History Enthusiasts
Historical Heritage of Oakwood, Dayton, and Ohio.
Our history is packed with fascinating tales, brilliant discoveries, and notable contributions. Join Wright Library and local historians as we uncover some "history mysteries" and reminisce on some of Ohio's greats. In-person and virtual programs available.
Visit the Wright Library Calendar for a list of every program each month.
Far Hills Speaker Series
All history is local history. Whether you are a history buff or just interested in learning more about the place you live, the Far Hills Speaker Series has engaging stories for everyone. Presenters include local authors and historians that bring you insights into Dayton and Oakwood history, often exploring Dayton's role in a global picture. The Far Hills Speaker Series is a partnership between Wright Library and the Oakwood Historical Society. Upcoming Far Hills Speaker Series programs.
Civil War Speaker Series
This program series highlights Dayton's legacy to the Civil War. A Wright Library partnership with the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and the Miami Valley Civil War Round Table.
When Women Ran Fifth Avenue
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Author Julie Satow talks about her book, When Women Ran Fifth Avenue as part of the Jewish Dayton Cultural Arts & Book Series.
Codebreaking Series
This program series highlights Codebreaking and Cryptology, one of Dayton's best kept secrets. A Wright Library partnership with the National Cryptologic Museum.
- January 23, 2025: Battle of Codes - Cryptology in WWII: How the U.S. protected its communications and broke enemy messages. In-person live-streamed event at Wright Library or register to join from home using Zoom.
- March 19, 2025: Sharing the Burden - The role of women in cryptology specifically during World War II. In-person live-streamed event at Wright Library or register to join from home using Zoom.
- May 8, 2025: Solving the Enigma - The history of the German cipher machine, Enigma, and how it was solved by the Allies. In-person live-streamed event at Wright Library or register to join from home using Zoom.
Past Events (2024):
- The Life, Times and Family of Dayton US Congressman Edward G. Breen with Edward F. Breen (Far Hills Speaker Series) (2024, November 17)
- Oakwood Notables in Woodland Cemetery with David Schmidt (Far Hills Speaker Series) (2024, October 20)
- Ghosts of Gettysburg with Allan Howey (Civil War Series) (2024, October 17)
- Trees of Oakwood Past, Present, & Future (2024, October 16)
- Against All Odds: Lincoln & the Lincoln Presidency with Ron Helms (Civil War Series) (2024, September 19)
- Victory in the Pacific: Local Veterans and their Role in WWII with Ken Serey (Far Hills Speaker Series) (2024 September 15)
- American Secrets: The History of American Cryptology from the National Cryptology Museum (2024, August 8)
- On the Trail with Lewis & Clark (2024, June 23)
- President Teddy Roosevelt & Alice: An Intimate Portrait of a Father and Daughter (2024, June 6)
- Dayton Codebreakers Film Screening with Oakwood Unsung Heroes (2024, May 23)
- James Garfield: Destiny of the Republic (History Mystery Book Club) (2024, April 25)
- Aullwood Audubon's Rich History with Nenita Lapitan (Far Hills Speaker Series) (2024, April 21)
- The Personal Life of John D. Rockefeller (2024, April 15)
- The Great Flood of 1913 with Mark Risley (Far Hills Speaker Series) (2024, March 17)
- Beyond the Playhouse: Mound Labs Mission in Space with Doug Gabriel (Far Hills Speaker Series) (2024, February 18)
- Muppets in Moscow with Natasha Rogoff (Cultural Arts & Book Series) (2024, February 8)
- Oakwood's Unsung Hero: Joe Desch with Andrew Lloyd (Far Hills Speaker Series) (2024, January 28)
- Polonium in the Playhouse with Linda Carrick Thomas (History Mystery Book Club) (2024, January 25)