Special Programs at Museum Properties: Each year, special events at our museum properties draw visitors from all over the region. A recent project, The Big Shake: How the 1811-1812 New Madrid Earthquakes Rocked the Ohio River Valley, won an award of merit from The American Association for State and Local History. It explored the New Madrid Earthquakes that rocked the Ohio River valley in 1811-12, and changed the history of the region.
Bricks, Barrel Vaults, & Beer: The Architectural Legacy of Cincinnati Breweries explored brewery architecture in Cincinnati, the impact of technology on the function and construction of breweries, and examine how the buildings functioned within the city. Ideas for the future redevelopment of Cincinnati’s remaining brewery buildings were also presented.
The Betts House most recently showcased A Day in the Life featuring everyday household maintenance item from the 19th century. Visitors got hands on experience doing everything from cranking an antique sausage maker to seeing how clothing was washed and ironed before electricity among many interesting pieces in the exhibit. A 19th century salesman’s sample stove was a highlight on loan from Dame Cathy Huenefeld and her husband Tom.
The Kemper Log House at historic Heritage Village has been the anchor for many programs at the village including Civil War reenactments and seen thousand of school children come through to witness how the Kemper family lived on the early 1800’s frontier.
The Cincinnati Art Museum houses The Ohio Society’s Colonial and Federal Gallery featuring furniture and decorative arts from the Colonial period. The newest addition to the collection is a small pre Revolution painting by renowned artist, John Singleton Copley of Mary Clarke Barrett. The painting was unveiled at a black tie event at the museum. The Warriors were invited and NSCDA President Marcy Moody attended.
Patriotic Activities: The Ohio Society continues to sponsor teachers for the Williamsburg Teacher’s Institute in Virginia. Last year’s recipient, a high school teacher from St. Ursula Academy, spoke about her experience at the Annual Meeting in May. This year’s recipient will speak at the Semi Annual Meeting in November in Columbus.
Young Dames: As part of “History’s Future,” Dames both in Ohio and Nationally offer events and opportunities for Young Dames.
Book Club: Our Book Club provides an informal and lively opportunity for Dames to get together and discuss books that relate to the history of America. Recent choices include “Albion’s Seed,” By David Hackett Fisher, which was a look at how the origins of colonial settlers shaped America, and “Book of Ages,” by Jill Pepore, which is a fascinating look at the sister of Benjamin Franklin. Highly social in nature, the book club meets three to four times each year.
Annual Tea & Lecture: Speakers have included the Assistant Curator of the White House, and Daniel Ackerman, Assistant Curator of The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, whose lively discussion centered on the glasses, jugs, and other decorative items related to the copious spirit consumption of the early south.
Social Activities: Each year, NSCDA-OH has an active social calendar, where Dames can simply enjoy being together. They include a Christmas luncheon, annual dinner, and several joint occasions with other societies, including The General Society of Colonial Wars, The Mayflower Society, and the Jamestowne Society, among others. Other activities include The Lunch Bunch, with informal luncheons, and “road trips” to visit sites of interest and other Dames organizations, including Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois Dames most recently.
National Events: Ohio Dames always play an active role in our the activities of our national organization. Among the most important are support for our national headquarters, Dumbarton House in Washington, DC, support for Sulgrave Manor, the ancestral home of George Washington, in the United Kingdom; and support for Gunston Hall, home of founding father George Mason.
NSCDA-OH also participates in the Washington Week National Essay Contest where NSCDA Societies send students from all over the country meet for a week in Washington D.C. to learn about the political system in America and tour landmarks.