The 30th Annual
LITTLE CITIES OF BLACK DIAMONDS DAY
This Year's Host "City"
This year’s Little Cities of Black Diamonds Day host city is Corning, Ohio. Corning was once one of the most bustling communities of the Sunday Creek Valley, as the hub of the valley’s railroad system. Coal mines flanked the village on either side, while a stone quarry operation was just south of town.
Today, Corning is planting the seeds of revitalization. The village council, local nonprofits and local entrepreneurs are working to renovate historic buildings and nurture local businesses and community events. We’re proud to be one of the first new festivals at the Corning-Monroe Civic Center!
The Main Event
The main event will be at the Corning-Monroe Civic Center. Join us there for exhibitors, speakers, folk music and local food.
Saturday, October 12
10AM-4PM
free admission
The Corning-Monroe Civic Center is at 115 S. Corning St. in Corning, Ohio.
The Exhibit Hall and Speaker’s Room are handicapped accessible.
If you have questions about accessibility or accommodations, please reach out to info@lcbdohio.org.
Speaker & Interpreter Lineup
We have an exciting lineup of speakers on the main stage, including historians, authors and local citizens who study and share Little Cities heritage.
CHERYL BLOSSER
Historian, Little Cities of Black Diamonds
JOBIE SIEMER
Author, Clash at Sunday Creek
TOM O'GRADY
Director of Outreach, Southeast Ohio History Center
JANIS IVORY
Rendville Historic Preservation Society
PAT ANDERSON
Heritage Interpreter
CAMERON BLOSSER
Heritage Interpreter
Historic Tours
Throughout Little Cities Day, guides will be available at two local historic sites to give tours and share the region's rich history.
ST. BERNARD'S CHURCH
The Friends of St. Bernard's will have the historic church open for tours throughout the day. The structure of St. Bernard's Church is over 100 year's old, and the congregation can be traced back to one of the earliest Catholic parishes in Ohio. The building also has stunning paintings, engravings and stained glass that connect to Corning's earliest community leaders.
RENDVILLE
Until recently, Rendville was the smallest incorporated village in the state of Ohio, but this tiny village has a big history. Rendville was one of the first racially integrated communities in the state, and is home to the "five firsts"--landmarks in Ohio history. The Rendville Historic Preservation Society will have the village's Town Hall open for tours from 10am-12pm and 1pm-4pm.
Thanks to Our Sponsors & Partners
Linton & Anne Lewis // Ogden Insurance Agency
Bev & Mike Trovato // Thompson Insurance
Little Cities of Black Diamonds Day is funded in part by the Ohio Arts Council and by the America 250-Ohio Commission. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this event do not necessarily represent those of the America 250-Ohio Commission.