🎭 Join us for a Historical Double Feature Presentation for Black History Month!

2:30p.m. “Ohio Rebels” performed by Mark Welch

It is a true but little-known story of interracial cooperation that occurred in Ohio in the late 1850s. In "Ohio Rebels," slave catchers come to Oberlin, Ohio and carry away John Price, a slave who has escaped from Northern Kentucky. Upon hearing of the abduction, the citizens of Oberlin rise up, chase down the kidnappers and rescue their fellow townsman in the nearby town of Wellington. The “Rescuers” as they came to be known, both black and white, are imprisoned and prosecuted under the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 for their role in freeing Price. The pro slavery federal government at the time clashes with Ohio’s growing abolitionist movement in an interesting geographical twist on arguments about state’s rights. The entire country is on edge waiting to see just how far the State of Ohio will go in taking on the hated Buchanan Administration.

Mark is a long-time docent at the Kelton House and spent many years as a member of its Community Advisory Committee. He has been very active in various Kelton House dramatic presentations, including "Not On Our Watch," "Voices From The Past" and "Renaissance Man." Retired from a 35-year career as a practicing attorney, Mark enjoys acting, history. and the study of constitutional law. "Ohio Rebels" hits the sweet spot for him as at allows him to combine all three of those interests.

3p.m. “Sophia’s Secret” performed by Dr. Mary Oellermann, Ph. D.

Sophia Kelton has a secret! Mrs. Kelton and her husband, Fernando, were abolitionists living at their beautiful home at 586 E. Town Street during the American Civil War. Their family was deeply affected by this conflict. Mrs. Kelton will swear you to secrecy and tell of her family’s actions helping freedom seekers Martha and Pearl Hartway find their way to freedom. Sophia’s Secret is a solo performance developed and performed by Dr. Mary Oellermann.

This educational program is led by Dr. Mary Oellermann, past president of the Junior League of Columbus. Dr. Oellerman and Director of Education at the Kelton House Museum and Garden

Black History Month Presentations

By Junior League of Columbus

Black History Month Presentations