Bites and Bits of History
Fall 2025
October 16, 2025
“Magic in the Mahoning Valley: A Century of Mysteries” with Gary Morton & Fritz Coombs, Youngstown Magic Club
In the early 20th century, Youngstown was a major stop on the vaudeville circuit. It’s not surprising that the area was a center of interest for those who performed sleight of hand and prestidigitation. Join us as two veteran Mahoning Valley magicians explore the history of magic as a performing art in the Mahoning Valley. Learn about some of the colorful individuals who practiced and performed – both as professionals and amateur hobbyists – deceiving and fooling the public during the past hundred years.
November 20 , 2025
“Across the State Line: The Shenango Valley’s Civil War Story and Its Ties to the Mahoning Valley” with Taylor Galaska, Author and Sharon Historical Society President
Following the fall of Fort Sumter, President Abraham Lincoln and Pennsylvania’s War Governor Andrew Curtin called for 75,000 men to suppress the rebellion. Many from the Shenango Valley enlisted, uncertain of what lay ahead. In the years leading up to the war, Sharon transitioned from a small village to a thriving town, spurred by the discovery of Sharon Block Coal and the arrival of the Erie Extension Canal, which helped make the valley a bustling commercial center. The founding of the Sharon Iron Company in 1850 marked the beginning of industrialization, with Sharon, Wheatland, and Sharpsville becoming known as “the three links of the iron chain.” By the war’s end, returning soldiers had been transformed by their experiences, many rising to become community leaders. Monuments were built to honor their sacrifices, and the Grand Army of the Republic played a significant role in supporting veterans.
December 18, 2025
“19th Century Victorian Christmas Cards” with Dr. George Johnson, historian and author.
During the Victorian Period, a wide range of Christmas cards were created in England, Germany, and somewhat later, America. Some were simple, but beautiful, chromolithograph images, while others were masterpieces of paper art that folded and unfolded on various shapes and even three-dimensional images. Others had added lace, silk fringe, hidden pictures and messages, and even perfume sachets – all of which were designed to go through the mail. All of these will be explored in the presentation and some will be on display.
Join Mahoning Valley Historical Society for Bites and Bits of History Lunchtime Programs, regularly held on the third Thursday of every month. These lectures are free to the public. Bring your lunch and join us to learn about many interesting topics involving the Mahoning Valley. You can also check out our previous virtual programs below, or email Traci should you have additional questions.
You can watch our Bites and Bits of History lectures live on our YouTube Channel at @mahoninghistory2207
Check out these previously recorded lectures on our YouTube Channel:
SUMMER 2021
September 16—Ask a Historian
August 19—Youngstown as a Gretna Green (ONLINE)
July 15—Youngstalia: Italian Foodways in the Mahoning Valley (ONLINE)
SPRING 2021
June 17—Baseball in the Mahoning Valley (ONLINE)
May 20—The History of the Local YWCAs (ONLINE)
April 22—April 1861, 160 Years Later (ONLINE)
WINTER 2021
March 18—Remarkable Women of Trumbull County (ONLINE)
February 27—A Cookie Table and Cocktails Special (ONLINE)
January 21—Tokens of Affection: Historic Valentine Greetings (ONLINE)
FALL 2020
December 17—Cheers to Your Health! (ONLINE)
November 19—The Art of the Glassblower (ONLINE)
October 22—Strolling Through Oak Hill Cemetery (ONLINE)
SUMMER 2020
September 17—MVHS & Good Humor Anniversary Special (ONLINE)
August 20—Shall Not Be Denied: History of the Women’s Suffrage Movement (ONLINE)
July 16—Lowellville, OH: Murders, Mayhem, and More (ONLINE)
SPRING 2020
June 18—What Brought Them Here: African American Migrations into the Mahoning Valley (ONLINE)
May 21—Crazy Quilts in the Mahoning Valley (ONLINE)