Curator/Director:
Todd McCormick
Todd McCormick has served as the Curator/ Director of the Logan County Historical Society & Museum in Bellefontaine, Ohio since June of 1998. He received a B.A. degree in History from Bowling Green State University in 1995 and an M.A. in Public History from Wright State University in 1998. Other professional experiences include: From Generation to Generation: A Celebration of American Folk Art exhibit at the Montgomery County Historical Society (1997); and an internship at SunWatch Indian Village in Dayton (1998). He is a member and 1st Vice President of the Ohio Local History Alliance (OLHA) and serves on the Logan County Visitors Bureau Council.
Thoughts from Todd
History has always interested me. Whether it was walking the battlefield at Gettysburg, or going through the pueblos at Chaco Canyon, or watching the outdoor drama Tecumseh!, history has had a special place in my life. I decided to make history my profession while studying in college. I just did not know what the exact profession would be. After graduating with a degree in history from Bowling Green State University, I decided to further my education in history and prepare for a profession when I entered the Museum Administration Masters program at Wright State University.
A week before graduating from W.S.U., I was lucky enough to be offered the position of Curator/Director at the Logan County Historical Society in Bellefontaine, Ohio.
The job has turned out to be a wonderful opportunity for me. I am able to use my interest in history in many different ways. My favorite aspect of the job is the creation of exhibits. Exhibits are a wonderful way to teach people about history, and Logan County has a dynamic history that is fun to show through our exhibits.
I am also able to write articles and booklets and give speeches about Logan County’s history.
Ohio Indian history is my main area of interest and no place was more active in Indian history in Ohio than what is now Logan County. Yet history did not end in Logan County when the Indians were forced out. In the late 19th century and into the mid-20th century, the railroad dominated Logan County, as it became an important cog on the rail industry with one of the largest roundhouses (repair shops) in the country. You can learn more about the railroad and our other transportation history (and present & future) in the new Logan County Transportation Museum.
However, Logan County’s history is much more than just these two subjects. There are many other important and interesting areas of Logan County history that one can learn about as they tour through the Logan County History Center. Although we concentrate on the history of Logan County, you will find that many aspects of its history mirrors the history of America, and more specifically the Midwest. You can also get a better understanding of the lifestyle of an upper middle class family in Ohio during the early 1900s as you walk through the beautifully restored Orr Mansion.
I invite you to come visit the Logan County History Center and see for yourself why I consider Logan County’s history so fascinating and important. I am sure you will have an interesting and enjoyable time.