Key to the Pastcast

This historic estate, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, dates back to 1845, was once home to the famous abolitionists Charles & Julia Brown, and served as a documented stop on the Underground Railroad. The property includes 110 acres of beautiful gardens, farmland, and orchards, making it a must-visit for history buffs. In this episode, Roger Peterson, owner and steward of Ce...

Denman Tire Corporation was a Valley mainstay, operating for nearly 100 years in Braceville before finally going out of business in 2010. It was one of the original tire manufacturers that popped up everywhere, especially around Akron, at the dawn of the Automobile Age. Denman employed generations of folks from the area, and many knew the name, yet few knew what the company actually did. Join us w...

Trumbull County's own William McKinley, born in Niles, Ohio, is certainly remembered in our region. From street names, schools, libraries, and monuments, McKinley left a local legacy. But how much do we actually know about our 25th President? Join us with Belinda Weiss, Museum Director of the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Museum, as we delve into McKinley's life, politics of the...

Recognized as the oldest Black church in Warren, Grace African Methodist Episcopal Church (Grace AME) was founded in 1874. Marking their 150th anniversary in 2024, the church's history is a long one, starting with a dedicated founding circle and expanding to meet the growing needs of their congregation. Rev. Shane K. Floyd joins us to give insights on why AME churches were so important during...

Founded in 1916, Second Baptist Church has a long, rich history in Warren, Ohio. From meetings in members' homes to a permanent location on Walnut St in 'The Flats' to their current, expanded site on Main Ave, Second Baptist has served as a social and spiritual center for Warren's Black community for over 100 years. Pastor Todd Johnson joins us to discuss the history behind the...

Before Trumbull County had iron or steel, clock production was the flourishing industry in this region in the early 19th century. It has been estimated that upwards of 40,000 clocks were produced in Trumbull County in workshops from Vienna to Hartford and Warren. Join us for a conversation with Chris Klingemier, clock collector and historic preservationist, who demystifies wooden-works clocks and...

In this episode, our guest Dr. Martha Pallante talks about Italian immigrants who lived and worked in the valley. Our guest shares the experience of her family immigrating from Italy to Ohio–what jobs they worked, traditions created, and lives lived. Dr. Pallante is a professor of Early American History, author, and a leading expert on local history at Youngstown State University. She was born and...

Earnie Shavers was a professional heavyweight boxer who grew up in Braceville. Earnie was known as one of the hardest hitting punchers in boxing history, recording over 70 knockout wins. Joining us for this episode is Earnie’s eldest daughter, Tamara Shavers, who talks not only about his life inside the ring, but more about Earnie the father, husband, and type of person he was and how Braceville i...

This can’t miss, family friendly event will feature grape-stomping competition, children’s activities, music by the Youngstown Saxon Brass Band, and of course, a copious amount of BEER! Each ticket purchase includes two drink tokens and German inspired cuisine. Children ages 12 and under are FREE!

The Perkins family migrated from Connecticut and settled in Warren, Their name has become embedded in the fabric of the city and while living in Warren the family incurred both triumphs and disasters. This week’s guest is Eliza Kirkpatrick, a retired nurse and descendant of the Perkins Family who talks about the memories and objects that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Ted Toles, Jr., was born on December 4th, 1925, in Braceville to Ella and Theodore Barnes Toles, Sr. His love of sports started early, as he not only played baseball in high school but also boxed and participated in track and field. After graduating as valedictorian from Braceville High School in 1943, Toles began playing baseball professionally. He played for 4 Negro League teams from 1946 until...

From Case Western Reserve University to Western Reserve High School, the Connecticut ‘Western Reserve’ is a term that most people have heard before. But what does it mean? Join us with the Curator of Collections at the Litchfield Historical Society, Alex Dubois, as we talk about how this northeast section of Ohio was once owned by the state of Connecticut and the early stories that created the com...

Ernie Hall is Ohio's unsung aviator. An inventor, teacher, and mechanic, he spent 50 years employed in aviation. From working with the Wright Brothers to training pilots during World War I and World War II, Hall left a legacy that continues through the Ernie Hall Aviation Museum in Howland, Ohio. Join us with pilot Bob Griffin as we talk about Hall's upbringing and career--as well as wha...

Kenneth Patchen was an American poet and novelist who experimented with different forms of writing and incorporated painting, drawing, and jazz music into his works. He received an award for life-long contribution to American letters from the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities. Patchen was largely self-taught and never seemed to gain widespread recognition from the prominent literary c...

The oldest remaining house in Warren, the John Stark Edwards House, dates to 1807, but the Edwards Family left an infamous legacy much earlier than that. Join us with Professor Ava Chamberlain as we dive into her book The Notorious Elizabeth Tuttle: Marriage, Murder, and Madness in the Family of Jonathan Edwards.

James Ward and William Doud Packard left a legacy in Warren through Packard Electric Company and Packard Motor Car Company. They were a product of their time while driving innovation and engineering to new levels and leaving a lasting legacy on the city today. Join us with special guest Charles Ohlin of the National Packard Museum to explore what it was like for the Packard brothers to grow up in...

Hey all! Welcome to TCHS's first ever podcast episode. We're still working our way through this process-- so please be kind but give us feedback on what kinds of episodes you would like to see next! It would mean a lot to us if you could follow the Key to the Pastcast on your podcast provider and share this episode as you can. We're excited to get this up and running. Look for two e...