History Discussion Group Resumes
The Massillon Museum’s History Discussion Group will resume its monthly meetings on Tuesday, October 4, 10:00 a.m. to noon. Moderator Chris Craft will lead the discussion about live performances and venues.
Participants can learn about the bandstand that long ago hosted concerts in City Hall Park—now MassMu’s front lawn. Big name lecturers, entertainers, and athletes often performed at the Opera House on South Erie Street because it was one of the finest facilities between Pittsburgh and Chicago. The Grand Theatre across Lincoln Way from the Museum’s current site was built as a vaudeville theatre in 1915. In the mid-twentieth century, Stark Countians often danced indoors at the Meyers Lake Ballroom and under the stars at Moonlight Gardens to the music of the nation’s best big bands.
Participants should bring their own memories and memorabilia—ticket stubs, newspaper ads, programs, dance cards, autographed photos of performers—to share.
The History Discussion Group meets in the Fred F. Silk Community Room in the Museum’s lower level. The Museum is fully accessible. Attendance is free and open to everyone; new participants are always welcome. Liebermann’s pastries and coffee are available for a donation. Free parking is available on adjacent streets and nearby city lots.
History discussions draw a diverse group. Many attend to reminisce, while others come to learn about the town’s past. Some people attend every session—the first Tuesday of every month. Others attend only when the topic especially interests them. Some guests engage in the conversations; others simply enjoy listening. No reservations are necessary.
MassMu’s History Discussion Group has met continuously since 1995—except during the pandemic. It’s one of MassMu’s series of free events including Brown Bag Lunches, “Do the Mu!” workshops, and exhibition openings. To learn more, find the calendar of events on the Museum’s website or pick up a quarterly calendar in the lobby.
The Massillon Museum receives operating support from the Ohio Arts Council and ArtsinStark, as well as marketing support from Visit Canton. This project was funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
MassMu is located at 121 Lincoln Way East in downtown Massillon. A visit is always free. Free parking is available on adjacent streets and in nearby city lots. For more information, call 330-833-4061 or visit massillonmuseum.org.
Media Contacts:
Alexandra Nicholis Coon, Massillon Museum Executive Director • 330-833-4061 x111
Margy Vogt, Massillon Museum Public Relations Coordinator • 330-844-1525
