Second Saturday: Historical Markers of Clinton County
2026-04-06 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Second Saturdays at the Clinton County History Center: Historical Markers of Clinton County
Join us on Saturday, April 11 for the launch of Second Saturdays at the Clinton County History Center — a new monthly series of themed programs, gatherings, and special events designed to connect our community with local history, genealogy, and one another.
Our April program will shine a light on the Historical Markers of Clinton County, exploring the stories behind these important signs of local heritage and the people, places, and events they commemorate. Whether you are a longtime history lover, curious community member, or simply looking for a meaningful way to spend your Saturday morning, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the history all around us.
Guests are invited to enjoy a relaxed and welcoming morning at the History Center with coffee, pastries, fellowship, and a featured history program.
Event Schedule:
☕ 10:30–11:00 a.m. — Arrival, coffee, pastries, and mingling
📍 11:00–11:45 a.m. — Featured program: Historical Markers of Clinton County
🏛 11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Questions, museum browsing, fellowship, and conversation
Beginning this season, the Clinton County History Center will no longer be open every Saturday, but instead will offer these special “Second Saturday” experiences each month for members and the public to enjoy. All Second Saturday programs are free to attend.
We hope you will join us as we kick off this new series and celebrate the stories that help mark Clinton County’s past.
Location: Clinton County History Center
149 E. Locust Street, Wilmington, Ohio

Lecture by Dr. Keith Orejel “The Global Declaration of Independence”
2026-06-22 19:00 - 20:30
Lecture by Dr. Keith Orejel “The Global Declaration of Independence”
Join the Clinton County History Center on Monday, June 22 at 7:00 p.m. for a special evening program featuring Dr. Keith Orejel, Professor of History at Wilmington College. Admission is FREE to our members and the public. Dr. Orejel’s lecture, “The Global Declaration of Independence,” will explore how the American Declaration of Independence reached far beyond the thirteen colonies, influencing revolutions, democratic movements, and ideas about liberty around the world. As communities across the nation prepare to commemorate America250, this engaging presentation will place one of the nation’s most important documents into a broader international and historical context. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy an informative and thought-provoking evening while learning how the ideals expressed in 1776 shaped conversations and movements across generations and continents.

Monday June 22 7:00 pm History Center, 149 E. Locust St.

1831 Gist Settlement in Highland County, presented by Paige and Charles Green of the Gist Settlement Legacy Board
2026-06-24 19:00 - 20:30
Program on the 1831 Gist Settlement in Highland County, presented by Paige and Charles Green of the Gist Settlement Legacy Board
This engaging evening program will be presented by Paige and Charles Green of the Gist Settlement Legacy Board. They will examine the story of the Gist Settlement, its founding families, community life, and the important role it played in the broader history of Ohio and the Underground Railroad era. Guests will gain insight into the perseverance, contributions, and lasting impact of the individuals and families connected to the settlement and its place within Clinton County’s historical landscape. As communities across the nation continue reflecting on the many stories that shaped America’s past, this program offers an important opportunity to learn more about a chapter of local history that deserves continued recognition and preservation.

America250 Summer Celebration at the History Center
2026-07-01 18:00 - 20:00
Ice Cream Social, Presentation of awards for the America 250 Art Show, Revolutionary War Encampment, Recitation of the Declaration…
Join us on Wednesday, July 1st from 6:00PM–8:00PM for our America250 Summer Celebration, an evening of community, history, patriotism, and family-friendly fun as we commemorate the approaching 250th anniversary of the United States.
Guests are invited to enjoy an ice cream social on the lawn while experiencing special activities and presentations centered around America’s founding and Clinton County’s connection to the American story.
The evening will feature:
• An ice cream social on the lawn of historic Rombach Place
• A live Revolutionary War encampment with reenactors and historical demonstrations
• A public recitation of the Declaration of Independence
• Presentation of awards for the county-wide America250 High School Art Competition at 7:00PM
• Cash prizes awarded to student artists, including $300 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd place, and $100 for 3rd place
This special event celebrates both the history of our nation and the creativity of Clinton County’s students while encouraging the community to reflect on the ideals and stories that continue to shape America 250 years later.

Wednesday July 1, 6-8 pm History Center + lawn, special exhibit open

America250 1776 Trivia Night at Tin Cap Hard Cider
2026-07-02 19:00 - 21:00
America250 1776 Trivia Night at Tin Cap Hard Cider, 59 W. Sugartree St.
Put your knowledge of American history to the test during an evening of fun, friendly competition, and patriotic trivia as part of Clinton County’s America250 celebration!
Join us on Thursday, July 2, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at TinCap Hard Cider, located at 59 W. Sugartree Street in downtown Wilmington, for a special American History Trivia Night hosted by Adrienne.
Gather a team of up to six players and compete for bragging rights, prizes, and a $250 Grand Prize courtesy of the Clinton County History Center. Questions will cover a wide range of American history topics, from the nation’s founding to modern times, making this a fun challenge for history enthusiasts and casual players alike.
Enjoy great food, cold drinks, and an exciting atmosphere while celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Bring your friends, form your team, and see if you have what it takes to become the American History Trivia Night champions!

Lecture by Michael Cooper - ‘The Battle of Fallen Timbers”
2026-07-07 19:00 - 20:30
Lecture by Michael Cooper ‘The Battle of Fallen Timbers”
Refreshments provided.
Michael Cooper presents early American history during the period when the United States began its expansion westward. The event is free and open to both History Center members and the general public. This lecture will discuss the events, places, and conflicts in western Ohio and eastern Indiana that shaped the destiny of several nations who once called the region home. Guests will discover the modern communities that trace their legacy to the early days of the American Republic and learn how the road to Fallen Timbers can still be followed today. This fascinating program offers a closer look at the early United States armies and the stories connected to the frontier era that helped shape the region we know today.
Bios: Michael and Rebecca Cooper have been living historians for the early American period since 2006. They have conducted extensive research into the clothing, life-styles, and habits of Americans from 1790 to 1821. They frequently travel to historic sites across the mid-west, Niagara region, and Canada. The couple speaks on a variety of topics associated with this time period to school groups, fraternal and sororal clubs, and historical societies. Michael and Rebecca are proud to have been a part of War of 1812 bicentennial, Indiana Statehood, and several city bicentennial commemorations including Wilmington’s own celebrations.
