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Dayton History Continues Annual Events And New Projects To Preserve City's Past

Dayton History

Since 2005, when Carillon Historical Park merged with the Montgomery County Historical Society to form Dayton History, the organization has been in high-gear uncovering and promoting Dayton’s past.

Recent projects include the launch of production of its own wine selection, establishment of the new Cold War Discovery Center, and a recent groundbreaking ceremony for Brethen Tower. The latest venture will see the Callahan Clock, once a familiar and significant landmark along the Dayton skyline, restored and elevated again in a new location.

"As a private non-profit museum, everything we do here is donor driven,” said Dayton History President & CEO Brady Kress, in a recent announcement. “The Brethen Foundation stepped forward to first help build our Carousel of Dayton Innovation, now their philanthropy is propelling this major project dreamed about since adopting the clock in 2006.”

Dayton History hosts several major fundraisers each year to support their mission of historical preservation. One of the most popular events turns 27 this year. Fleurs de Fête features an almost endless selection of local food, and wine, has continues to grow every year.

Holly Brennan is the development director for Dayton History. She says the event, which is likely to draw more than a thousand patrons, helps support their mission to preserve, and highlight the city’s past.

“There’s just a lot of important things that we do here at the park, preserving our artifacts and buildings,” she says. “Were always trying to bring new opportunities for our guests.”

Credit Dayton History

Fleurs de Fête is just one several big fundraisers held by Dayton History. Brennan says this year, the massive food and wine tent will be set up closer to the river, along Carillon Park. For the past several years it has been held under large Sycamore trees behind the Carillon Brewing Company. The event will also feature a larger selection of local beer, says Brennan.

“We got some new breweries participating - Rhinegeist and Mother Stewart's -  not to mention all the food, we actually have 22 restaurants and food vendors this year, so we’re excited to welcome some new restaurants and wines for sampling that day.”

Rounding out the event will be music from funk-rock ensemble, Uptown Band, and both silent and live auction items, and hot air balloon rides.

More information Dayton History’s events and attractions can be found on their website.

Jerry began volunteering at WYSO in 1991 and hosting Sunday night's Alpha Rhythms in 1992. He joined the YSO staff in 2007 as Morning Edition Host, then All Things Considered. He's hosted Sunday morning's WYSO Weekend since 2008 and produced several radio dramas and specials . In 2009 Jerry received the Best Feature award from Public Radio News Directors Inc., and was named the 2023 winner of the Ohio Associated Press Media Editors Best Anchor/News Host award. His current, heart-felt projects include the occasional series Bulletin Board Diaries, which focuses on local, old-school advertisers and small business owners. He has also returned as the co-host Alpha Rhythms.