BY TOM O'NEILL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
BATAVIA -- Clermont County's history is lengthy, storied, and an invaluable point of celebration as the county's bicentennial in 2000 approaches. Local historical society members and county commissioners agree on that point. But a meeting between the two groups Wednesday also illustrated their differences over who should be the county's history custodian -- and under what circumstances.
The job, funded by the county and its non-profit Convention and Visitors Bureau, was established last fall and filled by Rick Crawford, who was removed in June by the convention bureau, the agency overseeing the position.
Mr. Crawford was removed in part because county officials withheld funding because of incomplete reimbursement information.
With representatives from the 14 community historical societies attending, extra chairs were needed in the commissioners' meeting room. Led by Charles Ward, president of the East Fork Valley Consortium, the group asked for Mr. Crawford's reinstatement and the position to be moved to another agency.
Board President Martha Dorsey said she understood the group's concerns and agreed to meet with members again. County Administrator Steve Wharton, however, pointed out that the county has no authority to hire and fire the county historian.
Clermont, the eighth-oldest county in Ohio, does not have a history museum and until last year had no county historian. The job calls for a "promoter" and "curator" of county history, but also someone who could work with local schools to include county history in class.
"We teach national history and state history, why not local history?" Commissioner Bob Proud said.
The convention and visitors bureau has posted the opening. June Creager, the bureau's executive director, said Wednesday the job's focus is on the bicentennial celebration and is not likely to be maintained by the bureau after 2000.
She said qualifications include a solid knowledge of county history and possibly a background in education or one of the local historical societies. She also lauded county commissioners for financially supporting the position.
To apply
Anyone interested in the position should contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 732-3600.
