MARION, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Ohio State University at Marion lecture series Buckeye Talks on Tap welcomes Ohio State Marion Academic Advisor and Student Research, Sharon Gattshall, who will present a free public lecture titled, “Bill Anderson’s Fight for Freedom, Marion, Ohio 1839,” Tuesday, October 14, 5:30 p.m. at Bucci’s Italian Scratch Kitchen.
Gattshall will share the compelling story of one of Marion, Ohio’s, little-known yet explosive court cases. Gattshall shared that Bill Anderson, a respected Marion resident, was accused by men from Virginia of being their enslaved property. Under Ohio’s Black Laws, he was jailed pending trial. The verdict shocked many—but the aftermath was even more explosive. A riot broke out between pro- and anti-slavery groups, drawing national media attention. This powerful yet little-known story of resistance, justice, and community solidarity not only shaped Marion’s identity but also echoed across a nation grappling with slavery and freedom.
Admission to Buckeye Talks on Tap is free and open to the community and the campus. Buckeye Talks on Tap lectures are held on Tuesdays once a month at Bucci’s Italian Scratch Kitchen, inside Passenger & Rail Co., at 320 W. Center St., Marion, Ohio. Doors for the lecture open at 5 p.m. with the lecture beginning at 5:30 p.m., and a short Q&A to follow. Buckeye Talks on Tap is patterned after the successful international phenomenon Science Cafe that features engaging conversation in casual environments like pubs, restaurants, and cafes between academic/scientific experts and the community on topics of interest to us all. The goal of the lecture series is to bring the campus and the community together in casual, open discussions about timely, thought-provoking topics of interest to citizens of the Marion regional area.
Those attending the event will be entered to win a door prize provided by Marcie DeWitt from Anchor and Away Travel. Have dinner and a drink on your own and join this lively, casual presentation/discussion.