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Free student tickets available for Appalachian Understories’ Uplifting Diversity Weekend Tour


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ATHENS, Ohio – Discover the rich and vibrant history of Stewart, Ohio and surrounding communities. Throughout this weekend experience, we embrace the often uncomfortable and tragic parts of our history, but we also celebrate the resilient and inspiring future of Black entrepreneurship and community. We will hear stories about people of African descent who have played an integral part in the region’s development as we visit locations of historical significance. On this unique and insightful journey through Appalachian Ohio, you will discover the historical and cultural gems even long-time residents might have yet to explore.

This weekend-long, guided tour includes stops at two unique museums, three meals by local and Black owned businesses, a guided drum circle, tour of a local maple syrup farm, transportation and more! On this experience you will gain factual knowledge about the natural and cultural heritage of the region from local historians, business owners, and farmers that uplift the diversity of our community. Dinner reservations and a specialty menu are provided at Dutch Creek Winery along with an exclusive tour of their honey, wine, and mead production, including a honey sampling. This is an all-inclusive tour aside from lodging (check out our list below for local lodging accommodations that will provide you a discount rate if you book this tour with us).

Tickets are $50, but free for students using the code “STUDENT” at check out

Weekend Itinerary:

Friday

  • Kick off the weekend by partaking in a drum circle led by Lawrence R. Greene who is the founder of Ugata: drum and dance. Lawrence started leading drum circles as a way to connect Southern Ohio with Pan African culture. Ugata is the study of a set of rhythms from the African diaspora.

Saturday

  • The tour bus will meet you at the Federal Valley Resource Center first thing Saturday morning to begin our journey.
  • Our first stop of the day is with David Butcher to explore his People of Color Museum. David is a master storyteller and will share his life-long genealogical research with us.
  • We will enjoy a catered lunch by Mauvette’s Jamaican Food and hear from Dr. Flowers as she shares with us her Black Appalachian presentation.
  • Explore the eclectic nursery, Glasshouse Works that specializes in rare and exotic hardy and tropical plants from around the world.
  • Tour the newly renovated historic building that is now the Cannabis Museum. The museum is dedicated to documenting and showcasing the hidden history of the mainstream use of Cannabis. Their unique and expansive collection of cannabis memorabilia ranges from art, food, fuel, fiber, and medicines.
  • Visit the new Mount Zion Immersive Historic Marker made by the Invisible Ground podcast host, Brian Koscho. Brian will share about the inspiration for his work and we will hear from Dr. Ford-Ahmed about the future of Mount Zion.
  • The last stop of the day will be at Dutch Creek Winery where we will enjoy a specialty menu, tour of their honey, mead, and wine production along with a honey tasting.
  • The tour bus will bring you back to your vehicle at the Federal Valley Resource Center.

Sunday

  • Meet at the Federal Valley Resource Center to hop on the bus for our second day of guided exploration through the region’s cultural heritage.
  • We are beginning the day by visiting Sticky Pete’s Maple Syrup Farm for a guided tour of their maple forest and syrup production.
  • Lunch will be provided at Triple Nickel Diner, a locally owned restaurant that features locally sourced ingredients.
  • Partake in a Underground Railroad immersive journey at the Multicultural Genealogical Center where you and other participants will seek clues that Freedom Seekers used. Come discover the journey to freedom that Chesterhill is part of. The Multicultural Genealogical Center began in 2000 and is dedicated to documenting the contributions of multicultural and multiracial families to the social, cultural, political, religious, educational, and economic development of the Ohio River Valley.
  • The tour will end back at the Federal Valley Resource Center.

List of lodging accommodations in the area that will provide a discounted rate if you reach out to them with proof of our tour ticket.

  • A discount of $10 off for the cabin by the pond and a discount of $15 off the cabin in the pines