Mary Lou Pompey Wycinski, Harold R. Keller, and Tom Toki, three longtime residents of the Little Cities of Black Diamonds region, share their own family histories. Join us for stories that go back generations, including an escape from the German military, what kind of chickens make the best broth, and how to get a coffin into a company house.
*photos supplied by the storytellers and the LCBD Archive
We hope you’ve enjoyed the festival! You’ve heard our stories, and now we want to hear yours. Please join us as we gather together to tell each other our own migration stories. Whether your family has been here for generations or you are the very first to migrate to Southeast Ohio, we want to hear your story!
The story of the McNeils and the Sneddon’s and the coal mining culture which informed their lives. In part 1 we cover their relationship to Scotland’s coal mining history from the late 18th century to the late 19th century.
We will be live-streaming a Q&A with our Little Cities Historians. We are accepting questions for the Q&A until Thursday, October 7th at 12:00 PM. If you can’t attend in person but still have questions.
Below is a recording of the Q&A.
Janis Ivory shares a short history of Rendville, Ohio. She will spotlight the ethnic diversity that made Rendville unique within the Little Cities and the type of leadership created through the village’s creation of a cultural partnership.
Chris Wilson and Scott Moore share the story of the economic boom that brought immigrants to the Little Cities. Join them to learn how the unique geography of this region built of the lime, clay, iron, coal, and cash crop industries of Southeast Ohio.
Historian Ann Creamer teaches us about the indigenous people and early settlers who resided in this region before there were mines or little cities, then explores the underground railroad in Southeast Ohio.
The live lecture will be recorded and shared here on the website after the event has completed.
We are excited to announce Little Cities of Black Diamonds Fest week has arrived! Check out this short 15 minute documentary including Cheryl Blosser, John Winnenberg, Dr. Rachel Terman, and Tyler McDaniel highlighting stories of immigration to the Hocking Valley!
Monday, October 4 • “The First Settlers of Southeast Ohio” and “Underground Railroad of Southeast Ohio” Live Presentation by Ann Cramer
LIVE EVENT* @ 6PM
Historian Ann Creamer teaches us about the indigenous people and early settlers who resided in this region before there were mines or little cities, then explores the underground railroad in Southeast Ohio.
Tuesday, October 5 • “Mother Nature and Geography” Recorded Presentation by Chris Wilson & Scott Moore
Chris Wilson and Scott Moore share the story of the economic boom that brought immigrants to the Little Cities. Join them to learn how the unique geography of this region built of the lime, clay, iron, coal, and cash crop industries of Southeast Ohio.
Wednesday, October 6 • “Knowing Rendville” Recorded Presentation by Janis Ivory
Janis Ivory shares a short history of Rendville, Ohio. She will spotlight the ethnic diversity that made Rendville unique within the Little Cities and the type of leadership created through the village’s creation of a cultural partnership.
Thursday, October 7 • Historian Live Q&A
LIVE EVENT* @ 6PM
We will be live-streaming a Q&A with our Little Cities Historians. We are accepting questions for the Q&A until Thursday, October 7th at 12:00 PM. Please send your history questions to: info@lcbdohio.org.
Friday, October 8 • “The McNeils and the Sneddons” Three Part Documentary
The story of the McNeils and the Sneddon’s and the coal mining culture which informed their lives. In part 1 we cover their relationship to Scotland’s coal mining history from the late 18th century to the late 19th century.
Saturday, October 9 • Audio Personal Histories of the Little Cities and a LIVE* Story Swap Event @ 12PM
For our final night of the festival, we will be hosting a live Story Swap event. All are welcome to come and share their own stories of how you or your family came to the Little Cities region with us.
+ Little Cities Raffle Winners @ 3 PM!
*Live events will be recorded and shared post-event
LUKE SULFRIDGE
JEFFREY J. HAGGENJOS DO INC.
BEVERLY & MIKE
TROVATO
CHRISTINE BEAM
DR. TIFFANY ARNOLD
JOYCE GEESLING
