Kick-off to the America 250 Celebration at Dover Library

This year the United States of America will celebrate its semiquincentennial. Dover Public Library will participate in the celebration of this important milestone in our history by offering monthly programs that highlight the unique contributions of Ohio and Ohioans throughout the years.

The first program in this year-long celebration will be held on Wednesday, January 21 at 6:30 PM at the library, located at 525 N. Walnut Street. The program is titled “A Fort Beneath Our Feet: The History and Future of Fort Laurens, 1778-2028.” Jonathan Brewster, project director and lead archaeologist for the Fort Laurens 250 project, will speak about the history of the fort and give an overview of the current rehabilitation project. He will then focus on what was found in the 2025 archaeological field season.

Jonathan Brewster is an archaeologist with the Ohio History Connection. He has fifteen years of experience with excavations for various projects in Ohio and the wider Midwest. Jon grew up in both Cleveland and Detroit and recently settled in Grand River, Ohio.

“As citizens of Tuscarawas County, we have a lot to be proud of,” says Sherrel Rieger, adult program specialist at the library. “Not only is our local history full of great accomplishments by industrious, inventive and talented people, but our future is just as promising. Let’s gather as a community to celebrate our past, present and future.”

Upcoming programs include a book launch about the history of manufacturing in Tuscarawas County, a concert by Celtic Rush, a program about Superior Clay Corporation, a program about siblings who served in World War II, and a cemetery walk. All events will be announced in our monthly Footnotes newsletter as well as on the events calendar at www.doverlibrary.org/events. For more information, call the library at 330-343-6123.