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1/30/13 -- May 24-27 (Friday through Monday) Commencement / Memorial Day Weekend. Advance reservations are needed for History Walks; register online or call (440) 774-1700 to reserve your spot and find out starting locations. Walk-in visitors are welcome for the "Oberlin Origins" tour. OHC members, college students and children accompanied by an adult tour for free; fee for non-members. Remember to stop by the Monroe House and visit the Heritage Center's Museum Store for Oberlin-themed souvenirs, books, and free visitor information. Activities include:

Friday, May 24 Read More ...

1/31/13 -- June 1 (Saturday at 11:00 a.m.) Beginning this month, and taking place every Saturday through the end of September, enjoy a guided History Walk and learn more about the nationally significant history of Oberlin.  Each leisurely walk lasts about 75 minutes and features stories and historic photographs of colorful characters and landmarks from Oberlin's past and present. Offerings vary and include abolition and Underground Railroad history in the "Freedom's Friends" walk, stories of the early "Scholars & Settlers" of Oberlin in a walk around Tappan Square, and some of the "Radicals & Reformers" of Oberlin now laid to rest in scenic Westwood Cemetery. The "I Spy Oberlin" walk for kids also is offered the first Saturday of the month at 3 p.m.   Read More ...

3/1/13 -- June 12 (Wednesday, 7:15 p.m.) Education in Early Ohio. Do you remember the word that knocked you out of a childhood spelling bee? James Fairchild, third president of Oberlin College, still remembered decades later (millinery). Hear some of his school reminiscences and those of other Oberlinians and Ohioans in this fun program that spans the early 1800s to the early 1900s. Museum Education and Tour Coordinator Liz Schultz will practice her "oratory" skills as she gives the audience a lesson on schoolhouse architecture, typical subjects, teacher qualifications, state-wide initiatives, and schoolyard diversions. If you think the education system was simple back in the "good old days," think again. Location: Kendal at Oberlin's Heiser Auditorium. Read More ...

1/31/13 -- June 15 (Saturday, all day) Juneteenth. A community-wide tradition commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. The theme of this year's celebration is "Proclaiming Freedom." The Oberlin Heritage Center will participate along with many other area organizations hosting booths along Tappan Square. For more information, visit www.juneteenthoberlin.com. Read More ...

1/31/13 -- June 22 (Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Observe or take part in Oberlin's eighth annual Chalk Walk celebration which continues the tradition of festive, colorful sidewalk painting that began in 16th-century Italy. All skill levels are welcome - work 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. Stop by the Oberlin Heritage Center's table on South Main Street for a fun break!
For more information, visit http://www.oberlinchalkwalk.com/. Read More ...

3/1/13 -- June 24-28 (Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Behind the Scenes at the Museums Camp for Teens.  Ever wonder what it would be like to work in a museum? Four Oberlin museums and archival institutions are teaming up to offer an interactive behind-the-scenes camp for teens. Participants will get an exclusive look at the historic and artistic treasures held within the:
-Allen Memorial Art Museum
-Oberlin Heritage Center
-Oberlin College Archives
-Special Collections of the Oberlin College Library (including a hands-on letterpress studio!)

Together we'll answer questions like:
-How do we take care of priceless objects that are hundreds of years old?
-What stories can art and artifacts tell?
-What masterpieces are on display and what mystery objects are in storage?
-How do these old things work?

Participants will learn about daily operations, in the galleries and in the collections, by talking with professionals, trying activities just like the pros, and working on a mini project that friends and family can see at the end of the week.

Register online or download the flyer below.  Contact Museum Education and Tour Coordinator Liz Schultz if you have questions (tourinfo@oberlinheritage.org, 440-774-1700). Read More ...

3/1/13 -- July 9 (Tuesday, 7:15 p.m.) - The Saloon Must Go! Come to this fun illustrated program about Oberlin's role in the founding of the Anti-Saloon League and its long-lasting abhorrence of alcohol. Hear about sit-ins and rallies, legal maneuvering and public censure. Also hear stories from the other side of the table, including disgruntled saloon keepers and pharmacists carrying potent patent medicines and healthy elixirs. The presenter, Richard Donegan, is the Oberlin Heritage Center's AmeriCorps Member and part of the Ohio History Service Corps program. He has been researching this topic in preparation for a regional collaborative tour about the temperance movement in Ohio. Read More ...