New Albany History Day marks historical society's 50th anniversary

NEW ALBANY, Ohio (WCMH) – Although many people first think of Les Wexner and the New Albany Company, New Albany and Plain Township have a 230-year history -- one historians intend to celebrate this Saturday.

The New Albany-Plain Township Historical Society will celebrate its 50th anniversary this weekend in an interactive partnership with the New Albany branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library and the library's local history and genealogy division. The groups will honor the anniversary by hosting a New Albany History Day at the library.

"Our hope is that the community will come out this Saturday to learn more about some of New Albany’s history," New Albany library branch manager Paul Boyce said. "In addition to our guest speakers, the day will include a walking tour of historic New Albany and fun activities for all ages."

Historical society President Dennis Keesee will kick the day off with the guided walking tour of historical sights in the city at 11 a.m. The hour-long tour is limited to 30 participants and will meet and end at the library.

Next, New Albany's Director of Administrative Services will share plans for the city's new veterans memorial from 12:30 to 1 p.m. The historical society is collecting funds for the recently announced bronze statue, which will reside in the city's planned Veterans Park. The society is $96,500 into its $200,000 fundraising goal to erect the statue.

Also in the afternoon, historians will discuss the history of New Albany and the Vietnam War, and heritage quilters will present a historic quilt depicting the city in the 19th century. If residents are looking for more, there are also six events that will continue throughout the day. History enthusiasts can decorate quilt squares, participate in a scavenger hunt and explore historical displays.

Residents can also become a part of history themselves. People can bring photos or documents to be scanned and digitized as part of the city's history, and can record interviews to preserve New Albany memories for future generations.

According to the historical society, the city began with Plain Township in 1795, predating the state itself. The first European settlers to live in the area were Revolutionary War veterans who were given 100 acres each from the young U.S. government. In New Albany, a German farmer in western Pennsylvania eventually moved his family to the area to sell whiskey.

After 1812, the federal government began selling off unused veteran land in Ohio, attracting more settlers. According to the historical society, these new settlers began to marry one another and create a small community with heavy German influences after high immigration rates to Ohio.

The city slowly continued to grow, with the Great Depression attracting workers hoping for labor jobs and new traffic from southern states after World War II. The largest boom is well publicized: Wexner's New Albany Company acquired thousands of acres to build up a wealthy community in the mid-1980s.

Boyce said this is the library's first foray into a New Albany History Day program. The city itself is not participating in New Albany History Day, although it is helping to promote the event. Residents can participate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the library on Saturday.