The Multicultural Genealogical Center will host photojournalist, Loriene Perera, whose presentation, Chesterhill: On the Precipice of Change, will explore the village of Chesterhill  in an intimate exhibition featuring photos and drone footage. Discover the village’s deep connections to the Underground Railroad, Quaker heritage, and Amish traditions. Witness poignant moments and vibrant faces that capture Chesterhill’s journey—a community navigating its rich history alongside new beginnings.

Loriene Perera, a self-taught photographer from Singapore, has been capturing life’s fleeting moments since she was 8. With over a decade at Reuters as a photo editor, focusing on breaking and developing international news pictures, she brings a deep commitment to visual storytelling. Now based in the United States, Loriene is pursuing an MFA in photojournalism and documentary video at Ohio University. Her work centers on capturing authentic, spontaneous moments and shedding light on underrepresented stories in Southeast Ohio. Recently honored as Ohio’s College Photographer of the Year by the Ohio News Photographers Association, Loriene is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of narrative through photography.