Historian to discuss Ohio, race in Bicentennial lecture

James O. Horton, professor of American studies and history at George Washington University, will discuss “Race and Region: Ohio, America's Middle Ground,” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday (4/9) in Weigel Hall, 1866 College Road. The event is part of The Ohio Bicentennial Distinguished Lecture Series titled “Ohio and the World.”

Horton, who has been a historical adviser to many museums including the Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, was one of two historians appointed by President Clinton to serve on the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. He is the director of the Afro-American Communities Project of the National Museum of American History and the author of “In Hope of Liberty: Culture, Community and Protest Among Northern Free Blacks, 1700-1860,” which was nominated for the 1997 Pulitzer Prize in history. He has also served as a historical expert for ABC, PBS, the Discovery Channel, C-Span and the History Channel.

The lecture series features scholars and experts who can discuss different themes related to Ohio’s continuing development. In addition to Columbus, the lectures will take place in all regions of Ohio, including Cincinnati, Toledo, Dayton, Cleveland and Athens.

WHAT: James O. Horton, professor of American studies and history at George Washington University, will discuss “Race and Region: Ohio, America's Middle Ground”

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday (4/9)

WHERE: Weigel Hall, 1866 College Road

WHY: To celebrate Ohio’s Bicentennial by featuring history scholars who can discuss Ohio’s past and continuing development.