The house on US Route 42 that Charles Young and his family once lived in was affectionately called Youngsholm. It became a National Park Service site and named the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in 2013 to preserve the history and legacy of this exceptionally important historical figure.

                                                         

Charles Young
Charles Young was a man of many talents and overcame immense adversity. He is best known for his military career and affiliation with the Buffalo Soldiers. He was the third African American to graduate from West Point Military Academy, and the first to reach the rank of colonel. He is also well known for his ride on horseback from Wilberforce, Ohio to Washington, D.C. to prove his physical fitness when it was questioned. Young was also a husband, father, professor, and military attache. In addition, he was an artist, musician, poet, and spoke several languages. The National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce has the largest collection of Charles Young archives.

                    

Buffalo Soldiers
The men who fought and served in the all-black military regiments came to be known as Buffalo Soldiers. It is likely that this term of endearment came from the American Indians describing the hair of the soldiers as being like buffalo fur and from witnessing them fight with the strength and bravery of that of the buffalo.

The Monument
The 1974 Xenia tornado passed right through the area destroying several outbuildings on the Youngsholm property, but left the main house intact. Now that it is a National Park site, and still a relatively new one, there is a lot to be done to bring it to the level of historic interpretation that it has the potential to become.



“The park is preparing a Cultural Landscape Report and Environmental Assessment (CLR/EA) to identify key landscape resources, provide preservation planning and site design concepts to protect the monument while accommodating visitor use” (https://parkplanning.nps.gov/).

This Cultural Landscape Report will soon be posted on https://parkplanning.nps.gov/. The input of the community will very much be encouraged in determining a course of action for caring for the site moving forward. Once this information is posted here we can all have a voice in improving this national and neighborhood treasure. Please keep an eye out for this important information, and spread the word.



The park is currently operating on visiting hours by appointment (937) 352-6757.
1120 US Route 42 E (P.O. Box 428), Wilberforce, OH 45384

Further Resources:
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument (CHYO): https://www.nps.gov/chyo/index.htm
CHYO FAQs: https://www.nps.gov/chyo/faqs.htm
CHYO Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlesYoungNPS

Until Next Time!

The Greene County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution proclaiming June 17 through June 23, 2017 as Greene County History Week for the purpose of recognizing and highlighting the importance and preservation of Greene County history.

              

The Greene County Historical Society led the charge for history week in the past, and we here at the Greene County Archives are helping to continue this important tradition in the hopes that it will continue to grow and expand over the coming years. Programs and activities next week will be emphasizing the history within Greene County and the importance of connecting the community with its history and heritage.



Included in the programming this year are historical walking tours, tours of local historical buildings, historical exhibits, informational sessions, and a juried art show.

Check out our Facebook events page for the most up-to-date activity schedules.

Some of the organizations that are scheduled to participate this year are:

Greene County Records Center and Archives
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreeneCountyArchives/
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/pg/GreeneCountyArchives/events/?ref=page_internal

Greene County Historical Society
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Greene-County-Ohio-Historical-Society-250788375827/

The Greene County Room of the Greene County Public Library

Jamestown Area Historical Society
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jamestown-Area-Historical-Society-JAHS-179566738772625/

Yellow Springs Heritage
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YellowSpringsHeritage/
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/pg/YellowSpringsHeritage/events/?ref=page_internal

Xenia Carnegie Library Friends
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/pg/XeniaCarnegieLibrary/events/?ref=page_internal

National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center (Wilberforce)
Website Events: https://www.ohiohistory.org/participate/event-calendar/national-afro/bhtvr2015-(1)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naamcc/
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/pg/naamcc/events/?ref=page_internal

Others may still feel free to join in – and individuals should also feel free to explore other places in the county that may not be listed on the activity schedule for this year.


Until Next Time!

June 9 is International Archives Day!

While there are national archives days, The International Council on Archives (ICA) made International Archives Day to raise additional awareness of the importance of archives and records and the benefits of preserving them for the access of future generations. June 9th was chosen as the logical day because on this day in 1948, The International Council on Archives was created under UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization). ICA’s 70th anniversary will be next year, and today marks the 10th annual independently celebrated International Archives Day.

“This year’s International Archives Day theme ‘Archives, Citizenship and Interculturalism’ resonates with our ICA mission to encourage and support the development of archives in all countries while respecting cultural diversity.

Through the sharing of experiences, research and archival records management we enrich and strengthen our role as archivists. In supporting accountability, access to records and good governance, we are directly contributing to democracy and the enhancement of citizen’s rights.”
- David Fricker, President of ICA





As the race against time continues on with the need to preserve historic evidence through records and archives, raising public and institutional awareness is becoming more and more vital. It is up to each individual person, organization, and institution to work with Archivists and Records Managers to help preserve history, or at the very least realize the importance of doing so.


The following are a few resources for more information.

SAA: http://www2.archivists.org/june-9-is-international-archives-day

International Archives Day 2017: http://www.ica.org/en/international-archives-day-2017

ICA International Archives Day Interactive Map:
http://www.ica.org/en/international-archives-day-programme-s-map

Ask Archivists Blog:
https://askarchivists.wordpress.com/2017/05/07/archivestourism-on-international-archives-day-2017/

AnydayGuide: https://anydayguide.com/calendar/426

International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives (IASA):
https://www.iasa-web.org/event/international-archives-day-2


Until next time!