EVENTS FOR 2024 Be sure to check our Facebook page for more events in our area.

MAY
May 21, at 12:00 pm – Northern Ohio Cold Cases – Jane Ann Turzillo, author, presenter. Although Erie County is home to the picturesque Lake Erie coastline and the historic city of Sandusky, it has seen its measure of tragedy. DNA helped Sandusky police identify a Jane Doe forty-three years to the day she washed up on Lake Erie shores. Now, detectives want to find out who put Patricia Greenwood in the water and why. A triple homicide in 1968 rocked the town of Milan. A father, a mother, and their 12-year-old daughter were murdered while they slept in the beds. Few clues were left behind for police to follow. Hear about these cases and maybe some others. A Lunch & Learn program at the Sandusky Library

JUNE
June 18, at 12:00 pm – The 1924 Sandusky Tornado – On June 28th, 1924 a tornado struck the water front of Sandusky. Learn about the damage the tornado caused to the town and those who lost their lives in the storm. A Lunch & Learn program at the Sandusky Library

June 21 – Opening Party Potluck at the Lake Erie Island History Museum. Museum Members and anyone interested in supporting the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum by joining are invited to attend. Everyone is asked to bring a food item to share. Cocktails start at 4 pm.

June 22, at 2:00 pm – Confederates From Canada – Ralph Lindeman, author, presenter. Did you know the Civil War extended into Canada? This talk will show how Confederate leaders, during the last year c the Civil War, initiated a daring strategy to bring the war t the North by launching raids from Canada across the Great Lakes, and highlights one of the most daring raids, which targeted the Civil War prison camp on Johnson’s Island where over 2,000 Confederate officers were held. A Lunch & Learn program at the Sandusky Library

June 26, at 6:00 pm – Walking Tour: The Sandusky Tornado – On June 28, 1924 a tornado struck downtown Sandusky. This walking tour will follow the path of the tornado, showing pictures of the damage done by it. The program will start at the Jackson St. Pier and finish at the Maritime Museum of Sandusky. Walk is approximately 1.7 miles. Sandusky Library

June 28, at 2:00 pm – Walking Tour: The Sandusky Tornado – On June 28, 1924 a tornado struck downtown Sandusky. This walking tour will follow the path of the tornado, showing pictures of the damage done by it. The program will start at the Jackson St. Pier and finish at the Maritime Museum of Sandusky. Walk is approximately 1.7 miles. Sandusky Library

June 29, at 9:30 am – Walking Tour: The Sandusky Tornado – On June 28, 1924 a tornado struck downtown Sandusky. This walking tour will follow the path of the tornado, showing pictures of the damage done by it. The program will start at the Jackson St. Pier and finish at the Maritime Museum of Sandusky. Walk is approximately 1.7 miles. Sandusky Library

June 29, at 2:00 pm – Tragedy, Damage, Heartbreak, and Heroes: The Sandusky/Lorain Tornado of 1924 – Dan Zaleski, historian, presenter. On June 28th, 1924, a massively powerful tornado strut Northern Ohio and severely damaged the cities of Sandusky and Lorain. This program follows the path of this epic tornado and shows the incredible damage it caused and what locations look like today. We discuss the stories of the victim the damage, the rebuild, and the heroes of this incredible event whose impact is still felt today. A Lunch & Learn program at the Sandusky Library

June 29 – 10-3 – Pop-Up Museum & Tours – Johnson’s Island Civil War Prison – The Friends and Descendants of Johnson’s Island Civil War Prison will host a pop-up museum of artifacts and historical documents relating to the prisoners and guards on display at the Johnson’s Island Clubhouse (located next to the Confederate Stockade Cemetery). A series of short presentations will be given throughout the day in the clubhouse. Parking is available at the adjacent Confederate Cemetery. Tours of the Civil War Prison site (GPS: 4005 E Baycliffs Dr, Johnson’s Island, Ohio) and the cemetery will be held at select times during the event. Parking for the prison tours is available along Baycliffs Drive. Please do not park in the marina parking area across the street. The event and tours are free and open to the public. Visitors to Johnson’s Island will need to pay a $2 cash toll to access the island via the causeway (dollars or quarters only). Questions? Contact us at [email protected] 

JULY
July 4 – 2-pm to 3:30 – Independence Day Concert at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums and Ohio History Connection. Celebrate Independence Day with this patriotic concert by the Toledo Concert Band, featuring members of the Toledo Symphony, played on the verandah of the historic Hayes Home. Admission is free. The band will play a variety of music, and Civil War reenactors will fire cannons in sync with Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.” Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating on the lawn. Food trucks will sell lunch and snacks on site. For updates, visit rbhayes.org. The Hayes Home and museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library will be closed.

July 16, at 12:00 pm – Breaking Through the Lines: The Marion Motley Story – David Lee Morgan, Jr, author, presenter .Marion Motley was recognized as one of the gridiron’s most outstanding players for the Cleveland Browns when he was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968 in his hometown of Canton, Ohio. His legacy off the field, as one of four Black players to reintegrate pro football in 1946, helped blaze a path for Black athletes, including baseball’s Jackie Robinson. Yet, the story of one of the sport’s greatest and most impactful players remains unknown to most Americans. David Lee Morgan Jr. will share the stories in his new book Breaking Through the Lines: The Story of Marion Motley, along with how he became co-producer of the 2022 Regional Emmy award-winning documentary Lines Broken: The Story of Marion Motley, which was distributed to PBS affiliates nationally by American Public Television. A Lunch & Learn program at the Sandusky Library

July 22, at 6:00 pm – Historical Program: Artists of Erie County – Many creative artists were born or lived in the Sandusky are Special Collections Librarian Ron Davidson will tell you about some of these men and women and show examples of some of their works. A Lunch & Learn program at the Sandusky Library

July 25, at 2:00 pm – Artists & Performers of Erie County Cemetery Walk – Learn about some of the artists, actors, and musician: who are buried in Oakland Cemetery. Oakland Cemetery & Memorial Park is a municipal cemetery located just south of Perkins Avenue on Milan Road. (2917 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870) As this is a walking tour, wear appropriate shoes and outerwear. Be prepared to stand or walk for a least an hour. Sandusky Library

July 25, at 6:00 pm – Artists & Performers of Erie County Cemetery Walk – Learn about some of the artists, actors, and musician: who are buried in Oakland Cemetery. Oakland Cemetery & Memorial Park is a municipal cemetery located just south of Perkins Avenue on Milan Road. (2917 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870) As this is a walking tour, wear appropriate shoes and outerwear. Be prepared to stand or walk for a least an hour. Sandusky Library

July 27, at 10:00 am – Artists & Performers of Erie County Cemetery Walk – Learn about some of the artists, actors, and musician: who are buried in Oakland Cemetery. Oakland Cemetery & Memorial Park is a municipal cemetery located just south of Perkins Avenue on Milan Road. (2917 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870) As this is a walking tour, wear appropriate shoes and outerwear. Be prepared to stand or walk for a least an hour. Sandusky Library

AUGUST
August 8 — Lake Erie Island History Museum Auction at Heineman Winery. Preview items starting at 2 pm. live auction begins at 4 pm.

August 20, at 12:00 pm – Settling Ohio: First Peoples and Beyond – Dr. Timothy Anderson, Phd, presenter. The Ohio Valley possesses some of the most resource-rich terrain in the world. Its settlement by humans was thus consequential not only for shaping the geographic and cultural landscape of the region but also for forming the United States and the future of world history. This talk will discuss both the Native Americans who first settled in this land, and the Europeans who started to move into Ohio in the 18th Century. A Lunch & Learn program at the Sandusky Library

SEPTEMBER
Saturday, Sept. 7 – Samuel Adams: The Man Behind the American Revolution – Samuel Adams’ effect on the American Revolution has been shrouded in mystery. What kind of man was Adams, and why is so little known about him? This presentation will focus on his life from a young man to the architect of the American Revolution. Presented by Mike Gilbert. Pre-recorded virtual sessions also will be offered for those who cannot attend in person. Sessions are from 10-11:30 a.m. Admission, whether in person or virtually through the recordings, is $5 per session or $25 for all six. Pre-registration and pre-payment for both in-person and virtual sessions are required. To register and pay, contact Julie Mayle, curator of manuscripts, at jmayle@rbhayes.org.

September 8 — Historical Weekend Old Tyme Baseball Game, 2 pm, location to be announced soon. The local Mossbacks challenge the Ohio Historical Society Muffins to a game using the original rules of baseball. Museum staff and volunteers will sell hot dogs and soft drinks provided by our friends at Miller Boat Line with all proceeds benefiting the museum. https://www.leihs.org/

Saturday, Sept. 14 – J. Edgar Hoover: The Director – Few men exerted the power of J. Edgar Hoover. In charge of what would later be known as the FBI, Hoover knew the strengths and weaknesses of the major political players in the U.S. For almost 40 years, he ran the nation’s top law enforcement agency. Discover his rise to power from boyhood through his emergence as one of the most dominant figures in the 20th century. Presented by Mike Gilbert. Pre-recorded virtual sessions also will be offered for those who cannot attend in person. Sessions are from 10-11:30 a.m. Admission, whether in person or virtually through the recordings, is $5 per session or $25 for all six. Pre-registration and pre-payment for both in-person and virtual sessions are required. To register and pay, contact Julie Mayle, curator of manuscripts, at jmayle@rbhayes.org.

Saturday, Sept. 21 – Gettysburg: The Second Day – The second day of the Battle of Gettysburg is a pivotal moment not only in the Civil War but also in our nation’s history. Listen to the stories of the northern and southern soldiers as the group revisits Little Round Top. Presented by Mike Gilbert. Pre-recorded virtual sessions also will be offered for those who cannot attend in person. Sessions are from 10-11:30 a.m. Admission, whether in person or virtually through the recordings, is $5 per session or $25 for all six. Pre-registration and pre-payment for both in-person and virtual sessions are required. To register and pay, contact Julie Mayle, curator of manuscripts, at jmayle@rbhayes.org.

September 21 — Annual Museum Membership Meeting and Potluck. Museum Members attending the Annual Meeting will vote for members of the Board of Directors, each serving three-year terms. A brief overview of 2023 events and programs will be given, and a potluck will follow. Those attending are asked to bring a food item to share. https://www.leihs.org/

Saturday, Sept. 28 – Women Warriors: Fighters for Freedom – Women warriors have fought for their countries since the beginning of time. From Boudica’s rebellion against the Romans to Joan of Arc’s efforts to restore the French monarchy, these remarkable women chose to risk their own lives to protect their countries. Presented by Mike Gilbert. Pre-recorded virtual sessions also will be offered for those who cannot attend in person. Sessions are from 10-11:30 a.m. Admission, whether in person or virtually through the recordings, is $5 per session or $25 for all six. Pre-registration and pre-payment for both in-person and virtual sessions are required. To register and pay, contact Julie Mayle, curator of manuscripts, at jmayle@rbhayes.org.

OCTOBER
Saturday, Oct. 12 – Jackie, Lady Bird and Pat: First Ladies of the 1960s – Although vastly different, Jackie Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson and Pat Nixon each held the position of first lady during the tumultuous 1960s. Discover their reactions to crises within the administrations and how they chose to represent the role as first lady. Presented by Mike Gilbert. Pre-recorded virtual sessions also will be offered for those who cannot attend in person. Sessions are from 10-11:30 a.m. Admission, whether in person or virtually through the recordings, is $5 per session or $25 for all six. Pre-registration and pre-payment for both in-person and virtual sessions are required. To register and pay, contact Julie Mayle, curator of manuscripts, at jmayle@rbhayes.org.

Saturday, Oct. 19 – The Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving: A National Day of Thanks or Mourning? – Thanksgiving is one of the most popular holidays in the U.S., but its origins are often misunderstood. This session will provide a different look at what really happened between the pilgrims and Native Americans. How has the modern-day meaning of Thanksgiving evolved over the years? Presented by Mike Gilbert. Pre-recorded virtual sessions also will be offered for those who cannot attend in person. Sessions are from 10-11:30 a.m. Admission, whether in person or virtually through the recordings, is $5 per session or $25 for all six. Pre-registration and pre-payment for both in-person and virtual sessions are required. To register and pay, contact Julie Mayle, curator of manuscripts, at jmayle@rbhayes.org.

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

JANUARY
January 16 – 12 Noon – at the Sandusky Library – History of Passenger Travel on the Great Lakes. Chris Gillcrist, executive Director of National Museum of the Great Lakes, presenter. A thorough history of travel on the Great Lakes, either for immigration or enjoyment from the 9th century schooners to the lavish steamboats of the early 20th century. Register online or call 419-625-3834

FEBRUARY
February 20 – 12 Noon – at the Sandusky Library – How the Underground Railroad Transformed Ohio and America – The Underground Railroad has secured its place in American historical memory as a chapter of our history of which we are justifiably proud. But it’s just as important that we fully understand what we’re remembering and celebrating. The real story centers on the generally uncredited roles of the African Americans who made seemingly impossible escapes look easy and defied the defenders of slavery North and South by setting on the frontline of freedom. No place in America was more important to their struggle than Ohio, whose history is integrally intertwined with this iconic movement. Register online or call 419-625-3834

MARCH
March 2 – 2 pm – Sault Ste Marie and Me – 318 Times through the locks, by Jim Holcepl. Event by Maritime Museum of Sandusky This past summer he worked as a Captain for the Original Soo Locks Tours, part of Interlake Maritime Services. He is a member of Great Lakes Captain Association. Join us for coffee & donuts in person, included with Museum admission (free for members) or watch at home online. Tickets or attend by zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nUBxtJHcSGGW0-B-KylhgA

March 29 – 12-1:00 pm – Lunch & Learn: America in The Gilded Age – by Joshua Dubbert (Historian at the Hayes Museum). This is a free presentation offered by Shores and Islands Ohio and the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Historian Josh Dubbert will present on this topic. “Gilded” refers to a veneer placed over something cheap, or in the social sense, corrupt. The last three decades of the American 19thcentury was a time of industrial and technological achievement, immigration, social unrest, escalating racism and huge wealth disparity. It was also a period of revolutionary invention, art and culture, during which the United States transformed into an economic force and an imperial power on the world stage. This program will examine these major shifts, and discuss the many aspects that made it the prelude to the modern America we know today. You can bring your lunch, and light snacks will be provided. Presentation at the Shores & Islands Welcome Center, 770 SE Catawba Rd, Port Clinton. [email protected].

APRIL
April 6 – 10 am to 1:00 pm – at the Sandusky Library – Authors and readers alike are welcome to our Local Author Fair. Readers will have the opportunity to explore new authors, converse with them and peruse or purchase books. Authors will have a chance to network with others and share tips and tricks about the craft of writing.
April 6 – 9 am to 3 pm – Johnson’s Island Park Day – Event by Friends and Descendants of Johnson’s Island Civil War Prison – Join us for the Johnson’s Island Civil War Military Prison Park Day to help clean up and maintain the site of Johnson’s Island Civil War Prison. Advance registration is required. This is important so we can plan to have enough food for everyone! To register, please complete this form by March 29: https://forms.gle/DHTFjydnXyhWFEjD7 Registrants will receive further instructions by email closer to the event. Please meet at the site (GPS: 4005 E. Baycliffs Drive, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440) at 9:00 a.m. for a brief introduction to Johnson’s Island. Wear your outdoor work clothes (including gloves and boots) and dress for the weather (there is no shelter at the site). Please bring garden rakes, wheel barrows, tarps, tools for cutting branches, and/or chain saws if you have them. We will be clearing brush and sticks that have fallen over the winter to clean up the site, clearing trees around Fort Johnson, doing some general landscaping, and other similar projects. Lunch will be provided. After lunch, there will be a tour and time to view the fort. This event is part of the American Battlefield Trust’s annual Park Day volunteer event.
April 13 – 9:30-5 pm – Ritter Public Library is pleased to host the first Northern Ohio Archaeology Symposium, 5 sessions. Each presentation will be about 45 minutes with 15 minutes for Q&A. Registration (at the bottom of the page) is recommended to guarantee your seat. https://ritterpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/11498957