Partnership Program Launched

Reciprocal Organizational Partnership Program Launched

From MVHC President Frank Butwin:

The MVHC recently launched a new program to invite organizations in our 7 county focus area to be partners with the MVHC. In the past, we have had a an organizational membership category for museums, historical & genealogical societies, park districts, heritage & cultural sites, libraries, battle sites, recreational trail clubs, soil & water conservation districts, chambers of commerce, visitor bureaus, and others that embrace our mission. There are over 100 groups that could be partners. The dues varied over time but ended up as $100. Sometimes we just exchanged checks. This was a hassle and only one group did it. There are 3 fairly large groups (TMACOG, Destination Toledo, and Ohio Local History Alliance) where we pay their organizational membership dues but they don’t pay to be members of MVHC.

It is our mission to promote many of the above mentioned groups and we want to partner with them to facilitate that promotion without the restrictiveness of paying dues. We only had one partner but want to have over 100. If they are partners, we would be able to advertise their organization, historic presentations, festivals, and events. And they could do the same for the MVHC. Often times, our region’s sites and events are only known to the local folk.

Collectively with our partners, we can have a stronger voice and can make more of an impact furthering our mutual missions. We can share resources such as a speakers, re-enactor groups, brochures, and vendor contacts. We can provide links to organization websites and share social media posts & newsletters. This will expand the awareness of each organization to our target audience. And, having partners gives us better leverage for grant applications and funding.

So far we have reached out to about 15 organizations. I want to welcome these new partners:

Tree Toledo

Tree Toledo (www.treetoledo.org) is an all-volunteer effort that distributes free tree seedlings and spreads awareness of the importance of trees for the climate and beautification of our corridor. Check them out.

Henry County Chamber of Commerce

The Henry County Chamber of Commerce (www.henrycountychamber.org), based in Napoleon, Ohio, strongly supports the businesses, other organizations, and activities throughout Henry County.

Wood County Historical Society

The Wood County Historical Museum (www.woodcountyhistory.org), based in Bowling Green, Ohio, promotes and exhibits the history of Wood County though many events and displays at the Wood County Museum, the renovated county infirmary, located southeast of the I-75 and US 6 intersection.

Wood County Historical Center

All of the wonderful cultural and sports activities one associates with a college town are evident in Bowling Green, home of Bowling Green State University. It is also the county seat. The Wood County Historical Center served as the County Home, providing community services from 1868 until 1970. Among the attractions is an operating drilling rig which tells about the 1880s oil boom.

419-352-0967

Visit the Wood County Historical Center Website

Perrysburg

Platted in 1816 by an act of Congress, this historic community has a splendid showcase of buildings and well-preserved stately homes in a variety of architectural styles. Self-walking tour guides are available. The 577 Foundation, with an 1804 log cabin and a 21st century
geodesic biodome, is fascinating to visit.

419-874-9147

Fort Meigs

Photo courtesy of Toledo.com

Fort Meigs, named after then Governor of Ohio, Return Jonathan Meigs, Jr., was first built as a reaction to British attacks on American forts in the Northwest Territory during the War of 1812. It was built in what is now Perrysburg, Ohio, on a bluff overlooking the Maumee River rapids. Ground was broken on February 2, 1813 under the orders of General William Henry Harrison, who wanted to fortify the region. Throughout the next three months professional soldiers and militiamen alike persevered through cold winter weather and mud that would at times be knee-deep. Despite horrid weather and disease in the camp, the American army was able to complete Fort Meigs by the end of April, 1813, just in time for a British attack.

419-874-4121

Visit the Fort Meigs Website

Fallen Timbers Battlefield

The Battle of Fallen Timbers was the culminating event that demonstrated the tenacity of the American people in their quest for western expansion and the struggle for dominance in the Old Northwest Territory. The events resulted in the dispossession of American Indian tribes and a loss of colonial territory for the British military and settlers.

418-535-3050

Visit the Fallen Timbers Website

Providence Metropark

The Canal Experience at Providence Metropark brings to life the canal era of the mid 1800s. Restored Lock #44, a mule-powered canal boat ride, a water-powered grist mill, a mile of canal and towpath, and general store make this an exciting and interesting stop.

419-832-6006

Grand Rapids

The “head of the rapids” of the Maumee River has been a strategic gathering place for thousands of years. Today, thousands of people still gather for special events like the fall Apple Butter Fest.

419 -832-1106

Oak Openings Region

Oak Openings Region

“One of America’s Last Great Places,” that’s the Nature Conservancy’s Oak Openings Region of the Maumee Valley. Its globally-rare ecosystem, covering 130 square miles of Fulton, Henry and Lucas counties, hosts more rare species of plants and animals than any other area in Ohio. The region includes state
forests, nature preserves and several Metroparks.

419-535-3050

Lima

The Allen County Museum in downtown Lima is typical of the many wonderful museums run by county historical societies in the Maumee Valley. Among Its exhibits are Native American and pioneer collections, a steam and electric railroad display and a children’s museum with hands on activities.

Visit county museums to understand local history.

419-222-9426

Napoleon

A landmark visible for miles is the recentlyrestored Henry County court house in Napoleon. It’s a great stop on the county’s interesting driving tour.

In the mid and late 1800s, these magnificent court houses rose above the horizon to proudly mark county seats. Most magnificent of all is in Fort Wayne.
Built in 1897 and also recently restored, it is considered on a par with the Library of Congress and the Paris Opera House. Don’t miss it.