Bites and Bits of History
Summer 2026
Throughout 2026, our Bites and Bits of History programs will align with the America 250-Ohio Monthly Themes.
Visit https://america250-ohio.org/2026-celebration-themes/ for more information.
July 16
“Welcome Back: Mahoning Valley Homecomings,
Picnics, & Gatherings”
withTraci Manning
MVHS Curator of Education
Explore the history of area homecomings, festivals, parades, and other community events. From Old Home Week to company picnic days at Idora Park, this program features images and stories from those who gathered to share meals and make memories.
August 20:
“Something to Crow About: The Canfield Fair”
with George Roman III &
Elwood Woolman,
Fair Board Directors
From its roots in 1846 with the Mahoning County Agricultural Society, the Canfield Fair has grown into Ohio’s largest county fair! Learn about the history and legacy of this beloved end-of-summer tradition.
September 17:
“Balloonfest ‘86 – It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time”
with Vince Guerrieri,
Author and Historian
In 1986, the city of Cleveland set out to break a world record with a massive balloon launch, and on September 27, 1986, that’s exactly what they did. But did it do more harm than good?
Join the 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 @mahoninghistory
Previous live streams can be found under the “Live” tab on our YouTube page.
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)