When I was hired in March, 2004, as the first Director at Historic Fort Steuben, I had inherited an organization with an amazing story.

Founded in 1986 by forward thinking individuals representing a broad spectrum of the community, the group was able to research, raise funds, acquire the property, and reconstruct the original 18th century military fort on its original site. They went on to develop Fort Steuben Park with its landmark Veterans’ Memorial Fountain and construct the Fort Steuben Scenic Byway Visitor Center with grants from ODOT and the Federal Highway Administration. The beautifully transformed block in the downtown soon became a spark plug for revitalization of the area, attracting travelers and tourists, and restoring a sense of pride to a community devastated by the loss of its industrial base.

What a privilege it was to move into my office in the new visitor center, to have a wealth of historical resources available, and to build on the outstanding work that had been done before me. There was already a pool of wonderful volunteers, generous members and donors, and an active Board of Directors. And we have been blessed to have Jerry Barilla as Board President, Site Manager, idea man, and jack-of-all-trades. All that we have accomplished since then could not have happened without that solid foundation – and I gratefully acknowledge the efforts of our founders and volunteers.

Over the next 20 years, we built on that work, expanded our mission, and kept that history alive in so many ways.

One of our first projects was to complete the Fort itself. We fully furnished almost every building, replaced the old picket walls with sturdier ones, and constructed the Guard House. We subsequently replaced gates, put on new roofs, added steps and ramps, and finally installed pavers to make the site more accessible to those with strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs. We replaced the broken old sign on the property along Rt. 7 with a beautiful new one, well-lit, serving as an excellent advertisement for the complex. We also adopted a new name to highlight its historical importance: Historic Fort Steuben.

In Fort Steuben Park, with funding from the long-time businessman Louis Berkman, the Louis & Sandra Berkman Amphitheater was constructed, trees were planted, and landscaping developed. In 2007, the first Summer Concert Series was held offering free live entertainment. Every year since then, improvements have been made to the grounds, including the installation of seating, additional lighting, and accessible walkways. Musical groups from the tri-state area offer entertainment to the 500-1000 attendees every Thursday during the summer months. The success of the concerts has inspired other communities to do the same and proved that people will come into the downtown at night when such entertainment is available.

In 2015 we installed eight flagpoles around the fountain for each branch of military service and had a dedication ceremony. Over the years, veterans’ and Memorial Day programs have been held there.

In 2009, the First Federal Land Office – an 1800 log structure adjacent to the Fort property – was merged with the Old Fort Steuben Project and became part of the Fort Steuben tour experience. The building was repaired with a new roof and gutters and fully refurnished and the park area landscaped with steps and a walkway.

With the spacious new exhibit hall in the Visitor Center, we began to offer a variety of exhibits, displays, and programs at no cost to the public. Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Baron von Steuben, Native Americans in the Ohio Valley, the Civil War, the War of 1812, Edwin Stanton, Lewis and Clark, Military history, the Ohio River, the Constitution, American Quilts, Steubenville Artists, and even a presentation of native Peruvian music were some of the programs featured in the beautiful space. Working with the Professional Land Surveyors of Ohio and staff from the University of Akron, we were able to expand our displays on the Northwest Territory and history of surveying in one of the blockhouses into the Mike Besch Museum of Surveying- the only museum of its kind at this time.

Many of our programs and exhibits were collaborative efforts with organizations such as the Public Libraries of Steubenville and Jefferson County, Franciscan University of Steubenville, the Steubenville City Schools, the Jefferson County Historical Association, Ohio Arts Council, Ohio Humanities Council, Ohio History Connection, DaHeWeMis Questers, the Steubenville Art Association, and the Fort Steuben Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. We have been blessed with funding from our local businesses, organizations, charitable foundations, and generous members.

We continued and expanded the tradition of school tours, the Summer Youth Educational Program, and the Fort Steuben Festival. Worksheets, games, scavenger hunts, and puzzles kept youngsters more attentive. A Fort Steuben Coloring Book created by young intern Nicholas Ward was published as well as an updated Story of Historic Fort Steuben by John Holmes.

The archaeology dig – which was the original inspiration for reconstructing the Fort – under the direction of the Franciscan University of Steubenville Anthropology Program has been ongoing with new students learning field practices every year.

The Visitor Center also houses our Museum Shop, which had new shelving and bookcases installed and offers a wide range of books, maps, charts, games, puzzles, gifts, and city souvenirs. Large display cases for brochures and rack cards are in the Visitor Center for visitors as well as an exhibit on Steubenville’s Native Son, Dean Martin, and a monthly display of artwork by members of the Steubenville Art Association.

We recently updated the Visitor Center with new windows, new bathroom fixtures, new doors, new flooring in the Conference Room, new furnace, and new deck and the entire building was repainted. We are currently seeking funding for a much-needed addition to the building that would provide more exhibition and meeting space as well as public restrooms.

In 2019, the National Park Service expanded the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail to include the “Eastern Legacy” which includes Steubenville. The Exhibit Hall hosts a permanent Lewis and Clark Exhibit, and the site is now part of the NPS Passport Program and the NPS Junior Ranger Program.

We continued the tradition of the Fort Steuben Festival by expanding it to Ohio Valley Frontier Days. For one weekend in early June, visitors get to meet with and interact with experienced reenactors who demonstrate early American skills, crafts, and customs.

A new festival developed in 2015 when the Steubenville Nutcracker Village was created by the talented people at Nelson’s Fine Arts. In 2021, Christmas at the Fort was added to the holiday excitement with the Holiday Market, Christmas Shoppe, outdoor lighting and photo ops, an Art Exhibit and tours of Fort Steuben.

All of these projects and improvements were funded by grants, donations, and contributions by area foundations, businesses, organizations, and individuals. Membership donations have been and continue to be an important part of our budget. Over the years, I have come to know many of these members and supporters personally, and am grateful for their friendship.

In 2012, we took on the duties of the Steubenville Visitor Center, promoting the events and attractions in the area to increase tourism and visitation. This is a separate entity under the umbrella of the Old Fort Steuben Project and receives most of its funding from a portion of the city lodging tax collection. In that capacity, we produce and send out visitor information and brochures, advertise in print and social media, and organize the Downtown Farmers Market, the Christmas Parade, and Steubenville Lights Up the Night. We also are responsible for the City of Murals and since 2012 we have refreshed and repaired seven murals and added five new ones – an investment of over $118,000. We work with bus tours and visitors to plan mural tours throughout the year. It’s been a great privilege to add to the many attractions in the area.

I have marvelous memories of the past 21 years, wonderful friends & co-workers, and the satisfaction of knowing that I made a small but significant contribution to the community. Under our new Director, Paul Zuros, our staff, volunteers, our recently expanded Board of Trustees, and with the continued support of the community, I know that what was begun here almost 40 years ago will continue and Historic Fort Steuben will be “Keeping History Alive” for years to come.