Dover Public Library to host semiquincentennial program series

This year, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial. Dover Public Library will join the commemoration with monthly programs highlighting the unique contributions of Ohio and Ohioans throughout history.

The first program in the yearlong series will be held Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 525 N. Walnut St. It is titled A Fort Beneath Our Feet: The History and Future of Fort Laurens, 1778-2028. Jonathan Brewster, project director and lead archaeologist for the Fort Laurens 250 Project, will discuss the history of the fort and provide an overview of the current rehabilitation effort. He will also share findings from the 2025 archaeological field season.

Brewster is an archaeologist with the Ohio History Connection and has 15 years of excavation experience on projects across Ohio and the Midwest. He grew up in Cleveland and Detroit and now lives in Grand River, Ohio.

"As citizens of Tuscarawas County, we have a lot to be proud of,"said Sherrel Rieger, adult program specialist at the library. "Not only is our local history full of great accomplishments by industrious, inventive and talented people, but our future is just as promising. Let’s gather as a community to celebrate our past, present and future."

Upcoming programs include a book launch on the history of manufacturing in Tuscarawas County, a concert by Celtic Rush, a program on Superior Clay Corp., a program about siblings who served in World War II, and a cemetery walk. Details will be announced in the library’s monthly Footnotes newsletter and on the events calendar at www.doverlibrary.org/events.

For more information, call the library at 330-343-6123.