The June 18-26 event includes the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center and the Col. Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, both in Wilberforce.
It begins with the Juneteenth Family Heritage Day at the museum. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. The June 18 event includes entry to “Conscience of the Human Spirit: The Life of Nelson Mandela,” a traveling exhibition featuring 51 quilts honoring the late champion of human rights.
The home of Charles Young was designated as the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument by President Obama in 2013. He was the highest ranking black commanding officer in the United States Army from 1894 until his death in 1922, serving most of his career with the all-black Calvary regiment, often called Buffalo Soldiers.
“History Week is a way to celebrate Greene County’s rich history, ”said Catherine Wilson, the executive director of the Greene County Ohio Historical Society.
“Visitors can enjoy history in a different way, without having to learn dry facts in a classroom setting,” she said, noting a visit in Beavercreek and Xenia by Black Hoof, principal chief of the Shawnee Indian tribe, as portrayed by Rusty Cottrel.
Schedule
All events are free unless otherwise noted.
Saturday, June 18
Juneteenth Family Heritage Day and “Conscience of the Human Spirit: The Life of Nelson Mandela,” $10, National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center, 1350 Brush Row Road, Wilberforce.
“Historic Homes of Yellow Springs, North,” $5, 1 p.m. Walking tour starts at Mills Park Hotel,
corner Xenia Avenue and Limestone Street.
Monday, June 20
Greene Co. Archives & Records Center overview, 2-3:30 p.m., Media Room, 541 Ledbetter Road, Xenia.
Tuesday, June 21
“A Tale of Two Towns,” history of Osborn, Fairfield and Fairborn, 6:30 p.m., Fairborn Area Historical Society, American Legion Hall, 526 Legion Lane, Fairborn
“The First Transcontinental Automobile Journey,” 7 p.m., Bellbrook Methodist Church, 47 E. Franklin St.
Wednesday, June 22
Guided tours of “Youngholme,” Charles Young’s house, 1-4 p.m. Col. Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, 1120 U.S. 42 E., Wilberforce
“Conscience of the Human Spirit Quilt” exhibit; $6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center, 1350 Brush Row Road, Wilberforce.
“Memories of a Country Store” exhibit, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Bellbrook Historical Museum, 48 N. Main St.
Thursday, June 23
Trains Galore, “Meet Me at the Station” video, 4-8 p.m. Brantley Carriage House, Greene County Historical Society, 74 W. Church St., Xenia.
Friday, June 24
Jamestown Opera House tours, 3-5 p.m., corner North Limestone Street and East Xenia Street.
“Conscience of the Human Spirit Quilt” exhibit; $6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center, 1350 Brush Row Road, Wilberforce
Saturday, June 25
Quilt demonstrations and exhibit, noon-2 p.m., Greene County Historical Society, 74 W. Church St, Xenia.
Black Hoof at Beavercreek Historical Society, 7:30 p.m., Wartinger Park, 3040 Kemp Road, Beavercreek.
Sunday, June 26
Black Hoof at Greene County Ohio Historical Society, 2 p.m. 74 W. Church St., Xenia
All week
“Hats Off to Xenia,” an exhibit of notable local inventors and an interactive history table, noon-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, noon-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Greene County Historical Society, 74 W. Church St., Xenia.
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