Mary Alice Reporting – A crowd gathered at the Pac to recognize the continuing preservation of Historic Schoenbrunn Village.
The rain moved the event inside with guest speakers including New Philadelphia Mayor Joel Day, Museum Director Wendy Zucal, and Ohio History Connection Cultural Resource Division Director Megan Wood.
Schoenbrunn is the site of several firsts in Ohio as an established settlement with a church, code of laws, and a schoolhouse. It was founded in 1772 as a Moravian Mission among the Delaware Indians but, after five successful years, the site was abandoned due to the start of the Revolutionary War and encroaching forces.
Among the thing recognized was the continuing work at the village, something Zucal says will be noticeable with new identifying signs and a new home build of Schebosh cabin.
“Landmark anniversaries, such as this one, presents a moment, an opportunity to step back and to reflect on historical moments that are significant and important to us. We decide this moment, this 250th anniversary, should not be fleeting but it should be an opportunity to celebrate.”
She adds that Schoenbrunn is known for many things but most of all for its people as David Zeisberger, the founder, loved his people.
Also speaking was Moravian Church Northern Province President Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Miller who talked about the gifted sculpture representing the clans of the Delaware.
“The wolf, the turkey, and the turtle. It is our hope that this sculpture will stand as a lasting reminder of the Moravian Missioners coming to the land and the people of the Delaware nation.”
Folks are invited out today and tomorrow (Wednesday) for the continued celebration of the anniversary with interpreters at the different buildings.
Throughout the remainder of the summer, general admission is Tuesday through Sunday with adult tickets at $7 and children, ages 7 to 17, $4.
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