May 27-30 - Commencement / Memorial Day Weekend
May 27-30 (Friday through Monday, various times). Commencement/Memorial Day Weekend is a fun time to explore historic Oberlin and the Oberlin Heritage Center with activities available for all ages. Several history walks and tours of the Heritage Center will be offered throughout the weekend. Visitors can also stop by the Monroe House and visit the Heritage Center's Museum Store for Oberlin-themed souvenirs, books, and much free visitor information.
Commencement/Memorial Day Weekend Schedule of Oberlin Heritage CenterActivities:
Fees and reservations are needed for History Walks. Descriptions of each walk, including tour fees and information on how to register, are provided at the end of this event listing.
Friday, May 27
Scholars and Settlers History Walk at 11 a.m.
Freedom's Friends History Walk at 3 p.m.
OHC Museum Store open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 28
Freedom's Friends History Walk at 11 a.m.
Oberlin Heritage Center tour at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (walk-ins welcome)
Soldiers and Civilians/Civil War History Walk at 3 p.m.
OHC Museum Store open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 29
Soldiers and Civilians/Civil War History Walk at 11 a.m.
Freedom's Friends History Walk at 3 p.m.
OHC Museum Store open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, May 30
Freedom's Friends History Walk at 1:00 p.m.
OHC Museum Store closed
Guided History Walk Information
Tickets must be purchased through the online calendar or at the Monroe House's Museum Store; tickets are not available at the starting point of the tour. $6 per adult, with $1 discount for OHC members and for college/university students with a current ID; free for children less than 18 years (most likely to be enjoyed by children 9 years of age and up). Each walk is approximately 60-75 minutes. Space is limited during this busy weekend, so register early to guarantee your spot!
Scholars and Settlers History Walk of Tappan Square
Learn about the earliest residents of Oberlin and hear fascinating stories of the triumphs, debates, and scandals linked to the landmarks around Tappan Square. Compare the buildings of today to the buildings of yesteryear using historic photographs and walk away with a lively appreciation of Oberlin's unique heritage. This hour long guided history walk begins at the corner of Main Street (Route 58) and College Street, at the flagpoles in Tappan Square. Whether you've lived in Oberlin forever or are new to the area, you'll find much to enjoy.
Soldiers and Civilians History Walk.
The year 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War, one of the defining events in the history of the United States. Oberlin men enlisted in over 30 regiments, white and black, from infantry to cavalry and participated in such battles as Kesler's Cross Lanes, Cedar Mountain, New Market Heights, and Petersburg. Residents formed relief groups and recruiting details, wrote letters, and continued the cry for abolition. On this guided neighborhood history walk, guests will see sites and photographs from the time while hearing stories of exhausting marches, the frustration of false news, longing for loved ones, struggles for equal treatment, moments of daring, and the loss of friends and family in the words of those who lived it. The tour begins at the flagpoles at the southeast corner of Tappan Square, near the corner of Main and College Streets.
Freedom's Friends History Walk.
Prior to the Civil War, as many as 3,000 African Americans passed through or lived in Oberlin after escaping from slavery. The town was once said to be second only to Canada as an asylum for freedom seekers. This guided neighborhood history walk is about the historic decisions that shaped Oberlin's growth as a station and highlights the individuals and events that marked Oberlin as one of the most active stations of the Underground Railroad. Stories include Oberlin College's acceptance of African American students, the famous ship Amistad, men who volunteered for John Brown's violent raid on Harper's Ferry and local efforts to thwart slave catchers. The tour begins at the front steps of First Church, U.C.C. at the northwest corner of Main and Lorain Streets.
Guided Tours of the Oberlin Heritage Center
Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The tour includes three historic Oberlin buildings that serve as background for stories of the community and college in its first century, from the 1833 founding through the turn of the 20th century. Admission: $6/adults. OHC members and students with current IDs free; children free when accompanied by adult. Reservations appreciated through the online calendar; walk-in visitors welcome for these tours, too.
For more information, call (440) 774-1700, or send an email to [email protected].
