Conestoga

Our Story

Conestoga provides an important volunteer corps of support for the Ohio History Connection. While the primary mission is to raise private sector funds for Ohio History Connection programs, Conestoga also provides a variety of opportunities for its more than 170 members to attend programs, visit historical sites and socialize with friends of Ohio history. Since its founding in 1986, Conestoga has given almost $850,000 to OHC in support of programs, exhibits and special funds, plus established an endowment fund. Conestoga members enjoy:

  • Guided tours of historical sites and museums around Ohio;
  • Behind-the-scenes private tours and lectures;
  • Membership to Ohio History Connection, including free admission to all its historical sites and a subscription to Echoes Magazine;
  • North American Reciprocal Museum Association benefits; and
  • Discounts at the Ohio History stores, to name a few.

As a support group, Conestoga also plans and conducts an annual fund-raiser. Opportunities for involvement are plentiful and varied.

Conestoga welcomes members of all ages and interests. Membership currently costs $100 for a single membership and $150 for a duo membership. Dues include admission to all regularly scheduled Conestoga social events and educational programs, as well as all the benefits of the Ohio History Connection Plus membership.

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Interested?

For information on how to join Conestoga, please contact us at 614.297.2310 or click the link below!

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November 29, 2024

Armstrong Museum Holiday Lights

For over ten years now, the Armstrong Air & Space Museum has been inaugurating the holiday season by illuminating their grounds with a vast array of festive and colorful lights known as the Holiday Lights Display. The overall exhibition contains a multitude of aviation and space-themed displays made from tens of thousands of vibrant LED […]

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November 29, 2024

Trackless Train Rides

For 30 years, model trains have delighted visitors to the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums during the holiday season. Kids and adults can enjoy an additional aspect of trains with a trackless train ride around Spiegel Grove in a train on Friday, Nov. 29. Romick Railway of Findlay will bring its trackless train to the […]

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December 1, 2024

Museum Store Sunday

Enjoy an afternoon of holiday shopping to benefit the Friends of Harriet Beecher Stowe House. We will also be kicking off a book drive for our new neighbors at the Thatcher Flat apartments.

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December 1, 2024

Polar Express Pajama Party

Kids can put on their favorite pajamas for train-themed fun at the museum. A special guest will read “The Polar Express,” and kids will see and interact with the “Hayes Train Special” model train display. Refreshments also will be provided. This event has 2 sessions: choose either 4:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. Tickets are required […]

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December 2, 2024

Holiday Open House

Enjoy our cozy 1960s living room along with homemade cookies and hot cocoa during the New Concord Christmas Parade. Admission is free.

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December 3, 2024

Guided Tours (Winter Hours)

Visitors will encounter the history this house witnessed in two different time periods 100 years apart: 1840: When abolitionist author Harriet Beecher Stowe lived in Cincinnati as a young teacher and mother preparing to write the blockbuster antislavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin 1940: When African-American proprietor Irene Bacon managed the house as the Edgemont Inn—a […]

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December 3, 2024

A Harriet Beecher Stowe Christmas with Author Pamela McColl

Kick off the Christmas season learning about the ways 19th century abolitionists such as Harriet Beecher Stowe combined their holiday celebrations with activism. McColl will be presenting an overview of the literary and art legacy that follows the holidays. Included are literary passages from Mark Twain, Louise May Alcott, Washington Irving and Harriet Beecher Stowe. […]

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December 3, 2024

Hanby House Holiday Open House

Come celebrate the holidays in an 1850s home. Hanby House will be hosting a Holiday Open House on Tuesday, December 3 from 7–9 p.m. There will be music in the parlor, candles in the windows and holiday decorations throughout the house. Refreshments will be provided. This event is free and open to the public. No […]

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December 4, 2024

Christmas Hope in Adversity (December Voices for Truth Discussion)

What could Christmas mean to people in the worst circumstances? What hope or at least reprieve could it signify? In our final meeting of the year, we listen to voices for truth from two enslaved African Americans and a Jew remembering his time in Auschwitz. Suggested reading: Solomon Northrup, Twelve Years a Slave (1853), Chapter […]

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December 5, 2024

Ohio Showcase Input Session – Lancaster

The Ohio Showcase building is part of the Expo 2050 Master Plan and is expected to open in 2026. When completed, it will feature dining and event space as well as Ohio's Story, a permanent exhibit space developed by the Ohio History Connection. To determine the Ohio history stories to be featured in the space’s media and traditional […]

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December 5, 2024

Hanby House Holiday Open House

Come celebrate the holidays in an 1850s home. Hanby House will be hosting a Holiday Open House on Thursday, December 5 from 7–9 p.m. There will be music in the parlor, candles in the windows and holiday decorations throughout the house. Refreshments will be provided. This event is free and open to the public. No […]

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December 6, 2024

An 1815 Johnston Family Christmas

Come experience a delightful evening in the 1815 Johnston Home, at the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency. Gather round the table to enjoy an authentic 1815 meal prepared over the open hearth. A candle-lit tour of the home, live music, and a special take-home treat awaits. There is a 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. sitting […]

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December 7, 2024

Ohio Underground Railroad Whistle-Stop Poetry Tour: Capstone Celebration

The Ohio Poetry Association (OPA) and Poets Against Racism & Hate (PARH) USA are partnering with the Ohio History Connection to present a very special celebration of Ohio’s role in the Underground Railroad. The Capstone Celebration will be the culminating event of the Ohio Underground Railroad Whistle-Stop Poetry Tour, a series of special poetry and […]

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December 7, 2024

Guided Tours (Winter Hours)

Visitors will encounter the history this house witnessed in two different time periods 100 years apart: 1840: When abolitionist author Harriet Beecher Stowe lived in Cincinnati as a young teacher and mother preparing to write the blockbuster antislavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin 1940: When African-American proprietor Irene Bacon managed the house as the Edgemont Inn—a […]

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December 7, 2024

Holiday Histories

Celebrate Ohio’s winter traditions at the Ohio History Center! Join us for interactive experiences, cultural holiday traditions and stories presented by community partners. Enjoy holiday performances, explore the Ohio History Store and shop local vendors for unique gifts. Registration is OPEN, buy your tickets now and experience: A Lustron Christmas! Explore nostalgic holidays of the […]

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December 7, 2024

Hanby House Holiday Open House

Come celebrate the holidays in an 1850s home. Hanby House will be hosting a Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. There will be music in the parlor, candles in the windows and holiday decorations throughout the house. Refreshments will be provided. This event is free and open to the public. […]

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December 7, 2024

Christmas in Zoar

Experience Historic Zoar Village in all its Christmas splendor! Learn about early American and German holiday traditions as well as enjoy musical entertainment and visits from Kristkind, the German Belsnickel and Santa. Self-guided tours are available, with extended shopping opportunities at the Zoar Store, Bakery, Bimeler Museum, Stars of Zoar Co-op and privately-owned shops. Vendors […]

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December 7, 2024

Model Train Clinic

Get your model trains in excellent working order just in time for the holidays during the annual Model Train Clinic on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums. For many years, the train clinic took place after the holidays so that guests’ model trains could be spruced up and put away for […]

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December 7, 2024

Tying Up Loose Ends

Keith Bengtson will lead a comprehensive workshop on the art of American Indian textiles. Examples of Native plants used for fiber in the Midwest will be shown and processed. Participants will be able to make their own twined fiber bag. Materials will be provided. Examples of reproduced items will be on display along with reference […]

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December 7, 2024

Holidays at Adena

Celebrate the holidays at Holidays at Adena! Join us as we re-open for the holidays for two weekends only during winter. With Adena Mansion and Gardens decorated in yuletide splendor, it will put you in the holiday spirit! Tour the beautifully decorated mansion and see how they celebrated the holiday season, with tours every half […]

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December 7, 2024

Wreath Workshop

It’s the holiday season, a time to celebrate! What better way to celebrate than by decorating a wreath? Join us on Saturday, December 7, Sunday, December 8, and Saturday, December 14, to decorate your wreath. Evergreen wreaths and natural materials gathered from the grounds of Adena Mansion and Gardens will be available. You may also […]

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December 8, 2024

Sounds of the Season

Join us at the National Road & Zane Grey Museum for some holiday cheer! You won’t want to miss the lovely holiday music provided by the John Glenn High School String Sounds and JG Company.

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December 8, 2024

Wreath Workshop

It’s the holiday season, a time to celebrate! What better way to celebrate than by decorating a wreath? Join us on Saturday, December 7, Sunday, December 8, and Saturday, December 14, to decorate your wreath. Evergreen wreaths and natural materials gathered from the grounds of Adena Mansion and Gardens will be available. You may also […]

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December 10, 2024

Ohio Showcase Input Session – Cincinnati

The Ohio Showcase building is part of the Expo 2050 Master Plan and is expected to open in 2026. When completed, it will feature dining and event space as well as Ohio's Story, a permanent exhibit space developed by the Ohio History Connection. To determine the Ohio history stories to be featured in the space’s media and traditional […]

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December 10, 2024

Guided Tours (Winter Hours)

Visitors will encounter the history this house witnessed in two different time periods 100 years apart: 1840: When abolitionist author Harriet Beecher Stowe lived in Cincinnati as a young teacher and mother preparing to write the blockbuster antislavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin 1940: When African-American proprietor Irene Bacon managed the house as the Edgemont Inn—a […]

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December 11, 2024

Presidential History Book Club

All are invited to read and discuss books about the American presidency at this free book club. This month, the club is reading “President Garfield: From Radical to Unifier” by C.W. Goodyear. This event will take place in person and online. For online login information, email [email protected]. Participants can bring their lunch. Sponsored by Richard […]

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December 13, 2024

Lights of Spiegel Grove

See Spiegel Grove, an arboretum and the estate of President Rutherford and First Lady Lucy Hayes, light up for the holiday season during Lights of Spiegel Grove on Friday, Dec. 13. Lights of Spiegel Grove is from 6–7:30 p.m., and the grounds will be lighted at 6:15 p.m. Enjoy refreshments, carolers, visits with Kris Kringle […]

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December 13, 2024

Serpent Mound Archaeology Tour

Effective January 2024, Serpent Mound will offer two archaeological tours a month with archaeologist Bill Kennedy on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month during the 2024 season. Tours begin at the Serpent Mound Visitor Center at 1:30 p.m. and end at 3 p.m. No reservations are required. Parking is $8/per vehicle. Info: (800).752.2757

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December 14, 2024

Guided Tours (Winter Hours)

Visitors will encounter the history this house witnessed in two different time periods 100 years apart: 1840: When abolitionist author Harriet Beecher Stowe lived in Cincinnati as a young teacher and mother preparing to write the blockbuster antislavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin 1940: When African-American proprietor Irene Bacon managed the house as the Edgemont Inn—a […]

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December 14, 2024

Holiday Histories

Celebrate Ohio’s winter traditions at the Ohio History Center! Join us for interactive experiences, cultural holiday traditions and stories presented by community partners. Enjoy holiday performances, explore the Ohio History Store and shop local vendors for unique gifts. Registration is OPEN, buy your tickets now and experience: A Lustron Christmas! Explore nostalgic holidays of the […]

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December 14, 2024

Johnston House Christmas Tour

Experience the magic of Christmas past by joining a guided tour of the Johnston house, all decked out for the season. Learn what life was like at this time of year for a large family on the Ohio frontier. After the tour, be sure to visit the kitchen for a tasty treat and browse the […]

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December 14, 2024

Holidays at Adena: Children’s Weekend

Celebrate the holidays at Holidays at Adena! Join us as we re-open for the holidays for two weekends only during winter. With Adena Mansion and Gardens decorated in yuletide splendor, it will put you in the holiday spirit! Tour the beautifully decorated mansion and see how they celebrated the holiday season, with tours every half […]

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December 14, 2024

Wreath Workshop

It’s the holiday season, a time to celebrate! What better way to celebrate than by decorating a wreath? Join us on Saturday, December 7, Sunday, December 8, and Saturday, December 14, to decorate your wreath. Evergreen wreaths and natural materials gathered from the grounds of Adena Mansion and Gardens will be available. You may also […]

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December 17, 2024

Ohio Showcase Input Session – Bowling Green

The Ohio Showcase building is part of the Expo 2050 Master Plan and is expected to open in 2026. When completed, it will feature dining and event space as well as Ohio's Story, a permanent exhibit space developed by the Ohio History Connection. To determine the Ohio history stories to be featured in the space’s media and traditional […]

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December 17, 2024

Guided Tours (Winter Hours)

Visitors will encounter the history this house witnessed in two different time periods 100 years apart: 1840: When abolitionist author Harriet Beecher Stowe lived in Cincinnati as a young teacher and mother preparing to write the blockbuster antislavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin 1940: When African-American proprietor Irene Bacon managed the house as the Edgemont Inn—a […]

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December 19, 2024

Ohio Showcase Input Session – Cleveland

The Ohio Showcase building is part of the Expo 2050 Master Plan and is expected to open in 2026. When completed, it will feature dining and event space as well as Ohio's Story, a permanent exhibit space developed by the Ohio History Connection. To determine the Ohio history stories to be featured in the space’s media and traditional […]

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December 20, 2024

Hayes Home Holidays

Enjoy a special evening tour of the Hayes Home during Hayes Home Holidays, offered two nights in December. Guests will be treated to festive stories and, throughout the tour, guests will be able to interact with costumed characters. Guests can also enjoy a comforting cup of wassail, a hot spiced cider that was a popular […]

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December 20, 2024

Monthly Archaeology Tour

Take a walk through the museum and grounds of Fort Ancient with archaeologist Bill Kennedy of the Ohio History Connection. This walking tour gives an overview of pre-contact American Indians in and at Fort Ancient: one of the most outstanding and best preserved Hopewell earthworks. Please meet in the lobby in front of the museum […]

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December 21, 2024

Winter Solstice

The Hopewell Culture is known for tracking both solar and lunar alignments in their earthen structures. Come watch the Winter Solstice sun rise through the mounds and observe the alignment with us! Gates open at 7 a.m. Sun rise is predicted to be around 7:45 a.m. Museum open 7 a.m.–10 a.m. only. Site grounds & […]

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December 21, 2024

Guided Tours (Winter Hours)

Visitors will encounter the history this house witnessed in two different time periods 100 years apart: 1840: When abolitionist author Harriet Beecher Stowe lived in Cincinnati as a young teacher and mother preparing to write the blockbuster antislavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin 1940: When African-American proprietor Irene Bacon managed the house as the Edgemont Inn—a […]

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December 26, 2024

Horse-drawn Sleigh and Trolley Rides

Ride through the wooded estate of President Rutherford B. Hayes in a horse-drawn sleigh, as he did when he lived there, from Thursday, Dec. 26–Tuesday, Dec. 31. A horse-drawn trolley also will offer rides through Spiegel Grove. Rides are from 1–4 p.m. each day. The sleigh can fit 4 people, and the trolley can fit […]

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December 27, 2024

Horse-drawn Sleigh and Trolley Rides

Ride through the wooded estate of President Rutherford B. Hayes in a horse-drawn sleigh, as he did when he lived there, from Thursday, Dec. 26–Tuesday, Dec. 31. A horse-drawn trolley also will offer rides through Spiegel Grove. Rides are from 1–4 p.m. each day. The sleigh can fit 4 people, and the trolley can fit […]

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December 27, 2024

Serpent Mound Archaeology Tour

Effective January 2024, Serpent Mound will offer two archaeological tours a month with archaeologist Bill Kennedy on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month during the 2024 season. Tours begin at the Serpent Mound Visitor Center at 1:30 p.m. and end at 3 p.m. No reservations are required. Parking is $8/per vehicle. Info: (800).752.2757

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December 28, 2024

Horse-drawn Sleigh and Trolley Rides

Ride through the wooded estate of President Rutherford B. Hayes in a horse-drawn sleigh, as he did when he lived there, from Thursday, Dec. 26–Tuesday, Dec. 31. A horse-drawn trolley also will offer rides through Spiegel Grove. Rides are from 1–4 p.m. each day. The sleigh can fit 4 people, and the trolley can fit […]

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December 28, 2024

Guided Tours (Winter Hours)

Visitors will encounter the history this house witnessed in two different time periods 100 years apart: 1840: When abolitionist author Harriet Beecher Stowe lived in Cincinnati as a young teacher and mother preparing to write the blockbuster antislavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin 1940: When African-American proprietor Irene Bacon managed the house as the Edgemont Inn—a […]

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December 28, 2024

Kwanzaa 614

Join us for the citywide Kwanzaa celebration where tradition meets creativity! This year’s program features an array of hands-on crafts and captivating performances, designed to honor and celebrate the rich heritage of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is a 7-day celebration that honors community, family and heritage of African American culture and African traditions. Kwanzaa comes from the […]

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December 28, 2024

Johnston House Christmas Tour

Experience the magic of Christmas past by joining a guided tour of the Johnston house, all decked out for the season. Learn what life was like at this time of year for a large family on the Ohio frontier. After the tour, be sure to visit the kitchen for a tasty treat and browse the […]

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December 29, 2024

Horse-drawn Sleigh and Trolley Rides

Ride through the wooded estate of President Rutherford B. Hayes in a horse-drawn sleigh, as he did when he lived there, from Thursday, Dec. 26–Tuesday, Dec. 31. A horse-drawn trolley also will offer rides through Spiegel Grove. Rides are from 1–4 p.m. each day. The sleigh can fit 4 people, and the trolley can fit […]

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December 30, 2024

Horse-drawn Sleigh and Trolley Rides

Ride through the wooded estate of President Rutherford B. Hayes in a horse-drawn sleigh, as he did when he lived there, from Thursday, Dec. 26–Tuesday, Dec. 31. A horse-drawn trolley also will offer rides through Spiegel Grove. Rides are from 1–4 p.m. each day. The sleigh can fit 4 people, and the trolley can fit […]

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December 31, 2024

Horse-drawn Sleigh and Trolley Rides

Ride through the wooded estate of President Rutherford B. Hayes in a horse-drawn sleigh, as he did when he lived there, from Thursday, Dec. 26–Tuesday, Dec. 31. A horse-drawn trolley also will offer rides through Spiegel Grove. Rides are from 1–4 p.m. each day. The sleigh can fit 4 people, and the trolley can fit […]

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December 31, 2024

Guided Tours (Winter Hours)

Visitors will encounter the history this house witnessed in two different time periods 100 years apart: 1840: When abolitionist author Harriet Beecher Stowe lived in Cincinnati as a young teacher and mother preparing to write the blockbuster antislavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin 1940: When African-American proprietor Irene Bacon managed the house as the Edgemont Inn—a […]

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January 1, 2025

Annual Closure for Cleaning and Maintenance of the History Center

The Ohio History Center museum will be closed for annual cleaning and maintenance, January 1 – 14, 2025. We look forward to seeing you when we open Wednesday, January 15, 2025! Please note that the Archives and Library will be closed December 25 - 27, 2024 and January 1 - 3, 2025.

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January 4, 2025

Guided Tours (Winter Hours)

Visitors will encounter the history this house witnessed in two different time periods 100 years apart: 1840: When abolitionist author Harriet Beecher Stowe lived in Cincinnati as a young teacher and mother preparing to write the blockbuster antislavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin 1940: When African-American proprietor Irene Bacon managed the house as the Edgemont Inn—a […]

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January 7, 2025

Guided Tours (Winter Hours)

Visitors will encounter the history this house witnessed in two different time periods 100 years apart: 1840: When abolitionist author Harriet Beecher Stowe lived in Cincinnati as a young teacher and mother preparing to write the blockbuster antislavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin 1940: When African-American proprietor Irene Bacon managed the house as the Edgemont Inn—a […]

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January 11, 2025

Guided Tours (Winter Hours)

Visitors will encounter the history this house witnessed in two different time periods 100 years apart: 1840: When abolitionist author Harriet Beecher Stowe lived in Cincinnati as a young teacher and mother preparing to write the blockbuster antislavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin 1940: When African-American proprietor Irene Bacon managed the house as the Edgemont Inn—a […]

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January 11, 2025

A Gentlemen’s Garden on the Frontier—CANCELED

THIS EVENT IS CANCELED. Join Executive Director, Kathy Styer, for a presentation to discuss the landscape of Adena. Admission to this event is free. For more information, please visit our website www.adenamansion.com, email [email protected], or call (740) 772-1500.

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January 11, 2025

Native Plants with David McPheron

Join us to listen to David McPheron, owner of Star Farms Native Plants, talk about native plants of Cedar Bog! David is a great resource for native gardening. If you are interested, please join us! Cedar Bog Association and Ohio History Connection members have FREE admission. Nonmembers have a $5 admission to this event.

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January 14, 2025

Guided Tours (Winter Hours)

Visitors will encounter the history this house witnessed in two different time periods 100 years apart: 1840: When abolitionist author Harriet Beecher Stowe lived in Cincinnati as a young teacher and mother preparing to write the blockbuster antislavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin 1940: When African-American proprietor Irene Bacon managed the house as the Edgemont Inn—a […]

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January 16, 2025

Talk & Tour: Moon Landing Hoax

Join our museum educator in the STEM Inspiration Center at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum as we take a deeper dive into conspiracies surrounding the Moon landing. We will unpack and examine the claims against the Moon landing using science and evidence to see how the history holds up. After the presentation, take a […]

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January 18, 2025

Ladies of the House—CANCELED

THIS EVENT IS CANCELED. During Adena’s 139 years of occupancy as a home (1807–1946), there have been four women who, each in her own time, could be called “The Lady of the House.” Join local Worthington family historian Mary Anne Brown as she discusses Eleanor, Julia, Martha and Clara and their years as wives, mothers […]

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January 18, 2025

Can DNA-Testing Companies Help with Genealogical Research?

Each DNA testing company offers different advantages for your family research. Join professional genealogist Kelli Bergheimer and learn how to maximize the information at all five DNA testing companies. This is a virtual session only. Registration is required. View full Genealogy Workshop Series here.

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January 20, 2025

MLK Day Open House

Celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King through visual and performing art performances.  This is a unique opportunity to learn about the impact of Dr. King’s teachings and learn how his work changed the trajectory of the country. This event is free and open to the public, though advance […]

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January 21, 2025

MEMBER VIP: Ice Age Mammals of Ohio

Join us as we talk with Dave Dyer, curator of natural history, about the Ice Age mammals of Ohio. What kind of unusual animals walked right through our backyards and farms at the time that the last glacier was retreating from Ohio? Learn about the variety of interesting animals that lived in the state at […]

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