The Portage County Historical Society has a new addition to its vast collection of historical items celebrating the history of the United States, as it planted a white swamp oak heritage tree on behalf of the America250 Ohio Commission on April 30.
“What was nice about it was that we worked closely with the Portage County Commissioners,” PCHS President Debbie Sunderland told The Weekly Villager on June 25. “They were instrumental in obtaining the America250 heritage tree for us and they couldn’t think of a better place to plant it than right here at the PCHS on Chestnut Street.”
The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking Portage County officials including Commissioners Sabrina Christian-Bennett, Mike Tinlin and Jill Crawford, Kent Mayor Jack Amerheim, State of Ohio Representative Heidi Workman, Tallmadge Mayor Carol Siciliano-Kilway and America 250 Ohio Commission Regional Outreach Ambassador Michael Brennan.
The tree is expected to have a lifespan that will last up to 300 years.
According to Sunderland, the PCHS’ newest item perfectly reflects the country’s history and heritage.
“That tree is going to be here for many years and there is a sign there that says Americs250. So, anybody who is coming for tours whether it is a guided tour or a self-tour will see that tree and know that we stand together and honor its country,” she added.
Sunderland said that as the PCHS approached its 75th anniversary this summer, the Portage County Commissioners sought to plan a special ceremony that not only recognized PCHS’ history but also the history of the United States as this summer marked the 250th anniversary of the nation’s birth.
She said that the Portage County Commissioners reached out to the PCHS about having the America250 Ohio Commission plant a white swamp oak heritage tree on the campus and she called it a great honor.
“They could have put that tree anywhere and so we were honored to have them select us at our location,” she noted.
Sunderland said that she is excited to see the tree begin to blossom on the campus green of the PCHS, is it marks a legacy moment in the country’s history.
In addition to the attendance of several high-ranking officials, Sunderland said that the ceremony was highlighted by the arrival of Outreach Ambassador Brennan, who gave a brief speech commemorating the day’s event.
She called Brennan’s appearance at the event an unexpected but welcome surprise.
“I was so surprised and so happy that our government thinks of us and thinks of our heritage and how we can grow in this nation,” she noted. “I was so happy and to hear how his talk was a legacy in its own because it was so well-written. I felt wonderful to have him there and have him speak to our people and to the day’s event.”
Brennan’s speech noted that the tree just planted on the PCHS’ campus marked the 40th heritage tree planted in Portage County, as the City of Ravenna had been recognized as a Tree City by the National Arbor Day Foundation going for 30 years.
Sunderland called the day a team effort of Portage County officials and residents, as the Davey Tree Expert Company, a tree service based in Kent, delivered the tree to the PCHS and students from Kent Roosevelt High School assisted in planting it.
“I can’t believe the number of groups that are really involved in celebrating America, but I am a firm believer that we celebrate America’s heritage every day of our lives because of the American revolutionary war heroes and our forefathers formed this nation to be here for us,” she said.
