By Thomas Palmer
On Friday, representatives from many historical organizations in Crawford County came together in New Washington to hold the quarterly gathering of the Crawford County History Alliance.
Fresh off of the summer 2023 History Passport program, those gathered discussed potential joint activities for the coming year.
The America 250-Ohio effort, for instance, focuses attention on the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence. According to the program website, “The Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial (also referred to as America 250-Ohio) was formed through the OH. Rev. Code § 149.309 and announced on March 1, 2022, on Ohio’s Statehood Day by Governor Mike DeWine. The 29 member commission is charged with preparing the state to participate in the United States of America’s 250th anniversary which culminates on July 4, 2026.
America 250-Ohio is a multi-year commemoration where Ohioans from all 88 counties will be in the spotlight of the impact of Ohio’s unique role in our nation’s story.”
Ideas for accessing and using funding from America 250-Ohio were reviewed on Friday.
Also coming this year is the “Ohio Open Doors” initiative, a popular event from the Ohio History Connection that takes place every other year when Ohioans can visit local historic sites, free of charge. This typically takes place in September, and groups signaled their intention to participate.
Galion was represented Friday by representatives from Friends of the Big Four Depot and Preserving Galion, Inc./The Gill House. Others in attendance came from Bucyrus, Crestline, and New Washington, as well as those representing countywide interests such as the Lincoln Highway and the Crawford County Arts Council.
As the year progresses, we will have specific highlights on Galion plans here on the Galion History Corner.
The photos above and below were taken on Friday afternoon of the Michelfelder Building in downtown New Washington, where the CCHA meeting was held. The first floor houses the local library, while the second floor is the location for a local history museum.
Each Saturday, we share a post about local history. We call this series “Galion History Corner,” and we will be sharing not only stories about our shared heritage but also updates on history news here in southeast Crawford County.
This series is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Bernard M. Mansfield, whose “Your Historical Galion” was a fixture in weekend editions of the Galion Inquirer. Dr. Mansfield was a friend and family physician, and he inspired the author and the other current generation of Galion historians to continue his work.
