Wednesday, February 12 at 7:00 p.m. On Wednesday February 12 at 7 pm, Cultural Heritage Practitioner Jerome Bias and Historic Carpentry Expert Bill Chapman will present “Looking for Mr. Evans: Exploring the home and furniture of abolitionist and cabinetmaker Wilson Bruce Evans," a program on Zoom, reporting on their findings during their December 2024 visit to the Evans House. Watch for a link in a future newsletter. This program is free and open to the public, sponsored by the Wilson Bruce Evans Home Historical Society, with support from the Oberlin College Bonner Center, the History Department, the Art History Department Baldwin Lectures, the Public Humanities Program and the Africana Studies Department, and the Oberlin Heritage Center.   Zoom Link

Big Read Kick-Off Celebration Saturday, February 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Lorain Public Library System, Lorain Historical Society, Oberlin Public Library, Oberlin Heritage Center, and Community Foundation of Lorain County have partnered together to offer several months of diverse programming for audiences of all ages inspired by Toni Morrison’s Beloved through the National Endowment of the Arts annual Big Read. Join the Lorain Historical Society for an engaging biographical presentation on Toni Morrison, highlighting her profound contributions to literature and her deep connections to the Lorain community. Following the presentation, celebrate with the Community Foundation of Lorain County as they honor the winners of the 2025 Toni Morrison Essay Contest for Young People. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to pick up a complimentary copy of Beloved, connect with fellow community members and enjoy an afternoon filled with literature, history and fellowship. This event is free and open to the public at the main branch of the Lorain Public Library, 351 W 6th St, Lorain. For more information visit https://www.lorainpubliclibrary.org/programs/big-read.