Volume 32 Issue 4 July/August 2016

THE Local Historian

Reasons to Engage or Re-Engage with Social Media

By Mary Manning, History Service Corps Member, , Oberlin Photo courtesy of Pixabay

here is no better tool than social media for advertising programs, seek- ing new members and volunteers, and, most importantly, getting more WHAT’S INSIDE: people excited about history! Yet many local history organizations resist social media out of fears of ineffective use and time commitment or 2 President’s Message Tfail to regularly post content. As the Ohio History Service Corps - AmeriCorps Member at the Oberlin Heritage Center and as the Outreach Chair for the 3 Social Media (con't) Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) Cleveland, I have done con- An Important Win siderable work with improving organizational presences on social media. From that experience, here are 5 reasons your local history organization should work 4 Dear Ohio Tour to engage or re-engage with social media. 5 Experience Works 1) It helps you get to know your collections. Little Stories of the Social media is a land of hashtags and repeated features, like #TBT (Throw- 6 back Thursday), #photoFriday, or, if you’re feeling silly, #MCM (Man Crush Great War Monday). Use these as excuses to reengage with your collections. Do you have 7-9 Announcements a great old photo of a town founder with a giant mustache? Post it on a Mon- day, tag it #MCM, and include text that explains his achievements or perhaps 10 Calendar historic trends in facial hair. By doing this, you accomplish useful slices of re- search and present your valued local history in digestible bits. If you can’t think 11 News from the Re- of anything that fits these categories, go through your photo files. There, you’ll gions find fodder for future exhibits and events, and you’ll probably also add some useful notes to your collection files. 12 New and Renewing Members 2) It grabs the attention of supporters near and far. Every local history organization needs active members and volunteers, but never underestimate the goodwill of people watching your organization from afar. Many people leave their hometowns to settle in other places and don’t enjoy local history until later in life. Then they wonder about, for example, the popcorn shop that operated on Main Street in the 1950s. Social media allows anyone to follow your organization’s mission and activities, and when they’re

(continued on page 3) The Local Historian ᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2016 1 days of the Civil War to see the seeds munity have a passion for preserving the President’s sown that led to our national treasures physical and/or cultural heritage of our Message: being preserved. area. This is a noble endeavor not unlike Shortly after the beginning of the Civil the quest of those far-sighted citizens 150 War, photographer Carleton Watkins years ago who saw the Yosemite Valley “Oh beautiful for spacious skies, ventured into Yosemite in the fall of 1861, and wanted their children and grand- For amber waves of grain. and left with spectacular images of the children to have the opportunity to see For purple mountain majesty valley. These photographs were cherished it also. Keep on fighting to preserve the Above the fruited plain!” by those in the east who would never be heritage of your community for those able to travel west. President Lincoln in the next generation and the one after These lyrics by Katherine Lee Bates signed a bill June 30, 1864, preserving that. It is worth the effort! are indicative of how varied and lovely the Yosemite Valley and providing a blue- are the vistas around our country. In Au- print for the salvation of the 411 areas Beth Weinhardt gust, the will celebrate the which are part of the National Park Ser- 100th anniversary of President Woodrow President, Ohio Local History Alliance Local vice today including Yellowstone which History Coordinator, Westerville Public Library Wilson signing the National Park Service became the first national park in 1872. (614) 259-5028, into law. We need to go back to the dark Most of us in the local history com- [email protected]

2016 Board Members Ohio Local History Alliance President Immediate Past-President Region 4 Region 8 Beth Weinhardt, Local History Maggie Marconi, Museum Administrator Nancy Newton, Trustee Joel Kohler, Historian Coordinator Sandusky Library/ Follett House Museum Canfield Historical Society, Canfield Mason Ohio Historical Society, Mason Westerville Public Library, Westerville Sandusky (330) 533-3458 (513) 398-6750 (614) 259-5028 (419) 625-3834 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Melissa Karman, Director www.masonhistoricalsociety.org/ westervillelibrary.org/local-history www.sandusky.lib.oh.us/follett_house The Sutliff Museum, Warren Jamie Glavic, Director of Marketing & 1st Vice President Ex-Officio (Executive Secretary) (330) 395-6575 Communications National Underground [email protected] Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati Todd McCormick, Curator/Director Anthony Gibbs, Interim Manager www.sutliffmuseum.org (513) 333-7500 Logan County Historical Society, Local History Services [email protected] Bellefontaine Ohio History Connection, Columbus Region 5 www.freedomcenter.org (937) 593-7557 (614) 297.2477 Kate Smith, Special Projects Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] Dennison Railroad Depot Museum Region 9 www.loganhistory.org www.ohiohistory.org Dennison Margaret Parker, Trustee 2nd Vice President (740) 922-6776 Meigs County Historical Society, Region 1 [email protected] Pomeroy Wendy Zucal, Executive Director Gary Levitt, Director www.dennisondepot.org (740) 992-3810 Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, Museum of Postal History, Delphos Christy Davis, Registrar [email protected] Dennison (419) 303-5482 Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton meigschs.org (740) 922-6776 [email protected] (330) 588-3616 Jessica Cyders, Curator [email protected] www.postalhistorymuseum.org [email protected] Southeast , Athens dennisondepot.org Richard Witteborg, Curator of Exhibits www.ProFootballHOF.com (740) 592-2280 Secretary Andrew L. Tuttle Museum, Defiance [email protected] (419) 784-1907 Region 6 athenshistory.org Ruth Brindle, Curator [email protected] Leslie Blankenship, Trustee Quaker Heritage Center www.cityofdefiance.com/main/index. Franklinton Historical Society, Region 10 Wilmington College, Wilmington php/tuttle-museum-home Columbus Jim Geyer, Director for Museums (937) 481-2456 (614) 527-1957 County History, Zanesville [email protected] Region 2 [email protected] (740) 454-9500 www.wilmington.edu/the-wilmington- Gale Martin, Executive Director franklintonhistoricalsociety.org [email protected] difference/qhc/ Marion County Historical Society, Marion Andrea Brookover, www.muskingumhistory.org Treasurer (740) 387-4255 Executive Director Judy Robinson, Trustee [email protected] Kathleen Fernandez, Historian and Fairfield Heritage Association, Lan- Noble County Historical Society www.marionhistory.com Museum Consultant, North Canton caster Caldwell [email protected] Jessica Maiberger, Local History (740) 654-9923 (740) 732-2654 Librarian [email protected] [email protected] Trustees-At-Large Milan-Berlin Library District, Milan www.fairfieldheritage.org www.rootsweb.ancestry. (419) 499-4117 com/~ohnoble/histsoc.htm Leann Rich, Manager of Education & Region 7 External Relations [email protected] Mahoning Valley Historical Society, www.milan-berlin.lib.oh.us Chris Burton, Executive Director Youngstown Armstrong Air & Space Museum (330) 743-2589 Region 3 Wapakoneta [email protected] Rebecca Larson-Troyer, Librarian (419) 738-8811 www.mahoninghistory.org Special Collections Division [email protected] www.armstrongmuseum.org Jim Oda, Director Akron-Summit County Public Library, Piqua Public Library, Piqua Akron Kasey Eichensehr, Curator (937) 773-6753 (330) 643-9030 Clark County Historical Society [email protected] [email protected] Springfield www.youseemore.com/piqua sc.akronlibrary.org (937) 324-0657 [email protected] Pat Smith, Director Timothy Daley, Executive Director www.heritagecenter.us/ Allen County Museum & Historical Cuyahoga County Soldiers’ and Sailor’s Society, Lima Monument, Cleveland (419) 222-9426 (216) 621-3746 [email protected] [email protected] www.allencountymuseum.org www.soldiersandsailors.com The Local Historian ᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2016 2 Social Media (Continued from page 1) looking for a picture of that popcorn shop, they’ll call your and writing content on the Historical Societies of Medina organization. When you provide people with information, County Facebook page that enabled me to share the event they understand your organization’s value in a personal link over and over again. By the day of the event, 4,600 way, and they may return the favor when they see calls for people had been shown the event page. When you add that support. to the number of people who likely saw it in print media, in mailings, or through other means, it’s no wonder the 3) It encourages you to think in detail about event was a success! The caveat with promoting events is who’s already coming to your museum and that the number of RSVPs does not always indicate how who you’d like to see in the future. many people will actually show up, especially if you have Posting on social media is about satisfying your follow- a separate registration page. Don’t be discouraged! Keep ers and your potential new followers—not how great your posting your events because you’re creating an archive that organization is. In crafting posts, focus on information demonstrates the extent of your interests, and you never these people would like to know and want to share with know who is just waiting for the right event. their friends. For example, look at the statistics for your 5) It can help your organization maintain an posts that outperformed everything else. What makes them different? Are your posts about recent history more approachable, active, and professional face. successful than your posts about the nineteenth century? On social media, where everyone presents their ideal Do people love seeing your event photos but ignore your selves, your organization can actively discard the con- posts about upcoming meetings? Figure out what works, straints of limited resources. Attention to grammar, lan- and try to repeat it. Good content, measured in followers guage, and fine details pays off. On Facebook, especially, and likes, begets visitors, members, and donations. use the feature that allows you to schedule your posts, and write and schedule them in batches on certain days and 4) It provides free advertising on a level that times—this helps promote a consistent tone across posts. remains unmatched. Use pictures from past events to market future events; they Recently, I helped to promote Medina County History provide a visual guarantee that your organization wel- Day, an event in its first year, by creating an event page comes all visitors and that you’ll provide a great time.

An Important Win for Ohio History!

By Todd Kleismit, Director of Rather than Community & Government Rela- facing elimina- tions, Ohio History Connection, tion, the Ohio Columbus History Fund tax Great news for Ohio history enthu- check-off and siasts! As you may recall, a threshold other tax check- offs can now was recently established in state law event at the by earn- breathe easier thanks to legislative ap- that requires all of the state’s income ing the Ohio History Leadership Award. proval from the Ohio General Assembly. tax check-offs generate a minimum of His leadership on this issue further State Representative Kirk Schuring $150,000 or face elimination if they fall demonstrates that he is worthy of the (R-Canton) took the lead in sponsor- short two consecutive years. In 2014, award and a true friend of Ohio history. ing an amendment that lowers the the Ohio History Fund check-off gener- Anyone wishing to express their thanks threshold from $150,000 to $50,000 ated $171,000 before falling steeply to to Rep. Schuring may do so by emailing with elimination for check-offs that just $80,000 in 2015. Data showed that [email protected]. fall short five consecutive years, all of the other income tax check-offs Many thanks to you for your support instead of two. On June 13, Governor experienced steep declines from 2014 to in helping ensure a future for the Ohio 2015. Results so far in 2016 indicate that Kasich signed House Bill 182, legislation History Fund income tax check-off! the Ohio History Fund will fall short of that revised the income tax threshold, $150,000 this year. Hundreds of you re- into law. sponded this spring by contacting your Representative Schuring, the Ohio state legislators – thank you – it made a House Majority Floor Leader, was big difference! honored at this year’s Statehood Day

The Local Historian ᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2016 3 Ohio History Connection’s Dear Ohio Tour

We’ll be visiting the counties with yellow stars during the 2016 By Jodie Engle, Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, phase of the Dear Ohio Tour. Ohio History Connection, Columbus

The Ohio History Connection is hitting the road over the next few years to visit all 88 counties to hear people’s stories, dreams, and aspirations during the Ohio History Connection’s Dear Ohio Tour. The Ohio History Connection is close to completing the first year of the 2015-2020 strategic plan called the Ini- tiative for Ohio History. This plan boasts a multitude of strategic initiatives that are organized under our five Core Values: Stewardship, Working Together, Authenticity, Inclusivity and Relevance. Within the strategic plan, there are a variety of projects which includes preserving historic buildings, strengthening infrastructure, and connecting the community. The common attribute for each initiative is putting Ohio’s stories in the hands of Ohioans. To demon- strate this vision, we believe it is paramount that the voices of Ohioans be part of our conversations in order to accu- rately capture the “life of an Ohioan”. In 2016, Phase 1 will provide staff an opportunity to visit with the general public in 20 counties during popular community events and or local establishments that bring in diverse audiences and represent the demographics of the OLHA community such as: festivals, baseball games, coffee shops, COUNTY 1 COUNTY 2 etc. This phase is considered a pilot so our staff may create REGION best practices and approaches to planning visits before we 1 Wood Lucas travel to the other 68 counties during Phase 2 in 2017. (Bowling Green/Perrysburg) (Toledo) The Dear Ohio Tour will be an opportunity to strength- en and build relationships in each county; capture 2 Marion Sandusky (Marion/Marion) (Bellevue/Fremont) Ohioan’s stories and identifying characteristics; and build awareness and support for the Initiative for Ohio History, 3 Summit Lorain including the Museum of Ohio Project. In addition, surveys (Hudson/Akron) (Lorain/Wellington) and questionnaires will be created to gather information to help shape engaging and exciting museum experiences, 4 Mahoning Trumbull (Youngstown/Canfield) (Niles/Warren) serviceable archival storage and retrieval, and the Ohio History Connection’s presence across the state. 5 Tuscarawas Stark To learn more and to hear when and where we’ll be in (New Philadelphia/Dover) (Canton/Massillon) YOUR county, go to www.ohiohistory.org/dearohio or contact Project Manager, Jodie Engle at [email protected]. 6 Licking Delaware (Newark/Croton) (Powell/Delaware)

7 Logan Clark (Bellefontaine/Bellefontaine) (S. Vienna/Springfield)

People in the News 8 Brown Warren (Mount Orb/Georgetown) (Lebanon/Waynesville) Elmer Schulz is the new Director of Operations for the Lakeside Heritage Society. He replaces Gretchen 9 Gallia Ross Curtis, who though she has retired, continues to volun- (Gallipolis/Rio Grande) (Frankfurt/Bainbridge) teer with the society. Schulz holds a MA in Public History/ American Studies from Kent State University. 10 Muskingum Washington (New Concord/Zanesville) (Belpre/Marietta)

The Local Historian ᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2016 4 Resolve Staffing Issues With Experience Works Volunteers

By Gale Martin, Executive Direc- tor, Marion County Historical Society, Marion

In 2009, the Marion County His- torical Society (MCHS) was experi- encing growing pains. It was great that our programs and museum were well attended, but due to a lack of available funds and a need for more volunteers to fill the gaps in our personnel, we were looking at cut- ting back on museum open hours or on the number and size of our public programs and events. No organization wants to do either of those things, so we were feeling a bit discouraged in spite of our increasing museum visita- tion and our programs and events that were becoming quite popular. In September of that year we heard about Experience Works, a national, non-profit organization that provides training and employment services through the Senior Community Ser- vice Employment Program (SCSEP), a federal program authorized under the Older Americans Act and funded through Congressional appropria- tions. The SCSEP assists low-income, Above: Experience Works counties are shown in color on unemployed people 55 years of age or the map. Right: Marion County Historical Society archivist older who meet specific income and Mary Gross got her start at the society through the residence eligibility requirements. Af- Experience Works program. Photo courtesy of the Marion ter learning more about the program, County Historical Society. we decided that Experience Works might be just what we needed and began the process of becoming a host agency for Experience Works. in the reenactment wardrobe, work goals; and provides the services and Through SCSEP, job seekers who as archivists, run the cash register in support they need to be successful. are 55 and over are assigned to public the museum shop, provide customer Seniors receive the minimum wage for and nonprofit organizations that agree service, and so much more. the time they are assigned or in train- to serve as host agencies that benefit The program has a dual mission – ing – typically around 20 hours per from an expanded workforce through community service and employment. week for a maximum of four years. partnerships with Experience Works. For clients it is a short-term, time- Host agencies identify the roles and Participants in this program perform limited program of four years maxi- responsibilities at the site, and Experi- a variety of tasks at the host site and mum that provides opportunities for ence Works determines which SCSEP learn new skills that can assist them individuals to update their skills for clients have goals that require skills in finding future employment. the 21st century workforce. Through and experiences that match the agen- For example, seniors assigned to different aspects of the program Ex- cy’s needs. Clients are then assigned the Marion County Historical Society perience Works help clients determine to the host agency in order to acquire perform clerical duties, sort dona- their training, employment and per- those skills, receive supervision, and tions, keep the building clean and sonal goals; guides them in developing gain experience while performing landscaped, give tours, care for items a plan on how they will achieve those (continued on page 7)

The Local Historian ᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2016 5 Little Stories of the Great War

By Lily Birkhimer, Digital Projects Coordinator, Ohio History Con- nection, Columbus

Did you know that over the course of World War I, Ohio sent approxi- mately 263,000 men and women into service, including national guards- man, volunteers and draftees? This constituted an impressive 5.3% of the nation’s military manpower, the fourth highest of any state! Ohio was also the site of Camp Sherman just outside Chillicothe, the third largest train- ing camp in the nation. Over 120,000 soldiers went through training at the facility beginning in September 1917. But the World War I story is not only told on the battlefront—civilians, too, felt the impact of war in different but still powerful ways. With National Postcard from A. C. Thompson to Professor Paddock, September 1918. Thompson notes that the whole school has been quarantined due to the Spanish flu, but that he himself feels fine. Guard units deployed abroad, civilian Courtesy of the Ohio History Connection, World War I Collection. Home Guard units were established around the state to protect domes- relevant materials! Each collection is their lives in small and large ways. tic interests; the Ohio Branch of the linked with the organization where it These myriad “little stories” from Ohio Council of National Defense estab- is held, so you can make a trip (near or are reflective of the broader experi- lished the Ohio Industrial Commission far) to start your research in person. ences of Americans living during the to ensure efficient use of the state’s Interested in seeing primary sourc- Great War, and we invite you to re- labor supply; and local mobilization es without leaving home? You can view member these stories along with us as required support of the war through over 200 historic items in a digital col- our nation commemorates the centen- taxes and “liberty” loans, as well as lection established as part of the same nial of World War I. rationing of foodstuffs and planting of project, available at www.ohiomemory. The ultimate goal of this project “victory” gardens. org/cdm/wwi. Explore this collection was to prepare for a larger and more Thousands upon thousands of in- to discover materials held by the Ohio state-wide commemoration effort of dividual stories, both small and large, History Connection, including corre- Ohio’s role in the war, so check back as make up the ’s role in spondence, photographs, propaganda new materials are added to the web- World War I. You now have a chance to items and more collected by Wendell site, and as new collections are listed start exploring these many stories as Paddock of the , on the union bibliography. Interested we near the centennial of U.S. involve- a horticulture professor who kept in in getting involved? Please reach out to ment in the conflict that many knew as close contact with his students as they [email protected]! “the Great War”! became involved in the war effort fol- Thanks to a recently-completed lowing graduation. You can also learn grant received from the National En- about the unique experience of the dowment for the Humanities entitled citizens of North Canton through digi- “Little Stories of the Great War: Ohio- tized materials from the North Canton ans in World War I,” audiences of any Heritage Society. Known until 1918 level can access a free online union as New Berlin, the village changed its bibliography, located at www.ohio- name during the war due in large part historyhost.org/wwibib, identifying to customer pressure on the nation- research collections available around ally-known Hoover Suction Sweeper Ohio related to World War I. Browse Company that was based in the town. by region, topic or format, or perform Abroad and at home, Ohioans dealt a keyword search to begin finding with a global conflict that impacted The Local Historian ᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2016 6 Experience Works (continued from page 7) duties for the host. Clients learn new mented, “I want to thank MCHS and became a part-time employee of the skills, build confidence, and provide Ex Works for giving me the oppor- Marion County Historical Society. valuable services under the supervi- tunity to improve my skills on the Mary says, “I appreciated the help and sion of their host agency supervisor. computer, with coworkers and with information passed on by the excel- Experience Works pays their wages the public. I have learned to enhance lent staff at Experience Works who and associated payroll benefits. The programs I already knew as well as were instrumental in assisting me in host agencies benefit from the services learn new ones.” gaining employment here at MCHS.” they provide and that increases their The Marion County Historical Of course, that was the goal of the ability to fulfill their mission. Society has had great success in work- program all along! Experience Works volunteer Becky ing with Experience Works. One of McKinney stated, “I have been very our early participants, Mary Gross, fortunate in my assignment with began assisting the volunteer archivist Experience Works in being at Marion and became so proficient that MCHS County Historical Society. I have decided we had better find a way to enjoyed the challenge of learning Past keep her. Funds were raised and Mary Perfect and updating my computer skills in order to become job ready For more on Experience Works, please contact the Ohio state office. while enjoying the Marion Commu- nity.” STATE OFFICE: STATE PROGRAM MANAGER: (419) 222-3118 Kent Kahn When asked about her position (877) 496-6439 – Toll Free [email protected] with MCHS through the program, (419) 222-4150 (419) 222-3118 current volunteer Alberta Cress com-

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2016 Alliance Annual Meeting October 7 & 8 Registration is now open for the Ohio Local History Al- liance’s 2016 Annual Meeting and Conference, Connecting Communities! This year’s conference, held in partnership with the Society of Ohio Archivists, will be held October 7-8 at the Crowne Plaza, Dublin. This year’s meeting features two full days of exciting and informative sessions, plus a pre-conference workshop on Thursday, October 6 at the Ohio History Center. Learn how to engage new audiences and communities by at- tending sessions on working with underserved audiences, programming for preschoolers, promoting your organiza- tion and its collections, and creating a digital presence. The pre-conference workshop will explore engaging the American Indian community, which has been a vital part of Ohio’s history. You’ll also find sessions on timeless issues: how to bet- Photo courtesy of the Ohio History Connection. ter care for your collections, presenting engaging program- ming for visitors of all ages, developing interpretation and local history projects from around the state, catch up with exhibits, and finding ways to expand your resources and old friends at this year’s evening reception at Café Istan- money to pay for it all. bul, and meet new ones at the annual speed networking As always, this year’s meeting includes plenty of time to session. network and learn from your colleagues. You can attend Find more information in the Annual Meeting brochure the annual awards luncheon to be inspired by the best or visit the Annual Meeting’s webpage.

The Local Historian ᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2016 7 ANNOUNCEMENTS

HISTORY DAY GRANTS History Fund Application Now Available Want to apply for a History Fund grant? Don’t know where to start? Start with a webinar. The History Fund hosted two webinars this summer that explained how to write a strong History Fund grant application. Both webi- nars were recorded and are available here: www.ohiohistory. org/historyfund. The first webinar, History Fund Help–Overview of Ap- plication, surveys of the History Fund's grant guidelines and walks you through the History Fund application section by section, focusing on those that our grant reviewers spend The teachers of the students receiving the Ohio Local History Al- the most time with, the Project Narrative and Budget sec- liance Award at the Ohio History Day contest pose with Alliance tions, followed by tips for completing other sections. president Beth Weinhardt. Photo courtesy of the Ohio History The second, Digitization Nuts & Bolts, helps you learn Connection. how to strengthen your application and improve your project's chances of being funded, including how to incor- Congratulations 2016 Ohio porate the details reviewers are looking for. Using real-life History Day Winners! examples, presenters discuss standards and best practices, the importance of a well-defined project, and how to address On April 30 over 600 students presented their exhib- long-term access and preservation. Tips offered in this webi- its, performances, documentaries, papers, and websites nar are aimed at organizations without an extensive back- to volunteer judges at Ohio History Day, held at Ohio ground in digitization projects, but also serve as a refresher Wesleyan University. The 2015-2016 National History for those with more practical experience. Day theme was Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in If you have any questions about the History Fund and History. the application process, contact Andy Verhoff, Ohio History Two projects were awarded the Ohio Local His- fund Grant Coordinator at 614-297-2341 or averhoff@ohio- tory Alliance Award for creating outstanding entries history.org. The deadline for applications is September 7, based on a local history topic, one each in the Junior 2016 (at 11:59 pm). Good luck! and Senior divisions. The Junior division winners were Nicole Curley and Grace Haucke from Mercy Montessori School in Cincinnati for their exhibit “Harriet Beecher Stowe.” The Senior division winners were Meghan Heimann, Maddie Detullio, and Leah Kucharski from Lutheran West in Rocky River for their exhibit “The East Ohio Gas Company Explosion of 1944.” The top two junior and senior projects in each cat- egory were selected to represent Ohio at National His- tory Day at the University of Maryland in June. Projects were also honored as National Alternates, Honorable Mentions, and a series of Special Awards that are spon- sored by state and local organizations. The Ohio finalists competed at National History Day with other students from across the country, as well as Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and Department of Defense Schools. Ohio was well-represented at National The Noble County Historical Society receives its History Fund grant at History Day. One project came in second place in the Statehood Day 2015. Photo courtesy of the Ohio History Connection. country, four others placed in the top ten, and two projects won special prizes. The full list of winners for state and national contests can be found online at www. ohiohistory.org/historyday.

The Local Historian ᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2016 8 ANNOUNCEMENTS

AWARDS OLHA Achievement Awards Nominations Due August 1

Awards are presented at the Alliance’s Annual Meeting in October. General Rules: •All nominations must pertain to Ohio state, regional, or local history. •Any person or project is eligible to be nominated for the program; however, the nominator (person or group) must be a member of the Ohio Local History Alliance 2015 OLHA Awards winners at the Annual Meeting last October. (to join, click here). Photo courtesy of the Ohio History Connection. •Ohio Local History Alliance members may nominate their own projects. The Ohio Local History Alliance is now accepting nomi- •Submitted materials become the property of the Ohio nations for its 2016 Outstanding Achievement Awards! The Local History Alliance unless return is requested and a Alliance presents awards in two categories – Individual self-addressed stamped envelope is provided. Achievement and History Outreach. Individual Achieve- •Nominations may be described or reviewed in the ment Awards recognize those who have made outstanding newsletter and electronic publications of the Ohio Lo- contributions to Ohio’s historical societies, history muse- cal History Alliance without specific permission. ums, or the understanding and appreciation of state and •Each nomination must be presented in a three-ring local history. History Outreach Awards recognize out- binder indexed into sections titled: 1) Nomination Form standing local history projects in the categories of public (can be found here), 2) Description of Project/Individ- programming, media and publications, and exhibits/dis- ual’s Contributions to Local History, 3) Budget, 4) Let- plays. Nomination forms and supporting materials must ters of Support, and 5) Publicity. (Please note: “Budget” be postmarked no later than August 1, 2016. Download the not applicable for Individual Achievement Awards). complete guidelines and a nomination form.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Digitization Workshops Do you want to start a digitization project but aren’t sure where to start? These free workshops are for you! The Ohio Local History Alliance and the Ohio Memory Program are partnering to offer four regional digitization workshops this summer. The workshops will cover selecting materials for digitization, digitization best practices, online access options, possible funding sources, and digital preservation tips. Participants will come away from the workshops with a broad knowledge of the components of a digitization proj- ect, as well as a general plan for a digital project. Partici- pants should come prepared to share what collections they are considering for digitization. Photo courtesy of the Ohio History Connection. The workshops will be held from 10:00am - 1:00pm on the dates listed below: Morning refreshments, sponsored by the Ohio Local •Thursday, July 28 History Alliance, will be provided. Find more information Hancock Historical Museum (Findlay, Ohio) and register at www.ohiolha.org/2016/05/summer-digiti- •Monday, August 1 zation-workshops/ Quaker Heritage Center (Wilmington, Ohio) •Wednesday, August 3 The Castle (Marietta, Ohio) •Friday, August 5 Dennison Railroad Depot (Dennison, Ohio)

The Local Historian ᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2016 9 Join the Ohio CALENDAR Local History Alliance... JULY 28: Northwest Ohio Digitization Workshop. For more information, see page 9. ...or connect a sister organization to the Alliance and ask its leaders to join in one of the following categories: AUGUST 1: Ohio Local History Alliance Awards Nomi- Organizational Member nations Deadline. For more information, see page 9. Get six issues of The Local Historian, save when you register for our Alli- ance regional and statewide local history meetings, receive periodic email AUGUST 1: updates, and save on Ohio Historical Society services for organization, Southwest Ohio Digitization Workshop. including speakers and customized training workshops. Best of all, when For more information, see page 9. you join the Alliance as an Organizational Member, your mem- bership benefits all of your organization’s staff and members—they AUGUST 3: will all qualify for discounts on registration for the Alliance’s regional and Southeast Ohio Digitization Workshop. statewide meetings and when buying Alliance publications. For more information, see page 9. Operating budget: AUGUST 5: Over $200,000 a year: $100 ($190 for 2) Northeast Ohio Digitization Workshop. $100,000-$200,000 a year: $75 ($140 for 2) For more information, see page 9. $25,000-$100,000 a year: $60 ($110 for 2) AUGUST 11: Under $25,000 a year: $35 ($65 for 2) Collection Connections: Museum Based Individual Member Teacher Professional Development We- binar. For more information visit www. Get six issues of The Local Historian, save when you register for our Alliance creativelearningfactory.org. regional and statewide local history meetings, receive periodic email updates. Affiliate: $35 ($65 for 2) SEPTEMBER 7: History Fund Grant Applications Due. For Individual: $50 ($90 for 2) more information, see page 8. Student: $20 SEPTEMBER 14-17: Business Member: AASLH Annual Meeting. For more infor- $100 ($190 for 2) mation, see about.aaslh.org/conference/.

Join at: OCTOBER 7-8: www.ohiohistorystore.com/Ohio-LHA-formerly-OAHSM-C120.aspx Ohio Local History Alliance Annual Meet- ing. For more information, see page 7

On the Web Clio www.theclio.com

Clio is an educational website and mobile application entry includes concise information, embedded media, that guides the public to thousands of historical and and links to primary sources and relevant books and cultural sites throughout the United States. articles. Clio also offers maps and navigation, as well as Named after the ancient muse of history, Clio uses GPS useful information for visitors to museums, libraries, to reach the public where they stand and guide them and historical sites. to museums and historical and cultural sites. Each Clio is free for everyone.

The Local Historian ᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2016 10 News from ulty members from Tusky Valley students discussed their concerns over High School, along with Lawrence the funding of the National Endowment the Regions Township staff, the Friends of Fort for the Humanities and support mu- Laurens, and site staff, participated seum-school partnerships, issues that in Fort Laurens “Pay It Forward.” were part of the American Alliance of The group swept, raked, cleaned tables, Museums’ national 2016 Advocacy Day Region 1 picked up sticks and branches, and event. As part of Wilmington College’s Allen, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, wheel-barrowed and spread six yards of commitment to hands-on learning, this Henry, Lucas, Putnam, Van Wert, Williams, and mulch (donated by Haueter Landscap- course gave students practical, hands- Wood Counties ing). Also at the site, 350 Cub Scouts on experience in observing and critiqu- The Wood County Historical So- participated in Archaeology Day and ing public history in the world around ciety is thrilled to be reopened to the received merit badges at Fort Laurens them, creating public history for a broad public after the completion of its acces- and Camp Tuscazoar. Different sta- audience, advocating for the importance sibility construction project. In addition tions were set up at the two locations, of public history, and preparing for a to opening up new areas of the building and each station allowed the scouts to career in public history. For more infor- to new audiences, the museum has also satisfy one requirement of the badge. mation visit www.wilmington.edu. opened a new exhibit. Be Your Own For more information go to fortlaurens. Museum: Our Community’s Collections org/. Region 9 invited members of the Wood County community to display their private Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Region 6 Lawrence, Meigs, Pike, Ross, Scioto, collections. Some collections on exhibit and Vinton Counties include antique sewing machines, beer Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Knox, cans, tin soldiers, and superheroes. For Licking, Madison, Perry, Pickaway, and Union The Jackson Historical Society’s Counties more information visit woodcountyhis- Berlin X-Roads Battlefield Pres- tory.org. The New Albany-Plain Township ervation Association participated Historical Society created a scav- in the Civil War Trust’s Park Day. enger hunt tour of twelve important Park Day is dedicated to cleaning up Region 2 historical sites in Plain Township to and improving Civil War battlefield Ashland, Crawford, Erie, Huron, Marion, Mor- help local third graders finish their sites. People from all over the area row, Ottawa, Richland, Sandusky, year of studying their community. The participated, including several Civil War Seneca, and Wyandot Counties scavenger hunt gives directions to each Trust members from outside of Jackson location and multiple choice lists of facts County. You can see group’s efforts on Region 3 about each site. Students must guess the the Civil War Trust’s website at www. correct fact for each site to successfully Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, and Sum- civilwar.org. mit Counties complete the tour. Adults and teachers are learning as much about their com- Region 10 munity as the students. To learn more Region 4 go to www.newalbanyplaintownshiphis- Belmont, Coshocton, Guernsey, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, and Ashtabula, Geauga, Mahoning, Portage, toricalsociety.org/ Washington Counties and Trumbull Counties Ten museums in Southeastern Ohio The Salem Historical Society Region 7 are partnering to offer a Family Pass recently partnered with students in the Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, good for admission to each museum for Writing in the Public Sphere class of- Logan, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, a family of four throughout the remain- fered at Kent State Salem. The course and Shelby Counties der of 2016. Participants include the is designed to teach English majors how The Champaign County Historical Johnson-Humbrick House Muse- to use their skills outside academia. Stu- Society is excited to debut their new um, John & Annie Glenn Historic dents completed a project, nicknamed website. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Site, National Road/Zane Grey Project Destination Preservation, that two board members, the site has been Museum, Stone Academy Historic gave the society several things it can use redesigned and updated. Volunteers Site and Museum, Dr. Increase well into the future. Students conducted continue to add upcoming events and Mathews House, National Muse- an oral history interview, transcribed available information from the society’s um of Cambridge Glass, Guernsey the interview, made a short video to archives. Check it out at www.cham- County Historical Society, Histor- advertise the interview on social media, paigncountyhistoricalmuseum.org. ic Noble County Jail, Ball-Caldwell and created a genealogy brochure for House, and The Castle. Cost of the beginners. To learn more go to www. Family Pass is $25 with proceeds going salemhistoricalsociety.org. Region 8 Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, to the museum where the pass is pur- Hamilton, Highland, and Warren Counties chased. Ohio History Service Corps Region 5 member Bryan Blau is coordinating the Students from Wilmington College’s Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Holmes, program. Introduction to Public History Practice Jefferson, Stark, Tuscarawas, and Wayne Counties course met with Adam Rapien, Con- gressional Staffer for Representative Twenty-three students and two fac- Steve Stivers (Ohio District 15). The The Local Historian ᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2016 11 MEMBERSHIP List as of June 2, 2016 Welcome New Members

INDIVIDUALS The Ohio Local History Alliance, Mary Stoots, Reynoldsburg organized in 1960 under sponsorship of the Ohio History Connection, is composed of local historical societies, historic preservation groups, history museums, archives, libraries, Thank You Renewing Members and genealogical societies throughout the state involved in collecting, preserving, and interpreting INDIVIDUALS Ohio’s history. The Local Historian (ISSN 9893-3340) is published Patricia Murphy, Herbster, WI bimonthly by the Ohio History Connection, 800 E. 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211-2497, as a ORGANIZATIONS benefit to Ohio Local History Alliance members. Periodicals Postage Paid at Columbus, OH. Amherst Historical Society, Amherst Pioneer & Historical Society of Muskingum Anti-Saloon League Museum, Westerville County, Zanesville POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Local Historian, Local History Services, Bedford Historical Society, Bedford Reynoldsburg Truro Historical Society, Ohio History Connection, 800 E. 17th Avenue, Butler County Historical Society, Hamilton Reynoldsburg Columbus, OH 43211-2497. Silver Lake Historical Society, Silver Lake Editors: Amy Rohmiller, Mark Sundlov, Kim Koloski Clinton County History Center, Wilmington Please direct materials or phone inquiries to: Columbia Historical Society Inc., Columbia Springboro Area Historical Society, Springboro The Local Historian Station Local History Services Cuyahoga Community College West Campus, Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Toledo Ohio History Connection Vermilion Area Archival Society, Inc., 800 E. 17th Avenue Parma Columbus, OH 43211-2497 Fairfield Heritage Association, Lancaster Vermilion 1-800-858-6878 FAX: (614) 297-2567 Firelands Historical Society, Norwalk Wadsworth Area Historical Society, Wadsworth [email protected] Hardin County Historical Museums, Kenton Willoughby Historical Society, Willoughby Visit The Alliance online at www.ohiolha.org Huron Historical Society, Huron and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ohio- Wilmington College, Wilmington localhistoryalliance Logan County Historical Society, Wadsworth Annual Membership Dues: Bellefontaine Organizations: Madison Historical Society, Madison Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland Annual budget over $200,000: $100 ($190 for 2) Annual budget $100,000-$200,000: $75 ($140 for 2) New London Historical Society, New London Willoughby Historical Society, Willoughby Annual budget $25,000-$100,000: $60 ($110 for 2) Peninsula Library, Peninsula Annual budget below $25,000: $35 ($65 for 2) Individuals: Affiliate: $35 ($65 for 2) Individual: $50 ($90 for 2) Students: $20 In 100 words or less, do you have outstanding news to share about your Business: $100 ($190 for 2) organization? Please email it to your regional representative for the next issue of Individual subscriptions to The Local Historian The Local Historian. Contact information for the representatives in your region is on only are available for $25 annually. page 2 of this issue. Of course, you are welcome to forward your news directly to © 2016 Ohio History Connection the editor of The Local Historian at [email protected]. Rather than serving as a calendar of events, items for “News from the Regions” are chosen to inspire, connect, and educate the Alliance’s members all over Ohio and celebrate notable and imitation-worthy accomplishments of Alliance members.

Need to Contact Us? We at Local History Services love hearing from you. Local History Services Staff Anthony Gibbs Andy Verhoff Amy Rohmiller Dr. Betsy Hedler Interim Department Manager History Fund Coordinator Program Coordinator Partnership and Youth Ohio [email protected] [email protected] Local History, AmeriCorps History Day Coordinator (614) 297-2477 (614) 297-2341 [email protected] [email protected] (614) 297-2609 (614) 297-2538 Becki Trivison Sohayla Pagano World War I & Ohio Historical Educational Outreach Shoshanna Gross Markers Coordinator Coordinator Ohio History Day Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (614) 297-2527 (614) 297-2528 (614) 297-2617

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The Local Historian ᅵ July/Augustᅵ 2016 12