These programs, featuring presentations of local historical and community topics, are held on Wednesday nights at 6 pm in the Community Room on the lower level of the Library throughout the months of February and March. All Winter Lecture Series programs are free for the public to attend. For those who cannot attend in person, these programs are generally livestreamed and and recordings are available to view following the broadcast on the Library’s website, Facebook Page, and YouTube channel.
2025 Schedule:
➤ Download the 2025 Great Stone Viaduct Winter Lecture Series brochure and schedule
Wed., Feb. 5 at 6 pm
Mapping the First Landowners in Belmont County
Based upon the Bureau of Land Management’s General Land Office records, this trio has created a digital record of Belmont County’s first landowners, overlaying creeks and towns help us learn more about Belmont County’s history.
Presented by: Jason Garczyk, Belmont County recorder; Crystal Lorimor, Community Improvement Corporation; & Anthony Atkins, Belmont County GIS Director- Wed., Feb. 12 at 6 pm
I’ve Never Been to Heaven: But I’ve Been to Oklahoma
Bellaire native Kurt Turner will talk about his book which chronicles his journey from his service on a medical ship in Vietnam to how it shaped his work in Critical Incident Stress Management and PTSD recovery.
Presented by: author Kurt Turner
- Wed., Feb. 19 at 6 pm
Why the West Went to War in 1812
This talk answers the question: What was the link between western states and territories and the War of 1812? Investigating backcountry culture and its influence on shaping the Northwest Territory’s organization is central to understanding why settlers living in trans-Appalachia adamantly supported war against Great Britain and their Indian allies.
Presented by: Brandon Downing, Associate Professor of History, Marietta College
- Wed., Feb. 26 at 6 pm
A Historic District for Downtown Bellaire
Betsy Sweeny and Jon Smith will talk about the historic property survey that is currently being conducted of Bellaire’s downtown buildings and what it will mean for Bellaire to be part of a National Register Historic District.
Presented by: Betsy Sweeny, Building Preservation Instructor at Belmont College, with Jon Smith, Bellaire Historic District Committee Member
- Wed., Mar. 5 at 6 pm
The Peopling of North America: Ohio and Beyond
This talk will discuss the first colonization of North America, which occurred more than 14,000 years ago. The first part of the presentation will discuss key questions and debates surrounding this event, as well as the evidence of North America’s first people. The second part of this talk will focus on this time-period in Ohio.
Presented by: Joseph Gingerich, Associate Professor of Anthropology in Archaeology, Ohio University
- Wed., Mar. 12 at 6 pm
“Pulling the Thread: Untangling Wheeling History”
Dr. Christina Fisanick’s passion for historical storytelling has taken her on a journey through local, state, and national archives where she has unfolded a tapestry of Wheeling’s rich past. Her essays pull a thread, leading to unexpected connections and revelations that weave narratives that transcend time, bringing to light forgotten stories and hidden ties. From Mark Twain to the tragic wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald to the 1878 World Expo in Paris, unexpected links to the Ohio Valley are blended with the rigor of historical research and the flair of a novelist.
Presented by: Christina Fisanick, Professor of English, PennWest California
- Wed., Mar. 19 at 6 pm*
Backyard Flora and Fauna of Belmont County
Award-winning photographer, Daniel Caron, carries at least one camera with him at all times, whether on outings to new locations or just when exploring his backyard. In this presentation, he will connect us to the flora and fauna that reside outside our own doors here in Belmont County.
Presented by: Photographer Daniel Caron.
(NOTE: This program will not be livestreamed. In-person attendance only)
- Wed., Mar. 26 at 6 pm
West Virginia Mining History
Brandi Hurley uses social media to talk about coal country’s hidden histories. Her popular TikTok channel has over 17,00 subscribers. She’ll share with us disasters, dastardly deeds, and other delectable stories about West Virginia’s coal mining history.
Presented by: Brandi Hurley, attorney and digital content creator
About the Winter Lecture Series:
In 2013, a partnership was forged between the Bellaire Public Library and the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society to sponsor public lectures featuring noted speakers presenting topics relating to the local heritage of the Tri-State areas. These free lectures continue to be offered annually during the months of February & March.
