Bedford Celebrates America 250: Special Speaker Series
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Join the Bedford Historical Society, in collaboration with the City of Bedford, for a special America 250 Speaker Series hosted at Ellenwood Center. This program features premiere topics and distinguished guests highlighting America’s 250th birthday and the important role Bedford and Northeast Ohio have played in our nation’s history.
Location: Ellenwood Center Gym, 124 Ellenwood Ave.
Time: Doors open 6:30pm; Presentation starts at 7:00pm
Fee: FREE! Reserve a seat! Walk-ins welcome if space permits.
Donations accepted for Bedford Historical Society. Light refreshments will be served.
Cleveland: The Car Capital of the World
Date: Friday, March 13, 2026
Presented by Western Reserve Historical Society
At the turn of the twentieth century, Cleveland stood at the forefront of the American automobile revolution, earning its reputation as the Car Capital of the World. Long before Detroit rose to prominence, Cleveland and the Western Reserve were home to dozens of innovative automobile manufacturers whose ideas and engineering helped shape the future of transportation. Supported by a powerful industrial base, a highly skilled workforce, and a culture of invention, the city became a natural center for early automotive experimentation and production. This presentation takes audiences on a ride through Cleveland’s automotive golden age, uncovering a remarkable array of locally built vehicles that defined performance, reliability, and engineering excellence. From luxury automobiles to groundbreaking commercial vehicles, Cleveland-made cars traveled roads across the nation and around the world, leaving a lasting imprint on American industry and innovation.
Archibald Willard and The Spirit of ’76
Date: Friday, May 8, 2026
Presented by Mary Manning, Western Reserve Historical Society
This program examines the life and legacy of Archibald Willard, the Bedford-born artist behind the iconic painting The Spirit of ’76. First exhibited during the nation’s Centennial celebration in 1875, the painting emerged as a powerful symbol of American patriotism, resilience, and unity. Depicting the determination of Revolutionary War musicians, the work resonated deeply with a country still recovering from the Civil War and helped shape how generations would remember the nation’s founding. Widely reproduced in textbooks, posters, popular culture, and proudly featured as the City of Bedford’s official logo, The Spirit of ’76 demonstrates the enduring influence of art on national identity. The program also traces Willard’s artistic journey and his strong connection to Bedford, where he was born and spent much of his life. Celebrated as one of the city’s most significant historical figures, Willard’s legacy is preserved through local landmarks, commemorations, and lasting community pride. Through art, history, and local heritage, this program connects a world-renowned image to the hometown that inspired it, illustrating how Bedford’s story is woven into the broader American experience.
Declaration 250: Commitment Renewed
Date: Friday, June 5, 2026
Presented by Lake Erie Heritage Foundation
In 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of its founding through Declaration 250: America’s Commitment Renewed, a national observance focused on the moment the Declaration of Independence became a binding act. While July 4, 1776, marks the document’s adoption, August 2, 1776, marks the day when the signers placed their names upon it. That act transformed revolutionary ideals into personal commitment. By signing the Declaration, the founders committed an act of treason against the British Crown, knowingly pledging their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to the cause of independence. On August 1 and 2, 2026, Americans will be invited to take part in a National Signing Ceremony in Put-in-Bay, at the Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial—a site that uniquely connects the defense of American independence with the enduring pursuit of peace. Overlooking Lake Erie, the memorial stands as a powerful symbol of sacrifice, unity, and international cooperation. Ohio’s role in this commemoration is both intentional and fitting. Throughout American history, the state has quietly provided leadership, industry, and military strength at critical moments. Declaration 250 places Ohio at the heart of the nation’s 250-year story.
Camp Cleveland: Civil War Training Ground
Date: Friday, August 14, 2026
Presented by Kit Whipple, author of “Cleveland’s Colorful Characters”
This program explores the remarkable and often overlooked history of Camp Cleveland, the largest Civil War training ground in Ohio. Located in what is today Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood, Camp Cleveland played a critical role in the Union war effort and left a lasting imprint on both the city’s landscape and its historical legacy. During the Civil War, Camp Cleveland served multiple functions essential to the conflict. Thousands of Union soldiers trained on its grounds before heading south to battle, while a large military hospital cared for wounded and sick troops returning from the front. The site also operated as a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp, adding another complex layer to its history. Camp Cleveland stands as a site of national significance—where training, healing, hardship, and history converged during one of the most defining periods in American history.