CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — In a warm invitation to the public, the Ross County Historical Society is hosting a Fall Lecture series event featuring Tom O’Grady, Director of Outreach at the Southeastern Ohio History Center and Adjunct Professor at Ohio University. O’Grady will deliver a captivating presentation titled “The Barn Builders: An Architectural Legacy in Ohio’s Rural Landscape.” The event is scheduled for Thursday, November 30th, at 6:30pm and will be held on the picturesque grounds of the Ross County Heritage Center, situated at 45 West Fifth Street in Chillicothe.
This enlightening lecture will delve into the rich history of Ohio’s rural landscape, tracing its origins to culture groups that migrated from New England, Middle Atlantic states, and the South. These diverse groups left their mark on the state, with distinct farms and barns dotting the landscape. The architectural legacy of these barn builders provides valuable insights into the region’s heritage. Various barn types and their geographic distribution are attributed to historical routes, geographical influences, land subdivisions, and cultural affinities. As a result, one can discern regions settled by Pennsylvania German descendants, upland southern migrants, or New England settlers by examining the barns and structures that still stand along Ohio’s byways. These structures, crafted with timber frames, house remnants of Ohio’s primeval forests.
Tom O’Grady, the presenter, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the lecture. He has a diverse background, including working as a deckhand on Great Lakes ore carriers, conducting surveys for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and pioneering Ohio’s first comprehensive curbside recycling program. He has dedicated three decades to promoting waste reduction and a sustainable economy. O’Grady is also an esteemed instructor of Observational Astronomy at Ohio University during the evenings. Over the past 25 years, he has immersed himself in Ohio’s history, researching its geography, settlement patterns, moundbuilders, canals, and the intriguing stories of its prominent figures.
This engaging lecture marks the commencement of the 2023 Fall Lecture Series at the Ross County Heritage Center. It is open to the public and free of charge, offering a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating history of Ohio’s rural landscape. For additional information, please contact the Ross County Historical Society at 740-772-1936, or visit their website at www.rosscountyhistorical.org. Be sure to stay connected by following them on Facebook for updates and event details.
