There will be big happenings in Bainbridge this Sunday, May 7th, as part of the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party.
Kevin Coleman spoke with Terressa Reep of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, who are helping to commemorate a Tea Party participant buried in Ross County.
The museum that commemorates the Tea Party, the "Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum," is marking the grave of every participant in time for their December 16th anniversary. Nathaniel Willis was only 18 years old when he helped dump tea overboard, but he eventually settled a farm near Bainbridge.
This is part of "Revolution 250," commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. "Revolution 250 will explore the history of the American Revolution and the ways that this story still resonates in society today."
Terressa Reep says the event is free and starts at noon Sunday in Bainbridge Cemetery, where re-enactors will give a musket salute and present the colors using a Betsy Ross flag. Host of the Willis-James Bed & Breakfast Drew Musser will also speak on Nathaniel Willis, who built the oldest part of that home.
Willis was also a newspaperman and "became one of the pioneer journalists of the unsettled West." In 1796 he moved to Chillicothe, and established the Scioto Gazette.
Reep says a couple food trucks will be on-site, and there will be colonial games for children. All Bainbridge historical sites will be open and a walking tour of the town will be available. She also recommends visiting nearby Seip Mound, part of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. (Reep leads the Friends of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, who continue to host events. She and the Nathaniel Massie Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution are also continuing Liberty Camp, July 31st through August 4th.)
Hear much more in Kevin's interview below. Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom or Kevin Coleman