Join us for a special Muskingum 250 Community Movie Night as we screen Opening the Door West: The Story of the Ohio Company of Associates, an award‑winning documentary that brings to life one of the most important—and often overlooked—chapters in early American history.

Through dramatic reenactments, expert commentary, and vivid storytelling, the film explores how the Ohio Company of Associates carved out the first organized American settlement in the Northwest Territory. Viewers follow the challenges, ambitions, and ideals of the Revolutionary War veterans who journeyed westward to establish Marietta, laying the groundwork for the settlement of Ohio and the shaping of the early republic.

This documentary offers an accessible and compelling look at the people, politics, and perseverance behind the nation’s first frontier experiment in democracy—making it a perfect fit for our Muskingum 250 and America 250 programming.

We look forward to welcoming you to the historic Stone Academy for an evening of film, conversation, and community.

Join us on May 22 at 6:30 p.m. for a special Muskingum 250 Community Movie Night, presented in partnership with the Muskingum County Library System. We’ll be screening the acclaimed historical drama The Patriot, a story loosely based on the real Swamp Fox, Francis Marion.

Set against the turbulent backdrop of the American Revolution, The Patriot follows Benjamin Martin, a reluctant veteran of the French and Indian War who hopes to leave violence behind and build a peaceful life with his family. But when the war reaches his doorstep and tragedy strikes, Martin is drawn back into conflict, leading a band of militia fighters in a struggle for independence.

The film blends action, emotion, and sweeping historical drama as it explores themes of sacrifice, family, courage, and the personal cost of war. While The Patriot takes creative liberties with historical events and characters, it captures the spirit of resilience and determination that shaped America’s fight for freedom. With powerful performances and memorable battle sequences, the movie offers an engaging cinematic experience that connects audiences to the era of the Revolution.

Bring a friend, settle in, enjoy some refreshments, and experience a cinematic journey through Revolutionary American history.

We look forward to sharing this memorable evening with you as we continue celebrating Muskingum County’s role in America’s 250‑year story.

Movie                          (1950)              G                     70 Minutes

Two animated adaptations of classic literature make up this Disney film.

In "The Wind in the Willows," wealthy Mr. Toad (Eric Blore) yearns for all the newest fads. Smitten with motorcars, the wealthy and reckless sportsman Mr. Toad soon drives his close friends Mole, Rat, and Angus MacBadger into a worried frenzy

In "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," gangly schoolmaster Ichabod Crane falls for the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel. Caught in a love triangle with Katrina and Brom Bones, Ichabod fears a local legend called the Headless Horseman.

This event is provided in partnership with the Muskingum County Library System and Ohio University Zanesville

Movie                          (1939)              TV-14              103 Minutes

The year is 1776, and newlyweds Gilbert (Henry Fonda) and Lana Martin (Claudette Colbert) have decided to take up a rural lifestyle. However, following the onset of the American Revolutionary War, the couple's quiet life in the Mohawk Valley is interrupted by violent attacks from Native Americans and Tories. The Martins refuse to succumb to the difficulties of their new life, though, as Lana takes on the responsibility of raising a child while Gilbert joins the colonists' militia.

This event is provided in partnership with the Muskingum County Library System and Ohio University Zanesville

Documentary               (2011)             TV-PG             113 Minutes

Join us for a special screening of The First American, an insightful documentary exploring the extraordinary life and legacy of George Washington!

Through expert interviews, historical reenactments, and captivating storytelling, this documentary delves into Washington’s leadership, challenges, and pivotal role in shaping the United States. Witness the man behind the legend and gain a deeper understanding of his impact on the nation.

Following the screening, engage in a thought-provoking discussion on Washington’s legacy and the lessons we can draw from his leadership today.

This event is provided in partnership with the Muskingum County Library System and Ohio University Zanesville

Movie                          (2000)              R                     165 Minutes

The Patriot is about a widowed farmer (Mel Gibson), with a brave but brutal military past, who decides not to join up when the British arrive in South Carolina in 1776. However, when his son (Heath Ledger) enlists and is later captured by the enemy, the former soldier must abandon his new-found pacifist principles in order to rescue his oldest child, and forms a regiment of Carolina patriots, whose guerrilla tactics prove pivotal to the US war effort.

There will be an intermission.

This event is provided in partnership with the Muskingum County Library System and Ohio University Zanesville

Movie                          (1957)                                      80 Minutes

America's greatest heroes live and fight again in this adventure of our country's struggle for independence in the 1770's. This film authentically recreates Paul Revere's ride, the Boston tea party, and decisive battles at Lexington and Concord.

Whether you’re reliving memories of your childhood, or seeing it for the first time, Johnny Tremain is fun for all ages!

(Appropriate for ages 7+)

This event is provided in partnership with the Muskingum County Library System and Ohio University Zanesville

Documentary               (2016)              NR                  95 Minutes

George Washington is central to understanding America's founding. He was the crucial figure in winning the American Revolution, in creating the Constitution, and in establishing the precedents for effective self-government as our first President. George Washington's sense of virtue, his lifelong activity as a citizen, his reverence for the rule of law, and his commitment to establishing the American Republic make him the essential figure for every American to know and study. This is especially true at a time where there has been dramatic decline in the number of Americans who know and understand American history. In this documentary film, The First American, Newt and Callista Gingrich, in collaboration with the Gingrich Foundation and Peace River Company, explore the life and legacy of George Washington. This film features exclusive interviews with H.W. Brands, Douglas Brinkley, Jane Hampton Cook, Joseph Ellis, William Forstchen, Gay Hart Gaines, Allen Guelzo, Victor David Hanson, Walter Isaacson, Edward Larson, and Edward Lengel.

The First American was shot on location at location at George Washington's Mount Vernon, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, in Washington D.C. and at historic estates on the James River in Virginia. An America that understands its greatest leader will be a freer, safer, and more prosperous nation. The First American will help ensure that the legacy of George Washington continues to inspire future generations of Americans.

This event is provided in partnership with the Muskingum County Library System and Ohio University Zanesville

Movie              (1992)             R                                 115 Minutes

Grab some popcorn and join us at Ohio University Zanesville to watch the cinematic masterpiece, Last of the Mohicans, on the big screen!

During the French and Indian War, a white man raised Mohican rescues and escorts the daughters of a British colonel, on their way to their father at Fort Henry. The last members of a dying Native American tribe, the Mohicans -- Uncas (Eric Schweig), his father Chingachgook (Russell Means), and his adopted half-white brother Hawkeye (Daniel Day-Lewis) -- live in peace alongside British colonists. But when the daughters (Madeleine Stowe, Jodhi May) of a British colonel are kidnapped by a traitorous scout, Hawkeye and Uncas must rescue them in the crossfire of a gruesome military conflict of which they wanted no part: the French and Indian War.

This movie is rated R, and is intended for adult audiences.

This event is provided in partnership with the Muskingum County Library System and Ohio University Zanesville