Montgomery Memories

It may seem like an ordinary intersection, where Cooper Road and Main Street meet, and one you might drive through every day without a second thought. But this crossroads has witnessed centuries of history. In this episode of the Montgomery Memories Podcast , hosts Tracy Henao and Kevin Chesar explore the stories behind one of Montgomery's most recognizable intersections. Long before Montgome...

In this episode of Montgomery Memories , hosts Tracey Henao and Kevin Chesar explore the history of two significant local landmarks: the Hopewell–Montgomery Presbyterian Church and the Universalist Church. The episode traces their shared beginnings in the early 1800s, when settlers established Hopewell as a central place of worship and community life. Over time, theological differences led to a di...

In this episode of Montgomery Memories , hosts Tracy Henao and Kevin Chesar spotlight the Montgomery Historic Preservation Association (MHPA) and the history of the Wilder–Swaim House with special guest Janet Korach, longtime MHPA leader and local historian. The discussion traces MHPA’s origins, its role in preserving Montgomery’s shared history, and the story of the Wilder–Swaim House—from its co...

Hopewell Cemetery is more than a final resting place, it’s a history book written in stone. In this episode of Montgomery Memories Podcast, Hosts Kevin Chesar and Tracy Henao, joined by Connie Gaylor, explore the pioneers and veterans who shaped Montgomery and reveal why each tombstone holds a story waiting to be remembered. Hopewell Cemetery is historically significant, serving as the burial loca...

In Episode 2 of Montgomery Memories , hosts Tracy Henao and Kevin Chesar take listeners back to the beginnings of historic preservation in Montgomery. From grassroots efforts to save the Universalist Church to the community response that followed the loss of the Presbyterian Manse, this episode traces how citizen advocacy, private investment, and local leadership shaped preservation policies that...

Episode 1 introduces the Indigenous history of the Montgomery area and the early families who settled at the crossroads of two Native trails. It traces how their small frontier settlement grew into a community centered on faith, education, and local enterprise, laying the foundation for the Montgomery we know today. If you have ideas to share, please email us at memories@montgomeryohio.gov.