Mark Cory portraying Colonel William Crawford during a living-history presentation. (Photo courtesy of Mark Cory)
BUCYRUS—The Bucyrus Historical Society will host a special presentation on Colonel William Crawford and the American Revolution as part of the nationwide America 250 celebration.
The event will take place during the society’s 2026 Annual Open Meeting will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21, in the auditorium of Good Hope Lutheran Church, 129 W. Charles St.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for a reception featuring cake, refreshments, fellowship, and a patriotic slide show accompanied by piano music performed by Patti Neff.
Formal programming will begin at 6 p.m. and will include recognition of former Bucyrus Historical Society curator Mary Ellen Lust for her lifetime achievements.
The evening’s keynote presentation will be given by Mark Cory, a former history teacher at Colonel Crawford High School and current Bucyrus Historical Society board member, who will portray Colonel William Crawford.
Crawford, a close friend of George Washington, served as a Continental Army officer and frontier leader during the American Revolution. He played a significant role in defending western settlements against British-allied Native American forces and led militia expeditions in the Ohio Country, including the Sandusky Expedition in 1782.
The event is free and open to the public. The venue is handicap accessible, with elevator access and parking available at the rear of the building.
Historical society memberships, commemorative candles, and historical publications will also be available for purchase by cash or check during the event.
Looking ahead: Explore Crawford County’s Historic Highways This June
If you can’t get enough of local history, the historical celebrations continue next month with a special guided bus tour. On Saturday, June 27, at 12:00 p.m., community members can hop aboard an air-conditioned coach for “A Crawford County Tour: Our Lincoln Highway.”
The tour departs from the Sandusky Headwaters Preserve (across from Lowe-Volk Park at 2401 OH-598 in Crestline) and will trace the historic path of America’s first coast-to-coast road. Passengers will also hear stories detailing Colonel Crawford’s 1782 Revolutionary War campaign path to Upper Sandusky.
Tickets are $20 per person, and the tour will return by 5:30 p.m. Because seating is strictly limited to a 30-passenger coach, reservations are expected to fill up fast. The absolute deadline to reserve a seat with payment is Friday, June 5. To secure your spot or get more details, call 419-689-3146.
About The Author
