Communiqué
New “Our Town” Series Kicks Off By Showcasing Lancaster
By: Kelly Martin
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Lancaster, Ohio, is a city filled with history and fascinating people. “Our Town” will show the history of this city and what makes it special to the thousands who call it home.
Produced by WOUB Public Media, the new television series “Our Town” showcases cities in the region to highlight their histories, diversities and what makes them special. Lancaster is the first episode in the series.
Series Producer Evan Shaw says the hour-long program aims to tell the story of Lancaster – the entire history of the city and will talk about many of its famous citizens. It will also show the town’s special areas and events.
“The hard part has been condensing it all into a one-hour show,” said Shaw. “There’s so much history here [in Lancaster].”
Shaw says his goal was to incorporate history and individuals with the unique stories.
“I knew there were a lot of historical figures from Lancaster,” said Shaw. “It’s interesting to see how the community came together.”
Lancaster was the birthplace of General William Sherman, a noted general during the Civil War. The program will also include the history of the Lancaster Canal and renovations of an historic area of town called “Square 13.”
Shaw says the renovated downtown area Square 13 fascinated him. “It’s interesting to see a city that has such a history with the Civil War on the Union side, but with a lot of southern influence.”
“There’s a real sense of community here. They’re very resourceful people, a real pioneer spirit.”
The program will feature numerous community members who will talk about the city including local attractions and events.
The public is invited to a free screening of the program on Saturday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Wagner Theater in Brasee Hall at Ohio University Lancaster. The event is free and open to the public. A reception will follow.
The program will air on WOUB-TV on Monday, March 24 at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Support for “Our Town-Lancaster” is provided by:
Presenting Sponsor:
Supporting Sponsor:
Patron Sponsors:
Some of the interviews will include:
• Dave Benson, Manager Fairfield County Fairgrounds
• Andrea Brookover, Executive Director Fairfield Heritage Association
• Laura Bullock, Director of the Sherman House Museum
• Frank Bullock, W.T. Sherman Re-enactor
• Carl Burnett, Local News Editor Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
• Dr. David Contosta, author of Lancaster, Ohio 1800-2000, Frontier Town to Edge City c.1999 The Ohio State University
• John Dye, retired Lancaster architect
• Kate Ervin, Executive Director Destination Lancaster
• David Fey, Director Fairfield County Historical Parks
• Steve Gayfield, Director Parks and Recreation, City of Lancaster
• Joyce Harvey, retired librarian and local historian
• Jim Hachtel, President Gen. W. T. Sherman Memorial Civil War Roundtable
• Eleanor Hood, Honorary Director Lancaster Festival
• Doug Ingram, Director Ohio Glass Museum
• Caroline Rockwood, founding member of the Fairfield Heritage Association
• David Smith, Mayor, City of Lancaster
• Max Stebelton, antique tool collector and expert on Eagle Machine Company
• Robert Trocchia, Artistic Director, Lancaster Chorale
• Lou Varga, Lancaster historian and president of Varga Communications
• Dr. Bryant, Emeritus VP Regional High Education