Ohio Country 1776: Gateway to America
A series of 25 public programs to communities across Appalachian Ohio, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to experience Revolutionary-era history through hands-on, place-based learning.
Spanning five regions–Athens, Chillicothe, Marietta, Steubenville, and Zanesville–the initiative will feature five programs on the themes of building, growing, learning, making, and moving. Each program combines expert-led interpretation with immersive experiences such as traditional craft workshops, historical reenactments, and experiences boating on the rivers that helped the region grow into what it is today.
​This project brings the foundational history of Appalachian Ohio to life by focusing on the material realities of the times. If we can taste the same apples folks ate some 250 years ago, if we can walk part of Zane’s Trace and try our hands at 18th-century handtools, then we can begin to better appreciate how Ohio came to be and what it means to be here now. We look forward to working with numerous partners to showcase the region’s early beauty and resilience.
Programs are offered free of charge and are designed to engage a wide range of audiences, from families and students to lifelong learners and history enthusiasts.
​​
In addition to in-person programming, Rural Action will develop a series of self-guided audio tours to extend access and deepen engagement beyond live events.
​
Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in these programs do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Upcoming Events
Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom
Learn more about the 25 upcoming public programs to communities across Appalachian Ohio, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to experience Revolutionary-era history through hands-on, place-based learning.
Mound Cemetery Coming Alive
Aug. 29, 2026 • Marietta, Ohio
Step into the past as Mound Cemetery’s “residents” return for one morning only in this captivating living history tour. Through costumed interpreters stationed throughout the grounds, real individuals buried in Mound Cemetery will share their fascinating stories.
Manasseh Cutler Speaks
Sept. 13th, 2026 • Athens, Ohio
Experience stories from the Ohio pioneer, Manasseh Cutler, as his words come to life in this living history presentation during the opening of The Manasseh Cutler Papers exhibit at the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections in Alden Library at Ohio University.
More info coming soon
Ohio Country 1776: Gateway to America is funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
