NEW CONCORD, Ohio – As the United States prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary, communities across the nation are beginning to lay the groundwork for a sustained period of historical reflection and celebration. In New Concord, Ohio, the Museum Association of East Muskingum has initiated its America 250 program with an open house at the Harper Cabin, the former home and birthplace of William Rainey Harper, the first president of the University of Chicago.
The event, held on Saturday, offered free tours, snacks and refreshments, drawing dozens of local residents to the historic site on Main Street. While the nearby John Glenn Museum often attracts significant attention, Hope Neal, assistant director of operations for the Museum Association of East Muskingum, emphasized the unique local significance of the Harper Cabin. “I really like museums as holders of culture and for the community,” Neal said. “Though John Glenn is amazing and he’s a great representation of all of America, Harper Cabin, in its own way, is much more New Concord.”
Harper’s story, as presented by the museum, is one of ambition and achievement rooted in humble beginnings. Born and raised in New Concord, he overcame early challenges to pursue education, eventually graduating from Muskingum College (now Muskingum University) at a young age. He went on to found the University of Chicago and leave a lasting legacy in the field of education. “It tells the story of a young man who had a rough start he then goes on to study and puts in a lot of hard work and founds a college and graduates from Muskingum super early and just goes on to live a fantastic life,” Neal explained. “And then, of course, left everything back here for people to learn from what he did.”
The open house also included the rededication of a sign for the Glenn Plumbing Company, located on the corner of Liberty and Main, acknowledging the early business ventures of astronaut John Glenn. This dual focus – celebrating both Harper and Glenn – highlights the diverse historical contributions of the New Concord area.
The Museum Association’s initiative comes at a time of growing national interest in the upcoming America 250 celebrations. Officially launched in 2023, America 250 is a multi-year initiative intended to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The program aims to engage communities across the country in exploring American history, culture, and values.
William Rainey Harper’s influence extends far beyond his Ohio roots. As the first president of the University of Chicago, founded in 1891, he played a pivotal role in establishing the institution as a leading center for research and higher education. According to the University of Chicago Library, Harper served as president until his death in 1906. The library holds a significant collection of his papers, spanning from 1872 to 1938, offering insights into his life, work, and intellectual pursuits. The collection includes correspondence, speeches, manuscripts, and personal writings, providing a detailed record of his contributions to academia.
Harper’s academic interests were particularly focused on Semitic languages and the Old Testament. He brought this expertise to the University of Chicago, fostering a strong program in Near Eastern studies. The University of Chicago’s Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures notes that Harper was instrumental in establishing the Haskell Oriental Museum and initiating archaeological expeditions to the Near East, laying the foundation for the university’s renowned contributions to the field.
The America 250 celebrations are expected to continue throughout the coming years, with the Museum Association of East Muskingum planning a series of events designed to engage the local community and promote a deeper understanding of the region’s history. Neal expressed her satisfaction with the turnout at the open house, noting the value of community gatherings. “I really enjoy seeing the community come around these things,” she said. “I know on a Saturday, especially when it’s warm, there’s so many other things you could be doing, But for people to find it important to come here and to community with each other, having people bump into old classmates or just reconnect is just always one of the best experiences.”
Further information on events planned by the Museum Association of East Muskingum can be found online at JohnandAnnieGlennMuseum.org. The organization’s efforts reflect a broader national movement to utilize the quadricentennial as an opportunity to examine the complexities of American history and foster a sense of shared identity.
