March 4 (Thursday at 7:00 p.m.) Encore presentation of Freedom's Friends: Oberlin and the Underground Railroad with Elizabeth Schultz, the Oberlin Heritage Center's Museum Education and Tour Coordinator, offering an illustrated presentation on Oberlin's important role in the history of abolition and the Underground Railroad.  Location: Lorain County Metroparks' Vermilion River Reservation.

April 7 (Wednesday – 5 p.m. Social Hour; 6 p.m. Dinner; 7 p.m. Program and Brief Business Meeting) Oberlin Heritage Center Annual Meeting Dinner and Community Awards Presentations. You won’t want to miss this fun annual gathering of members and friends and update about recent and upcoming activities. The evening’s featured speaker will be Oberlin College President (and Oberlin Heritage Center member) Marvin Krislov. Tickets are $30 for the general public ($25 for Oberlin Heritage Center members).  A reservation flyer will be sent to members. Registration will also be available online.  Location:  Oberlin Inn.

April 11 (Sunday, 1 – 5 p.m.) Docent Training Introductory Workshop. Love Oberlin and its history and want to help share it with others? Consider becoming an Oberlin Heritage Center volunteer docent -- a great way to learn more about Oberlin and its unique history! Talk to Museum Education and Tour Coordinator Liz Schultz and make arrangements to take a complimentary tour before the training to see whether docenting is your “cup of tea.” We ask that docents commit to leading at least four tours per year. This fun and diverse group of all ages and backgrounds also meets periodically for informational gatherings, field trips, and more. Register by April 8. Location: Monroe House.

 

April 21 (Wednesday at 7 p.m.) Kerry Adams, Senior Historic Preservation Specialist at the Cleveland Restoration Society, presents The Greenest House is Already Built:  Preservation and Sustainability in Your Older Home.  Discover simple things that owners of homes that are 50 years old or older can do to make their houses more energy efficient and environmentally sensitive. You can be “green” without changing the historic character of your home or breaking your budget. Co-sponsored by the Oberlin Heritage Center, the Cleveland Restoration Society, the City of Oberlin Historic Preservation Commission and the Lorain County Preservation Network.  Location: Oberlin Public Library.

April 25 (Sunday, 1 – 4 p.m.) History Walk Training: Freedom’s Friends. Learn about Oberlin’s role in the history of abolition and the Underground Railroad and how to present it in the format of a 75-minute walking tour through historic neighborhoods surrounding downtown Oberlin. Register by April 22. Questions: tourinfo@oberlinheritage.org. Docents are asked to commit to leading at least four tours or history walks per year. Location: Training begins at the Monroe House and will move on from there.

April 27 (Tuesday at 7:15 p.m.) Pride, Progress, and Historic Preservation: Reviving a Historic Community in Madagascar.   Oberlin native Karen Schoonmaker Freudenberger shares images and stories from her 11 years in Madagascar where she worked on community revitalization, historic preservation and heritage tourism initiatives in the Old City of Fianarantsoa. Location:  Kendal at Oberlin Heiser Auditorium.

 

May 2 (Sunday from 1 – 4 p.m.)  History Walk Training: Tappan Square.  Learn about the fascinating history and architecture surrounding Oberlin’s Tappan Square and how to present it in the format of a 60-minute walking tour around the Square. Register by April 29. Questions: tourinfo@oberlinheritage.org. We ask that volunteers commit to leading at least four tours or history walks per year. Location: Training begins at the Monroe House and will move on from there.

May 4 (Tuesday at 7:15 p.m.) Local historian Bill Cutcher presents History of Aviation in Lorain County. Learn about Lorain County pilots, airports, instructors and more from the era of the Wright Brothers through the mid-20th century in this illustrated presentation. Bill is a former Lorain County JVS auto technology instructor and plane owner. Together with his wife Bonnie, they owned Cutcher’s Brownhelm Store from 1969 to 1999. Location: Kendal at Oberlin’s Heiser Auditorium.

 

May 8 (Saturday – 11 a.m.)  Only in Oberlin, The Big Parade celebrates downtown Oberlin, creativity, and the arts and welcomes anyone and everyone to join in the fun! Watch for a group of Oberlin Heritage Center volunteers to be marching along the parade route and promoting upcoming summer programs (and let us know if you’d like to join in the fun)!

 

May 14 (Friday at 11:00 a.m.)  Tappan Square History Walk. Learn about early residents and hear stories of triumph and misfortune. Walk away with a lively appreciation of Oberlin’s unique heritage and buildings. Tickets must be purchased 48 hours in advance either on the website or at the Monroe House’s Museum Store. Tickets are not available at the starting point for the tour. $6 per adult, with $1 discount for OHC members; free for children under 18 years (most likely to be enjoyed by children 9 years of age and up). The walk is approximately 60 minutes. History walk may be cancelled and fees refunded if fewer than 5 people pre-register or if it is raining at the tour start time. 

 

May 15 (Saturday at 11:00 a.m.) Freedom’s Friends History Walk. This walking tour showcases Oberlin’s important role in the history of abolition and the Underground Railroad. Tickets must be purchased through the website or at the Monroe House’s Museum Store. Tickets are not available at the starting point for the tour. $6 per adult, with $1 discount for OHC members; free for children under 18 years (most likely to be enjoyed by children 9 years of age and up). The walk is approximately 75 minutes long. History walk may be cancelled and fees refunded if it is raining at the tour start time. 

 

May 15 (Saturday, 9 a.m. – Noon) Pride Day is a great time to lend a hand for spring grounds clean-up at the Oberlin Heritage Center. Come for all or part of the morning and bring a friend. Meet at the brick crossroads at the center of the Heritage Center grounds. Wear your work gloves (and bring your gardening tools if you wish). 

 

May 16 (Sunday from Noon – 3 p.m.) I Spy Oberlin: History & Architecture Scavenger Hunt Training.  The “Scavenger Hunt” is a new program being offered several times this summer to families with children. Learn how to guide families on a walking tour of Oberlin or within Oberlin Heritage Center buildings (depending on weather) to find and discuss interesting objects and monuments from Oberlin's past. Register by May 13. Questions: tourinfo@oberlinheritage.org.  Location: Training begins at the Monroe House.

May 16 (Sunday, 3:30 to 5 p.m.) Enjoy Oberlin’s Musical Heritage and learn more about the special place Oberlin has occupied in the history of American music, thanks to many musicians who have passed through the town and the college. This spring, students in Colin Roust's "American Art Music" course are conducting original archival research to explore Oberlin's musical heritage. The students will present the results of their work, exploring the people and organizations that have made our town one of the leading musical centers in the country.  Colin Roust teaches in the music history division of the Oberlin Conservatory. Location: Kendal at Oberlin’s Heiser Auditorium.

 

May 21 (Friday at 11:00 a.m.) Tappan Square History Walk. See details at May 14 entry.

 

May 22 (Saturday at 11:00 a.m.) Freedom’s Friends History Walk.  See details at May 15 entry.

 

May 28 through May 31 (Friday through Monday, various times) Commencement/Memorial Day Weekend is a fun time to explore historic Oberlin and the Oberlin Heritage Center with activities available for all ages.  For detailed information about each History Walk see the entries at May 14 and May 15; for additional information about the Guided Tour of the Oberlin Heritage Center see the general information section at the end of this calendar. For information about the I Spy Oberlin! Scavenger Hunt for families with children ages 5-11, see the entry at June 26. Stop by the Monroe House and visit the Heritage Center’s Museum Store for Oberlin-themed souvenirs, books, and much free visitor information. 

 

 

June 4 (Friday at 11:00 a.m.) Tappan Square History Walk. See details at May 14 entry.

 

June 5 (Saturday at 11:00 a.m.) Freedom’s Friends History Walk.  See details at May 15 entry.

 

June 11 (Friday at 11:00 a.m.) Tappan Square History Walk. See details at May 14 entry.

 

June 12 (Saturday at 11:00 a.m.) Freedom’s Friends History Walk. See details at May 15 entry.

June 12 (Saturday from 3-4:30 p.m.) Hands On History at the Schoolhouse:  Dairy Day.   Families with children ages 7 and older will enjoy old-fashioned fun in the Little Red Schoolhouse as history and stories combine with an opportunity to churn up some sweet creamy butter or frosty ice cream. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required by June 5; fee $8 per child. 25 maximum/5 minimum.

 

June 18 (Friday at 11:00 a.m.) Tappan Square History Walk.  See details at May 14 entry.

 

June 19 (Saturday at 11:00 a.m.) Freedom’s Friends History Walk. See details at May 15 entry.

 

June 21-25 (Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)  Junior Docent Camp introduces young

people ages 13-17 interested in community service and leadership to techniques of greeting the public, public speaking, giving tours, teaching historic games, and much more. Following completion of the fun, week-long session, participants can assist with various tours, special events and programs as their schedules permit. Fee is $75 ($65 for children and grandchildren of members) with $50 reimbursed if the student completes fifteen hours of service for the Heritage Center by the end of 2010. What a great way to develop new skills, build your resume, meet other students who love history, and complete community service hours! Teacher Liz Schultz is eager to share with young students the behind the scenes fun of being a museum docent. The hours for this camp are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Note: this camp will be held in the Jewett House of the Oberlin Heritage Center, not at the Oberlin Depot.  Questions: tourinfo@oberlinheritage.org. 

 

June 25 (Friday at 11:00 a.m.) Tappan Square History Walk. See details at May 14 entry.

 

June 26 (Saturday at 11:00 a.m.) Freedom’s Friends History Walk. See details at May 15 entry.

 

June 26 (Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)  Observe or take part in Oberlin’s fifth-anniversary Chalk Walk celebration which continues the tradition of festive, colorful sidewalk painting that began in 16th century Italy.  All skill levels are welcome – work right alongside master professional artists and local artists as they create works of sidewalk art all over downtown Oberlin.   High quality pastels are provided to all participants.   For more information, visit http://www.oberlinchalkwalk.com/.  

 

June 26 (Saturday, 3 – 4 p.m.) I Spy Oberlin: History and Architecture Scavenger Hunt is designed for children ages 5-11 with an adult companion. Families will be guided through historic Oberlin while keeping their eyes peeled for historic markers, decorative details, and Oberlin oddities.   Fun and engaging for all! Reservations required; fee $5 per child. Location: The “hunt” begins at the Monroe House and traverses outside in fair weather; we will "spy" inside our historic buildings if it's raining.     

 

July 2 (Friday at 11:00 a.m.) Tappan Square History Walk. See details at May 14 entry.

 

July 3 (Saturday at 11:00 a.m.) Freedom’s Friends History Walk. See details at May 15 entry.

July 9 (Friday at 11:00 a.m.) Tappan Square History Walk. See details at May 14 entry.

 

July 10 (Saturday at 11:00 a.m.) Freedom’s Friends History Walk. See details at May 15 entry.

July 10 (Saturday at 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & repeated at 2 – 3:30 p.m.) Hands on History at the Schoolhouse: Kids' Mini-Barn Raising for families with children ages 7 and older. Paul Knoebel of Friends of Ohio Barns will teach the children about historic barn construction techniques with the final outcome being the raising of a miniature barn – one that kids can actually walk inside! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register by July 3; fee of $8 per child. Maximum: 10 children per session/ Minimum: 5 children. 

July 16 (Friday at 11:00 a.m.) Tappan Square History Walk. See details at May 14 entry.

 

July 17 (Saturday at 11:00 a.m.) Freedom’s Friends History Walk. See details at May 15 entry.

 

July 17 (Saturday, 3-4 p.m.) Stories at the Schoolhouse.   A fun social and learning opportunity for preschoolers (and interested others) to gather at the Little Red Schoolhouse and enjoy a mix of stories and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Co-sponsored by the Oberlin Public Library.

 

July 23 (Friday at 11:00 a.m.) Tappan Square History Walk. See details at May 14 entry.

 

July 24 (Saturday at 11:00 a.m.) Freedom’s Friends History Walk. See details at May 15 entry.

 

July 24 (Saturday, 3 – 4 p.m.) I Spy Oberlin: History and Architecture Scavenger Hunt for children

ages 5-11 with an adult companion. See details at June 26 entry.

 

History for the Day Camps: July 27 to 30
One-day camps on specific topics are designed to help meet badge requirements for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and will also appeal to children who are not in a scouting program. Each session is from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Session II: What Makes America Special? (Tuesday, July 27). This program for boys ages 8 to 10 is designed in accordance with Bear level Cub Scout badge requirements. Participants will tour Oberlin and visit historic homes, hear stories about famous and infamous residents, learn about Ohio’s history and state symbols and share how they can become good citizens.

Session III: The Past is Exciting and Important (Wednesday, July 28). This program for boys ages 8 to 10 is designed in accordance with Bear level Cub Scout badge requirements. Scouts will have fun with history by visiting a historic site, digging through old newspapers, making a journal, and trying historic games.

Session IV: Local Lore (Thursday, July 29). This program for girls ages 8 to 11 is designed in accordance with Junior Girl Scout badge requirements. Activities will include exploring town with a guide, visiting a museum, and being a history detective to figure out how things have changed using historic maps and photographs.

Session V: Junior & Cadette Camp (Friday, July 30). This program for girls in grades 4 through 8 will tie together themes from the "It's Your World – Change It" Journey and the "Women Through Time" Interest Project to focus on women from Oberlin's past: how they lived, how they were treated, and what they felt. Activities will include a history tour, reading journals and letters from women in the past, and trying hands-on activities that were part of women's everyday life in the 1800s.
 

July 30 (Friday at 11:00 a.m.) Tappan Square History Walk. See details at May 14 entry.

 

July 31 (Saturday at 11:00 a.m.) Freedom’s Friends History Walk. See details at May 15 entry.

 

August 2-6 (Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Local Inventors and Innovators Camp. Boys and girls ages 8-13 will put on their thinking caps while learning about people from Oberlin and Ohio who invented new technology and pioneered new ideas. Camp will include hands-on experiments, creative puzzle-solving, walking excursions around town, and performing a short play about Oberlin's famous inventor, Charles Martin Hall. 

 

August 6 (Friday at 11:00 a.m.) Tappan Square History Walk. See details at May 14 entry.

 

August 7 (Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)  Family Fun Fair/Vintage Days. Enjoy a community tradition featuring free family activities all over downtown with hands-on fun and mini-tours at the Oberlin Heritage Center.

August 7 (Saturday at 11:00 a.m.) Freedom’s Friends History Walk. See details at May 15 entry.

 

August 9-13 (Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Green Camp (focusing on the environment and preservation) for boys and girls ages 8-13. Students will learn to appreciate the environment around them through eco-friendly activities while trying to produce as little waste as possible. They will not only learn the “Three R’s” (reduce, reuse, recycle), but will put them into practice. Activities include the creation of recycled art projects and field trips to local places that have made a priority of putting the earth’s resources first. Kids are encouraged to bring lunches in reusable containers and reusable water bottles for drinks. 

 

August 13 (Friday at 11:00 a.m.) Tappan Square History Walk. See details at May 14 entry.

 

August 14 (Saturday at 11:00 a.m.) Freedom’s Friends History Walk.  See details at May 15 entry.

August 14 (Saturday from 3 – 4:30 p.m.) Hands on History at the Schoolhouse:  A Dutch Oven Cooking Demonstration is designed for families with children ages 7 and older who will learn how to cook in a Dutch oven, prepare a recipe, visit historic kitchens, and sample a Dutch oven dish.   Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register by August 7; fee $8 per child. Maximum: 25 / Minimum: 5.

 

August 16-20 (Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Architecture Camp for boys and girls ages 8-13.  Campers will enjoy learning about architecture and the design profession by exploring local buildings and their unique details, trying architectural drawing and building activities, constructing mini-buildings, and meeting with an architect. Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts attending this camp will complete some requirements for Architecture badges and Interest Projects.

 

August 20 (Friday at 11:00 a.m.) Tappan Square History Walk. See details at May 14 entry.

 

August 21 (Saturday at 11:00 a.m.) Freedom’s Friends History Walk.  See details at May 15 entry.

 

August 21 (Saturday, 3 – 4 p.m.) Stories at the Schoolhouse. See details at entry for July 17. 

August 27 (Friday at 11:00 a.m.) Tappan Square History Walk. See details at May 14 entry.

 

August 28 (Saturday at 11:00 a.m.) Freedom’s Friends History Walk.  See details at May 15 entry.

 

August 28 (Saturday, 3 – 4 p.m.) I Spy Oberlin: History and Architecture Scavenger Hunt for children ages 5-11 with an adult companion. See details at June 26 entry.