Custer Memorial Association to celebrate 186th birthday with dinner and history program Dec. 13

The Custer Memorial Association will host its annual Custer’s Birthday Observance Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Scio American Legion Post 482, located at 38175 Crimm Road in Scio. This year marks a change in venue from previous celebrations.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner and the cutting of the birthday cake, followed by recognition of the event’s Golden Sponsors.

The guest speaker will be Van Young, presenting his program titled “Custer’s Last Stand – The Battle of Little Big Horn.” The presentation will explore the 1876 battle near the Little Bighorn River in Montana Territory, where federal troops led by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer faced Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne warriors. As the 150th observance of the battle approaches, Young’s talk will examine the events leading to what historians regard as one of the greatest military defeats in U.S. history, as well as the broader context of Native American displacement.

A self-taught historian and lifelong Northeast Ohio native, Young has lived in Columbus for 44 years. Since retiring from AT&T in 2012, he has become active in two Central Ohio Civil War organizations and currently serves as president of the Griswold Center American History Study Group. He has developed more than 70 presentations on American history, travel and current events, and frequently speaks to historical groups, senior centers, retirement communities and local colleges.

Following Young’s program, an auction featuring Custer memorabilia and donated items from local businesses will be held.

Tickets are $18 per person. Reservations are requested by Dec. 6 by calling Dave Rose at 740-945-3744 or by mailing payment to P.O. Box 111, Jewett, OH 43986. Tickets are also available at the Harrison County Visitor’s Center in Cadiz.