Watch the Oakwood Register for additional details on these special events. If you'd like to be added to an email list for reminders, please email us at membership@oakwoodhistory.org.
The Far Hills Speaker Series is presented in conjunction with the Wright Memorial Public Library. Presentations are 2-3PM in the library's Community Room on select Sundays in the Spring and Fall. In-person attendance does not require registration. For registering to attend virtually over Zoom, please visit Wright Library's page for the series. Recordings of some past talks are available on Wright Library's YouTube page.
Register to attend virtually through Wright Library
Dayton's industrial innovators - from the Wright Brothers to National Cash Register - are captured at Carillon Historical Park in Dayton, Ohio. To mark the Park's 75th anniversary in 2025, Dayton History released A Living Landmark: The Story of Carillon Historical Park, highlighting the history of the 65-acre open-air museum that features historic buildings, exhibits, a brewery, and a themed carousel. The book chronicles how the park transformed swampland into a significant cultural site, detailing its journey and impact.
Authors Alex Heckman, Vice President of Museum Operations for Dayton History, and Steve Lucht, the Carillon Park Curator, will share the Carillon story.
Register to attend virtually through Wright Library
Their families originated from England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Germany and more. They fought in a cause that took them from New England to Virginia, the Southern Campaign of General Greene and the battlefields that brought forth the United States of America. Veterans of Valley Forge, Brandywine, and Yorktown lie at rest in Montgomery County, a county named after General Montgomery of the Continental Army, and adjacent to Greene County, after another Continental General, Nathaniel Greene. This talk looks at those veterans, their links to Montgomery County, Oakwood and Centerville, and their roles in the war that changed the Continent. It aims to put some context into the incredible sacrifices and achievements of those individuals and bring to the fore anecdotes on their road to Ohio.
Presented by Andrew Lloyd.
Sunday April 19, 2026 / 3:30PM / House Museum
Following the FHSS talk, join us as a tree donated by Green Oakwood is planted on the Homestead grounds. This will mark the kick-off for Oakwood's America250 events and celebration. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Sunday April 26, 2026 / Hawthorne Hill
Must pre-register at DaytonHistory.org
Second and Fourth Sundays of each month from 1-3PM
Starting May 10 and continuing through November 8.
Saturday May 16, 2026
May 17 - Aug 23 / House Museum
Registration expected to open in mid-April
Sunday February 15, 2026 / 2PM / Wright Library Community Room
Learn about the lives of African Americans whose final resting place is in Dayton, Ohio, including freed slave, Jordan Anderson; mayor, James McGee; politician, C. J. McLin; pitcher, William G. Sloan; educator, Louisa Troy; and trombonist, Mitchell "Booty" Woods.
Presented by Angie Hoschouer Berghuis. Angie is a member of the Education and Heritage Committee. She is also the neighborhood liaison for the Grafton Hill Neighborhood Association and the Marketing and Communications chair for Preservation Dayton.
Saturday, December 7, 2025 / 2-5PM / House Museum
In the spirit of the season, we invite everyone to join us for a Holiday Open House at the Long-Romspert House Museum on Saturday, December 7, from 2 to 5 p.m. Enjoy guided tours of the beautifully decorated historic home, along with fresh-baked cookies, hot apple cider, festive music, and good conversation. It’s a wonderful opportunity to slow down, visit with neighbors, and share in the warmth of the holidays together.
The Oakwood Historical Society will be taking a break from hosting the Holiday Home Tour this year. While we know this beloved tradition is something many look forward to each December, the Society has been dedicating this time to reorganization, rebuilding, and strengthening partnerships within the community.
This pause allows us to focus on creating new and meaningful ways to connect with Oakwood residents and celebrate our shared history. We’re excited about what’s ahead and are already looking forward to bringing the Holiday Home Tour back in the future—refreshed, reimagined, and as festive as ever.
We sincerely thank our members, volunteers, homeowners, and the entire Oakwood community for their ongoing support. Your enthusiasm and involvement are what make all of our events possible, and we can’t wait to welcome you back soon.
Please RSVP so we can plan for refreshments. This also lets us inform you if there are any event updates.
Please consider making a small donation to support the Historical Society. Feel free to share our event flyer.
Monday November 17, 2025 / 7PM / House Museum
Join us for the annual meeting of the Oakwood Historical Society!
Registration to attend virtually may be available through Wright Library
It could be said that the 1940s brought forth the most enthusiastic, heartfelt, memorable music that is still recognized today. We all have memories of those songs that our parents and grandparents grew up with. Many high school marching bands still play a variety of those classics from 80 years ago at halftime of a football game.
Ken Serey will connect those songs to stories of the local veterans who lived during and through those tunes. Hear the music, learn about the artists, the background story of the song and the personal emotional reflections from the soldiers. Bing Crosby's “White Christmas” was played while soldier were marching to the Battle of the Bulge and “Silent Night” brought many tears to soldiers’ eyes. Songs will include “White Christmas, “We Will Meet Again”, “Smoke on the Water” (Red Foley version) “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”, “Mares Eat Oats” and “Silent Night”.
Ken will share how the music of WWII, especially these songs, helped turn the tide in the European Theater.
Author of the book “What’s the Story - Dayton Veterans’ Stories” Tipp city resident Ken Serey has a longstanding involvement and commitment to veterans. The child of a World War II veteran, Serey, has long had an interest in war stories. While working for Visual Tech Connection, which specializes in helping people with poor vision, Serey met seniors connected to the war as he traveled for work throughout Ohio. He realized their stories deserved to be written and preserved, so when he retired, he got to work. The veterans’ stories in “What’s the Story” are documented accounts and tell what it was like to be at war in the true sense. As Ken says, “It is very important to preserve these stories and to preserve this fading part of the historical record.”
Register to attend virtually through Wright Library
In the 1950s, crowds that equaled half the city of Troy's population filled the newly constructed 3,900-seat Hobart Arena to watch the area's first hockey team, the Troy Bruins, take the ice. In the 1960s and 1970s, fans packed one of hockey's great “barns,” Hara Arena, to watch the Dayton Gems become one of the more well-known and successful franchises in all professional hockey. In the 1990s and 2000s, it was the Dayton Bombers that reignited the area's love for hockey. “The History of Hockey in Dayton” will tell the story of teams, players, people, and events that have permanently frozen hockey's place in the history of Dayton area sports.
Chuck Gabringer is the author of “Hockey in Dayton”, a pictorial history of professional hockey in Dayton and clearly a hockey fan. Chuck holds an undergraduate degree in Communications-Journalism and master’s degree in behavioral sciences. Currently he is a Project Manager for PNC Bank.
Join us for a free guided tour of Oakwood’s historic parks on Sunday, October 12, 1pm. This walking tour will include a hike through Loy Garden, Elizabeth Gardens, Friendship Park at Houk Stream, Centennial Park, and Francine’s Garden.
Participants will learn about the storied history, nature, and geology of the parks on the nearly two miles of wooded trails — and about the people who worked to preserve these lovely wooded areas, ensuring they remain today for all to enjoy.
Guests will meet at the Society’s Long-Romspert House Museum at 1947 Far Hills Avenue. Due to limited parking, participants should park on side streets or walk to the House Museum. Those who arrive early may tour the home prior to the hike.
The tour is free, but since participation is limited, registration is required. Registration has closed because the tour is full!
The Oakwood Historical Society, in partnership with Miami Valley Jewish Genealogy & History, is offering a free history walking tour of Beth Abraham Cemetery and Temple Israel’s Riverview Cemetery on Sunday, September 28, at 12 noon.
This history walking tour will be led by Marshall Weiss, Editor and Publisher of The Dayton Jewish Observer and Project Director of Miami Valley Jewish Genealogy & History. The tour will focus on the early history of Dayton’s Jewish community, the establishment of Dayton’s first Jewish cemetery in 1851, and will explain Jewish burial customs and decode the symbols found on Jewish gravestones. You’ll also learn of NCR founder John H. Patterson’s involvement in relocating the first Jewish cemetery from Dayton and NCR’s later involvement of the now Founders’ Circle in Temple Israel’s Riverview.
The adjoining cemeteries are located on West Schantz Avenue near the Oakwood/Kettering border. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended and parking is available along West Schantz Avenue.
The tour is free, but particpation is limited. Registration has closed because the tour is full!
See the flyer for more details.
Dayton has been known as a city of tinkerers for a long time. So, it’s natural that local folks found ways to involve themselves in the evolution of the Horseless Carriage. It’s also true that evolution is not a direct route. We’ll talk about some of the less successful attempts, some lesser-known successes and I’ll tell you some stories about the Barn Gang that you haven’t heard before.
Tom Gaudion received a BS in Aerospace Engineering from Purdue in 1974. That was when signs were going up near the Boeing plants in Seattle saying, "Would the last engineer leaving Seattle, please turn out the lights." So, he took a nice safe job back in Dayton with Frigidaire’s automotive air conditioning group. He was laid off six months later. He went back to aerospace where he spent the rest of his career. Tom never lost his curiosity about cars and Dayton’s involvement.
Sunday Aug 17, 2025 / 1 to 5 PM / Oakwood House Museum
The grounds of The Long-Romspert Homestead House Museum at 1947 Far Hills Ave. will be covered in classic, vintage, exotic and special interest cars from a wide range of historic periods. The house and outbuildings will be open for tours. This is a chance to appreciate the art and technology of automobiles and to visit one of Oakwood's iconic landmarks.
Due to limited parking, visitors are encouraged to park on side streets or enjoy a Summer's walk or bike ride to "The Homestead".
Sunday July 20, 2025 / 3–5 PM / 1947 Far Hills
As a Historical Society, 2024–2025 marks our 50th year of incorporation, and we would love to have you join us as we close out this momentous occasion with a community and family-focused party. It is an exciting milestone for us to reach in such a wonderfully historic town—Oakwood. We will see you there!
Grades 1-4. Please see the flyer for more information.
Eight sessions on Sunday Afternoons @ 3:30-5pm
Saturday May 17, 2025 / 4-7pm / 1947 Far Hills
Join the Oakwood Historical Society for a wine and cheese gathering on That Day in May.
The first 50 registrations will include a wine glass commemorating the Oakwood Historical Society's 50th anniversary.
Tickets are $35 each.
Tickets are available on Dayton History's website.
This event will give you a chance to tour Hawthorn Hill, the stately home of Orville Wright and the Wright family, one that reflects their success, ingenuity, and creative genius. The Wright at Home event features an open-house style experience in which knowledgeable docents are positioned throughout the home where Orville, Katharine and their father, Milton, lived. They will share stories about the Wright family and some of the illustrious visitors to Hawthorn Hill such as Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Charles Lindbergh. You will also have the opportunity to meet Stephen Wright, the great grandnephew of Wilbur and Orville Wright.
In addition to the house tour, docents will be available to take you on a short neighborhood walking tour where you will hear about Orville’s famous neighbors. You will learn about an early member of the “Barn Gang,” a group instrumental in the practical use of early automobiles, and a well-known architect who designed many of the prominent homes and buildings in both Oakwood and Dayton. Also, you will hear the story of an Oakwood resident credited with the early success of Frigidaire and the rags-to-riches life of a German immigrant who earned the title “Maker of Machines.” After the tours, relax with some light refreshments including Orville’s favorite cookies and peruse the gifts and books about Oakwood and the Wright brothers that will be for sale.
Proceeds from this event directly benefit Dayton History and The Oakwood Historical Society, two non-profit organizations dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of our community. For questions, please contact The Oakwood Historical Society: info@oakwoodhistory.org. We hope to see you there!
Register to attend virtually through Wright Library
Dayton produced so many talented musicians. This lecture will focus on the great jazz musicians who were born or raised in Dayton. Featured musicians include composer Billy Strayhorn, trumpeter Snooky Young, guitarist John Scofield, trombonist Booty Wood, singer Ada Lee, singer Little Miss Cornshucks, saxophonist Bud Shank, trumpeter Tim Hagans, tubist/bassist Gene Mayl, and banjoist Dave Greer. Samples of their music will be presented.
Raised by musicians in Oklahoma, Jimmy Leach grew up singing and playing trumpet, piano, organ, and guitar in bands, choirs, orchestras, jazz bands, and churches. Jimmy has performed at Disney World, Opryland, Aspen Music Festival, and around the world on Holland American Line ships. He has played with Johnny Mathis, Shirley Jones, T. S. Monk Jr., Mary Wilson, Bernadette Peters, and with John Williams and the Boston Symphony brass and percussion for a Red Sox game in Fenway Park. Jimmy's teaching positions include public schools and colleges in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, North Dakota, Michigan, and even Harvard University where he received three teaching awards as a teaching assistant. In 2008, Jimmy completed a DMA in trumpet performance at Boston University, where his dissertation was on the music of Louis Armstrong. Around Ohio, Jimmy has led his groups in concert at the Levitt Pavilion, Masonic Temple, Wright Memorial Library, David's Church, Dayton Art Institute, St. Paul's in Oakwood, Holy Trinity in Oxford, First Church in Middletown, and Christ Church Cathedral in Cincinnati. Jimmy teaches private piano, trumpet, guitar, organ, and voice at his home in Oakwood. Listen to his album Jimmy Leach Sings Chet Baker on most streaming services or YouTube.
Register to attend virtually through Wright Library
Oldtown near Xenia is on the former site of a large Shawnee settlement called Old Chillicothe. The settlement of Old Town was led by Chief Blackfish and had a population of 1,000 in the late 1770’s and was the capital of the Shawnee people. Old Chillicothe's council house is believed to have been located on a high ridge visible in the site today. At the time, Old Chillicothe was the largest settlement in Ohio. In 1780, the site was abandoned as George Rogers Clark came out of Kentucky to raid Old Town. The Shawnee set fire to the site and fled ahead of the attack.
Great Council State Park, the newest state park, both honors the history of the Shawnee people in our area and gives present-day Shawnee a place to share their stories.
Ryan Dimisa is the Naturalist at Great Council State Park and Interpretive Center, where he educates visitors on the history of the Shawnee people and culture associated with the site of Old Chillicothe in the late 1770s. Ryan's work as an interpreter began before Great Council, at sites like the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and Sunwatch Archeological Park, where he has been creating educational programs and leading interpretations for more than 5 years. Ryan is passionate about working directly with Tribal communities to ensure his interpretations at Great Council State Park and Interpretive Center are accurate and up to date with current community understandings and needs.
Register to attend virtually through Wright Library
When settlers arrived in the Ohio area, they were impressed to find large, mysterious earthworks in the shapes of mounds, enclosures, and animal effigies. This program covers some of these sites, including many in the Dayton region, and looks at the ancient indigenous people who built them.
Mark Risley is a retired airline aircraft dispatcher, past president of The Oakwood Historical Society and an active volunteer for several organizations. He is a distinguished moderator at the University of Dayton Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and a contributing writer to The Oakwood Register.
Tours of four homes with, two in the Maysfield Plat and two in the Houk Plat. Event sold out.
The 2024 election has drawn to its historic conclusion. In that spirit, the life and times of former Dayton Mayor and U.S. Congressman Edward Grimes Breen is being shared by his son, Edward Focke Breen. Breen tells the astonishing story of one man, his father, and his family who went from hardworking immigrants to wealth and political power. It is a cultural history of America from the mid -19th through the mid-20th centuries. Breen retells stories of personal interactions his father had with luminaries such as Ohio Gov. James M. Cox, aviator Amelia Earhart, Presidents Warren Harding and Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy, the youngest Miss America and other interesting historical and political figures of the times. Edward G. Breen lived a storied life. Edward Focke Breen is a born storyteller and has so many fascinating historical stories to share about political life in his father’s time.
Edward Focke Breen is the author of the book “Lucky Eddie: The Life, Times and Family of Former U.S. Congressman, Edward G. Breen.” Breen is an Ohio native and schoolteacher who has spent a lifetime traveling in Europe, North Africa, and the Americas. A graduate of Capital University who has done post graduate work at Antioch University, he is married to Catherine Taylor, a writer and former magazine editor. They and their two sons live in Kettering, Ohio and spend summers at their home in coastal Maine.
This is an opportunity that our membership should not miss. Ed is a fascinating speaker and will share stories about not only his father but also other Oakwood residents from his dad's time. This will be his final presentation in the Far Hills Speaker Series.
1841 brought about the establishment of Woodland Cemetery, located on the “out-skirts of Dayton”. Since then, Woodland Cemetery has become the final resting place for many Oakwood notables including John Patterson, the Wright Brothers, Colonel Edward Deeds and many other well-known Oakwood citizens. Each of these individuals has had significant impact to our community and to the world. This presentation will highlight Oakwood notables interred in Woodland as well as provide a brief history of these individuals as we take a virtual tour of the cemetery.
David Schmidt, Phd. has a passion for the local history of our region. He grew up in Kettering and has made multiple presentations to the Oakwood Historical Society. David has also researched, developed and teaches Oakwood 101, a comprehensive history of Oakwood through the Oakwood Historical Society. David earned his Ph.D. from the Department of Geological Sciences at The Ohio State University in 2006. In 1999 and 2001, respectively, he received a B.S. and M.S. from the Department of Geological Sciences at Wright State University. Dr. Schmidt serves WSU as its Director of Undergraduate Programs in Earth and Environmental Sciences at Brehm Lab. His teaching involves classes in Environmental Science and Society, Earth Systems, and Process Geomorphology.
Wright Memorial Library has posted a recording of the presentation
On September 2, 1945, Japan surrendered on the decks of the USS Missouri ending World War II in the Pacific. Seventy-Nine years later, first-hand accounts of Dayton area veterans, their stories, and the impact WW II made on their lives are becoming rare. About 119,000 WW II veterans are still alive today out of approximately 16 million men and women who served during WWII. But what is more shocking is how often we are losing these WWII veterans. It is estimated that each day, 131 of the remaining WWII veterans die. As we lose World War II veterans at a strikingly rapid rate their stories become even more precious. Ken will share the firsthand accounts as told to him by Pacific Theater veterans - their stories of endurance, survival, courage, and sacrifice made in the name of our country and our freedom as they bravely served in the Pacific. Ken will share stories that might have gone undocumented but are now documented and can be shared for generations to come.
Author and Tipp City resident Ken Serey has a longstanding involvement and commitment to veterans. The child of a World War II veteran, Serey has long had an interest in war stories. While working for Visual Tech Connection, which specializes in helping people with poor vision, Serey met seniors connected to the war as he traveled for work throughout Ohio. He realized their stories deserved to be written and preserved, so when he retired, he got to work. The veterans’ stories in his book “What’s the Story?” are documented accounts and tell what it was like to be at war in the true sense. As Ken says, “It is very important to preserve these stories and to preserve this fading part of the historical record.”
Free admission and open to the public
Due to limited parking, visitors are encouraged to park on side streets, enjoy a summer's walk, or bike to the homestead.