Members Gather To Premier Oral History

More than 100 German Village Society members gathered at Grange Insurance Audubon Center on Thursday, December 6, so celebrate the year and to premier the Oral History trailer.

Major donors gathered at 5:30, where they were thanked for their support by President Bill Case. Then, Director Shiloh Todorov previewed for them drawings for remodeling the Visitors Center and making use of space in the Police lounge and Scheurer Room for additional visitor experiences.

Development Director for GIAC Jeff Redfield told the crowd about the mission and purpose of the building in which they were gathered, and then introduced Metro Parks Executive Director John O’Meara. O’Meara talked about upcoming development plans on the Whittier Peninsula, including an adult obstacle course coming this spring courtesy of the Columbus Rotary Club.

At 6:30, the general membership arrived to enjoy food from Weiland’s Catering. After about 45 minutes of fellowship, the crowd gathered to hear about the Oral  History project. President Case, who is also chair of the Oral History Subcommittee, talked about the importance for the Society of capturing first-person accounts of the neighborhood’s transition.

John Clark, who is in the role of videographer and editor for the histories, remembered that this is one of several oral history projects the Society has undertaken, but noted the organization and sustainability of this effort. John then showed the crowd the 8-minute trailer of interviews gathered so far from all oral history efforts so far.

View it here.

In the crowd was Ohio Humanities Council Executive Director Pat Williamson. OHC funded the Society’s Oral History project this fall with $5,000 in grant money. The money is being used to pay Clark, as well as pick up other expenses on the project. Clark is offering some of his time for pay and some as volunteer service to his community.

Appreciation and Oral History Premier Party