Historical society to mark its 140th year

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Mahoning Valley Historical Society members will mark the group’s 140th anniversary with a series of public programs that will last a year.

Festivities will begin with a free birthday party Sept. 12 at the Tyler History Center that will kick off a week of events that will highlight MVHS’ vast collections, sites and programs.

Afterward, special events will take place every month – some new and others recurring favorites such as Bites and Bits of History, monthly lectures and programs, and Cookie Table and Cocktails.

One new feature will be a monthly open house that highlights the Arms Family Museum and Tyler History Center on alternate months. These events will include behind-the-scenes tours and gallery talks.

For more information, go to mahoninghistory.org or call 330-743-2589.

Here is a listing of the weeklong celebration events:

Sept. 12, noon to 4 p.m.: 140th birthday party, free, Tyler History Center, 325 W. Federal St.; includes behind the scenes tours, hands-on activities, cake, and a salute to local history.

Sept. 15, 5:30-8 p.m.: Founder’s Day dinner, Arms Family Museum, 648 Wick Ave.; this annual dinner will be elevated with a Media Olympics as the new location for the Business and Media Archives of the Mahoning Valley opens. Cost is $30 for MVHS members and $35 for guests. Call 330-743-2589 to RSVP.

Sept. 17, noon: Bites and Bits of History lecture on James L. Wick Jr. MVHS director William Lawson will present a talk on one of the community’s most influential figures of the 20th century.

Sept. 19, noon to 4 p.m.: Arms Family Museum open house; enjoy music by County Mayo, games and activities on the lawn, and free food and drinks. Plan to “tailgate” with MVHS before the 4 p.m. Youngstown State football game.

Open houses

(Buy one-get one admission)

Oct. 17: Tyler History Center

Nov. 21: Arms Family Museum

Dec. 19: Arms Family Museum

Jan. 16: Tyler History Center

Feb. 20: Arms Family Museum

March 19: Tyler History Center

April 1: Arms Family Museum

May 21: Tyler History Center

June 18: Arms Family Museum

July 16: Tyler History Center

Aug. 20: Arms Family Museum