Speakers Bureau

The Planning and Construction of Cincinnati Union Terminal

Learn about the early proposals for Union Terminal and the workers involved in the final design and construction of the 287-acre passenger terminal complex. Hear of the many engineering challenges encountered and the 21 other interesting buildings and structures associated with this one-of-a-kind modern train station.

The Restoration of Cincinnati Union Terminal

After 3 years of meticulous restoration, Cincinnati Union Terminal looks forward to its next 100 years. Learn about needed repairs that were critical to the survival of the National Historic Landmark, many of which were behind the scenes and in non-public areas. Hear about the most modern scientific processes used to revive the structure along with the installation of essential mechanical and electrical systems. See restored artwork in their original sites. Learn about the newest and enhanced exhibits which have opened since the renovation.

Union Terminal

Hear about our National Historic Landmark Union Terminal, considered the most iconic building in Greater Cincinnati completed in 1933. Learn about its history, construction and artists who created the art-deco masterpiece. Hear how it evolved into an award-winning museum complex while continuing to be a passenger train station.

The Art and Artists of Cincinnati Union Terminal

Learn about the magnificent experiment that led to Cincinnati Union Terminal’s art deco design, as well as to the creation of over 18,000 square feet of public art space. Hear about the artists that created these beautiful art elements and learn about some of the processes these artists used. See images of some existing and some lost artworks as well as photos of pieces that may be restored soon. Understand how Reiss, Bourdelle, Hentschel and Keck contributed to making Cincinnati Union Terminal a National Historic Landmark.

Winold Reiss and the Union Terminal Murals

Winold Reiss, already known worldwide for his portraits of the Blackfoot American Indians, was commissioned to design the mosaic murals at Cincinnati Union Terminal. Learn the process he used in his extraordinary project. The presentation will explore his 23 murals, some located at Union Terminal and some at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

A City Within a City — Union Terminal

Hear about the efficiency, functionality and many amenities that Union Terminal provided for the train traveler. See how the modern design incorporated throughout the building made an everlasting impression of elegance. Learn how the renowned station transitioned into becoming the award-winning Cincinnati Museum Center.

Cincinnati’s Entertainers

Many professional entertainers got their start in Cincinnati. We will take a look back at the life and careers of some of the biggest stars who were either born in Cincinnati or lived here early in their professional careers, including Tyrone Power, Vera-Ellen, Andy Williams, Doris Day, Rosemary and Betty Clooney, Theda Bara, Libby Holman and Roy Rogers.

Cincinnati’s Musical Heritage

Since its earliest days, Cincinnati has had a reputation for the finest musical societies, minstrels, choral groups, conservatories, orchestras and opera. Hear the story of the growth and development of music in the Queen City and its prestigious legacy that continues today.

Crosley Field Remembered

Relive the memorable 1919 and 1940 Reds World Championships brought to you by Roush and Lombardi. Experience the excitement of the 1960s again with the arrival of Reds greats Rose, Bench, Perez and Nolan.

Radio Waves

Broadcast radio changed the country and the world forever. It was the first mass media where millions of people experienced the same events simultaneously. Radio Waves brings back memories of Cincinnati 's innovative powerhouse, WLW, the Nation's Station, and other fine stations, programs and talented performers who entertained and informed generations of listeners.

Golden Age of Television

Explore television pioneers such as Ruth Lyons, Paul Dixon, the Cool Ghoul and Skipper Ryle who entertained greater Cincinnatians "by the seat of their pants" on live TV.

Holiday Trains

For over 75 years, the CG&E (later Duke Energy) Holiday Trains have been thrilling young and old alike. First set up in CG&E’s lobby, these trains are now part of Cincinnati Museum Center’s annual Holiday Junction exhibit. This program will explore the history behind these fabulous trains and their layout. And during our journey, you may be able to recapture some of the same views that you remember from your childhood.

Amusement Parks in Greater Cincinnati

Looking at the Ohio River now, you’d never guess that in the 1890’s there were popular sandy beaches where on a warm Saturday or Sunday afternoon it was common to see as many as 20,000 people swimming in the river! This presentation will share information about the many varieties of Amusement Parks and venues that have existed in the Greater Cincinnati Area. From the Ohio River beaches and Trolly Amusement Parks to the Zoo, Coney Island, Kings Island and beyond; you’ll learn that what today’s patrons expect was certainly NOT what existed in the past.

Culture

Cincinnati's Winter Holiday Traditions

If you enjoy reminiscing about the holidays, come along with us to celebrate the many joyful times and faces of the winter holiday season. You can’t see the holiday spirit, but it’s there in the many traditions of Cincinnati during this festive season.

Cincinnati's German Heritage (Formerly “Over-the-Rhine: Its People and Its Spirit”)

The 19th century German settlement in Over-the-Rhine, an area located north and east of the Miami Erie Canal, was unique. Here the German population established their own city within Cincinnati, reconstructing the culture of their homeland. Churches, shops, schools, building and loans, breweries and other industries were abundant throughout their community, along with beer gardens, singing societies, theater and a Turnerverein (Turner Gym) for recreation. Learn how this lively, crowded, close-knit community left a lasting imprint on the entire society of Cincinnati.

Wooden Shoe Hollow

They came from Westphalia, Germany, over a century ago, but these "Inwanderers" did not go "Over the Rhine.” Instead, Inwanderers settled across Mill Creek. They were gardeners and truck farmers, and for nearly 100 years they sold their produce in downtown Cincinnati markets. They lived together in a fertile hollow north of Spring Grove Avenue and Winton Place, where many of their greenhouses can still be seen. The group carried on the tradition of wearing wooden shoes in their gardens, worshiping in their German church and dancing on Saturday nights to the music of their homeland. This program presents their history from the mid-1850s to the present.

Cincinnati and the Miami & Erie Canal

This program covers Ohio’s canals, concentrating mainly on the Miami & Erie and Cincinnati. Learn about Ohio’s canals from construction to their final legacy. See several images of structures and buildings that existed then and now to get an idea of the canal era. Take a video cruise through a lock.

Cincinnati Inclines

This presentation tells the unique and exciting story of the rise and fall of Cincinnati’s Inclined Plane Railway. Built in the 1870s, these wonderful lines provided a welcome escape for the crowded basin and opened up the surrounding hills for future development.

Cincinnati's Subway

Jump aboard Cincinnati’s “not so rapid” transit/subway system and find out why and how it got derailed. The remnants of the never-completed system may still be seen around the city and it remains a topic of transportation studies and elections.

Bridging the Ohio

In an age of transportation with cars, trucks and expressways, bridges have become essential in our daily lives. Starting with the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge and going through the possible replacement of the Brent Spence Bridge, this program explores the history of the bridges we have come to rely on to cross the Ohio River.

The Cincinnati Southern Railroad

All aboard! Join us as we learn about the Cincinnati Southern Railway, the only major railway in the United States built by a municipality and still owned by the City of Cincinnati. Along the way, hear about what it took to build the railway and the other lines that lease and use the rails today.

Getting There – Cincinnati’s Transportation History

For over two centuries Cincinnatians have embraced a variety of transportation modes. Whether settling in the region or traveling to distant destinations, people had transportation choices such as flatboats, canal boats and steamboats. Gradually, within the city, there were choices for travel to work and play such as inclines, streetcars and eventually the automobile. Why was the Rapid Transit System proposed in the early 20th century never finished? And why is the Greater Cincinnati Airport across the river in Kentucky?

Delta Queen and Cincinnati's First Family of the River

The Delta Queen is an elegant steamboat loved by many for over 60 years. She was brought to Cincinnati from California by the famous Greene family. Learn the history of the Greene Line Steamer company and why they survived and prospered when others failed. ”Ma” Greene was a ”Petticoat Skipper” in a riverman’s world. Her husband, Gordon, was the strength and ingenuity of the company, and their son, Tom, was the bold risk-taker who undertook the perilous journey transporting the Queen to the Port of Cincinnati.

Ohio River Floods

Most of the time, Greater Cincinnati peacefully coexists with the Ohio River. But what happens when Ole Man River leaves its boundaries and becomes destructive? Learn how people in the tri-state area have been affected when major flooding occurs. Why did the early settlers choose a flood plain on which to build their cabins? During the '37 flood, how did the residents cope when industry, transportation and even public utilities were curtailed? Discover what the federal and local governments have done to control flooding, and how that affected our response to the most current floods.

Rollin' on the River

Explore early travel along the Ohio River, and then enter the steamboat era. Cincinnati was second only to Pittsburgh in the construction of steamboats, and the river queens were important to Cincinnati for employment, trade, industry, entertainment and leisure. Learn about the people who traveled, worked and/or lived on the riverboats. Since the water level was so unpredictable, the Ohio posed many problems for riverboat travel; there were collisions, fires, explosions and other tragedies. The river is still important for Cincinnati’s commerce and the city is a port of call for the authentic steamboats that still travel the western waters.

The Mighty Ohio

Look at the river today and you see a wide calm peaceful river, but just over a hundred years ago it was very different. Travel on the river could be treacherous due to sandbars and snags, and low water conditions could shut down the river traffic. In this program, we will explore the changes that have been made to make the Ohio, the river we have today.

Rookwood Pottery

This program presents the history of Rookwood Pottery — its development, decline and resurgence. Some of the pottery’s important glaze lines are shown along with some of the outstanding art pottery decorators. Discuss and view examples of Rookwood Faience decorative architectural tiles that can be found in Cincinnati and throughout the United States.

Caroline Williams – Then and Now

Caroline Williams possessed a talent that allowed her to share her love of Cincinnati with countless people: she could draw. And for nearly five decades her sketches of "A Spot in Cincinnati" appeared on the Sunday editorial pages of The Cincinnati Enquirer. She sketched bridges and buildings, homes and hospitals, museums and monuments, as well as parks, cemeteries, statues, fountains, viaducts, inclines, churches, libraries and markets. In this presentation, many of her sketches will be viewed and discussed along with photographs of the sites she sketched.

A Day in the Parks

Visit some of the more than 100 parks and green spaces developed in the city of Cincinnati for the health and enjoyment of its citizens. View the architecture and art in such diverse places as the city’s first park, Piatt Park; Eden Park; Lytle Park; Burnet Woods; Mt. Airy Forest; the newer Smale Riverfront Park; and many others.

Cincinnati’s Art Deco

Art Deco, the prevalent style of architecture and decorative arts in the US from 1925-1940 represented a bold, new 'modern' style of design filled with optimism. While embracing industrial production and new technologies that propelled the US to world power status after World War I, Art Deco was also influenced by such divergent artistic styles as Cubism, Fauvism, Asian, Egyptian, and Meso-American art. This forward-looking artistic style can be recognized by its rich colors, bold geometric shapes, modern materials and rounded corners. Cincinnati contains dozens of Art Deco masterpieces, including some of the city's best-known landmarks.

The Early Years, 1800-1860

A visitation to early structures around the Cincinnati area, with comments on different architectural styles and their relationships to the community as growth and industry developed. Many places of worship and other significant structures in the basin and outskirts of the community are addressed. We explore how the relationships between commerce, immigration and the cultural influences on the design and utility of those structures, created the foundation for our city as we know it today.

The Victorian Age, 1860-1895

From the 1860s through the end of the 19th century, Cincinnati's prominent people and organizations built many of the most beautiful buildings and public places the city has ever seen. They made a strong case that Cincinnati was “The Paris of America” — an attractive place to live, offering a high level of culture and entertainment. Today's residents and visitors to the city are very fortunate that many of these beautiful Victorian era designs have survived to thrill us today.

The Age of Steel, 1895-1920

The turn of the 20th century marks a significant transition in the evolution of building architecture. The development of the steel skeleton enabled architects to reinvent the office building with previously unimaginable height. This new skyscraper required a bold exterior design to exhibit its importance, yet still reflect the roots of a classical design. We will see this new design in several of the buildings on Cincinnati's Fourth Street. In addition to skyscrapers, the new century brought forth the Beaux Arts architectural style, which featured classical, yet beautifully proportioned and highly ornamented buildings, such as Cincinnati's Memorial Hall, the Gwynne Building and Carnegie libraries.

Roaring 29's and Depression Era, 1920-1940

1920s architecture in Cincinnati and the nation reflected the unbridled optimism of the post-WWI era. This optimism is exhibited in the classical design of the Dixie Terminal, Cincinnati Club and Gas & Electric buildings. Art deco, a bold, forward-looking fusion of art and industrial design, took the forefront in the late 1920s and early 1930s with the iconic designs of the Carew Tower, Union Terminal, Enquirer and Times Star buildings. This mega-construction period helped to lessen the depth of the Depression for Cincinnatians. Depression era construction consisted primarily of government buildings, including the Federal Court House and Lunken Airport.

Arthur St. Clair and the Northwest Territory

General St. Clair gave Cincinnati its name and was the first governor of the Northwest Territory. He gave his life, fortune and health on behalf of his adopted nation. Politics, war and intrigue filled his life until he was dismissed by Thomas Jefferson when Ohio became the first state formed out of the rich territory north and west of the Ohio River.

Cincinnati and the Presidents

Cincinnati shares an interesting history with some of our presidents. This program describes the success and failures and the personal and humorous sides of William Henry Harrison, his grandson Benjamin Harrison, Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes and William Howard Taft.

Cincinnati’s First Founders

You may recognize the names of these city leaders on city streets, but who are they? This program focuses on many of the founding fathers — Burnet, Lytle, Baum, Longworth, Drake, Kilgore and Woodward — and their efforts to make Cincinnati a livable city.

Cincinnati’s Other Civil War Generals

There were hundreds of generals commissioned during the Civil War. Some like Lee, Grant, Sherman, and Longstreet are familiar to us, while others would serve in relative obscurity. But these men, famous or not, were the commanders who would decide the outcome of the Civil War. In this program we will explore some of the generals who called Cincinnati their home and discover their impact on our history.

Daniel Drake and Frontier Medicine

This is the story of Dr. Daniel Drake, who rose from humble beginnings in backwoods Kentucky to become a preeminent physician west of the Appalachian Mountains in the early 19th century. It is a story of personal perseverance, intense rivalry among local physicians and the founding of the institutions which today make Cincinnati one of the finest medical centers in the country.

Emery Family Legacy

The Emery family of Cincinnati became known for prominent buildings and integrity, investment and influence. The family, building on a foundation begun by Thomas Emery Sr. in 1841 as a real estate and business entrepreneur, has provided lasting monuments to the value of investing in greater Cincinnati. Mary Emery, the city’s Lady Bountiful, built Mariemont, in addition to churches, hospitals, schools and museums. Jack Emery’s generation followed her lead, building the Carew Tower-Netherland Hotel and continuing the philanthropy that began early and continues through today.

Longworth Family Legacy

Nicholas Longworth, regarded as the father of American Grape Culture, lived the American Dream from his arrival in Cincinnati in 1803 to his ascendancy as one of the wealthiest men in the U.S. His legacy of high achievement and service to his fellow man lived on through his descendants, including his granddaughter Maria, who created Rookwood Pottery, and great grandson Congressman Nicholas Longworth III, who served as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Powel Crosley Story

Powel Crosley Jr. built radios for the masses, not the high classes, and soon was known as the “Henry Ford of Radio.” He was a pioneer in radio broadcasting and so much more. Hear of the many innovative products he produced, and particularly the ones used to help win WWII. Did you know he built airplanes and a hair restorer machine? Learn of his hardworking, talented brother, Lewis. Powel would get an idea and Lewis would make it work. Their partnership made the name Crosley well known and profitable when many other companies failed.

Ruth Lyons

“Tune-In” to the exciting career of Cincinnati broadcaster, Ruth Lyons, who was born and spent her career in the Greater Cincinnati Area. Ruth’s life was balanced by her image as the strong, caring women she was in public, to being a tough business woman who considered herself “a homemaker who had a television show”. She was ahead of her time speaking out for Social Justice, Equality and Civil Rights. Ruth’s legacy includes the Ruth Lyons Children’s Fund which continues to impact thousands of children and their families since it began in 1939.

Taft Family Legacy

The Taft family has significantly influenced the course politics, economics and fine arts in Cincinnati for almost 200 years. From the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Summer Opera, the Taft Museum, the Zoo and Lytle Park. The Tafts have served the public good. In addition, Cincinnati’s first President and his descendants represented the city of Cincinnati, the state and the nation at the highest political levels.

Ulysses S. Grant – the Man, the Soldier, and the President

Ulysses S. Grant may be best known for his role as the General who led the Union to victory during the Civil War and later served as the 18th President of the United States. But the path to his becoming one of America’s most storied leaders wasn’t always a rosy one. In this program we will look at Grant – the man, the soldier and the president.

Ohio's Astronauts

Space, the final frontier…

Many of us grew up watching Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise boldly explore the galaxy, and some of us wondered what it would be like to be out there with them... out there in the stars. Others did more than just dream and this is their story—this is story of the men and women from Ohio who have gone into space.

Women of Cincinnati

Throughout Cincinnati’s history, women have contributed a great deal to the well-being of this community and beyond. This presentation recognizes many very prominent people, some still relatively well known, but also others who are no longer much remembered. In addition, you’ll hear the story of the hard work performed by many thousands of common women to raise and support their families and the increasing opportunity that has fortunately become available to them.

The Black Experience in 19th Century Cincinnati

This program encompasses teachers, preachers, artists, scientists, inventors, soldiers, newspapermen, historians and even hairdressers and a Medal of Honor recipient. Learn about the Black citizens who made a difference for all citizens in 1800s Cincinnati. Hear the stories behind some of Cincinnati’s landmark churches, schools, social organizations, Civil War sites and art legacies. Appropriate for junior high school students through adults.

America's Story, from Depression to Super Power

Relive the incredible transformation from depression era despair, through the enormous come-back victory of the WWII years, all featuring Cincinnati’s contribution to this unprecedented time in history.

The Cincinnati Fire Department

This presentation starts with Cincinnati's independent volunteer fire companies, which fought fires and, sometimes, each other. It moves on to the establishment of the first fully paid professional fire department in the country. Along the way, the presentation explores some of what it takes to become one of the top fire departments in the nation.

Cincinnati During the Civil War

Cincinnatians played a big part in supporting the Union cause, but in late 1862 a Confederate Army marched toward Cincinnati. The city was in a panic! Less than a year later, Cincinnati was threatened again — this time by General Morgan and his raiders. Find out how Cincinnati responded to these emergencies in this fascinating program.

The Cincinnati Story – From 1788 to 1925

America's original “boom town” and the “Queen City of the West.” This program highlights the people and events that have shaped Cincinnati history from the 18th century to the early 20th century.

Historic Hauntings Part 1

This program examines the history of ghost stories and hauntings in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area from the founding of the city right up to the present time. Did you know many older houses, as well as public places, have their resident ghosts? Hear the stories of local citizens, both well-known and regular folks, which were and still are affected by the supernatural. Learn what haunted places still exist today and where they are located. Appropriate for adults.

Historic Hauntings Part 2

This program is a continuation of the Historic Hauntings Part 1 program. It examines additional ghost stories and hauntings in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. Hear how not only houses and public places, but also bridges and railroad tracks, are affected by the supernatural. Learn what haunted places still exist today and where they are located. Appropriate for adults.

Grand Old Theaters of Cincinnati

Do you remember the Grand, Lyric, Keith, Capitol, Cox, Times and Royal theaters? How about the magnificent Albee, Shubert and Palace theaters? And did you ever visit the Gayety Burlesque House? We will look back at these fabulous grand old theaters including the buildings and the shows that played there — vaudeville, burlesque, musicals, comedy, stage plays and movies. We will focus on their history from the time they opened until they played their final show with the wrecking ball.

Gravestone Symbolism

Every gravestone has a story! This fascinating and sometimes humorous look at American Gravestones and their symbols will expose meanings hidden in plain sight. We will look at gravestones from pioneer style stones to the modern eclectic works of art found in many local cemeteries. After this basic symbolism program, you may never look at a gravestone in the same way.

Greater Cincinnati's Veterans' Memorials

Take a patriotic tour of Veterans’ memorials located in the Hamilton County area. The program describes memorials and tributes to military personnel from the Cincinnati area and includes a brief history of each memorial. The time span covers two centuries, from the Revolutionary War to the Gulf War. It is appropriate for groups with an interest in military history or patriotic holiday programs.

Mill Creek Valley – the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Explore the history of our Mill Creek Valley, from the pristine stream of early Ohio to the open sewer it became. See the changes we have made to it, and how these changes have affected the water quality and wildlife habitats. Recent improvements relative to its riparian environment have resulted in the recognition of amphibians, birds, reptiles, and even beavers. Also included are the devastating effects of the 1937 flood in Cincinnati, especially in the Mill Creek Valley.

National Historic Landmarks

Take a virtual tour with us to 14 sites in Hamilton County designated as National Historic Landmarks by the US Department of the Interior. These are places in our area that have played an important role in shaping America’s history.

Prohibition

Find out how the Temperance Movement and the Anti-Saloon League pushed through the 18th Amendment, which prohibited the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquor in the U.S. Find out why the new law was impossible to enforce and how bootleggers, such as George Remus, and organized crime flourished over the 10 years the law was in effect. Learn how the consequences of Prohibition affect our society today.

The Sad, Seamy, Sinister Side of Cincinnati

Serial murderers, grave robbers, epidemics, personal tragedies and even slime are all part of Cincinnati’s history. Spend an hour hearing stories about some of Cincinnati’s most notorious citizens and their nasty deeds. Listen to details about a few of Cincinnati’s saddest stories. Learn how two of Cincinnati’s presidents were victims of ghastly graveyard activities. Tragedies and crime abound in this program. Come prepared to be shocked and saddened. Appropriate for adults.

Sequel to the Sad, Seamy, Sinister Side of Cincinnati

A maritime disaster, local incline accidents, beheadings and an infamous fatal riot are all part of Cincinnati’s history. Spend an hour listening to more stories about some of Cincinnati’s most notorious and ghastly happenings. Hear firsthand descriptions of the city’s seamy and sinister side from a local reporter who would later become a world-renowned author. Once again, come prepared to be shocked and saddened. Appropriate for adults.

The Story of Northside

Learn of Cincinnati’s oldest suburb, settled by pioneer surveyor Israel Ludlow. Ludlow built the first blockhouse on this land and was soon followed by many other settlers. The neighborhood developed into a retail and industrial center as well as the home site for wealthy Cincinnatians. Suffering a decline after World War II, it began to emerge as a revitalized neighborhood today.

Twentieth Century Cincinnati

During the 20th century, Cincinnati evolved from one of the worst governed cities to one of the best. It grew into a city that had a plan, a river city and a highway metropolis. During that time it responded to two world wars, a depression and a changing world economy. This picture tour shows many of these changes, some of our celebrations and the city’s changing face as it became the center of the metro area.

Up & Away to Mt. Auburn

Mt. Auburn was Cincinnati's first hilltop suburb, where wealthy 19th century citizens lived above the city's crowded basin. This scenic neighborhood was the birthplace of William Howard Taft and home to many fascinating people, including two Ohio governors. William H. Doane, industrialist, hymn writer and collector of musical instruments, lived here, and his collection is now at the Cincinnati Art Museum. You’ll also see many beautiful buildings, like Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church with its Tiffany windows, and hear the compelling story of public service by the interdenominational God's Bible School and College.

USS Cincinnati

From the Civil War through the Cold War, ships bearing the name "USS Cincinnati" have served in the US Navy. This program explores the history of the ships named for the Queen City and the roles that they have played.

Cincinnati’s Candy Connection

Discover the who, what, when and how Cincinnati became an early “candy town” in the US. Did you know that Cincinnati had its own Candy Barons, or that at one time Cincinnati had just as many confectioners as brewers? Discover how fireworks and oysters played a part in the Cincinnati candy business and what “bean-to-bar” chocolate making is. Explore a “taste” of Cincinnati Candy as we travel through 200+ years of sweets in the Queen City.

Cincinnati Style Chili

One of the most interesting local success stories of American immigrants is that of Cincinnati chili, the culinary delight that means home to many Cincinnatians. The story of the families who developed this epicurean delight is filled with mystery, as they developed their companies and hold close the recipes that are uniquely their own. Hear of the more-famous companies as well as the lesser-known chili parlors in the area.

Do Pigs Fly? The Story of Porkopolis

Cincinnati was once known by the nickname of “Porkopolis,” the largest meat packing center in the world. Visitors to the city often had to walk down streets crowded with pigs being herded to city slaughter houses. Pigs from Cincinnati fed our country, and the meat packers’ methods also helped to revolutionize the country’s industries. From pig pens to the dinner plate, learn how pigs helped build Cincinnati.

Industries that Built the Queen City

Starting in 1870, we will look at the early industries that made Cincinnati the Queen City. Become an active participant and guide this talk’s focus. We can ensure that you will learn something new about the commercial development of the city we call home.

The Story of Bourbon

Through this rather whimsical presentation about “The American Spirit”, we will hear the history of bourbon, learn how and when it got its name, and why most bourbon is manufactured in Kentucky. We will visit several distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and see, using pictures and short videos, the five manufacturing steps that are the source of bourbon’s distinctive flavor.

Frontier and Early Education

Along with the hardships of the frontier, it was a priority that the children of pioneers were taught the three “Rs”— readin’, 'riting and 'rithmetic — by the family hearth or in the one room schoolhouse. In the early 1800s, through community effort, Cincinnati created several schools, making it the first city to have public schools in the Northwest Territory.

The Rise of Public Schools

In 1825, the State of Ohio passed a law for a half-mill tax to be collected to pay for public schools. That led to the establishment in 1829 of “The Common Schools of Cincinnati.” Hear how, prior to the Civil War, the city’s African-American residents successfully moved to create their own, separate, public school system. Find out about the "Bible Wars" that impacted public schools.

The Rise of Colleges and Universities

Since Cincinnati’s founding, its expanding and varied population has had a need for a variety of institutions of higher learning beyond secondary schools. Explore some of the diverse colleges and universities, other than the University of Cincinnati, that developed to answer this expanding public request.

University of Cincinnati

Hear the story of the bequest from Charles McMicken in 1870, which became the foundation that created the University of Cincinnati. While we know UC today as a large state-owned national research university, many of its best-known colleges began in the 19th century as independent schools, reflecting the educational strengths and needs of a growing and diverse population.