Voices of the Ohio Country: Manasseh Cutler Reenacted

Experience stories from the Ohio pioneer, Manasseh Cutler, as his words come to life in this living history presentation.
About this Event

Join Rural Action and Appalachian Understories for a special living history presentation as historical interpreter Ken Bowald brings Manasseh Cutler to life. Through a first-person portrayal, discover how this minister, physician, scientist, and statesman helped shape the future of Ohio and the Northwest Territory. This immersive reenactment offers audiences a chance to experience Cutler’s ideas, and influence during a formative period in American history.

Following the 30–45 minute presentation, enjoy a 15–30 minute question-and-answer session featuring Greta Suiter, Manuscripts Archivist at the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Preservation & Digital Initiatives. Together, Ken and Greta will explore Cutler's life, his historical significance, and the remarkable collection of papers that preserves his legacy.

This program is presented in conjunction with the opening of The Manasseh Cutler Papers exhibit and is part of the festivities surrounding the Ohio University Central Region Humanities Center 2026 Biennial Conference held September 10–13, 2026.

The event will take place at the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, located on the fifth floor of Alden Library at Ohio University. Visitors are also invited to explore a related physical and digital exhibit featuring original archival materials from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This program is made possible in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in these programs do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

“Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom” -National Endowment for the Humanities.