SIDNEY — In 2016, the Shelby County Historical Society completed its 23rd year since its 1993 reorganization and 16th full year in the Ross Historical Center with many activities, including hosting the first Civil War Living History Weekend at Tawawa Park in partnership with the city of Sidney.
Tilda Phlipot, director, has submitted the following report:
The Society continued telling Shelby County Journey Stories this past year by hosting the Intrepid Women of Shelby County exhibit. SCHS Volunteers created an exhibit that told the life stories of several women who broke barriers of the era in which they lived. The year was highlighted by a ladies tea held on June 23, 2016. Faye Spangler portrayed Ida Haslup Goode, sharing how Goode became the first woman principal in Shelby County and used her influence to create educational opportunities for women and underprivileged children worldwide.
On Sept. 17-18, 2016, the Society welcomed Civil War reenactors from several states to participate in a living history weekend. The event was held activities including three battles, living history presentations, and a concert provided by the 73rd OVI Regimental Band.
Our Just for Kids program started in February as fifth-graders from across Shelby County traveled to the Ross Center for the Coming to America exhibit to understand the courage needed to immigrate to a new land. The program continues in May with Civil War Day for all eighth-graders.
In May the Society partnered with Shelby County Soil Water District, Koenig Inc., the Antique Tractor Association, the Sidney High School FFA and Shelby County Farm Bureau to host a multi age-group program entitled Adventures in Agriculture at Emerson Elementary School. Student’s eyes light up when they get to touch a farm animal for the first time or go on their first straw ride provided by the Antique Tractor Association.
Students from Longfellow Elementary School were treated to a Day in Agriculture created through a partnership of the Shelby County Soil and Water District, the Antique Tractor Association and the Sidney High School FFA. Students learned about the farm using innovative hands-on activities. One of the favorite activities during the day was learning how to make bread in a bag. Tammy Herring, head cook, and her staff at Longfellow baked over 50 loaves of bread. Students were given the opportunity to sample a slice of bread which they had made during the day.
In October, Pioneer Day was held at the fairgrounds for fourth-graders.
The Just for Kids Programs are funded by the Emerson Trust Foundation, Sidney/Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, The Community Foundation of Shelby County, Monarch Legacy Fund and the Shelby County United Way. Other children’s programming during the year included the Fall Festival, DARE, Kids Around the Square, Neighborhood Night Out, and the Christmas of YesterYear craft projects done as an open house that hosted over 900 people on a single Saturday!
The Ohio History Connection honored the SCHS again with the History Outreach Award for the “Year of Valor” programs held during 2015, which included the Field of Valor and the return of the Vietnam Wall.
In 2017 the Shelby County Historical Society will continue its “Journey Stories” theme by featuring “Titans of Industry.” The exhibit will open on April 27, 2017. Rich Wallace will present a program on the “Titans of Industry” who built Sidney’s industrial foundation.
During June we will host our annual Graceland Cemetery Tour, in July the second annual Ladies Tea, and in October the Society will host a Ghost Tour and Church Tour, with more programs to be announced. The year will end with Angels in the Attic and Christmas of YesterYear.
