Ohio Open Doors Events! Saturday, September 8, 10:00-2:00

Fort Recovery Historical Society and Fort Recovery Retail Merchants are launching a cooperative endeavor as they take part in the Ohio Open Doors Initiative. Fort Recovery's Open Doors will take place on Saturday, September 8 from 10:00 to 2:00. Admission to all designated places is free during that time. Visitors are invited to start at the Fort Recovery Museum Porch to pick up a map of the many places that can be visited.

Having their Doors Open will be the Fort Recovery Museum, the old Opera House (above Brockman's Appliances), The Battle Murals, and the Retail Merchants Establishments of the community. There will be a number of other places to visit listed on the map. Each of the sites will be offering their business and/or building histories. Of particular interest will be the following:

The State Museum, which will be celebrating its 80th birthday party that day with balloons and cupcakes! The Museum building was a Works Progress Administration (WPA)project of 1938.

The Opera House, a rare and unique structure was the center of community activities in the early 1900's. The old stage with gas lights is all intact. Past visitors have found it fascinating. Opera Houses like this were generally found in Protestant villages as they did not have the large churches like the Catholics in which to hold functions. Mary Ann Olding, a preservation specialist, will be present to answer questions.

The Murals of Fort Recovery will be another feature of Fort Recovery's Open Doors. The artist, Dan Keyes, himself will be present at the site of the 1791 and 1794 battle murals to offer commentary of the mural subjects and artistry.

The Businesses and their buildings' histories were researched by Helen LeFevre who in 2016 published a book containing that information. That information and more will be available at the merchant establishments of the town.

All  Ohio Open Doors events are free. Most are special one-day-only opportunities.

About Ohio Open Doors
The Ohio History Connection created Ohio Open Doors in 2016 to promote and inspire pride in Ohio’s heritage and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on Oct. 15, 1966, the Act has proven instrumental in transforming the face of communities from coast to coast, establishing the legal framework and incentives to preserve historic buildings, landscapes and archaeological sites. It drives economic revitalization by attracting investment, supporting small business, stabilizing neighborhoods and creating jobs.

The Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office administers the National Historic Preservation Act in Ohio. Many of the landmarks featured in Ohio Open Doors events are in the National Register of Historic Places, which the National Historic Preservation Act created.

 “Ohio Open Doors shares stories of important landmarks right in our backyard, highlighting the history and unique nature of some of Ohio’s most treasured historic places,” says Burt Logan, executive director and CEO of the Ohio History Connection.

For more information about Ohio Open Doors, visit ohiohistory.org. For more information about the Fort Recovery event, call 419-375-4384.

One-of-a-Kind Auction 2018 - Fiesta Ole' - October 21!

Si! The Theme for the 2018 Auction will be Mexican! The committee is busy at work preparing for a very special one-of-a-kind event. Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 21! In the meantime, if you have any antique, unique, interesting, useful or collectible items you would like to donate, just call me, Nancy, 419-375-4384, 419-852-6110 or Kathy Thobe, 419-375-4227 and let us know.
 
The profits are divided between the Fort Recovery Historical Society and Project Recovery. Proceeds are used for community needs: maintenance of historical sites and parks; continuation of mural work; preservation of items/places precious to our history; educational presentations, etc.
  
Held at Fort Recovery Elementary/Middle School

Sunday, August 19, 3:00 David Simmons, "The Wayne Forts"

David Simmons, author of The Forts of Anthony Wayne,* will be the museum's next featured speaker. Simmons is a graduate of Miami University and has spent a number of years working, researching and writing for The Ohio History Connection ("Ohio Historical Society") in Columbus. 
 
Since 2013, he has been the senior editor of Timeline (OHC's popular history magazine) covering the fields of prehistory, history, and natural history. This has included manuscript solicitation, editing, illustration research, and caption writing. Note! Simmons recently returned from Brussels where he spoke at an international construction history conference. He is a man of recognized expertise! We are proud to present him here!

*This book is out of print. A new edition is underway. We look forward to carrying it again.
 
For more information, check Website at www:fortrecoverymuseum.com or Face book Page: Fort Recovery State Museum or call the Museum - 419-375-4649, or director, Nancy Knapke - 419-375-4384

All events are held at the Museum and are free unless noted.

 

Work Continues on the Wabash 1791 Mural!

The mural committee couldn't be happier with the way The Battle of 1791 mural is developing. Artist Dan Keyes knows what he is doing when it comes to not only illustrating so accurately the soldiers, uniforms and accouterments of the St. Clair forces, but also the emotions evident as they were attacked on the banks of the Wabash River.
  
Hats off to Tom and Bertha Sanderell for the funding for this particular mural. Bertha worked and managed the staff/ business in this bank building for many, many years. We think she would be proud of the mural on "her" building!