September 25, 2003

John and Annie Glenn Historic Site receives “History Outreach Excellence Award”

NEW CONCORD, OHIO - The living history program at the John and Annie Glenn Historic Site in downtown New Concord, has been notified that it will receive a prestigious award by the Ohio Association of Historical Societies and Museums (OAHSM). The Glenn Museum is one of eight sites to be awarded this year's "History Outreach Excellence Award" at OAHSM's annual luncheon in Columbus on November 8, 2003. As visitors enter the main floor of the Glenn home, they are introduced to the era of 1944 as they are greeted by various characters who take them back to the American home front during World War II.

These characterizations are designed to tell multi-generational visitors special stories of sacrifice and patriotism. Clara Glenn (John Glenn's mother) talks about rationing, sacrifice, and her fear of losing her only son. Herschel Glenn (Glenn's father) tells of his experience in World War I, his sense of patriotism and his pride in the sacrifice of his son's generation.

The boarders (Robert and Mary Rose) in the Glenn home describe their sacrifices and their contributions to the war effort. Harry, a teenaged neighbor, recalls scarcity as a daily part of his life and of his parents' fear that he will be drafted.

"This period of history is an heroic period of American history and is too frequently ignored," said Dr. Lorle Porter, who heads the living history effort at the museum and who is also the regional historian-in-residence at Muskingum College . "Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our volunteer and professional staff, we are pleased that in the first full year of operation, the John and Annie Glenn Historic Site program is receiving recognition like this," said Don McKendry, the site’s director.

Nine Muskingum students have played the characters based on scripts written by Dr. Diane Rao, associate professor of theatre at Muskingum College. Her scripts are based on research conducted by Dr. Porter. In addition, Dr. Jeff Harman, professor of speech at Muskingum, as well as radio and television students at Muskingum, videotaped oral history interviews pertinent to the scripts. Dr. Harman also filmed the living history performances.

"The partnership between the John and Annie Glenn Historic Site and Muskingum College is a relationship in which the College takes great pride. The contributions of Dr. Rao and Dr. Harman are representative of the spirit of this partnership," said Dr. George Sims, vice-president for academic affairs at Muskingum.

Some 7,000 visitors have visited the John and Annie Glenn Historic site in its first two years of operation. More than 95 percent participated in the living history presentations.

For further information on the John and Annie Glenn Historic Site and Exploration Center, or to make a reservation for a tour, call 740-826-3305.