Luncheon to explore Ohio first ladies through history, jewelry and fashion

The City of Medina America 250 Committee announced it will host a luncheon and program in March titled Glitz and Glamour in the White House: The History, Jewelry and Fashions of the Presidential First Ladies from Ohio.

The event is part of a monthlong celebration of Ohio’s art, culture and literature. Ohio is often called the “Mother of Modern Presidents,” as seven U.S. presidents were born in the state, all of whom served during the post-Civil War era.

The speaker will be Medina County resident Dr. Mari Halkovich, a historian and retired superintendent of the Cloverleaf Local School District. After retirement, her interest in history and vintage jewelry led her to a second career buying and selling antique jewelry through her business, Vintage Vanities.

Halkovich travels nationally to buy, sell and appraise jewelry and to participate in antique shows. Through her work, she has assembled an extensive collection of jewelry from the period when Ohio’s seven presidents were in office. Her presentation will allow attendees to view the jewelry up close.

Halkovich is a member of the Gemological Institute of America, the American Society of Jewelry Historians and Costume Jewelry Collectors International. She is a graduate of Leadership Medina County and a member of the Medina County Historical Society.

The program will be held Saturday, March 21, at Williams on the Lake, 787 Lafayette Road. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m., with lunch served at noon, followed by the program. Presale tickets are required. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased by credit card on the visitors page of the city website at medinaoh.org or in Medina City Hall at the Community Development window.

To purchase tickets by check or cash, to reserve group seating or for questions, call 330-722-9029. The deadline to purchase tickets is March 10. The event is sponsored by Sandridge Crafted Foods and Fire-Dex.

In addition to the program, the Medina Library will host a traveling exhibit from the National First Ladies Museum titled American Icons: The Untold Stories of Ohio’s First Ladies throughout the month of March.