were awarded in 2013 for a variety of history- and in communities throughout Ohio. preservation-related projects. Learn more about the recipients of grants in 2013 and 2014 and their projects at www.ohiohistory.org/historyfund.

Please consider donating a portion of your tax refund to the Ohio History Connection for the History Fund when you complete your state income tax return this year. Questions about the History Fund? Visit www.ohiohistory.org/makehistory, call the Ohio History Connection’s Local History Office at 614-297-2341 or [email protected] .

The Local Historianᅵ Jan/Feb ᅵ 2015 6 ANNOUNCEMENTS

People in the News Congratulations! New Deadline!

Ohio Historical Marker New Deadline for Tonia Hoffert, director of the Seneca County Museum, has been named the Grants Help Erect 5 Ohio Historical Marker new curator at the Bucyrus Historical New Markers Applications: July 1 Society. She will currently be serving at both museums and is filling the shoes at At its October 2014 meeting, the To better accommodate “marker Bucyrus recently vacated by co-curators Ohio Historical Markers grant committee dedication season” the Ohio History Con- Mary Ellen and Don Lust, who retired made grants of $750 to offset the cost of nection’s Local History Office is revising after seven years of service. erecting 5 new markers, from a field of 10 the deadline for marker applications and applicants. Communities receiving a grant for the marker grant program. With the Liz Schultz, the Oberlin Heritage include: exception of the new William G. Pomeroy Foundation Grant, described elsewhere Center’s museum education and tour Cleveland: “Abraham Lincoln’s in this issue, there will be one deadline a coordinator, was one of 21 participants Funeral in Cleveland” tells the story of year for applying for an Ohio Historical from across the nation who attended the the assassinated president’s funeral train’s Marker, July 1. With the new deadline of Developing History Leaders seminar in stop in Cleveland and the city’s outpour- July 1, the program will no longer accept Indianapolis this fall. Sponsored by the ing of grief during the return of his applications on a rolling basis throughout American Association of State and Local remains to Springfield, Illinois for burial. History (AASLH), the National Trust for the year. Historic Preservation, the Ohio History Dover: “Dover Light Plant / From receipt of application to the Connection and others, this professional Northern Ohio Traction & Light” shares delivery of the finished product, Ohio development program is now in its sixth two related histories of how Dover, Ohio, Historical Markers can take up to 6–9 decade providing history professionals like many other communities at the turn months to produce. A new deadline of the tools, ideas, and connections that al- of the 20th century, harnessed the power July 1 will ensure that all applicants have low them to become effective leaders and of electricity to light the city and move its their markers in time for marker dedi- managers in their field. Upon returning to people. cation season beginning the following spring. Oberlin, Schultz summed up the experi- Irondale: “Mooretown Civil War The new deadline of July 1 will ap- ence as one that was both invigorating Monument” honors the service and sacri- ply to applicants seeking marker grants and reaffirming. “Everyone left with goals fice of Thomas George and his comrades as well as to those who raise funds from for improving their home institutions in the 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from solely local sources to erect markers. and demonstrating how history museums Ross Township Jefferson County, as well Previously, the marker grant program aren’t just nice, they’re essential,” she said. as sharing the history of the monument had two deadlines a year, in April and itself. TheDennison Railroad Depot Museum October, making five grants per deadline. System has welcomed Kerri Silverthorn Powell: “Depp Settlement and Lucy Beginning July 1, the markers grant pro- as their new membership and market- Depp Park” chronicles the history of the gram will be making 10 grants at a time. ing coordinator. She will be coordinating Lucy Depp subdivision, north of Colum- Marker applicants, however, do not memberships and marketing efforts at the bus, from the time it was founded in the have to apply for a one of the Connec- Dennison Depot, the Uhrichsville Clay 1830s to its development as a popular tion’s markers grants. Applicants who do Museum, and Historic Shoenbrunn Vil- getaway and vacation spot for African- apply but do not receive a grant may still lage. Based in New Philadelphia, Silver- Americans in Columbus in the middle move forward with their applications, if thorn came to the Depot in November decades of the 20th century. the program approves the historical topic for a marker. from a local radio station. She will be Sugarcreek: “Giant The year 2015 will bring other earning her degree in Applied Communi- Cuckoo Clock of Karl changes to the Ohio Historical Markers cation & English from Kent State Univer- Schleutermann” tells the program. The staff of the Ohio History sity in 2015. offbeat story of the world’s Connection’s Local History Office is at largest cuckoo clock, featured on the work reworking the marker application cover of the 1978 Guinness Book of World and revising and clarifying guidelines for Records, and how the clock was and is the program to make them easier to use. used to celebrate the heritage of Sugar- For an application and more infor- creek, the “Little Switzerland of Ohio.” mation, visit www.remarkableohio.org or (Photo courtesy of www.experience-ohio- contact Andy Verhoff, historical marker amish-country.com.) coordinator, at 614-297-2341 or aver- [email protected].

The Local Historianᅵ Jan/Feb ᅵ 2015 7 ANNOUNCEMENTS

Professional Development Awards Grants

Ohio Museums Association OHRAB Grant Applications Conference March 29-31 Due February 28

Join the Ohio Museum Association The Ohio Historical Records Ad- in Cleveland March 29-31 for the 2015 visory Board (OHRAB) announces the Conference, Relevance through Rebirth: availability of grants between $500 and Ohio Museums in the 21st Century. The $2,000 to archival institutions to fund age of digital, next-generation tech, and AASLH Award Nominations projects to preserve and/or provide access social sharing have forever altered the way Due March 1 to Ohio’s historical records. Proposals we seek and consume information - and must be received by February 28, 2015. experiences. In this ever-changing land- Every year AASLH bestows the Awards will be announced March 23, and scape of new technology and attention- Leadership in History Awards in recogni- projects must be completed by December pulls, Ohio museums are experiencing tion of excellence in the field of state and 31, 2015. a renaissance in programming, collec- local history. The awards were established Eligible institutions may be public tions care, governance – and all points to encourage standards of excellence in or private. Any size institution may apply, in-between – to keep visitors engaged all the collection, preservation, and interpre- but preference will be given to institutions while staying true to mission. How are tation of state and local history in order with permanently valuable archival ma- our museums adapting to remain not just to make the past more meaningful to all terials of less than 500 cubic feet. Eligible relevant, but thriving cornerstones of our Americans. By publicly recognizing supe- projects include those involving physical communities? rior and innovative achievements, access, arrangement, and description; OMA 2015 is packed full of great the Leadership in History Awards serve preservation; and making catalog de- opportunities, professional development, as an inspiration to others in the field. scriptions of records or digital images of engaging speakers, tours, awards, net- AASLH recognizes excellence in the records available online. Eligible expenses working and more! Attendees at OMA following areas: include supplies, storage materials, tech- 2015 will also enjoy new experiences, Exhibits nical equipment, and contracted services. alongside the great conference staples • Full details of this grant opportunity and you’ve come to expect from the Ohio • Public and educational the application packet are available at Museums Association, including: programming OHRAB’s website http://www.ohrab.org/ • A full day of tours on Sunday to grants/regrant/ some of Cleveland’s museum gems • Special projects Funding is made available by a The Annual Awards dinner at the Federal regrant opportunity from the Na- • beautiful Greater Cleveland Aquarium • Publications tional Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), a division of the The OMA silent auction that boasts • • Multimedia National Archives and Records Admin- a wide variety of goodies you won’t be istration (NARA). Please Note: OHRAB able to resist Individual achievement • is awaiting formal notification from the • The Ohio EMP Gathering Applicants can self-nominate or NHPRC on the funding for the regrants. • The OMA Exhibit Hall featuring nominate another project. Nominees need While it is necessary for OHRAB to an- regional museum service providers not be members of AASLH to qualify and nounce this grant opportunity and begin • Networking with museum profes- organizations of all sizes are encouraged to receive your proposals, all awards are sionals from across the state to apply! For more information including contingent on OHRAB receiving the • Tuesday Half-Day workshops! submission guidelines, visit http://about. funds from the NHPRC. Choose from three immersive, hands-on aaslh.org/awards. workshops hosted on-site at OMA member institutions in Cleveland. • The 2015 Keynote Address by Pro Football Hall of Fame President, David Baker • Fifteen professional development sessions and roundtables ranging in topics from across the museum discipline For more information and to register, visit http://ohiomuseums.org/professional-development/conference/. The Local Historianᅵ Jan/Feb ᅵ 2015 8 ANNOUNCEMENTS

Congratulations!

William G. Pomeroy Foundation Award Winners

Thanks to the William G. Pomeroy Foundation of Syracuse, New York, the Ohio History Connection’s Local History Office now offers new grants to erect Ohio Historical Markers and Ohio Corporate Limit Markers in Erie, Huron, and Seneca Counties. The first deadline for the new program was November 12 and the Pome- roy Foundation made awards for these markers: Bellevue (Huron): The“Tremont House” will chronicle this National Register-listed landmark in downtown Bellevue, which was built in 1846 and was home to a variety of businesses throughout its history. Ohio Corporate Limit Marker. The William G. Pomeroy Foundation makes grants to erect both Ohio Historical Markers and Ohio Corporate Limit Markers. Photo courtesy of Andy Kelleys Island (Erie): A marker for Verhoff. the “German Reform Church / Church Ohio Historical Markers range in rated must have a period of significance Parsonage” will chronicle the history of cost from $2,440 to $2,730, exclusive of which falls between the years 1800 and this small congregation, active from the artwork. Grants from the Pomeroy Foun- 1900 or 2) the marker must designate 1860s to the early 1940s and now a part of dation will pay up to $2,440, which is the properties or districts on the National the Kelley’s Island Historical Association. cost for a marker of approximately 100 Register of Historic Places. (Properties words. If the local sponsor of the marker on the National Register must be owned Sandusky (Erie): The“Sandusky wants a erect a marker exceeding 100 by a government entity or a non-profit Library / Erie County Jail” will share the words, the cost would be no more than organization. Individual properties under history of the city’s library and adjacent $300, excluding the additional cost of in- private ownership or commercial proper- county jail. The current library was built cluding a photograph or other artwork on ties are not eligible.) in 1901, thanks to a grant from Andrew the marker. As is currently the case with The next deadlines for grants from Carnegie, and expanded in 2004 to incor- the markers program, the local sponsor of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation are porate the jail building, made redundant the marker assumes the costs of placing April 1 and July 1. To apply, complete the by a replacement in 1990. the marker and maintaining it over time. regular application for an Ohio Historical Tiffin(Seneca) : The community of The Foundation will also fund the Marker, available at: www.remarkableo- Tiffin submitted two applications and full cost of navy blue, Ohio-shaped Cor- hio.org. For more information, contact both were funded. The“Founding of Tif- porate Limit Marker ($2,040). Because marker coordinator Andy Verhoff in Ohio fin” will describe the establishment of city, they are intended to be read from passing History Connection’s Local History named for Ohio’s first governor, Edward vehicles entering a municipality, Ohio Office: 614-297-2341,averhoff@ohiohis - Tiffin. A marker toRezin W. Shawhan Corporate Limit Markers are limited to tory.org. will note this successful Tiffin business- very short phases of approximately 10-15 For more information about the man’s life and philanthropy. His former words. William G. Pomeroy Foundation, which house is now the Seneca County Museum. Markers funded by the William administers a very active historical mark- G. Pomeroy Foundation shall meet one er program in New York State, visit: www. or both of the following criteria: 1) the wgpfoundation.org or see the Foundation person, place, event, or thing commemo- on Facebook.

The Local Historianᅵ Jan/Feb ᅵ 2015 9 Join the Ohio Local CALENDAR 2015 On History Alliance... the Web ...or connect a sister organization March 4 to the Alliance and ask its leaders Statehood Day. For more information, see page 3. to join in one of the following March 14 categories: Ohio Local History Alliance Region 5 & 7 Meetings. For more information, see page 1. Uncatalogued Organizational Member March 21 Get six issues of The LocalHistorian, Ohio Local History Alliance Region 6 & 8 Museum Meetings. For more information, save when you register for our see page 1. Alliance regional and statewide local history meetings, receive periodic email March 28 http://uncatalogued- Ohio Local History Alliance Region 9 & updates, and save on Ohio Historical 10 Meetings. For more information, see museum.blogspot. Society services for organization, in- page 1. com cluding speakers and customized train- April 1 ing workshops. Best of all, when you Ohio Historical Marker applications for join the Alliance as an Organizational William G. Pomeroy Foundation grants Member, your membership benefits due. For more information, see page 9. Independent consultant all of your organization’s staff and April 11 Linda B. Norris’s blog members—they will all qualify Ohio Local History Alliance Region 1 for discounts on registration for Meeting. For more information, see page 1. features posts on projects the Alliance’s regional and statewide April 15 she is currently working meetings and when buying Alliance Tax Day! Be sure to make your contribu- publications. tion to the History Fund when you file your Ohio income taxes. For more infor- on, museums she has vis- Operating budget: mation, see page 5. Over $200,000 a year: ited, and ideas to consider April 18 $100 ($190 for 2) Ohio Local History Alliance Region 2 &4 bringing into your $100,000-$200,000 a year: Meetings. For more information, see page 1. organization. $75 ($140 for 2) April 25 $25,000-$100,000 a year: Ohio Local History Alliance Region 3 $60 ($110 for 2) Meeting. For more information, see page 1. Under $25,000 a year: July 1 $35 ($65 for 2) New deadline for Ohio Historical Marker grant applications. For more information, see page 7. Individual Member Get six issues of The LocalHistorian , save when you register for our Alliance Calendar items are chosen on the basis of available space and applicability to regional and statewide local history the largest number of our readers, who meetings, receive periodic email are mainly volunteer and professional updates. leaders of local historical societies, Affiliate: $35 a year ($65 for 2) history museums, archives, libraries, historic preservation groups, and Individual: $50 a year ($90 for 2) genealogical societies in Ohio. We cannot Student: $20 a year include events mainly of local interest; for these we suggest local newspa- Business Member pers, broadcast media, Ohio Magazine, 1-800-BUCKEYE, and, if arts related, $100 a year ($190 for 2) www.ArtsinOhio.com.

Join at http://www.ohiohistorystore. com/Ohio-LHA-formerly-OAHSM- C120.aspx

The Local Historianᅵ Jan/Feb ᅵ 2015 10 News from Region 5 Region 8 Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Holmes, Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, the Regions Jefferson, Stark, Tuscarawas, and Wayne Hamilton, Highland, and Warren Counties Counties TheDennison Railroad Depot Museum Region 9 Region 1 celebrated its first Salvation Army National Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Donut Day this summer. The Depot passed Allen, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Lawrence, Meigs, Pike, Ross, Scioto, out almost nine dozen donuts on a street and Vinton Counties Henry, Lucas, Putnam, Van Wert, Williams, corner and had two taste-testing contests. The and Wood Counties first contest featured celebrity judges picking This fall theMeigs County Historical Society The Kenton Toy Collectors will be having their which local specialty was the best. The second held its first genealogy fair, co-sponsored by third annual Cast Iron Toy Show at the Har- contest was a community-judged blind taste the Meigs County Genealogy Society. Local din County Historical Museum on February test of the best local donut. The day was so genealogists were invited to the Meigs County 21. All profits from the show will be donated successful the Depot will be celebrating Na- Museum to spend a day working on their back to the museum. In addition, the Hardin tional Donut Day again in June 2015. To learn family histories using the society’s original County Museum’s exhibit of toys made at the more visit http://www.dennisondepot.org. records. The resources available included Kenton Hardware Company will be on display. original marriage records, birth and death The most famous of these toys is the Gene Region 6 records, estate packets, wills, naturalization Autry cap pistol. For more information, visit papers, and newspapers. The dates covered http://www.hardinmuseums.org/. Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Knox, ranged from very early nineteenth century Licking, Madison, Perry, Pickaway, and through the 1950s. For more information go Union Counties to http://www.meigscohistorical.org/. Region 2 TheNew Albany-Plain Township Historical Ashland, Crawford, Erie, Huron, Marion, Society’s Diary of Lucius Clark Smith, 1869- Region 10 Morrow, Ottawa, Richland, Sandusky, 1871 is now available as a Kindle Book from Seneca, and Wyandot Counties Belmont, Coshocton, Guernsey, Monroe, Amazon. Lucius Smith was an early resident of Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, and Plain Township and kept several diaries. The Washington Counties Region 3 book has a wealth of details about everyday rural life in Central Ohio during this period. Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, and All proceeds from the Kindle Book go directly Summit Counties to the society. For more information visit ______http://www.newalbanyplaintownshiphistori- calsociety.org/. In 100 words or less, do you have outstanding Region 4 news to share about your organization? Please Ashtabula, Geauga, Mahoning, Portage, TheMotts Military Museum has replaced all email it to your regional representative for and Trumbull Counties the fluorescent lighting in their museum with the next issue of The Local Historian. Contact TheMahoning Valley Historical Society new energy-efficient LED lights. With the new information for the representatives in your has opened a new gallery at the Tyler Mahon- lights the museum hopes to save a lot of mon- region is on page 2 of this issue. Of course, you ing Valley History Center – the Youngstown ey in their electrical costs. American Electric are welcome to forward your news directly to Foundation Community History Gallery. It Power reimbursed the museum for a portion the editor of The Local Historian at arohm- will host temporary exhibits from community of the replacement costs. To learn more go to [email protected]. Rather than serving as partners like other historical societies, civic http://www.mottsmilitarymuseum.org. a calendar of events, items for “News from the organizations, artists, and collectors. The Regions” are chosen to inspire, connect, and educate the Alliance’s members all over Ohio gallery’s first exhibit isAn Affordable Luxury: Region 7 Trumbull County Clocks. Visitors will learn the and celebrate notable and imitation-worthy history of one of Trumbull County’s earliest Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Darke, accomplishments of Alliance members. industries and see examples of the craftsman- Greene, Logan, Mercer, Miami, ship involved in creating these pieces. For Montgomery, Preble, and Shelby Counties more information go to http://www.mahonin- TheMiamisburg Historical Society has ghistory.org. launched a TV show! The society’s Media Production Group is recording a variety of programs on Miamisburg’s history. The first two shows featured stories of Miamisburg’s past and the history of the canal that ran through town. The programs are shown on the local public access channel, and more are planned. For more information visit http:// www.miamisburg.org/miamisburg_histori- cal_society.htm.

The Local Historianᅵ Jan/Feb ᅵ 2015 11 MEMBERSHIP List as of December 16, 2014

Welcome New Member Fowler Township Historical Society, Tippecanoe Historical Society, Tipp City Cortland Union County Historical Society, Organization Garnet A. Wilson Public Library of Pike Marysville Columbus Metropolitan Library, County, Waverly Williams County Historical Society, Columbus German Culture Museum, Walnut Creek Montpelier Granger Historical Society, Medina Windsor Historical Society, Windsor Thank You Renewing Greater Loveland Historical Society & Wood County Historical Center & Members Museum, Loveland Museum, Bowling Green Hanover Township Historical Society, Individual Hanoverton Carl T. Engel, Painesville Hocking County Historical Society, Daniel L. Frizzi, Bellaire Logan Joshua D. Mann, Pickerington Kirtland Temple Historic Center, Willoughby Organizations Lakeside Heritage Society Inc., Lakeside A.B. Graham Memorial Center Museum, Lillian E. Jones Museum, Jackson Conover Lorain Historical Society, Lorain Avon Lake Historical Society, Avon Lake Lucy Hayes Heritage Center, Chillicothe Boardman Historical Society, Lynchburg Historical Society, Lynchburg Youngstown Madison County Historical Society, Belmont County Historical Society, London Barnesville Mariemont Preservation Foundation, Belpre Historical Society, Belpre Cincinnati Brunswick Area Historical Society, Metamora Area Historical Society, Brunswick Metamora Carroll Area Historical Society, Carroll Museum at the Friends Home, Centerville-Washington Twp. Historical Waynesville Society, Centerville Noble County Historical Society, Chagrin Falls Historical Society, Caldwell Chagrin Falls Richfield Historical Society, Richfield Clintonville Historical Society, Columbus Roseville Historical Society, Roseville Delhi Historical Society, Cincinnati Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, Delphos Canal Commission, Delphos Fremont Enon Community Historical Society, Sebring Ohio Historical Society, Sebring Enon Shanes Crossing Historical Society, Erie County Historical Society, Sandusky Rockford Fairport Harbor Historical Society, Solon Historical Society, Solon Fairport Harbor Tallmadge Historical Society, Tallmadge

Need to Contact Us? We at the Local History Office love hearing from you. Local History Office Staff

Mark Sundlov Andy Verhoff Amy Rohmiller Department Manager History Fund Grant Manager Program Coordinator [email protected] and Ohio Historical Marker Local History, AmeriCorps, (614) 297-2343 Coordinator CW150 [email protected] [email protected] (614) 297-2341 (614) 297-2609

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The Local Historianᅵ Jan/Feb ᅵ 2015 12