The purpose of the Forum, simply stated, is to provide opportunities for local historians and history enthusiasts to gather in fellowship and, in the process, promote a better understanding and appreciation of our community’s rich historic and cultural heritage.
JULY PROGRAM:
Abolition in the Old Northwest: The Significance of the Muskingum County Emancipation Society
During the 1830s, Putnam was recognized by William Lloyd Garrison and other nationally significant abolitionists as the center of abolition in Ohio. Recent research has provided deeper insights into the people and events responsible for that designation.
Two events in Putnam, at the Stone Academy in 1835 and the Presbyterian Church in 1839, were arguably among the most significant gatherings of abolitionists in American history.
Our program is not only about the historic significance of people and events, but also about the importance of preserving of two iconic Putnam properties that possess exceptional value for illustrating, interpreting, and commemorating the history of Abolition in America.
Guest panelist for the program is historic preservation consultant David L. Taylor. Mr. Taylor is working with Muskingum County History to prepare the nomination of the new Putnam Abolitionist Historic District for possible inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.
Prior to embarking on his career as a private-sector consultant, David served five years with the Ohio Historic Preservation Office as the Regional Historic Preservation Officer at Ohio University-Zanesville. During this time he prepared National Register nominations for multiple Muskingum County properties including the McIntire Terrace Historic District, the Brighton-Dryden Historic District, and the Fairmont Avenue Historic District. He was later Executive Director of the Columbus Landmarks Foundation and beginning in 1983, was the Project Manager for Brookville, Pennsylvania's nationally-recognized and award-winning Main Street Project.
