REACH Speakers Bureau

A new life in the Western Reserve began with a journey of 600 miles, often on foot. Trace the routes of the settlers, and experience the difficulties of dense forest, treacherous river crossings, ice and mud as the pioneers pushed onward with hope and determination.

Situated on the lake and at the mouth of a major river, Cleveland was the ideal location for the capitol of the Western Reserve. Yet in the first twenty years after its founding, virtually no one lived there! Discover the early years of Cleveland through first-hand accounts of settlers and travelers.

The land between the Cuyahoga and Vermilion Rivers was settled beginning in 1807. Witness the establishment of communities such as Black River and Avon, Elyria and Oberlin. Learn how the pioneers helped each other to establish a new life in the raw forests of the western portion of the Reserve.

Step into the story of the Firelands, new territory with deep roots in the Revolutionary War. Witness the slow unfolding of development, as bureaucratic maneuvering and disputes over Native land rights delayed the compensation promised to Connecticut citizens. Hear stories of pioneer life directly from the first settlers.

Ohio was a front line of the War of 1812. See how the unrest leading to the war impacted the settlement of the Reserve. Learn how Reserve pioneers were affected by the war, and discover the role played by the developing village of Cleveland.

In honor of the bicentennial of the establishment of Lorain County (1824-2024), this talk chronicles the settlement of each township. Witness the various ways in which the county was settled: by individual families arriving alone; groups from New England towns such as Sheffield; or organized development of an entire township such as Elyria.

The herb garden of an Ohio pioneer provided what our hardware stores, groceries and pharmacies supply today. Learn some of the valuable plants that settlers brought from the East and how they were used.

The real Johnny Appleseed was far more than a Disney cartoon. Become immersed in the early days of Ohio by following the story of this frontier nurseryman and preacher.

We are accustomed to the nickname Buckeye, but we may not be familiar with this magnificent native tree. Explore the centuries of interaction between the Buckeye tree and Ohio inhabitants, both native people and European-American settlers. The Pilgrim Sycamore reminds us of a little-known period of Ohio history before the Revolution. Meet Ohio's earliest missionaries, the natives they converted, and uncover the tragedy associated with these peaceful people.

Ohio honors a variety of plants that have been significant to the history of the state. Explore the stories of the state flower, tree, wildflower, fruit, and fruit tree.

Take a virtual tour of January 1 as the new year dawns around the world. Discover cultures who celebrate the start of a year at times other than the global standard of January.

Cheer up during the usually drab month of February. The most manipulated month in the calendar has a fascinating history, and is filled with quirky holidays and special observances. From the Groundhog to George Washington, February has something for everyone!

Americans have great respect for military service. Discover the three holidays that honor the military, and examine their history and current practices. Experience Cleveland's key monuments to the major conflicts of the last two centuries.

Trace the story of Independence Day from its revolutionary roots to the traditions we recognize today. Review the factors that led to the dramatic summer of 1776. Explore the Declaration of Independence and cast aside some of the common misconceptions about the document. Witness the evolution of the celebration of Independence, including notable observances of July 4 in Ohio.

Our holiday of horror has roots that go back thousands of years. Learn about the earliest practices of All Hallows Eve and uncover the origins of the spooky symbols we see every October.

People have always expressed gratitude for successful harvests, and the American Thanksgiving holiday continues this tradition. Journey through time from early thanksgiving observances before the pilgrims, to our modern day of family, feasting and football.

Some Christmas practices predate Christianity itself. Follow Christmas through time, including the period when Christmas was banned. Experience the rich traditions and colorful decorations of our familiar secular and religious holiday.

Romp through the rainbow with flowers, enjoying a visual feast from red to yellow to purple. Ride along with pollinators to uncover secret signals plants create that are invisible to humans.

The Victorian era coincided with the Romantic movement, yet British society placed strict limits on public display of emotions. Flowers provided the perfect medium of communication. Discover the hidden meanings of flowers, and how crafts, cooking, and clothing were used to convey messages. Explore spring holidays that were centered around flowers.

For thousands of years, humans have turned to the plant world for healing. Explore traditional knowledge of medicinal plants, and why many of todayss most important medicines have their roots in leaves, bark, flowers, and fungi.