Community of Scholars

The "Community of Scholars Seminar Series" is a series of interdisciplinary research talks held each spring on campus.  The seminars offer opportunities for Ohio State Marion students and faculty to deliver professional talks on their research or other academic activities. One aim of the seminar series is to foster an atmosphere of collegiality and interdisciplinary discussions on topics of interest to faculty and students. In addition, the seminars are an opportunity for interested students to learn about the research process from peers and so students are particularly encouraged to attend.

headshot image of Sharon gattshall

Our next COMMUNITY OF SCHOLARS SEMINAR 

Tue., Jan. 21, 12:30 p.m., (Morrill Hall, Room 160)
Sharon Gattshall, Without a Voice, The Trial of Bill Anderson and His Fight for Freedom at the Birth of the Civil Rights Movement in Marion, Ohio 1839

In 1839 Bill Anderson a runaway slave traveled to Marion, Ohio and asserted that he was a free man. Before long, men from Virginia came to capture Bill and return him to slavery. But the Black Laws of Ohio required a court trial for Bill to prove his ownership. Over 150 people came to Marion to hear the trial, and a surprising verdict set off a mob riot in the streets of Marion. Most people in Marion have not heard of this important event that happened at the beginning of the Civil Rights movement, as this history was lost to a small plaque at the Marion Courthouse, with inaccurate facts.  This new research focuses on Bill Anderson life, his perspective, his power, and influence, and provides new insight into the role of Ohio Black communities in its support of the Underground Railroad, the intense debates among Ohioans over their Black Laws, growing influence of abolitionism, and the problematic ways that later historians interpreted this event as an example of white heroism.

Sharon Gattshall is an academic advisor at The Ohio State University at Marion who has earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in higher education. She continues to take courses to continue learning and will earn a second bachelor’s degree in history soon.

 

 

Spring 2025 Seminar Speakers Schedule

Tue., Jan. 21, 12:30 p.m., (Morrill Hall, Room 160)
Sharon Gattshall, Without a Voice, The Trial of Bill Anderson and His Fight for Freedom at the Birth of the Civil Rights Movement in Marion, Ohio 1839

ABOUT THE PRESENTATION:  In 1839 Bill Anderson a runaway slave traveled to Marion, Ohio and asserted that he was a free man. Before long, men from Virginia came to capture Bill and return him to slavery. But the Black Laws of Ohio required a court trial for Bill to prove his ownership. Over 150 people came to Marion to hear the trial, and a surprising verdict set off a mob riot in the streets of Marion. Most people in Marion have not heard of this important event that happened at the beginning of the Civil Rights movement, as this history was lost to a small plaque at the Marion Courthouse, with inaccurate facts.  This new research focuses on Bill Anderson life, his perspective, his power, and influence, and provides new insight into the role of Ohio Black communities in its support of the Underground Railroad, the intense debates among Ohioans over their Black Laws, growing influence of abolitionism, and the problematic ways that later historians interpreted this event as an example of white heroism. Sharon Gattshall is an academic advisor at The Ohio State University at Marion who has earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in higher education. She continues to take courses to continue learning and will earn a second bachelor’s degree in history soon.

Mon.,  Jan. 27, (Morrill Hall, Room 160)
Justin North, The History of the Council of Jewish Women of Marion

ABOUT THE PRESENTATION:  North will be discussing the Council of Jewish Women. The council was created in 1885 and ended in 1954 when they merged with the Temple Israel Sisterhood. During their time as a council, they were a member of the broader National Council of Jewish Women, which still exists to this day. The council also did much community work for the local children and to the liberated people of Europe during World War II. The Council of Jewish Women, Marion did much for the community.  By the end of the 1940's, the council was more focused on working with the temple congregation as the Temple Israel in Marion was in the process of being developed. As the council moved to become more local, this is when they made the decision to leave the national council and form the sisterhood. 

Wed., Feb. 5, (Science and Engineering Building, Room 205)
Majd Al-Marrawi, Title TBA

Mon., Feb. 17, (Morrill Hall, Room 160)
Micah Harris, Title TBA

Wed., Feb 26, (Morrill Hall, Room 125)
Dallas White, Title TBA

Thu., March 6, (Science and Engineering Building, Room 205)
Anna Valentine, Title TBA 

Tue., March 18, (Science and Engineering Building, Room 205)
Hunter Bliss, Title TBA

Mon., March 24, (Science and Engineering Building, Room 205)
Abraham Mussie, Title TBA

Wed., April 2, (Science and Engineering Building, Room 205)
Kiersten Dailey, Title TBA

Tue., April 8, (Science and Engineering Building, Room 205)
Wesley Bush, Title TBA

Mon., April 14, (Science and Engineering Building, Room 205)
Lillian Schneider, Title TBA