Heritage Day at the Seneca County Museum
The museum will host an Open House with special displays and mini programs to celebrate the rich history of Tiffin & Seneca County. More information forthcoming.
"Memoirs of a Marauder Man, Stories From a WWII B-26 Bomber Crewman"
The first of a two session program on Technical Sergeant Joe Girz, a Tiffin native, who flew 57 combat missions during WWII, as a Radio Operator-Waist Gunner in B-26 Martin Marauder medium bombers. TSgt Girz kept a personal log of each of his missions while serving in the 17th Bombardment Group.
Tom Girz, Joe’s son, has spent years researching , writing and assembling the stories in order to present this whole story of true patriotism, courage, and survival - not uncommon traits in those we now refer to as The Greatest Generation - but also a deeply personal one for all who knew Joe Girz. Tom places TSgt Girz’s personal story within the greater war effort - the air and ground operations of the Mediterranean and European conflicts.
A career civilian employee of the US Air Force for 32 years, Tom held his retirement ceremony from federal service in 2016 at the National Museum of the USAF, in front of the B-26 Martin Marauder display to commemorate both his, and his father’s service to our nation.
Tom has given this presentation on the lecture circuit in the greater Dayton area to historical societies and libraries. He will also be presenting these sessions as part of a summer program at the University of Dayton. We are grateful to have the opportunity to host Tom and listen to the adventures of a native son.
(This presentation is accompanied by numerous photos).
"Memoirs of a Marauder Man, Stories From a WWII B-26 Bomber Crewman"
This is the second of a two session program on Technical Sergeant Joe Girz, a Tiffin native, who flew 57 combat missions during WWII, as a Radio Operator-Waist Gunner in B-26 Martin Marauder medium bombers. TSgt Girz kept a personal log of each of his missions while serving in the 17th Bombardment Group.
Major General Lorenzo Dow Gasser, Seneca County’s Forgotten General
Lorenzo Gasser was born in Lykens, Ohio to an immigrant farmer and mother who died shortly after giving birth. Orphaned at a young age he was raised in Tiffin, Ohio. Despite these early setbacks General Gasser found a life in the Army, serving in three wars and numerous expeditions while rising to the rank of Major General and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army. Come hear the remarkable story of a local boy who lived the American Dream.
The Art of Hand Spinning
Ohio has designated the theme for the month of May as Ohio Creates: Arts, Culture & Literature in conjunction with the national celebration of America 250. The Seneca County Museum has therefore invited Joan (Corthell) Webster and Kim (Mathias) Howard to demonstrate the longstanding and beautiful art of spinning wool and other fibers.
Both Joan and Kim will be spinning on their personal spinning wheels. Joan’s demo will include the carding of wool before the spinning process. They will share samples of knitted, crocheted and woven pieces made from their handspun yarn. They will also touch on a bit of the history of spinning. This program is sure to delight anyone who appreciates handcrafted artwork and textiles.
Little Known Short Stories of Bicycle History in Seneca County
Rodney Young will share his knowledge and stories of early bicycle history in Seneca County. There will also be the unveiling of a special early bicycle with a delightful story attached.
Kickoff of “Tracking the Troops, Tippecanoe & Perry Too!” Historic Driving Tour
The multi-county historic driving tour focuses on the Harrison Trail and nearby sites related to the War of 1812. The kickoff event will be held in Upper Sandusky at the Elks Lodge #83 which is located on the former site of Fort Ferree. This fort was built by General Harrison’s Army in 1812 and is the first stop on the driving tour. The tour will take travelers to sites in Wyandot, Seneca, Sandusky, Ottawa and Wood Counties.
Fostoria Firsts
Leonard Skonecki will present a variety of “firsts” from Fostoria’s rich history. He will share exciting firsts from events at Fostoria High School to an Academy Award winning local company to first moments at the local fair. Come join us and discover some unique and fun facts about Fostoria that you most likely never knew.
This event is free to the public, but donations are always appreciated.
Henry Gross - Master Gunsmith & Locksmith
Tiffin native Henry Gross personified the creative energy that transformed the United States from an agricultural economy to an industrial giant over the course of the nineteenth century. His gift for innovation first appeared in firearms design but later transitioned to fashioning revolutionary locking systems for bank vaults. All but forgotten today, Henry Gross enjoyed national fame during his lifetime, securing at least 29 patents for his ideas.
Temporarily Closed
The Seneca County Museum will be Temporarily Closed beginning November 27 with the re-opening date of WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8th.
Thank you for your understanding and patience. As with most renovation projects, unforeseen things came up. We are looking forward to welcoming our visitors again after Easter.
The Legacy of Sherman & Virginia White
On Sunday, November 16, in honor of National Philanthropy Day, Jodie Reinbolt will be speaking at the Seneca County Museum at 3:00 p.m. about “The Legacy of Sherman and Virginia White”. The White Family Charitable Fund of The Tiffin Community Foundation was established in 2005 to support unrestricted grant applications from 501(c)3 charitable organizations in Tiffin and Seneca County. This fund was made possible due to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Sherman White of Tiffin. Sherman White was a savvy investor. After retiring in 1959 as owner and president of the Gray and White Company of Tiffin, he enjoyed studying the stock market and transforming the couple’s assets into a healthy investment portfolio. Friends remember Sherman and Virginia as being a very generous, elegant, and lovely couple, who were devoted to each other and their small, extended family. Throughout their lives they were very generous, but quiet philanthropists.
Veteran Program
In honor of Veterans Day, the Seneca County Museum will host Sherry Weiker on Sunday, November 9 at 2:00 pm. Weiker will give a presentation and provide a display of artifacts from her husband Wayne’s military service in the Marine Corps infantry in Vietnam in 1966 and 1967. The information she will share will be in Wayne’s words taken from his letters and the stories he told. She says that Wayne’s story can make you sad, mad, smile and give you hope. She encourages people to attend in order to gain a deeper understanding of what veterans went through in Vietnam and the effects it had.
Camp Pittenger
Dee Knapp will present a history of Camp Pittenger. This event also calls for any past campers and camp counselors to come reminisce and share memories of their time at Camp Pittenger.