Dr. Brandon Downing focuses on early American history, particularly Native-white relations along the frontier. He has taught courses in U.S. History (both to 1877 and after 1877), Colonial America, American Revolutionary Era, Native American History, Atlantic World, Professional Historian, and Introduction to Public History. His current book manuscript is “‘Barbarous Tribes of Savages’: Violence and Conflict on the Periphery of Empire in the Colonial Mid-Atlantic, 1750-1776.” Prior to working at Marietta, Dr. Downing was a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi.

This event has been made possible by the assistance of the Ohio Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

John M. Barr, author of Zane’s Trace: A New Road in a New Country, will discuss the history of the Zane’s Trace as well as its importance to Ohio. Mr. Barr will explore the history and the documents that describe the history and location of the Zane’s Trace. 

Rebecca Carr, Muskingum 250 Committee Chair and Trustee of Muskingum County History, will share newly discovered information about the early life of John McIntire.  In addition, Rebecca will also speak about his many accomplishments, struggles, and the legacy he has left to the people of Zanesville since his death.  The lives and legacies of his wife, Sarah McIntire Young, and daughter, Amelia McIntire, will also be discussed. 

Brooke Anderson with the Muskingum County Genealogical Society will give a talk on the topic, “How to Find Your Ancestors.”  She will offer information and resources to anyone eager to discover their heritage or if their ancestors were Revolutionary War veterans.

In partnership with the Muskingum County Library System, Muskingum 250 is excited to present Patrick McBride as Benjamin Franklin. 

Pat has always had an interest in history as a long-time coin collector, but becoming Franklin was inspired by a suggestion from his good friend and 25-year reenactor, Dennis Boggs (who portrays Abraham Lincoln): “You know, Pat, you would make a wonderful Ben Franklin. You certainly have the personality for it!” Pat was already portly and balding, so he took the next Franklin frugality step by letting his hair grow then purchasing a tri-corner hat.

He quickly immersed himself in the 18th century by reading everything about Benjamin Franklin he could get his hands on. After a several years of reenacting, he has accumulated quite a wardrobe of colonial clothing from various vendors. Pat McBride has given many presentations at museums and historical sites, highlighting Franklin's impact on history.

How long has your family lived in Muskingum County?  Could they have been among the first to call Zanesville home?  Brooke Anderson from the Muskingum County Genealogical Society will give a presentation about how to discover if your ancestors were among the first residents of Muskingum County, and how to join First Families of Muskingum County.