NORTH COAST NARRATIVE

Learn about a typical day in the life of your 19th century ancestors, from starting the day in the bed chamber and getting dressed, to everyday kitchen responsibilities, breakfast through supper. This presentation will talk about different attire for different occasions, kitchen duties and appliances, chores, farming, food preservation, and even leisure activities, such as parlor games and music.

This presentation takes you on a musical journey through the origins, evolution, and cultural significance of the cello. Once seen as a supporting instrument, the cello has grown into a powerful solo voice across classical and contemporary genres. This presentation explores its development, key composers who elevated its role, and the craftsmanship behind its design. Whether you're a music lover or curious newcomer, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for this versatile and expressive instrument.

Musical life in America changed radically throughout the 19th century. The industrial revolution, the rise of the middle class, and the easy production and dissemination of sheet music created new markets, and new music for public consumption. These developments brought music into our homes in the form of parlor music. This presentation talks about musical developments and what amateur (and professional) music-making was like in the mid-19th century.

This program explores the culinary traditions of the mid-19th century, delving into the cooking and baking techniques of the time. Discover the unique ingredients, tools, and methods that shaped the era’s kitchens, from hearth cooking to early baking innovations. Through historical insights, gain a deeper understanding of how social, economic, and technological changes influenced food preparation during this pivotal period in history.

The Lake Shore Electric Railway was once regarded as the "greatest electric interurban in the country." It operated from 1901 to 1938 between Cleveland and Toledo, by way of Lorain, Sandusky, Norwalk, and Fremont. While the rails are long gone, many vestiges remain scattered along its former route, including bridge abutments, right-of-way terrain, and buildings. This presentation talks about how the Lake Shore Electric influenced transportation, recreation, urban development, and the economy, and explores where to find many of its remnants in today's landscape.

In 1786, the state of Connecticut ceded all but 3.4-million-acres of its western land claims to the federal government. Known as Connecticut's "Western Reserve," the retained lands included much of north-central and northeast Ohio. But what was Connecticut to do with unknown territory over 500 miles away? The rugged, forested, and unchartered lands were not instantly available for settlement, no roads led to the area, and the Treaty of Greenville restricted activity in its western half for ten years. Learn about the survey teams that traversed and measured the wild and foreign terrain of northeast Ohio and the survey methods they employed to put lines and place names on the map. 

American Jewish History in the 19th Century explores the experiences, challenges, and contributions of Jewish communities as they established themselves in a rapidly changing United States. From immigration and settlement to religious reform and civic engagement, this presentation traces how Jewish Americans shaped—and were shaped by—the social and political currents of the time. We’ll examine key figures, landmark events, and the evolving identity of Jewish life in America. Special attention will be given to regional differences, including the growth of Jewish communities in both urban centers and frontier towns. Join us to uncover a rich and often overlooked chapter of American history.

Grave robbery and disinterring bodies is often associated with Ancient Egypt and medieval Europe. Entombed possessions, such as gold, silver, jewels, and other valuable artifacts were often stolen from the grave and sold on the black market. However, tomb raiding has a much darker and licentious history. The act of secretly and illicitly removing corpses from their final resting places, known as body snatching, has also been common practice throughout history. Exhumed cadavers were typically sold and used for educational purposes and for medical research. Grave robbing and body snatching continued into the late-19th Century, and was widely prevalent throughout the United States, including Ohio. This presentation will dissect the motives, uncover the victims and unmask the perpetrators. Were any famous bodies in Ohio snatched? Who was committing these acts? Learn more at our next presentation!    

Humans using nature as symbolic expressions is as old as civilization, but did you know that at one point in history, you could express your true feelings and emotions with a bouquet of flowers, and possibly even spark or end a romance? A rose was not always just a rose in the 19th century! This presentation talks about the coded meanings behind the language of flowers and use of floriography throughout history, particularly focusing on the mid-late 19th century.

Ohio's Inventors and Inventions showcases the groundbreaking ideas and innovations that originated in the Buckeye State. From the Wright brothers' first flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina to the invention of the traffic light, Ohio has played a key role in shaping modern life. This talk highlights influential inventors, their creative processes, and the historical context that fueled their discoveries. Alongside major breakthroughs, you'll also hear about quirky and unexpected inventions that reflect the state's unique spirit of creativity. Join us to discover how Ohio became a lasting hub of ingenuity and innovation.

​Path to Women's Suffrage explores the long and determined struggle for women's right to vote, from early advocacy in the 19th century to the ratification of the 19th Amendment. This presentation highlights key figures, pivotal moments, and the social and political obstacles overcome along the way. Join us to gain a deeper understanding of how women fought for—and won—their place in American society.

An overview of proper behavior in the ballrooms of the Civil War era, with an emphasis on those items useful to the re-enactor. One’s behavior at social functions was important to Victorian ladies and gentlemen and no function typified this as much as a ball. Some rules of etiquette we may consider ridiculous today, but there are many we can use, not only for our enjoyment, but also to upgrade our impressions.

Despite battlelines drawn, the brotherly bond of Freemasonry during the American Civil War was often expressed. This presentation provides an introduction to the history of Freemasonry and highlights some of the profound stories of comradery, cease fire, and respect between Union and Confederate soldiers. The history of Johnson's Island is also touched upon.

McClellan and Treason, or Lincoln and Reunion! delves into the fierce political and military tensions that defined the Union's leadership during the Civil War. General George McClellan’s controversial presidential run starkly contrasted Abraham Lincoln’s unwavering push for national unity and emancipation. Join us to hear an original, first-person speech promoting the reelection of Abraham Lincoln, performed by North Coast Narrative member, John Rys (in the style of that time period). Includes an introductory summary of the presidential election of 1864.

Cedar Point and Kings Island are recognized as global destinations for thrill seekers, roller coaster junkies, and families looking for summer fun and enjoyment. However, long before record-breaking speeds and season passes, Ohio boasted a plethora of quaint picnic groves, popular trolley parks, and fun-filled amusement venues. This presentation will dive hands-up into Ohio amusement park roots and history, and queue through the turnstiles of a few of the more popular parks of pleasure's past, including Euclid Beach Park, Crystal Beach Park, Idora Park, Puritas Springs Park, and more!  

Explore the transformative 1920s decade, focusing on firsts, innovations, fashion, social changes, and women’s liberation. This presentation delves into the rise of convenience foods, the birth of cocktail culture amidst Prohibition, and the evolving social landscape shaped by fashion and new gender norms. By examining these elements, the program highlights how the 1920s shaped modern culture and women's empowerment.