News and Events 2007
Oberlin Heritage Center Highlights of 2007!
Thanks to all of the friends and family of the Oberlin Heritage Center, 2007 was a wonderful year for programs, projects, and celebration. Staff members Mary Anne Cunningham and Prue Richards both received Individual Achievement Awards from the Ohio Association of Historical Societies and Museums. Liz Schultz was welcomed as the new Museum Education and Tour Coordinator. The roof of the Monroe House was repaired and replaced. A conservator from the Intermuseum Conservation Association in Cleveland assessed our wood furniture collection. We introduced "e-reminders" to keep in touch with everyone. We attained an all-time high of 722 memberships, 81 of which are Endowed Life Members. We produced a deck of playing cards featuring historic photographs of pre-1933 Oberlin. Executive Director Pat Murphy received Oberlin College's Center for Service and Learning's "Outstanding Community Partner Award." It was an honor to have the Oberlin Heritage Center featured in a CD produced by the American Association of Museums of policies and plans from accredited small museums. Now museums throughout the country wishing to become accredited will see the great work we do! Thank you to all for your help and support, and we wish you a Happy New Year!
Oberlin High School Gingerbread House Display
Oberlin High School students once again created a wondrous array of gingerbread houses with the help of their teacher, Donna Shurr. These houses were on display at the Oberlin Public Library from December 15, 2007 until January 5, 2008. The public was invited to view these delicious creations and vote for their favorite houses. A reception for the public to meet the young bakers was held on December 17th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Oberlin Public Library. Special remarks were shared at 5:00 p.m. The gingerbread project was funded by a grant from the Oberlin Schools Endowment Fund and sponsored by the Oberlin Heritage Center. Please applaud the students for their imagination, teamwork, and hard work! Flyer
TravelLadey Magazine on the Oberlin Heritage Center
Feature writer and photographer Marilyn Loeser visited the Oberlin Heritage Center in the fall of 2007. See the online version of her article "Ahead of Its Time: 1833 Experimental Community Fuels Anti-Slavery Movement".
The Survey of Ohio Land
As a child, Jeffrey Fort was puzzled why parts of Ohio were laid out in squares and others were not. Now a Toledo real estate lawyer and historian, on December 11th at 7:15 p.m. he shared the fascinating findings of his research through an illustrated presentation. The presentation included stories about the early history of Ohio and the Western Reserve of Connecticut, the Virginia Military District in Southwest Ohio, and the Northwest Ordinance. This free Oberlin Heritage Center program was open to the public and presented at Kendal at Oberlin.
History of Quarrying in Lorain County
James Hieb, Special Projects Director of the Marble Institute of America, presented an illustrated program about the history of quarrying in Lorain County to a crowd of over 200! He is the author of the new book, Sandstone Center of the World: Images & Stories of Quarrying Life in Amherst, South Amherst, & Lorain County, OH which documents the history of quarrying in our area over the past 160 years. He has been researching quarry history and collecting stories for many years from retired quarry workers, including Foyster Matlock, grandfather of Hieb's wife, Christa. The book is available in the Oberlin Heritage Center Museum Store. This free public program was offered on Tuesday, December 4th at 7:15 p.m. in Kendal at Oberlin's Heiser Auditorium.
Learning from Japan
Oberlin High School teacher Donna Shurr spoke about her experiences while traveling in Japan as one of 200 teachers selected to be part of the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund (JFMF) Teacher Program. Through the program, which was funded by the government of Japan, Donna and her fellow educators spent three weeks observing Japanese students and teachers, learning about their cultural practices, trying delicious foods, and traveling through local neighborhoods. Her slide presentation was wonderful both for its colorful photos and for the touching stories she shared. Donna, who is also an Oberlin Heritage Center Trustee, gave this free public program at Kendal at Oberlin's Heiser Auditorium on November 13th at 7:15 p.m.
Community + College Inauguration Event
Oberlin Heritage Center volunteers and staff joined Oberlin College in celebrating the inauguration of the new college president, Marvin Krislov. President Krislov wants to strengthen ties between the college and community, and this event highlighted that goal. Visitors joined us on November 3rd at the Oberlin Heritage Center for free refreshments, walk-through tours of our historic buildings, craft activities, and school lessons and story time in the Little Red Schoolhouse. Our walk-through tours and craft activities were ongoing from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. School lessons were held at 1:00 and 3:00. Storytime was held at 2:00 p.m. Thank you to everyone who participated in this celebration of town and gown collaboration! Fun Photos!
An Extraordinary Oberlinian: Adelia A. Field Johnston, 1837-1910
Art Historian Marcia Goldberg gave a presentation on Adelia Field Johnston, who was the first woman professor at Oberlin College. Johnston was also a founder of the Village Improvement Society of Oberlin that served to beautify the town. This very same society, founded in 1903, was a predecessor to our very own Oberlin Heritage Center. Marcia Goldberg received her M.A. from Oberlin College and has published articles in a number of art history and historical society journals, as well as college publications. This free public program took place at Kendal at Oberlin's Heiser Auditorium on Tuesday, October 30th at 7:15 p.m.
Identifying, Dating and Caring for your Historic Photograph Collection
Kim Feinknopf-Dorrian, curator at the Ohio Historical Society, presented a workshop on the history of photography, how to better date 19th and early 20th century photographs, and how to preserve photographs for generations to come. The instructor had used historical images as important primary sources in her work with historical objects and garments over the past 17 years and is also an avid collector of daguerreotypes. Participants were invited to bring images to identify or date. The all-day workshop was held on October 24th at the Oberlin Depot, 240 S. Main Street. The workshop fee included lunch, a notebook of resource materials, and hands-on work with historic photographs.
New Walking Tours of Oberlin a Success!
The last of the historic walking tours offered by the Oberlin Heritage Center was held October 12th. We would like to thank the guide, Prue Richards, all of the helpers, and the many participants who joined us. We hope everyone enjoyed their tour of the town's center! If you missed your chance this year, we will be offering the walking tours again next year. In addition, groups can always arrange for guided tours. Reservations may be made by calling (440) 774-1700 or by sending an email to tourinfo@oberlinheritage.org.
Take a Card, But Not Just Any Card:
A Sampling of Oberlin's First 100 Years as Shown Through Historic Photographs
Oberlin Heritage Center board member and volunteer Betty Mahjoub gave an enjoyable presentation on the early history of Oberlin as revealed by historic photographs. The presentation was on Tuesday, October 9th at 7:15 p.m. at Kendal at Oberlin. Betty had gathered her fascinating stories in the process of researching photographs for the Heritage Center's Historical Souvenir Playing Cards project. Over eighty guests were able to enjoy the photographs and hear stories of some of our earliest residents and buildings.
Smithsonian Magazine's 3rd Annual Museum Day
The Oberlin Heritage Center had several visitors take part in Smithsonian Magazine's Museum Day on Saturday, September 29th. Visitors received free admission to our site tours at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. if they presented a free Museum Day Admission Card. This annual celebration involves hundreds of museums around the country and allows for one day only the free-admission policy of the Smithsonian's Washington, D.C.-based properties to be emulated throughout America.
Ohio Association of Historical Societies and Museums Annual Conference
Staff, board members, and friends of the Oberlin Heritage Center were in strong force at the annual conference of OAHSM in Columbus, Ohio on September 27th through the 29th. Pat Holsworth presented on "Collecting and Interpreting Community Stories through Oral History." Prue Richards spoke at "Fund Raising Ideas: Building Your Bank Book While Building Your Audience," and "Interpreting Women and Their Contributions in Historic Places." Mary Anne Cunningham and Prue Richards had many proud supporters to cheer them as they accepted their well-deserved Individual Achievement awards at the Saturday luncheon. The conference was an excellent opportunity extend our network, exchange new ideas, and celebrate our hard work! Enjoy some photos of the awards ceremony.
Jeanne McKibben on the History of the Allen Medical Center: "The Crisis That Was"
As the final program of the four-part series honoring the Allen Medical Center's centennial, Dr. W. Jeanne McKibben presented "The Crisis That Was" on Tuesday, September 25th at 7:15 p.m. at Kendal at Oberlin's Heiser Auditorium. Over one hundred people attended. Using video interviews and other resources, this multimedia documentary highlighted the glory years of Lorain County's only multi-specialty clinic and chronicled the events leading to imminent closure of the small community hospital with its subsequent recovery. Interviews of key figures in the crisis and turnaround included Oberlin College President Nancy Dye, Oberlin City Manager Rob DiSpirito, Oberlin City Council Chair Fran Baumann, Oberlin's medical community leaders: Ed Oley, CEO, Jim Zinser, board member, and others. Interviews of Doctors Paul Birney, Wuu-Shung and Amy Chuang, Bart Saxbe, and Georgia Newman, as well as John Jonesco and Harold Slocum rounded out the series. The success of the Allen Medical Center, now part of Community Health Partners System and known as Allen Community Hospital, as it continues to serve southern Lorain County, was briefly highlighted. This free public program was co-sponsored by the Oberlin Heritage Center and the Allen Medical Center Foundation. Dr. McKibben became a member of the Oberlin Clinic in 1979 where she practiced Internal Medicine and Geriatrics until her retirement in 2004. She has been recording and documenting the history of health care in our community for many years.
Please note: Dr. McKibben's entire four-part series will be presented as a class in November for Lorain County Community College's Center for Lifelong Learning. For information, visit www.lorainccc.edu or call (800) 995-5222 ext. 4148 or direct dial (440) 366-4148.
Docent Training at the Oberlin Heritage Center
We had a wonderful turnout for this session of docent training. Nine volunteers and interns spent four hours on September 16th either refreshing their skills or learning about Oberlin Heritage Center tours for the first time. It was a long day, but the participants made it through and we can't wait to welcome the newcomers into our friendly fold! Our docents meet periodically for "coffee and conversation" about tour techniques, special updates, and new acquisitions to the Oberlin Heritage Center. As a "thank you" to our docent volunteers, they are invited to take part in the Heritage Center's annual field trip to another historic site, a fun opportunity to socialize with other docents, and to learn more about "how others do it." And did you know that volunteering can be good for your health? Read all about it!
Reading the Book: How Preservation Impacts Interpretation
There was a very strong turnout for this one-day symposium on the history of the book on Friday, September 7, 2007. Medieval illustrated books, publishers' bindings, the preservation of dust jackets, and new writing technologies were discussed. Speakers included Dr. Erik Inglis of Oberlin College, Dr. Cathleen Baker of the University of Michigan, Randy Silverman of the University of Utah, and Dr. Anne Trubek of Oberlin College. The event was sponsored by the Intermuseum Conservation Association and hosted by the Friends of the Oberlin College Library.
Women's Equality Day 2007 was celebrated in Oberlin on Saturday, August 25. An event was held at Kendal at Oberlin and included such speakers as Linda Francisco, Pradnya Martz and Susan Wolerman Post. The program theme this year was "Beyond Rosie the Riveter: Women in Architecture and Construction." There was an excellent turn out and we look forward to next year!
Fun and Learning at Summer Camp
August 10th marked the last day of Oberlin Heritage Center summer camps for 2007. We had thirty-three young campers this year, and several of them attended more than one camp. Children were able to choose from four exciting camps: Kids and Cultures Around the World, Part 1; Kids and Cultures Around the World, Part 2; American Kids Hands-on-History Fun; and Exploring the Built Environment: An Architecture Workshop for Kids. Parents were invited to a presentation and review on the last day of each of the camps to see how busy their children have been over the last week! The campers performed plays, demonstrated games and dances, and proudly displayed their craft projects. The week-long camps were for children ages eight to thirteen. Campers were able to learn about history, architecture, art, and culture while expressing their creativity through various crafts, activities, and games. Thank you to Donna Shurr and Maria Surovy for teaching these wonderful camps, and to the great young helpers! We hope all of the campers and parents had a wonderful time this summer, and we hope to see you next year!
Family Fun Fair 2007 a Success!
The Oberlin Heritage Center joined other community organizations at the 15th Annual Family Fun Fair. Visitors could wander among classic cars, food vendors, sales tables, information booths, pony rides, and children's games throughout downtown Oberlin. Volunteers and staff of the Oberlin Heritage Center were out in full force, hosting mini tours of the Monroe House and Little Red Schoolhouse, helping at the information table and raffling off bags of goodies from Trader Joe's and historic games from our site, and helping everyone to try their hand at historic children's games in the school yard. The event was a huge success with over 500 visitors coming through our grounds, including many new visitors to the site. Thanks to one and all for your help and enthusiasm! See Fun Fair 2007 for some great photos of the event.
"A Miraculous Journey" Celebrated
On July 12th, Francis Walker-Slocum delighted her audience at Kendal at Oberlin with stories of her life. Mrs. Walker-Slocum is an emerita professor of piano and was the first African American tenured professor at the Oberlin Conservatory. She shared stories of her youth, her early career, courting in the South, and the struggle to become recognized as a professional. Her stories were provocative and inspirational, leaving many listeners eager to read more about her trials and tribulations in her book, A Miraculous Journey. Signed copies of her book are available at the Oberlin Heritage Center.
The Oberlin Heritage Center Celebrated Juneteenth
Visitors enjoyed a free guided tour of the Oberlin Heritage Center's three historic sites as part of the community celebration of Juneteenth which took place on Tappan Square on Saturday, June 16th. Juneteenth is celebrated as the day the last slaves were freed in the United States, which was two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
History of Medicine in Oberlin - the Centennial Series Continues
Over one hundred guests attended Dr. Jeanne McKibben's third lecture of a series of multi-media programs celebrating the Allen Medical Center's centennial. The program was co-sponsored by the Oberlin Heritage Center and the Allen Medical Center foundation. "The Oberlin Clinic from 1962 to 1992" presented on Tuesday, June 19th at 7:15 p.m. was free to the public and took place at Kendal at Oberlin's Heiser Auditorium.
The Expansion of Medicine in Oberlin from 1934 to 1962
Dr. W. Jeanne McKibben's second lecture on June 12th celebrating the history of the Allen Medical Center brought over 90 attendees to Kendal at Oberlin's Heiser Auditorium. Highlights of the program included video interviews of Doctor George Hoover and Doctors Jim and Jeanne Stephens reminiscing about their early days of medical practice in Oberlin. Dr. McKibben also shared the results of her research regarding other local physicians, including C. J. Cooley, Clair Siddall, Oscar Shettler, Lester Trufant, and Paul Colgrove.
Planning a Sensitive Interior Rehabilitation or Addition For Your Older Home
Over 30 homeowners looking for pointers and ideas for old house projects enjoyed "Planning A Sensitive Interior Rehabilitation or Addition For Your Older Home," on Monday, April 16, at the Oberlin Public Library. This public program was presented by Sara Hobbs and the Cleveland Restoration Society/Preservation Resource Center of Northeast Ohio. She offered many helpful suggestions for both those who planned to do the work themselves and those who wished to hire it out. The program was sponsored by the Oberlin Heritage Center, the City of Oberlin Historic Preservation Commission and the Cleveland Restoration Society.
Oberlin Heritage Center Annual Meeting and Banquet 2007
Over 150 members and friends of the Oberlin Heritage Center attended the annual dinner meeting on Wednesday, April 4 at the Oberlin Inn. This fun and festive occasion began at 5 p.m. with a social hour (cash bar), followed by dinner at 6 p.m. At 7 p.m., Oberlin Heritage Center staff members Prue Richards and Laurie Stein presented a brief program entitled “From Covenants to Corsets – a Peek at the Real Julia Finney Monroe.” Julia Finney Monroe (1837-1930) lived in the house that is now the headquarters of the Oberlin Heritage Center for five decades. This program was followed at 7:30 p.m. by a brief business meeting, the 6th annual presentation of the Oberlin Heritage Center/O.H.I.O. Community Awards, and door prizes.
Be a Good Ancestor by Caring for Your Family's Stories and Treasures: An Introductory Workshop
Are your family pictures jammed in a drawer or in albums but unlabeled? Is the family bible the only place your ancestors' names are listed and even that is out of date? Will your descendents open a closet and find a special wedding gown or quilt, but not know whose it was or why it's special? Are you thinking about writing or taping the stories of your youth and of other members of the family who died before your descendents were born? Thirty-one people from Oberlin and beyond answered "yes" to these questions and attended one of our workshop sessions, either February 24 or March 28 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Oberlin Depot. The class was taught by Oberlin Heritage Center staff members Prue Richards and Pat Holsworth, who have extensive professional experience and training in archival and artifact conservation, genealogy, and oral history.
The Birth of a Hospital
Over 175 people joined us on March 27 at 7:15 p.m. at Kendal at Oberlin's Heiser Auditorium for the first in a series of hospital centennial free public programs co-sponsored by the Oberlin Heritage Center and the Allen Medical Center Foundation. Dr. Jeanne McKibben gave a multi-media presentation showcasing the history of medicine and physicians in Oberlin during our community's first hundred years. Dr. McKibben is a long-time Oberlin physician who was the first woman president of the Lorain County Medical Society and is a trustee of both the Oberlin Heritage Center and the Allen Medical Center Foundation.
Winterthur Museum of American Decorative Arts: An Armchair Tour of its Treasures and What They Tell Us about American Culture and Craftsmen
Winterthur Museum, created by Henry Dupont in Winterthur, Delaware, holds one of America's finest collections of American decorative arts, and is among America's most outstanding teaching institutions on the subject. Prue Richards, the Oberlin Heritage Center's Collections Assistant, attended the Fall Course (Sept. 2006) on The American Decorative Arts from 1782-1920. At a program held in Kendal at Oberlin's Heiser Auditorium on Tuesday, March 20, Prue shared photographs of wonderful Winterthur objects and explained their style and craftsmanship to an attentive audience from Oberlin and beyond.
How Buildings Tell the Stories of Our Town
Several Oberlin residents, as well as a few visitors, joined us on Tuesday, March 6 at 7 p.m. to learn about the history and architecture of Oberlin buildings constructed 50 or more years ago, which are being documented as part of the ongoing City-Wide Historic Site Inventory. Pat Murphy and Laurie Stein of the Oberlin Heritage Center gave an illustrated presentation and answered questions in this free public program co-sponsored by the Oberlin Heritage Center and the City of Oberlin Historic Preservation Commission and held at the Oberlin Public Library.
The Legend of St. David's Islanders
Audience members spent an evening learning about the Legend of St. David's Islanders, Bermuda from Jean Foggo Simon, a native of St. David's, and the principal researcher for the St. David's Island Indians Association in a free public program at Kendal at Oberlin's Heiser Auditorium on Tuesday, February 27 at 7:15 p.m. Jean Simon gave a remarkable illustrated presentation and family history of slavery among Native Americans in the northeastern United States and their ties with St. David's Islanders, Bermuda. Simon is the second vice president of the Oberlin Heritage Center Board of Trustees.
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