Annual Meeting and Banquet

RESERVATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO TO SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

VIP Reception 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

General Seating 6:15 pm     Opening Remarks 6:45 pm

This event is open to the public as well as our members and friends.

Our Keynote Speaker is Sean Kelley, Director of Public Programming and the Senior Vice President at Eastern State Penitentiary (ESP), a former American prison in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that is now open to the public as a museum.

Come hear how this nationally recognized changemaker successfully FLIPPED HISTORY ON ITS SIDE to spark conversation about contemporary issues.

Mr. Kelley took a stand in re-designing how Eastern State Penitentiary Museum interpreted its history. He realized that the museum could no longer stay neutral on the issue of mass incarceration.  Taking a position on this issue was a shining example of how museums can help shape the narrative by including the presentation of multiple viewpoints and inspiring deeper conversations about issues affecting their immediate surroundings.

After Mr. Kelley tees up the conversation of his experience, we will present a panel of local Lorain leaders to continue a discussion around relevant historic and contemporary topics.  There is no better time to do this than the year 2021 as we are celebrating our 40^th anniversary year with the theme “We’re Forty…Now What?”  As we move into the future it may be time to alter our role from that of a traditional historical society to more of a catalyst for change.  As the organization charged with preserving Lorain’s history, it’s important first to truly understand the needs and wants of our community.  What better way to do that than by inviting a nationally recognized museum expert to our table to educate and inspire our local constituents?

Questions? Contact Barb Piscopo, Eceutive Director at [email protected]