Volume 31 Issue 4 July/August 2015

THE Local Historian

Promote Your WWI Collections with “Little Stories of the Great War: Ohioans in World War I” By Lily Birkhimer and Jenni Salamon, Farewell parade for World War I soldiers Digital Services Staff, History in Hillsboro, 1917. Image via Ohio Memory. Connection, Columbus

The Digital Services staff of the Ohio His- expertise in identifying the most appropri- tory Connection is proud to announce that ate materials for digitization, and planning we are the recipients of a recent grant from for the creation of a collection (and associ- the National Endowment for the Humani- ated learning resources) that will prove a ties (NEH) for a project entitled “Little valuable resource for scholars, students and Stories of the Great War: Ohioans in World the general public. Surveys will be admin- War I,” which commenced on May 1. This istered to collecting institutions in Ohio project falls under the category of Humani- to identify their unique WWI materials, ties Collections and Reference Resources, as well as to the state’s educators to learn which includes efforts by institutions to more about how they plan to teach the “preserve and provide access to collections topic of World War I and what digital re- essential to scholarship, education, and sources will best support their curriculum. WHAT’S INSIDE: public programming in the humanities.” By May 2016, project outcomes will It also lends itself to NEH’s Standing To- include a prototype collection of a prelimi- 2 President’s Message gether initiative, which seeks to “promote nary selection of WWI materials from the 3 Are You Pinning? understanding of the military experience Ohio History Connection and a yet-to- and to support returning veterans.” be-identified partner organization, as well 4 WWI Collections (cont’d) The year-long planning grant is in as a publicly-available union bibliogra- 5 Book Review: Interpreting preparation for a larger project that would phy offering a complete listing of WWI LGBT History construct a statewide digital collection holdings within our collections and other of World War I materials from both the institutions throughout the state. This latter 7 Announcements Ohio History Connection and other resource will serve as an access point for 10 Calendar cultural heritage institutions around the researchers to identify and locate relevant state, designed to align with the centen- WWI collections, making these materials 11 News from the Regions nial of U.S. involvement in the Great War, known beyond the walls of their holding 12 New and Renewing 1917-1919. Over the course of the coming institutions, and will be freely available Members year, project staff will convene an advisory to the public through our website. board composed of historians, educators (Continued on page 4) and curriculum coordinators to lend their

1 President’s This spring thirteen grants were awarded – something different, connects me to what is going the most since the fund’s inception. The projects on around the state and educates me about new Message: include bricks and mortar; educational programs opportunities. Please send in your news to the and exhibits; and digitization projects. Local History Office [email protected] . The History Fund was long a dream of members of Think about the needs in your community. Your news is important to your fellow the Ohio Local History Alliance and our partners Do you have a building that should be preserved? Alliance members. at the Ohio History Connection. Leaders in both Is there a collection of historic photographs that organizations worked diligently to make it a reality. need to be digitized and shared with the public? Beth Weinhardt Do you have an idea for an educational exhibit? President, Ohio Local History Alliance In 2015, the History Fund is entering its fourth Local History Coordinator, Westerville Public Library The application for the History Fund can be found grant cycle. Communities across Ohio are feeling (614) 259-5028 the impact of the projects that have been funded. at www.ohiohistory.org/historyfund. The deadline [email protected] Thirty-three projects in twenty-two counties have for applications is September 9. been recipients of the dollars created by the tax One feature of The Local Historian that I check-off. Congratulations to all who have a proj- am always interested in reading is the News from ect funded and a round of applause to thank the Regions. I love this sharing of projects and all who contribute on their tax returns to make programs. It always inspires me to think of trying this possible! 2015 Board Members Ohio Local History Alliance President Ex-Officio (Executive Secretary) Region 6 Beth Weinhardt, Local History Coordinator Mark Sundlov, Department Manager Leslie Blankenship, Trustee Westerville Public Library, Westerville Local History Office, Franklinton Historical Society (614) 259-5028 Ohio History Connection, Columbus Columbus [email protected] (614) 297-2343 (614) 527-1957 http://westervillelibrary.org/local-history [email protected] [email protected] http://www.ohiohistory.org http://franklintonhistoricalsociety.org The Ohio Local History Alliance, 1st Vice President organized in 1960 under sponsorship of Todd McCormick, Curator/Director Region 1 Andrea Brookover, Executive Director the Ohio History Connection, is composed Logan County Historical Society Gary Levitt, Director Fairfield Heritage Association, Lancaster of local historical societies, historic preservation Bellefontaine Museum of Postal History, Delphos (740) 654-9923 groups, history museums, archives, libraries, (937) 593-7557 (419) 303-5482 [email protected] and genealogical societies throughout the state [email protected] [email protected] http://www.fairfieldheritage.org http://www.loganhistory.org involved in collecting, preserving, and interpreting http://www.postalhistorymuseum.org Region 7 Ohio’s history. 2nd Vice President Holly Hartlerode, Curator Chris Burton, Executive Director The Local Historian (ISSN 9893-3340) is published Wendy Zucal, Executive Director Wood County Historical Center Armstrong Air & Space Museum Wapakoneta bimonthly by the Ohio History Connection, 800 E. Dennison Railroad Depot Museum Bowling Green Dennison (419) 352-0967 (419) 738-8811 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211-2497, as a (740) 922-6776 [email protected] benefit to Ohio Local History Alliance members. [email protected] [email protected] http://www.woodcountyhistory.org http://www.armstrongmuseum.org Periodicals Postage Paid at Columbus, OH. http://dennisondepot.org Region 2 Kasey Eichensehr, Curator Secretary Clark County Historical Society POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Brenda Stultz, Curator Springfield The Local Historian, Local History Office, Ohio Ruth Brindle, Curator Clyde Heritage League, Clyde Quaker Heritage Center (937) 324-0657 History Connection, 800 E. 17th Avenue, Columbus, (419) 547-7946 [email protected] Wilmington College, Wilmington [email protected] OH 43211-2497. Editors: Amy Rohmiller, Mark (937) 481-2456 http://www.heritagecenter.us Sundlov, Rosa Rojas http://www.clydeheritageleague.org [email protected] Region 8 http://www2.wilmington.edu/qhc Please direct materials or phone inquiries to: Gale Martin, Executive Director Joel Kohler, Historian Marion County Historical Society, Marion Mason Ohio Historical Society The Local Historian Treasurer (740) 387-4255 Local History Office Kathleen Fernandez, Executive Director [email protected] Mason North Canton Heritage Society Ohio History Connection http://www.marionhistory.com (513) 398-6750 North Canton [email protected] 800 E. 17th Avenue (330) 494-4791 Region 3 http://www.masonhistoricalsociety.org Columbus, OH 43211-2497 [email protected] Rebecca Larson-Troyer, Librarian 1-800-858-6878 http://www.northcantonheritage.org Special Collections Division Jamie Glavic, Director of Marketing & FAX: (614) 297-2567 Akron-Summit County Public Library Communications, National Underground [email protected] Trustees-At-Large Akron Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati Leann Rich, Manager of Education (513) 333-7500 Visit The Alliance online at www.ohiolha.org (330) 643-9030 & External Relations [email protected] [email protected] and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ohio- Mahoning Valley Historical Society http://sc.akronlibrary.org http://www.freedomcenter.org localhistoryalliance Youngstown (330) 743-2589 Timothy Daley, Executive Director Region 9 Annual Membership Dues: [email protected] Cuyahoga County Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Margaret Parker, President Organizations: http://www.mahoninghistory.org Monument, Cleveland Meigs County Historical Society, Pomeroy Annual budget over $200,000: $100 ($190 for 2) (216) 621-3746 (740) 992-3810 Annual budget $100,000-$200,000: $75 ($140 for 2) Jim Oda, Director [email protected] [email protected] Annual budget $25,000-$100,000: $60 ($110 for 2) Piqua Public Library, Piqua http://www.soldiersandsailors.com http://meigscohistorical.org (937) 773-6753 Annual budget below $25,000: $35 ($65 for 2) [email protected] Region 4 Jessica Cyders, Curator Individuals: http://www.youseemore.com/piqua Lae’l Hughes-Watkins, University Archivist Athens County Historical Society, Athens (740) 592-2280 Affiliate: $35 ($65 for 2) Pat Smith, Director KSU Department of Special Collections & Archives, Kent [email protected] Individual: $50 ($90 for 2) Allen County Museum & Historical Society http://athenshistory.org Students: $20 Lima (330) 672-1639 [email protected] Region 10 Business: $100 ($190 for 2) (419) 222-9426 [email protected] http://www.library.kent.edu/page/10300 Jim Geyer, Director for Museums Individual subscriptions to The Local Historian http://www.allencountymuseum.org Region 5 Pioneer & Historical Society of only are available for $25 annually. County, Zanesville Immediate Past-President Kate Smith, Special Projects Coordinator (740) 454-9500 © 2015 Ohio History Connection Maggie Marconi, Museum Administrator Dennison Railroad Depot Museum [email protected] Dennison Sandusky Library/ Follett House Museum http://www.muskingumhistory.org (740) 922-6776 Sandusky [email protected] Judy Robinson, Trustee (419) 625-3834 http://www.dennisondepot.org Noble County Historical Society [email protected] Caldwell http://www.sandusky.lib.oh.us/follett_house (740) 732-2654 [email protected] http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ohnoble/ histsoc.htm

The Local Historianᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2015 2 State Budget Are You Pinning? Includes Increase Why History Organizations for Ohio History Should Consider Pinterest

By Todd Kleismit, Director of By Lae’l Hughes-Watkins, Community and Government University Archivist & Assistant Relations, Ohio History Professor, Kent State University, Connection, Columbus Kent

The Ohio General Assembly recently Faceboook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twit- finalized the state’s two-year operating ter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Vine—the list budget that took effect July 1. House Bill of social media sites is endless. Every 64, consisting of more than 4,300 pages, year there seems to be a new mode was signed into law by Governor John R. of communication that is termed the Kasich on June 30. hottest new tool for businesses and The Ohio History Connection’s state organizations looking to increase their budget was increased from approximately digital footprint. The process of trying $10.1 million in Fiscal Year 2015 to about to keep up with the constant barrage $11.9 million in FY 2016. The 15 percent of social media platforms can make us increase is on top of the 24 percent want to pull our hair out. Many of us are increase the Ohio History Connection left wondering what tool to use, how to received in the previous two-year budget. use it and is it worth it if I’m competing By comparison, the Ohio History Con- with the likes of Justin Bieber? History nection received $13.56 million in FY organizations have the daunting task of 2008. trying to make Annie Oakley hip and Included in the Ohio History Con- the economic impact of the Cuyahoga nection’s state budget funding is $70,000 River on the city of Kent relevant. So, each of the next two years for a staff what are we to do? person in the Local History Office to help Well, are you pinning? While it’s coordinate the activities of the World not feasible to expect Pinterest to get War I statewide centennial initiative. The you lines out the door to your next largest state funding increase is allocated museum exhibit or upcoming soiree at to the Ohio History Connection’s local the historical society, Pinterest is a tool site partners that operate the network of that can help further engage patrons historic sites and museums across Ohio. and supporters, as well as potentially Other funding increases will go toward increasing awareness of the unique arti- improved security, maintenance, market- facts, documents, and events associated ing and other statewide operations. with your organization. Many reputable Late in the budget process, the Ohio institutions already have a presence History Connection worked with numer- on Pinterest, ranging from New York’s ous other organizations to successfully Historical Society, to the Los Angeles remove a provision the Ohio Senate had County Museum of Art, the Kansas added to the budget that would have put Historical Society, and the Andy Warhol a two-year moratorium on the state’s Museum. Pinterest is listed in the top historic preservation tax credit program. ten popular social media sites, The Ohio History Connection thanks so if your organization’s holdings its many supporters in the Ohio General include some awesome photos and you Assembly and among the hundreds of want to showcase monthly events, then local history organizations statewide. what are you waiting for, start pinning! Several members of the Ohio Local His- tory Alliance and Ohio History Connec- What is Pinterest? tion site partners provided either written Pinterest is an online pinboard, where or verbal testimony before the Senate users can upload or collect various Finance Committee in June. We are grate- “pins” also known as images or videos, ful and satisfied with the excellent state and organize them into “boards” budget outcome. (Continued on page 4)

The Local Historianᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2015 3 Are You Pinning? (Continued from page 3) highlighting specific themes. A user can If your answer is “yes” to most or all Analytics upload their own images and videos or of the questions in the box below, then Once you’ve created content, it’s easy to re-pin content from other users. In addi- your organization should consider using check statistics with Pinterest’s monthly tion, this social media tool allows for the Pinterest. The tool is free and you can cre- updates. This includes demographic infor- creation of boards on practically anything: ate up to 500 boards with up to 200,000 mation, such as gender, language, and destination locations, favorite athletes, pins! Pinterest is constantly updating its country, and data that tracks your users’ recipes, historical landmarks, or Ohio’s functionality—pins can include metadata interests, such as other social media sites canals. The possibilities are endless. After with up to 500 characters and geographi- they use, business brands, and subject an account is created, other Pinterest cal location. matter. users can become a follower and “repin” Pinterest is one option for history your pins on their own boards, helping organizations looking for a cost-effective to spread your visual stories across the way to communicate and spotlight what Pinterest community, which boast a total makes their institution a destination number of 40 million plus unique users. location for students, teachers, historians, tourists, and other key stakeholders.

Are You Fit to Pin? Final Thoughts Here is a short list of questions that museums, historical societies, and other history- If you’re looking for a way to highlight centered organizations might want to consider before venturing into Pinterest: scenes from your WWII re-enactment, ? Do we have a bunch of high-quality images or video from a past event create a Pinterest Board. If you want to or exhibit that are just languishing on the hard drive? tease an exhibit for potential local high school students with a few photos that ? Do we have access to a scanner or camera to highlight popular will grab the imaginations of teachers exhibit material? and students—create a Pinterest Board. If you want to give a “shout out” to visi- Do we want to create an online exhibit but have little or no money ? tors and upload a video of a tour from to implement the infrastructure? a living history community—create a ? Are we looking for a way to keep our community up-to-date on Pinterest Board! events and exhibits, yet have very little money to do that also? Hopefully you’re inspired to start pinning! For more information on Pinter- ? Do we have access or could gain access to a relatively tech-savvy est visit: https://www.pinterest.com person who loves social media, or at least is willing to learn? Sources: Pew Research Center: Internet, Science and Tech; Pinterest; Statista

Promote Your WW1 Collections... (Continued from page 1)

By the end of the war, Ohio had sent in both format and content, represent a tuned over the coming year as we share approximately 263,000 men and women variety of Ohio voices from before, during the progress of “Little Stories of the Great into service, whether they were national and immediately after the war. Among our War.” Interested in sharing your collec- guardsman, volunteers or draftees. This vast holdings, users can discover: over 85 tions as part of our statewide bibliography? constituted an impressive 5.3% of the na- photograph collections depicting soldiers, Keep an eye out for the institutional survey tion’s military manpower, fourth only to civilians and their environments; over 62 that will be distributed later this summer. the contributions of New York, Pennsylva- collections containing correspondence, Additional questions about the grant and nia, and Illinois. In addition to contribut- diaries and journals illustrating experi- how to get involved? Please contact project ing thousands of men and women to fight ences of soldiers and activities on the home staff at (614) 297-2530 orohiomemory@ in the war, Ohio was also the site of Camp front; over 750 items related to wartime ohiohistory.org. Sherman, one of 32 training camps used advertisements and propaganda (a new Press release: http://www.neh.gov/ in WWI and the third largest in the na- phenomenon of WWI); and over 350 his- news/press-release/2015-03-23 tion, constructed just outside Chillicothe. torical artifacts such as uniforms, weapon- Standing Together: http://www.neh.gov/ Over 120,000 soldiers, largely from Ohio, ry and service medals and decorations. We veterans/standing-together Pennsylvania, Indiana and Tennessee, were look forward to seeing what other World List of projects: http://www.neh.gov/files/ trained at the facility, which began receiv- War I treasures exist at the many historical press-release/march2015grantsstatebystate. ing recruits in September 1917. and cultural heritage organizations around pdf Materials at the Ohio History Con- the state! nection capture the overarching narrative We invite you to view the press release of WWI, from ordinary stories to extraor- for the NEH grant program as well as a full dinary ones. These collections, diverse list of funded projects by state, and to stay

The Local Historianᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2015 4 Book Review: Interpreting LGBT History at Museums and Historic Sites by Susan Ferentinos

By Nancy Yerian, Ohio His- tory Service Corps Member, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati

We’ve just ended June – LGBT the useful things about this section Pride Month. Pride is held in June is even though there are only three in many cities around the United case studies, they include a variety of States to commemorate the Stone- both types of institutions and ways of wall Riots of June 28, 1969. As we incorporating LGBT history. The Chi- near the fiftieth anniversaries of cago History Museum is a large urban many important early actions in history museum that chose to create a the rise of the LGBT rights move- specific temporary exhibit focusing on ments, more and more museums LGBT history in Chicago. In contrast, and local history sites seem to be Historic New England is a network interpreting LGBT history. The of house museums and historic sites, trend is even cropping up in Ohio, many of which are small and located from Western Reserve Historical in small towns or rural areas. This Society’s The Victory of Self exhibit case study showed that different on LGBT history in Cleveland, to sites in the network made different Columbus Historical Society’s choices depending on their context exhibit celebrating 25 years of the and overall interpretive philosophies. Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, to One historic house integrated the story the Gay Ohio History Initiative of its builder’s well-documented gay at Ohio History Connection. For relationships and identity into regular local history sites that might be house tours. Another chose not to interested in engaging with these Part two of Interpreting LGBT His- focus on the documented same-sex histories, but aren’t sure how, Susan Feren- tory gives a very abridged overview of the sexuality of one of many residents because tinos’ new book Interpreting LGBT History history of same-sex sexuality and gender it did not touch on the sexuality of any of at Museums and Historic Sites is a great variance in the . Ferentinos the other residents. The final case study place to start. acknowledges that no single book can offers description of a partnership between Part of AASLH’s Interpreting His- include all the research and subtleties of the Minnesota Historical Society and the tory series, the book builds on Ferentinos’ the growing field of LGBT history, so this Tretter Collection, an LGBT archive at experience with a variety of museums and section of the book is supplemented by the University of Minnesota Libraries. historic sites to give advice and ideas to a timeline of key events in LGBT history The partnership provides an educational organizations beginning their journey with and a bibliography of resources at the end Summer History Immersion Program that LGBT history. In fact, the book’s introduc- of the book. The author most wants to allows high school students to do in-depth tion gives ideas about why local history emphasize in this section both that LGBT research in LGBT history. organizations may want to present LGBT history is much more complex than many The diversity of case studies offered history and the impact that may make on people realize and that same-sex sexuality highlights what this book does best: pro- communities and LGBT individuals. It is and gender variance have a much longer vide resources and ideas for organizations followed by a short chapter entitled “A Pep history is often assumed – but it looked interested in delving into LGBT history. Talk for the Faint of Heart” which can be a very different 100 or 200 years ago than it Interpreting LGBT History will not provide great resource for staff or board members does today. Although this section clearly a how-to for doing LGBT history program- who are unsure about the prospect of en- cannot cover everything in U.S. LGBT ming, but it will help you think about what gaging with these communities. It outlines history, it does give readers a sense of the kind of LGBT history programming might some of the advantages and positive out- major themes in the field and a spring- be best for your situation and your com- comes documented by historical societies board if they want to do further research. munity. doing LGBT history and their audiences. In the third section of the book, Ferentinos, Susan. Interpreting LGBT This section of the book also provides a Ferentinos provides case studies of how History at Museums and Historic Sites. primer on the language used in the book several different institutions have cho- New York: Rowman & Littlefield, 2015. and in LGBT and queer communities. sen to interpret LGBT history. One of The Local Historianᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2015 5 Ohio Organizations Achieve Success Working with StEPs!

By Kaitlyn Goss, Ohio History Service Corps Member, Ober- lin Heritage Center, Oberlin and Austin Poyar, Ohio History Service Corps Member, Ohio His- tory Connection’s Local History Office, Columbus

As part of their service, AmeriCorps members Kaitlyn Goss and Austin Poyar have piloted the new StEPs for Ohio pro- gram by providing resources and support for organizations working towards the successful completion of the American Association for State and Local History’s At their last group meeting, StEPs par- ticipants (and new friends) from Bedford StEPs program. Historical Society, South Euclid – Lyndhurst For those unfamiliar, StEPs, or the Historical Society, and Summit County His- Standards and Excellence Program For torical Society pose for a group photo with AmeriCorps Member Kaitlyn Goss. Photo History Organizations, is a self-guided courtesy of the . program that advances best practices in the public history field. The program is divided into six sections: Mission, Vision, of Art, Lorain Historical Society, and Visit pretation sections and is in the process of and Governance; Audience; Interpretation; Lorain County attended the meetings and earning a silver certificate in the audience Stewardship of Collections; Stewardship of led discussions on community relations, section. South Euclid-Lyndhurst Historical Historic Structures and Landscapes; and marketing, and public relations. Society has received a bronze certificate in Management. Each organization enrolled All the organizations members have the audience section. They have also set a in StEPs can earn certificates in each of the worked with have found that StEPs has goal to achieve a bronze certificate in each sections at the bronze (basic), silver (good), prompted healthy internal discussions in section by 2016. and gold (better) levels. their institutions and generated new, cre- The Local History Office would like Austin Poyar, the AmeriCorps ative, ideas to improve their organizational to congratulate these organizations on member stationed at the Ohio History capacity. Participants tackled the difficult their certificates, and all the participating Connection’s Local History Office is cur- questions facing their institutions as they organizations on their hard work towards rently working with the Delaware County strive to continue serving their communi- completing the StEPs program. Historical Society. With Poyar’s help, the ties in an impactful and professional way. If you want to learn more about StEPs, society has targeted specific StEPs sec- The StEPs program has also helped are interested in joining the pilot, or have tions to work on with individual members ease the process of institutional change. ideas about how the Local History Office tackling different tasks. Before beginning to work through StEPs, can help your organization with StEPs, Kaitlyn Goss, the AmeriCorps mem- the Bedford Historical Society found that contact Mark Sundlov at msundlov@ohio- ber based at the Oberlin Heritage Center, a fear of change was a challenge facing history.org or 614.297.2343. developed regional StEPs support sessions their sixty year old institution. StEPs, in for Northeast Ohio history organizations. combination with Goss’s sessions, has Her program focused on the Audience sec- opened new doors for the organization. tion of the workbook. Three organizations The director has been able to use the StEPs participated: Bedford Historical Society, program as a resource to explain the need South Euclid-Lyndhurst Historical Society, for change to institutional stakeholders. and Summit County Historical Soci- The result? She reports that “a new energy” ety. Members from each museum came has permeated the institution. together regularly to share their successes These four organizations are already with the workbook and to find solutions to seeing the results of their hard work. Dela- common challenges facing the public his- ware County Historical Society has already tory community. Speakers from the Ohio received two certificates for completing the History Connection, Cleveland Museum Basic levels of the Audience and Inter-

The Local Historianᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2015 6 ANNOUNCEMENTS

AWARDS

The 2014 Alliance Outstanding Achievement Awards winners pose with their awards at the Annual Meeting last October. Photo courtesy of the Ohio History Connection.

nominee is a teacher, he or she must dem- onstrate creativity in teaching methods and expertise in local and state history. History Outreach Awards recognize outstanding local history projects. These projects must have educational content, contributed to the promotion and un- 2015 Alliance Outstanding Individual Achievement Awards derstanding of state or local history, and Achievement Awards recognize those who have made outstand- impacted the local community. Nomina- ing contributions to Ohio’s historical tions will be accepted in the following Nominate the fantastic local history societies, history museums, or the un- categories: public programming, media work being done in your community derstanding and appreciation of state and and publications, and exhibits/displays. for a 2015 Ohio Local History Alliance local history. Nominees must have been Nominations must be post-marked by Outstanding Achievement Award! The involved in a local history organization August 1, 2015. Watch your mail for a Alliance presents awards in two categories for at least five years and have demon- nomination form or contact the Local – Individual Achievement and History strated excellence in more than one area History Office at 1.800.858.6878 or Outreach. of that organization’s operations. If the [email protected].

Alliance President Beth CONGRATULATIONS! Weinhardt with the winners of the Ohio Local History Alliance’s 2015 History Day prize winners for out- standing History Day Award Winners projects based on a local history topic. On April 25, over 600 students pre- Photo courtesy of sented exhibits, performances, documen- the Ohio History Connection. taries, papers, and websites to volunteer judges at Ohio History Day. The National History Day theme 2014-2015 was Lead- ership and Legacy in History. National History Day. Projects were also country! The full list of winners for state Two projects were awarded the Ohio honored as National Alternates, Honor- and national history days can be found Local History Alliance Award for creat- able Mentions, and a series of Special online at http://www.ohiohistory.org/ ing outstanding entries based on a local Prizes that are sponsored by state and historyday. history topic, one each in the Junior and local organizations. Senior divisions. The Junior division win- The 64 Ohio finalists competed at ner was Hannah Phillips from Norwalk National History Day at the University of Catholic School for her project “John Maryland in June, where they competed Mercer Langston.” The Senior winner was with other students from across the coun- Allyson Cordle from West Jefferson High try, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and School for her project “Right Man, Wrong Department of Defense Schools. Ohio was Time: Claude Sowle’s Fight to Save Ohio well-represented at National History Day. University.” Two projects were named Outstanding The top two projects in each cat- Entries, two projects won special prizes, egory were selected to represent Ohio at and one project won first place in the

The Local Historianᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2015 7 ANNOUNCEMENTS

Professional Development

Save the Date for the Alliance Annual Meeting!

The Ohio Local History Alliance An- Archivists who have agreed to partner nual Meeting and Conference is quickly with us again by offering a fantastic slate approaching! We just put the finishing of archive-oriented sessions on Friday. touches on the schedule of sessions, and, As we developed this year’s pro- like last year, the conference will be filled gram, the Education Committee focused with educational opportunities while on making the sessions relevant to our Accept your Invitation to Innovation and serving as the perfect time to see old theme: “Invitation to Innovation.” Come we’ll see you at the Alliance’s Annual Meet- friends, make new ones, and learn from with an open mind and accept our invita- ing. Photo courtesy of the Ohio History Connection. others who love local history and want to tion to learn new things that will bring see it thrive. innovation and renewed success to your Like last year, each day of the confer- organization. ence will have five timeslots – during Join your fellow local historians to each of those timeslots, you will have renew acquaintances, learn new skills, the option to choose from four unique network with other organizations, browse sessions. This means you’ll have over 40 the marketplace, and see what organiza- sessions to choose from during the con- tions are accomplishing at the Saturday ference! Thank you to all of our present- awards luncheon. We are looking forward ers for volunteering to share their expert to seeing you in October at the Alliance knowledge and wisdom with the rest of Annual Meeting. us. And, thank you to the Society of Ohio Come! Inspire! Connect! Educate!

organizing a day-long unconference and workshop series dedicated to this topic on August 19. Hosted by the Cleveland Public Library, the event will coincided with the annual Society of American Archi- vists conference being held at the nearby Cleveland Convention Center, but will be free and open to anyone who wishes to attend – librarians of all stripes, teachers and professors of all educational levels, museum professionals, and students are welcome. Photo courtesy of the Ohio History Preliminary workshop topics in- Connection. Teaching with Primary clude strengthening teaching pedagogy, Sources Unconference integrating archives into existing courses or educational programming, art-related Would you like to learn more about teach- instruction, and assessment. Discussion ing with primary sources? Do you want topics include building relationships to share your primary source teaching ex- between archives, schools, and educators; perience with others in an open, informal setting teaching policies and workflows, setting? Is there an aspect of teaching with addressing the Common Core standards, primary sources you wish you knew more and teaching with digital primary source about but were afraid to ask? content. Keep up with the latest news and The Teaching with Primary Sources register for the event by visiting the TPS (TPS) subcommittee of the Reference, Workshops and Unconference website at Access and Outrecah (RAO) Section of bitly.com/SAA15TPS. the Society of American Archivists is The Local Historianᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2015 8 ANNOUNCEMENTS

GRANTS Get Involved!

How Can You Be More Involved with the History Relevance Campaign?

The History Relevance Campaign (HRC) wants to change the role history plays in contemporary life. If, as a field, those of us who bring history to the public begin to design and describe our work in terms of its relevance to people and communi- ties today, we believe history will grow in importance. You, and your institution, can help. First, check out the Value of History Statement on the HRC website. This may be especially useful, giving you helpful Recipients of 2015 History Fund grants pose concepts and language to present history History Fund Grant with their big checks at the annual State- in more relevant ways. If you agree with hood Day celebration in March. Photo cour- the statement, you can endorse it and Deadline September 9 tesy of the Ohio History Connection. spread the word about it to at least five Since the History Fund started in 2012, write the best application you can. History other organizations in your area. it has supported local history projects in Fund Help webinars, led by History Fund The second way you can help is to three broad areas: Programs & Collec- grant manager Andy Verhoff, will review let the HRC know how you are using the tions, Bricks & Mortar, and Organization- the do’s and don’ts of crafting an applica- seven tenets in the Value of History state- al Development. Programs & Collections tion. They are offered July 14 and August ment. Do you have any outstanding ex- supports a wide range of efforts, including 6. New this year, Digitization Nuts & Bolts amples or stories that reveal the relevance collection care projects, public programs, webinars led by Jenni Salamon and Lily of history? Have you talked about these digitization projects, and museum exhib- Birkhimer of the Ohio History Connection’s concepts with your board and staff? Have its. Bricks & Mortar grants help to pre- Digital Services Department will offer help you used the concepts in grant proposals serve and rehabilitate buildings listed on for those applying with digitization projects. or press releases? Are you changing the the National Register of Historic Places. These webinars are offered on July 9 and way people think of history? Organizational Development projects can August 13. All webinars are free, but pre- The HRC is developing a toolkit that support items such as project planning, registration is required by the day before will include examples of how to put the needs assessments, the development of the webinar you wish to attend. For details Value of History into action. They are also strategic plans, and membership. To see and to register, visit www.ohiohistory.org/ selecting certain programs for in-depth the projects the History Fund has previ- historyfund. evaluation so that we can provide best ously funded and to explore ideas for your Have questions about the History practices. Find more information about own application, visit the grant’s website Fund? Would you like to discuss ideas the History Relevance Campaign at at www.ohiohistory.org/historyfund. for grant projects? Contact Andy Verhoff, http://www.historyrelevance.com. The History Fund is offering a series History Fund Grant Manager at of webinars that share tips to help you 614.297.2341 or [email protected].

The Local Historianᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2015 9 On Join the Ohio Local CALENDAR 2015 the History Alliance... Web ...or connect a sister organization July 9, August 13 to the Alliance and ask its leaders Digitization Nuts & Bolts Webi- to join in one of the following nars. For more information, see Creative categories: page 9. Organizational Member July 14, August 6 Learning Get six issues of The LocalHistorian, History Fund Help Webinars. For save when you register for our more information, see page 9. Factory Alliance regional and statewide local history meetings, receive periodic email August 1 updates, and save on Ohio Historical Ohio Local History Alliance www.creativelearn- Society services for organization, in- Awards Application Deadline. For ingfactory.org cluding speakers and customized train- more information, see page 7. ing workshops. Best of all, when you join the Alliance as an Organizational August 19 The Creative Learning Member, your membership benefits Teaching with Primary Sources all of your organization’s staff and Unconference. For more informa- Factory has a newly updated members—they will all qualify tion, see page 8. for discounts on registration for website! Visit www.cre- the Alliance’s regional and statewide September 9 ativelearningfactory.org to meetings and when buying Alliance History Fund grant application publications. browse upcoming and past due. For more information, see Operating budget: page 9. Museum Educator Series Over $200,000 a year: $100 ($190 for 2) September 16-20 webinars, view upcoming $100,000-$200,000 a year: American Association for State $75 ($140 for 2) teacher professional devel- and Local History Annual Meeting $25,000-$100,000 a year: in Louisville, KY. For more infor- opment workshops, and $60 ($110 for 2) mation, visit http://aaslh.org. listen to Ask Dr. Betsy pod- Under $25,000 a year: $35 ($65 for 2) casts. Register for upcom- October 2-3 ing programs by creating a Individual Member Ohio Local History Alliance An- nual Meeting. For more informa- Get six issues of The LocalHistorian , MyCLF account. Interested in tion, see page 8. save when you register for our Alliance listening to a webinar we’ve regional and statewide local history meetings, receive periodic email already done? Through your updates. Calendar items are chosen on the basis of available space and applicability to Affiliate: $35 a year ($65 for 2) MyCLF account, you can also the largest number of our readers, who Individual: $50 a year ($90 for 2) register for past webinars are mainly volunteer and professional Student: $20 a year leaders of local historical societies, to receive access to the history museums, archives, libraries, Business Member historic preservation groups, and webinar recording! Email genealogical societies in Ohio. We cannot $100 a year ($190 for 2) include events mainly of local interest; info@creativelearningfacto- for these we suggest local newspa- Join at http://www.ohiohistorystore. pers, broadcast media, Ohio Magazine, ry.org for more information. com/Ohio-LHA-formerly-OAHSM- 1-800-BUCKEYE, and, if arts related, www.ArtsinOhio.com. C120.aspx

The Local Historianᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2015 10 the former home of the United States’ 20th early 1800s buildings and demonstrated News from President. For more information and expand- pioneer wood working tools. TheCedarville ed summer hours, visit www.nps.gov/jaga. The Opera House hosted a program about famous the Regions site also earned the number two spot on the Cedarville persons. TheBellbrook Museum Cleveland Hot List for Best Museum of 2015. invited visitors to experience an 1880s school- Fellow Region 3 sites in the top 10 include house, and the Jamestown Opera House held Bedford Historical Society and Western tours of the building. For more information, Region 1 Reserve Historical Society. Congratulations visit https://sites.google.com/site/greenehis- Allen, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Lucas, Putnam, Van Wert, Williams, and Wood to these sites for being recognized as the best toricalsociety/. Counties of the best in and around Cleveland. Region 8 TheWood County Civil War Sesquicenten- Region 4 Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, nial Committee recently held a ceremony to Ashtabula, Geauga, Mahoning, Portage, and Hamilton, Highland, and Warren Counties unveil a bronze plaque at the Wood County Trumbull Counties TheWyoming Historical Society partnered Courthouse commemorating the county’s role Region 5 with a local school to open a Wyoming His- in the Civil War. The ceremony also included Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Holmes, tory Museum to the public. Third graders at the participation of an Ohio Army National Jefferson, Stark, Tuscarawas, and Wayne the school learned about Wyoming’s history, Guard unit, the 148th Infantry Battalion, Counties and were challenged by their teachers to create Company B. This unit can trace their lineage TheSalem Historical Society started a new a museum to teach others about local history. back to service in the Civil War. The ceremony programming series in May. These new Histo- The society supplied the artifacts for the marks the final event of the Sesquicentennial ry Roundtables are free, informal sessions for museum’s exhibits. TheCincinnati Museum Committee. Over the past four years, Wood people with common interests to gather and Center helped set up the museum’s space, and County’s Committee organized a Civil War talk. The society also hopes that this will serve the Ohio History Connection, who taught Speakers Bureau, public programs, a Civil War as an opportunity for museum volunteers to students about exhibit design. The Wyoming traveling trunk for schools, a guide to Wood gather information related to items in their History Museum was open to the public County Civil War monuments and cemeteries, collections. The first topics up for discussion for three days in April at Wyoming Middle and a traveling exhibit about the military and are “dairy doings,” “telephone talk,” “church School. To learn more, go to http://www.wyo- the home front. For more information, visit chat,” “downtown doings,” “shop talk,” and ming.oh.us/historicalsocietymain.cfm. http://woodcountyhistory.org/. “restaurant revelries”. For more information, Twenty individuals from 18 different orga- Region 2 visit http://www.salemhistoricalsociety.org. nizations gathered at the Quaker Heritage Ashland, Crawford, Erie, Huron, Marion, Region 6 Center of Wilmington College on June 18 Morrow, Ottawa, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, for a day-long GRANTS 101 workshop with and Wyandot Counties Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Knox, Licking, Madison, Perry, Pickaway, and Union Pat Williamsen, Executive Director of Ohio TheKelleys Island Historical Association Counties Humanities. Workshop participants learned launched its new website, and now provides TheNew Albany-Plain Township Historical a little bit about everything from finding a more personal and informative experience Society celebrated its 40th Founders Day in funders to preparing a budget (just what for its visitors. A new page, Yesterday’s News, May. For the occasion, the society mounted a exactly can you count as an “in kind” cost?) to contains a compilation of historical tidbits series of displays in the New Albany elemen- crafting objectives and goals. As one partici- from the Island’s history that appeared on the tary school. There were displays on quilts, pant said afterwards, “Thank you for hosting website and on Facebook. There is also a page maps, photographs, antiques, and a collection such a wonderful seminar! Pat was not only for links to videos that reflect the island’s heri- of curious “what is it?” items visitors could very informative but also very engaging to tage. To see the site for yourself, go to www. guess the use of. The society also participated listen to!” KelleysIslandHistorical.org. in the day’s parade, riding in an antique spring Region 9 Region 3 wagon, and opened their Ealy House to visi- Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, and tors for the afternoon. To learn more, go to Meigs, Pike, Ross, Scioto, and Vinton Counties Summit Counties http://www.newalbanyplaintownshiphistori- calsociety.org. Region 10 TheMiddlefield Historical Society continued Belmont, Coshocton, Guernsey, Monroe, its annual tradition of showcasing the work Region 7 Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, and Washington of local student artists during April and May. Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Counties During April, work from middle and high Logan, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, The Pioneer & Historical Society of Muskingum school students was on display, and during and Shelby Counties County and the Zanesville Museum of Art are May, elementary students’ work was exhibited. Greene County’s commissioners issued a partnering to offer a series of workshops to help Individual art teachers select student work to proclamation for Greene County History people care for their family heirlooms. In the display and donate the time to set up and take Week in June. To celebrate the occasion, the first workshop, participants learned how to care down the exhibits. Both shows are professional Greene County Historical Society partnered for works on paper: vintage letters, documents, judged by local artists and art instructors, with with other Greene County history organiza- photographs, books, etc. In the second workshop, ribbons given for the best work at each school. tions to develop a full program of events. The attendees learned about caring for textiles, includ- TheFriends of James A. Garfield National society hosted a day of living history demon- ing how to identify different fabrics, how to store Historic Site in Mentor, Ohio, has reopened strations including blacksmithing, a Wright B and display vintage textiles, and how to prevent for public tours after being closed since Flyer simulator, rope making demonstrations, common threats to these items. For more informa- September 2014 for the installation of a new and hand-quilting demonstrations, as well as tion, visit http://www.muskingumhistory.org. geothermal heating and cooling system. Work offering their popular railroad and Under- at the site required the removal, storage and ground Railroad programs. TheBeavercreek reinstallation of more than 6,000 artifacts in Historical Society held guided tours of their

The Local Historianᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2015 11 MEMBERSHIP People in the News

List as of June 9, 2015 Welcome New Member Organizations Cleo Redd Fisher Museum, Loudonville Gloria Enriquez Pizana is the new registrar at Fostoria Area Historical Society & Museum, Fostoria the Wood County Historical Society. She previous- Thank You Renewing Members ly served as a board member and volunteer for the Individual Nancy Gillahan, Middleburg Heights society until retirement from Bowling Green State Sarah B. Hays, Malvern Patricia Murphy, Herbster, WI University. Pizana’s first task was to complete an Margaret A. Parker, Pomeroy inventory of the underwear collection while learning Organizations Allen County Historical Society, Lima how to use the museum’s PastPerfect database. Anti-Saloon League Museum, Westerville Amherst Historical Society, Amherst Beavercreek Historical Society, Beavercreek Pat Murphy is retiring as Executive Director of Bedford Historical Society, Bedford Butler County Historical Society, Hamilton Oberlin Heritage Center after 22 years with the Chester-Shade Historical Association, Chester Clinton County History Center, Wilmington organization. Congratulations are well deserved for Columbia Historical Society Inc., Columbia Station Cuyahoga Community College West Campus, Parma her dedicated years of service to both the Oberlin Darke County Historical Society, Greenville Heritage Center and the field of local history in Ohio Dover Historical Society, Dover Fairfield Heritage Association, Lancaster and beyond. We wish Pat the absolute best in her Fayette County Historical Society, Washington Court House Firelands Historical Society, Norwalk retirement. Friends of Harbour Town, Vermilion Greenfield Historical Society, Greenfield Guernsey County Historical Society, Cambridge Hardin County Historical Museums, Kenton Historic Lyme Village Association, Bellevue Huron Historical Society, Huron International Women’s Air & Space Museum, Cleveland Jackson Historical Society, Jackson Licking County Historical Society, Newark Lisbon Historical Society, Lisbon Logan County Historical Society, Bellefontaine Morrow County Historical Society, Mount Gilead National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Association, Niles New London Area Historical Society, New London ______Peninsula Library, Peninsula Perry Historical Society of Lake County, Perry In 100 words or less, do you have outstanding news to share about Portage Lakes Historical Society, Akron your organization? Please email it to your regional representative for Randolph Historical Society, Atwater Reading Historical Society, Reading the next issue of The Local Historian. Contact information for the Reynoldsburg Truro Historical Society, Reynoldsburg Ross County Historical Society, Chillicothe representatives in your region is on page 2 of this issue. Of course, Sandusky Library – Follett House Museum, Sandusky Shelby County Historical Society, Sidney you are welcome to forward your news directly to the editor of The Silver Lake Historical Society, Silver Lake Local Historian at [email protected]. Rather than serving Springboro Area Historical Society, Springboro Stow Historical Society, Stow as a calendar of events, items for “News from the Regions” are chosen Sutliff Museum, Warren The Sylvania Area Historical Society, Sylvania to inspire, connect, and educate the Alliance’s members all over Ohio Trotwood-Madison Historical Society, Trotwood Tuscarawas County Historical Society, New Philadelphia and celebrate notable and imitation-worthy accomplishments of Alli- Wadsworth Area Historical Society, Wadsworth ance members. Wickliffe Historical Society Inc., Wickliffe Wilmington College, Wilmington 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 July/Augustᅵ 2015 12